NEW YEAR’S DAY (Lancaster Prep Holiday Novella) by Monica Murphy

NEW YEAR’S DAY (Lancaster Prep Holiday Novella) by Monica Murphy -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2023

Catch up with all the couples from the LANCASTER PREP series!

‘Tis the damn season for wicked snowstorms, which means the annual New Year’s Eve celebration that’s held at Whit and Summer’s estate is completely snowed in. With no guests able to arrive, the Lancasters decide to invite their young children to attend the party and make it a true family event.

Revisit your favorite couples from the Lancaster Prep series and get to know their children in this special holiday themed novella! PLUS read an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming novel ALL MY KISSES FOR YOU, featuring Crew and Wren Lancaster’s daughter, Willow!

•••••

REVIEW: NEW YEAR’S DAY by Monica Murphy is a contemporary, adult novella found in the author’s Lancaster Prep series.

Told from several first person perspectives including the next generation of Lancasters, NEW YEAR’S DAY is a sweet, light, look at several of the couples previously introduced and featured in the Lancaster Prep series. A New Year eve snow storm has all but cancelled plans at Whit and Summer’s estate but with most of the family present and accounted for, the party is becomes family friendly and personal with a little retrospective about the past.

NEW YEAR’S DAY is a charming, entertaining and light look at the next generation, and the beginning of their parent’s anxiety knowing what happens when the children become teens and young adult.

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
You Said I Was Your Favorite

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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.

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COR AMARE (The Luna Duet 2) by Pepper Winters-review tour

COR AMARE (The Luna Duet 2) by Pepper Winters-review tour

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Add to Goodreadshttps://bit.ly/3MUvjLU

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2023

I made the worst mistake of my life when I was twenty-two.
I let love and fear destroy everything I ever wanted, and now I have a choice to make.
Run and hide or stay and face the consequences.
I’d always known I wasn’t allowed to love her.
I’d always accepted that I wasn’t allowed to keep her.
But that didn’t stop me.
I broke every rule and choked on every secret to have her.
The only problem is, those secrets aren’t just hunting me anymore, they’ve found me.
I can’t run.
I can’t hide.
For a moment, I had it all. I had all my dreams and the girl I would kill for.
But now, I have to pay the price.
I have to pay…
And I won’t survive.

•••••

REVIEW: COR AMARE is the second instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult, dark, erotic, THE LUNA DUET focusing on Turkish born Aslan Avci and Australian Nerida ‘Neri’ Taylor. COR AMARE can not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the cliff hanger and events of book one LUNAMARE.

SOME BACKGