Tag Archives: New Adult

FINDING THE END ZONE by Tam DeRudder Jackson -review tour

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FINDING THE END ZONE (Game Time 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-review & giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2023

Never date a player.
Football god Callahan O’Reilly can keep his blazing blue eyes to himself. I have a scholarship to maintain, and I do not have time to babysit a jock through a make-or-break class project. Even if one smoldering glance from him sets my panties on fire.
Time to change her mind.
Jamaica Winslow opens her mouth and spews sass like a volcano. One look at her uptight package and I want to coax the genie from the bottle, unleash all the passion she hides beneath a mop of unruly curls and a smart-ass attitude. She’s not my type, she doesn’t know one damn thing about the game that rules my life, and I can’t stop thinking about her.
Who said anything about love?
Jamaica does her best to keep me at arm’s length, but I’m not a pro prospect because I let the plays come to me. With the game on the line, I always want the ball. When an alum with deep pockets and delusions of grandeur makes demands that threaten my NFL chances and Jamaica’s scholarship, I have no choice but to man up and do the right thing no matter the cost.
It started as fun and games. Now I’m playing for her heart—and my own.
Game Time.

•••••

REVIEW: FINDING THE END ZONE is the first instalment in Tam DeRudder’s contemporary, new adult GAME TIME erotic, romance series. This is college juniors, football tightened Callahan O’Reilly, and RA Jamaica Winslow’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Callahan and Jamaica) FINDING THE END ZONE follows the building romance and relationship between Callahan and Jamaica. Callahan O’Reilly is a college football star, and Jamaica Winslow is a fellow junior dependant upon her scholarship for survival. Forced to work together on a project for English Lit, Jamaica struggles with her attraction to a man she believes is nothing more than a jock and a player, someone she believes is cruising through life but as our couple work together, Callahan slowly breaks down Jamaica’s walls only to discover his own career will be threatened by his love for our story line heroine. Meanwhile, someone else is targeting our story line couple, making good on promises to destroy both of their lives. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Callahan and Jamaica, and the potential fall-out as secrets and lies threaten everyone concerned.

The world building focuses on the growing relationship between our story line couple. Jamaica continues to struggle with her preconceived notions about our story line hero, often becoming jealous and angry at the slightest provocation. Someone else has set their sights on Callahan O’Reilly, and in doing so, threatens his future if he will not comply. As well, the reader is pulled into the competitive world of sports sponsorship, and the threats against players who do not comply.

The relationship between Callahan and Jamaica begins acrimoniously in the face of Jamaica’s inability to drop her preconceived notions about Callahan O’Reilly. Callahan is desperate to prove he is worthy of Jamaica’s love and attention but at every turn, Jamaica is set up to believe Callahan is proving her right. 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 energetic and dynamic secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Jamaica’s friend Chessley Clarke, as well as Callahna’s teammates Finn, Axel, Baxter and Drake’ professor Dair, Coach Ainsworth, Tory Miller and her group of ‘jersey chasers’

FINDING THE END ZONE is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating, intriguing and entertaining; the characters are numerous, determined and desperate-the mean girls and spoiled ‘heiress’ are reminiscent of young adult story lines; the romance is provocative and seductive.

But, I do have some questions and concerns: it is never revealed as to why Jamaica dislikes athletes or refuses to date athletes, or has preconceived notions about our story line hero. Jamaica knew nothing about football, yet she was too eager to condemn and paint all athletes with the same accusations. There is also the issue of her extreme jealousy that manifested whenever another woman or female fan acknowledged Callahan O’Reilly. Again, there was no explanation or admissions of past betrayal, in this I felt there were too many unanswered questions.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Let me guess—you have a 4.0.”

“Lucky you to be paired with me, huh?” I shot him a smug grin.

A naughty smile broke over his features, and I think his voice dropped an octave. “Oh, yeah, but not for your GPA.”

Beneath the table, I crossed one knee over the other and willed myself not to react to that voice. “Exactly what’s that supposed to mean?”

Callahan leaned forward on those delicious forearms. “It means I get to study with the hottest girl in class.”

With a snort, I shook my head. “I don’t get involved with study partners, especially study partners who are also jocks.”

“I prefer football player.” He winked. “And those were your rules before you met me.”

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Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her back patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can usually find her driving around with the top down in her convertible or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.

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THE RIVALS WE HATE (Braysen U 1) by Brooke O’Brien -review tour

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THE RIVALS WE HATE (Braysen U 1) by Brooke O’Brien -review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2023

Football players are treated like royalty in our small town, which makes Beckham Carver their king. And as the new quarterback of the Braysen Bulldogs, he’s also my boyfriend’s biggest rival.

Add that to the list of reasons I should stay far away from him.

But when my truck breaks down, Beckham makes me an offer I can’t He’ll repair my pickup in exchange for me tutoring him.

I have only one stipulation—no one, including my boyfriend, can find out.

The more I try to convince myself and Beckham that I hate him, the more he pushes my buttons to prove me wrong.

Worse, the lines we’ve drawn between us blur as we spend more time together. And when my relationship comes crashing down around me, I almost forget why I couldn’t stand him all along.

If I’ve learned one thing about Beckham Carver, it’s that he always gets what he wants…

… and now, he’s set his sights on me.

••••••

REVIEW: THE RIVALS WE HATE is the first instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult BRAYSEN U erotic, romance series. This is mechanic and football player QB Beckham Carver, and Hallyn Rivers story line .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hallyn and Beckham) THE RIVALS WE HATE focuses on the building romance and relationship between our leading couple. Braysen Bulldogs’ star quarterback is struggling with his classes, and needs a tutor to help with his grades. Having met Hallyn Rivers days before, when her truck broke down, Beckham offers an exchange of services – truck repairs for tutoring lessons-with the woman with whom he will fall in love but Hallyn has a boyfriend, and Beckham must bide his time before everything begins to spiral out of control. As Beckham and Hallyn begin their relationship together, the past refuses to let go, targeting our couple in the process.

The world building focuses on the Braysen Bulldogs, their competition Keaton University, and bitter rivalry between starting quarterbacks.

The relationship between Hallyn and Beckham begins acrimoniously when Hallyn takes offence to Beckham’s behavior.Working side by side tutoring Beckham, Hallyn begins to see through the facade and onto the man with whom she is falling love. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of colorful energetic and impassioned secondary and supporting characters including Beckham’s twin Hayes, roommate Colter Vaughn; Hallyn’s best friend Ava, as well as several team members, and opposing players.

THE RIVALS WE HATE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and infatuation, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is intense, heated and impassioned; the characters are charismatic and production. THE RIVALS WE HATE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult and contemporary romances.

She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

If Brooke’s not writing or reading, she’s probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookeo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbrookeo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien

Website: https://www.authorbrookeobrien.com

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PINE RIVER by Tijan-review and tour

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PINE RIVER by Tijan-review and tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2023

Pine River was supposed to be a new start for me.
And it was, especially attending school with my three overprotective cousins, who were the triplets at the top of the social hierarchy.
Except they weren’t alone there, and the first day when I came to school, I saw him.

Scout Raiden.
Tall. Lean. Tattooed. Mesmerizing.
He was a golden god with dark and piercing eyes-looking like he wanted to eat me up.

The feeling was mutual, and that was a problem.
It was lust-want-must have-loathing-hate all at once. I was affected.
And I couldn’t have that. No way.
Not after what I’d just left in Cedra Valley.

I didn’t care how much money his uncle had.
I didn’t care that it seemed every girl wanted him.
I didn’t care about his reputation as an up-and-coming fighter.
Or the promise of how those hands would make me feel.

What I did care about was staying as far away from Scout as possible.
Because the promise of his presence, the heat that was going to turn the light back on in my world wasn’t a promise at all.
It was a threat.

I wasn’t going to survive Scout Raiden.

•••••

REVIEW:  PINE RIVER by Tijan is a stand alone, contemporary, new adult, dark romance focusing on eighteen year old high school students Ramsay Williams, and MMA fighter Scout Raiden.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives, using present day and memories from the past, PINE RIVER follows eighteen year old Ramsay Williams as she embarks on a new school year, in a new town, with the support of her widowed mother, and three over protective triplet cousins: Clint, Trenton and Alex. After a harrowing year, Ramsay and her mother wanted a fresh start, and moving to Pine River meant getting reacquainted with her cousins but Ramsay never expected to find herself facing down the hatred in the eyes of fellow student and underground MMA fighter Scout Raiden. Scout, and the triplets are at the top of the caste, the school hierarchy, and as such Ramsay is a member by association but all is not well in Ramsay’s life, as issues from the past refuse to let go. Always at one another’s proverbial throats, it was only a matter of time before Scout and Ramsay took their tempestuous relationship to the next level, a level from enemies to frenemies to friends with benefits, of which , everyone suspected but no one knew. Always the protector, Ramsay’s cousins were constantly at odds with Scout Raiden until Scout’s past made a move, threatening the status quo of everyone involved. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Scout and Ramsay, and the potential fall-out as secrets will reveal a long history of darkness that is threatening the future of our story line couple.

The world building follows several paths including issues of domestic violence, murder, abuse and betrayal. The requisite high school gossip, mean girls, betrayers and bullies come and go but the social media fall-out is about to destroy the weak and the fair.

The relationship between Scout and Ramsay begins acrimoniously. Ramsay is on the defensive from the outset as Scout sets his sights on our story line heroine. The back and forth between Scout and Ramsay is but a prelude to something more especially when Scout becomes guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. 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 energetic and complimentary secondary and supporting characters including Ramsay’s triplet cousins, their embattled parents, Ramsay’s mother, Scout’s uncle Miles, as well as several friends, fellow students, acquaintances, extended family and many others with questionable intent. I am hoping the author has plans for Ramsay’s cousins-Trenton, Clint and Alex need their own stories.

PINE RIVER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, abuse and coercion, acceptance and love. The angst-ridden premise is detailed, complex, multi-layered and fascinating; the slow building romance is heart breaking and emotional; the characters are broken but struggling to heal.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores. 

Connect with Tijan

Facebook/ Twitter / Reader Group / Goodreads/ Bookbub/ Website/ Amazon Author Page

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You Said I Was Your Favorite by Monica Murphy-review tour

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You Said I Was Your Favorite (Lancaster Prep 5) by Monica Murphy-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 19, 2023

Daisy Albright. Incredibly beautiful. Painfully shy.

Nobody in our class pays attention to the groundskeeper’s daughter and I think she likes it that way. Moving through the halls like a ghost, wandering across campus unnoticed. Am I the only one who actually sees her? Little Miss Daisy sitting in the front of the classroom, always the model student. Little Miss Daisy reading her romance books with the cute covers and hot content inside…

I’m considered the reckless Lancaster so when I get in trouble on the first day of school, my punishment is having to work in the headmaster’s office every day, stuck with Daisy. Staring at her pretty face, hearing her sweet voice, making her laugh.

The more I get to know her, the more obsessed I become. And I think she feels the same way.

The problem? She’s not part of my crowd. Daisy is the scholarship kid and no one approves of us together. Not my friends, not my parents and not her father. But I don’t care what anyone thinks. I’m going after what I want.

I’m going to make Little Miss Daisy mine.

••••

REVIEW:YOU SAID I WAS YOUR FAVORITE is the fifth instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, young-new adult LANCASTER PREP romance series. This is eighteen year old, Archibald ‘Arch’ Lancaster, and Daisy Albright’s story line. YOU SAID I WAS YOUR FAVORITE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told by dual first person perspectives (Daisy and Arch) YOU SAID I WAS YOUR FAVORITE follows the building romance and relationship between our story couple. Arch Lancaster is the rich boy, heir apparent, and his family owns the prestigious and private high school Lancaster Prep but Arch never expected to find himself falling for the school groundskeeper’s daughter Daisy Albright but when forced to work together, Arch refuses to acknowledge his attraction and treats our heroine with intentional hurt. Daisy never expected to find herself the target of the school bully, not only does Arch treat her with disdain but his ex girlfriend is about to lay claim to our story line hero but Arch’s attitude quickly turns when he realizes that his verbal attacks have caused Daisy so much emotional pain and hurt. Working together softens the lines between our story line couple but their parents are determined to keep the couple apart. What ensues is the building but trepidatious relationship between Daisy and Arch, and the potential fall-out when Arch Lancaster and Daisy Albright are pulled apart by the people in their lives.

The world building continues to focus on the Lancaster family but we see a darker and snobbier attitude with the current parental units. Appearances and bloodlines are to be respected, and Daisy is deemed not good enough for our story line hero.

The relationship between Daisy and Arch begins as a bully romance. Archibald Lancaster treats Daisy with unbridled hatred, and words said in anger threaten the mental health of our story line heroine. Daisy will be targeted not only by Arch but by his former girlfriend who refuses to let go. Days together peal back the layers of hurt, and our couple find themselves falling in love against their parent’s wishes. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include several staff members and teachers; Daisy’s father Ralph Albright; Arch’s best friend JJ, and his ex girlfriend Cadence.

YOU SAID I WAS YOUR FAVORITE is a story of opposites: power and control, money and struggle, working class and upper class, discrimination and jealousy. There are the requisite young adult trope formulas: mean girls, bullies, faux friends, controlling adults, and threats to emotional health. The thought provoking premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and spirited.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Things I Wanted To Say
A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime
Birthday Kisses 2.5
Promises WE Meant to Keep
I’ll Always Be With You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

FOLLOW: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Twitter / Newsletter Sign Up

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Bad Boys Don’t Die (Complete Series) by BB Easton-review tour

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Bad Boys Don’t Die (Complete Collection) by BB Easton-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 October 5, 2023

With only three days left until the predicted apocalypse, the small town of Franklin Springs, Georgia, has become a wasteland of abandoned cars, abandoned homes, abandoned businesses, and abandoned people. People like Rainbow Williams.

Rain isn’t afraid of dying. In fact, she’s looking forward to it. If she can just outrun her pain until April 23, she’ll never have to feel it at all.

Wes Parker has survived every horrible thing this life has thrown at him with nothing more than his resourcefulness and disarming good looks. Why should the end of the world be any different? All he needs are some basic supplies, shelter, and a sucker willing to help him out, which is exactly what he hops to find when he returns to his hometown of Franklin Springs.

As society crumbles, dangers mount, and secrets refuse to stay buried, two lost souls are thrust together in a twist of fate—one who will do anything to survive and one who can’t wait to die.

Perhaps, together, they can learn how to live.

Before their time runs out.

Titles Included in The Complete Collection:
Bad Boys Don’t Die
Bad Boys Don’t Stay
Bad Boys Don’t Fall

* Previously published under the title The Complete Rain Trilogy.
** A comprehensive CW is available on the author’s website.

••••••••

–> The BAD BOYS DON’T DIE complete collection was originally release as a three part trilogy <–

BAD BOYS DON’T DIE is the first instalment in BB Easton’s new adult BAD BOYS DON’T DIE post-apocalyptic, thriller series focusing on twenty-two year old Wesson ‘Wes’ Parker and nineteen year old Rainbow ‘Rain’ Williams. BAD BOYS DON’T DIE was originally released as PRAYING FOR RAIN.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wes and Rain) using present day, memories and nightmares, BAD BOYS DON’T DIE focuses on the days before the end of the world. April 23 has been designated the end of life as everyone knows it, and as April 23 approaches people begin to spiral, lawlessness is the norm, and survival of the fittest is a daily occurrence. With no food, no money or basics of life, eighteen year old Rain Williams comes face to face with Wes Parker, the man with whom Rain will fall in love. Wes Parker is desperate to find a safe place to wait out the apocalypse but never expected to have company on the run. As Wes and Rain encounter danger and death at every turn, they will learn that everything is not as it appears to be.

BAD BOYS DON’T DIE (Part 1) is a story of power and control, mayhem and madness, desperation and determination, love and survival. The premise is action packed, intriguing and captivating; the characters are strong willed and struggling; the romance is passionate but heart breaking. BAD BOYS DON’T DIE ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

________

BAD BOYS DON’T STAY is the second instalment in BB Easton’s new adult BAD BOYS DON’T DIE dark, post-apocalyptic, romantic thriller focusing on twenty-two year old Wesson ‘Wes’ Parker and nineteen year old Rainbow ‘Rain’ Williams. BAD BOYS DON’T STAY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one.

* Previously published under the title Fighting for Rain

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wes and Rain) using present day, memories and nightmares, BAD BOY’S DON’T STAY continues to focus in the aftermath of the apocalypse. When the truth is finally revealed, Wes and Rain are desperately focusing on a place to live, only to find themselves at the mercy of the people controlling the streets. Collecting a few friends along the way, our couple battle the odds, including the return of Rain’s ex boyfriend but all does not go according to plan when Rain’s life is threatened, and Wes finds himself the odd man out. Alone without the man with whom she was falling in love, Rain must face the likelihood of going it alone but she is not brave or strong enough to tackle the streets in a apocalyptic nightmare.

BAD BOYS DON’T STAY focuses primarily on our story line heroine as she must endure the survival of the fittest. With Wes on his own, Rain finds comfort in what she knows, not necessarily with whom she ever wanted to be. The premise is raw and tragic; the romance struggles in the face of time spent apart.

_________

BAD BOYS DON’T FALL is the third and final instalment in BB Easton’s new adult BAD BOYS DON’T DIE dark, post-apocalyptic romance thriller focusing on twenty-two year old Wesson ‘Wes’ Parker and nineteen year old Rainbow ‘Rain’ Williams. BAD BOYS DON’T FALL should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book two BAD BOYS DON’T STAY.

* Previously published under the title Dying for Rain.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wes and Rain) using present day, memories and nightmares, BAD BOYS DON’T FALL continues to focus on the fight for survival. Chaos and disorder continue to rule; the lawlessness is heightened by threats of death; and anyone caught helping anyone else, is deemed a threat to the people in control. Wes and Rain’s reconnection is short lived when betrayal from within places Wes in the direct line of fire. Rain will become a virtual captive of the people slowly destroying her life but our heroine eventually pulls up her ‘big girl panties’, and finds a ways to save the man that she loves.

The BAD BOYS DON’T DIE series is a though provoking, dark, gritty, and tragic series of power and control; betrayal and vengeance, mayhem and madness. The premise is edgy, tense and sensational; the romance is passionate and heart breaking; the characters are broken, desperate and often destructive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed By Sandy

BB Easton is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 44 CHAPTERS ABOUT 4 MEN, the hilarious, steamy, tell-all memoir that inspired the Netflix Original Series, SEX/LIFE. Within the first month, SEX/LIFE was viewed by 67 million households worldwide, making it the 3rd Most-Watched Netflix Original Series of all time.

BB was a stressed-out school psychologist and mother of two when the inspiration to write 44 CHAPTERS ABOUT 4 MEN struck. Through that process, she rediscovered her passion for writing, became dangerously sleep-deprived, and finally mustered enough courage to quit her job and become a full-time author.

BB went on to publish four more wickedly funny, shockingly steamy, and heartwarmingly autobiographical books in the 44 CHAPTERS series: SKIN, SPEED, STAR, and SUIT. Since then, she’s been hard at work writing fictional stories that appeal to her love for us-against-the-world romance, including a suspenseful dystopian trilogy (BAD BOYS DON’T DIE), a psychologist-client romantic comedy (GROUP THERAPY), and a dark Irish mafia romance (DEVIL OF DUBLIN).

Connect with BB

Website: www.authorbbeaston.com

Goodreads: https://goo.gl/4hiwiR

Amazon: author.to/bbeaston

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bbeaston

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/bbeaston

Instagram: www.instagram.com/author.bb.easton

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bb_easton

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbeaston

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bb-easton

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/artbyeaston

Spotify playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/bbeaston

For free e-books every month in her newsletter: www.authorbbeaston.com/subscribe

 

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COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS by Poppy Ireland-review tour

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COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS (Nightshade University 1) by Poppy Ireland

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 5, 2023

Nightshade University was supposed to be a land of opportunity, a haven of knowledge. A prestigious institution catering to the elite Fae of all four courts:

The Dawn Court: Defenders of justice and honor.
The Dusk Court: Agents skilled in secrets and espionage.
The Demon Court: Bringers of chaos, reveling in destruction.
The Moon Court: Mystics wielding celestial magic and divination.

As a freshman, navigating power and politics was not on my syllabus, but now it’s a game I’m forced to play.

At the heart of the intrigue stands Lysander Thorne. Our connection is electric, an attraction that’s as forbidden as it is undeniable. With him, I’m drawn into a world of shifting alliances and treacherous loyalties.

But as I delve deeper, I discover more than just courtly schemes. A darkness looms, one that ties my fate to the very soul of Nightshade University. I might be the key to unearthing a malevolent spirit, but at what cost? My heart, my future… or perhaps even my life?

In a world where secret societies rule, and passion intertwines with politics, trust is a luxury and every decision, a high-stakes gamble.

••••

REVIEW: COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS is the first instalment in Poppy Ireland’s contemporary, new adult NIGHTSHADE UNIVERSITY dark, paranormal, romance series focusing on Lysander Thorne, and eighteen year old, Sarielle Blackwood.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lysander and Sarielle) COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS follows in the wake of eighteen year old Fae Sarielle Blackwood, and her first few days at Nightshade University. Having been prepared all of her life to be chosen as a member of the Dawn Court, Sarielle will surprise everyone including her family when the blood chooses another Court. Struggling to make sense of her new life, Sarielle is befriended by Lysander Thorne, whose intentions are darker than she could have ever imagined. As Sarielle battles nightmares and visions, Lysander is focuses on claiming Sarielle as his own but all does not go according to plan when Sarielle’s powers begin to manifest, and her true nature makes her a target of the darkness and death.

The world building reveals some of the back story and history of the Nightshade University, and its’ secret cults that worship the dark arts. Sarielle will discover she is not whom or what she thought she should be, and in this, betrayal is paramount at every turn.

The relationship between Sarielle and Lysander is predicated upon a lie. Having been magically ‘chosen’ by the Moon Court, Sarielle is placed in the direct line of fire but it is her history and ancestors that will threaten anyone who comes near. Falling for Lysander was easy but betrayal and vengeance will come at a cost. Having been warned on numerous occasions, Sarielle is torn between her attraction to Lysander, and the fates who want to control her life. The $ex scenes are limited.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters, all of whom are members of the Fae courts. We are introduced to Sarielle’s parents, and her brother Rook, and quirky roommate Lirien, who has visions of the future; campus lead Evageline, as well as Lysander’s ‘friend’ Ariya, and his father Caius Thorne. The requisite evil has many faces.

COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS is a story of power and control, chaos and dark magic, betrayal and vengeance, disbelief and deceit. The premise is entertaining and haunting; the characters are animated and spirited; the romance is limited to seduction and betrayal. COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS reads like several more popular and familiar paranormal teen and tween story lines-there is definitely a closeness with its’ recognizable plot lines, as well as the requisite evil villains and oblivious adults. There are several twists and turns, most easily deduced but exciting, none the less.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Poppy Ireland is an author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She is the fictional brainchild of two longtime friends and USA Today Bestselling Authors who like to use their freaky mind melding powers to write spicy romantasy stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re wondering who we are, well, that’s a secret we’ll never tell.

Xoxo, Poppy

Author Links:

https://linktr.ee/poppyirelandbooks

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Extinguishing Shadows by Heather Beal-review

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Extinguishing Shadows by Heather Beal-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28,2023

Vampires and Viajante have tolerated each other’s existence for centuries, but not without exceptions. When Mara was six, her Viajante family was murdered by vampires without provocation. Not only did her future change, so did she, a secret hidden even from her own people.

No longer a child, and no longer confined to Sanctuary, Mara’s headed into vampire territory in search of answers behind the attack, and to the mysterious prophesy she’s been linked to. She expected danger, and quite possibly getting her butt kicked a time or two before avenging her family. The last thing she expected: an alliance with a powerful and sexy vampire bent on making her his own.

Can Mara and her new family unravel the mystery and bring the truth to light, or will those responsible for the death of her family, and the attempts to silence her, remain forever in shadow?

Extinguishing Shadows is a paranormal fantasy that questions everything you think you might know about enemies and friends. Heather Beal spins a beautiful web of magic layered with intrigue and surprise into a breathtakingly high-stakes story that will leave you wondering, just how deep does the darkness go?

••••

REVIEW: There are trigger warnings to this book, so please read the warnings before grabbing this book.

Mara is a Viajante (an immortal traveller “gypsy” who can read minds) her bloodline hold a dark secret, which may have caused her to lose her family at a young age!
She wants answers and revenge, so sets out to find both!

Terrill Is a vampire. He’s been a warrior for his people for many years. Coming across Mara should have been a happy occasion, but when your soul is a bitter enemy, he’s torn. But fate wins out in the end, and Terrill can’t do anything but fall for his enemy! But there is a twist in that part that had me totally surprised!

It made me think of Romeo and Juliet with a little of those paranormal films thrown in for good measure (underworld I think they were called) it’s not quite a slow burn romance, (more of a medium burn) but what drew me in and had me reading the whole book in a day was the action, it’s fast paced and really well written.

On this journey Mara’s mind reading ability comes in handy, well it did until she meets Terrill…..

I liked the concept of “the soul” linking one person to another, it’s a little like “fated mates” where a predetermined person is the one who makes you complete.

The dub con (dubious consent) comes into play in this book, and although not really explained it doesn’t stop me from reading the book.

Being linked to a deadly enemy is proving to be a challenge, it’s causing her to question the link. But it’s also gaining her enemies from the vampires and her own people!

We get to see other beings in this book as well as us mere mortals (some aline themselves with vampires in the hopes of gaining power)

So if you like your vampire/paranormal stories with lots of action and a dollop of romance then grab this book. It’s full of betrayal, double dealings and a few twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B?

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SPIDER AND FROST (Elemental Assassin) by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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SPIDER AND FROST (Elemental Assassin/ Mythos Academy) by Jennifer Estep-dual review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2023

WHEN AN ASSASSIN . . .

My name is Gin Blanco, and I’m on vacation. Sort of. As the assassin the Spider, it’s hard for me to completely relax, but I’m determined to enjoy a scenic train ride and a nice, quiet lunch before heading back home to Ashland.

My plans change when Gwen Frost boards the train. The girl says she’s heading back to Mythos Academy, the fancy private boarding school, but I can’t shake the feeling that Gwen is hiding something—and is in far more trouble than she realizes.

. . . MEETS A CHAMPION

My name is Gwen Frost. I might have saved the world from Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos, but I’m still chasing down Reaper villains. It’s all part of being the Champion of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

I’ve been assigned to protect some mythological artifacts that are being transported via train to Mythos Academy, but some Reapers are hot on my trail, and they’ll do anything to recover the artifacts—and kill me.

Also on the train is Gin Blanco, who claims to be the owner of the Pork Pit barbecue restaurant. My psychometry magic keeps whispering that there’s more to her than meets the eye, although I can’t tell if Gin is a friend, an enemy, or something else entirely.

Note: Spider and Frost is a 28,000-word crossover novella between the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Mythos Academy young adult series. It is told from the points of view of Gin Blanco and Gwen Frost.

Spider and Frost takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin series.

•••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: SPIDER AND FROST by Jennifer Estep is a cross over instalment in both of the author’s Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy series focusing on elemental assassin Gin Blanco, and Oracle Gwen Frost.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gin and Gwen) SPIDER AND FROST follows in the aftermath of a rockslide that separates Gin and Gwen from family and friends . Gin, Owen, Fin and Bria were taking a well-deserved scenic train vacation in the wake of the war between Ashland and The Circle but all does not go according to plan when a rockslide separated Gin from her loved ones. With a push from her friends, Gin continues on with the tour wherein she will me an eighteen year old Gwen Frost, a young woman who reminds Gin of herself. From the outset, Gin and Gwen suspect one another but it is Gwen’s enemies, The Reapers, who are determined to take back what they claim as their own. Several attacks, a talking sword, and a young woman who can ‘see’ the past, finds Gwen and Gin on the defensive to protect one another’s backs.

SPIDER AND FROST is a quick read; a fast paced, short story that revisits Gwen Frost and some of the Mythos Academy characters, as well as Gin Blanco, and the family she loves. There is plenty of action, swords and knives, magic and mayhem, and just enough love and friendship to keep everybody happy. The premise is captivating and engaging; the characters are familiar and tenacious.

 

Barb’s Review: Spider and Frost by Jennifer Estep is a novella set in our two wonderful series, Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academy. I really got a kick out of Gin and Gwen getting to know each other, and learning what each can do.  It was lots of fun.

At the start, Gin Blanco (the Spider) is waiting at the train station, for her friends, Owen, Fin and Bria, as they are on vacation; but a rockslide has caused the others to be late; they tell Gin to take the scenic train ride anyway, and enjoy the ride. 

Gwen Frost is also watching out for her friends (Logan, Daphne, and others), who have also been slowed down by the rockslide.  Gwen has been assigned to protect a number of mythological artifacts, which are on the train, on the way to Mythos Academy.

Gin sees Gwen on the train, and gets vibes that she is possibly in danger, and decides to go into her section, just in case she may need help. When the train starts off, Gwen notices some of her Reaper enemies, who are determined to steal back the artifacts. In a short period, Gin and Gwen do become friends, knowing they will help each other.  When the Reapers attack, Gin is injured, with Gwen thinking she is dead; and is captured by the Reapers.

What follows is a wild, exciting, battle with both Gwen and Gin fighting together to defeat the enemy. I really loved Gwen trying to save herself, using Gin’s special knife and Gin using Vic (Gwen’s magical sword).  Gwen also used her psychometry magic to learn more about the amazing Gin Branco. They really made a great team, and I would love to see more of them working together. 

Spider and Frost was a fun, exciting, action-filled, fast read and very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I really enjoyed seeing Gin and her friends, as well as Gwen and her own friends. They did make a great team, and should be fun if they ever meet again (Jennnifer-?) to fight all enemies. If you are fans of either series, you should read this novella.

 

Copy supplied for Review

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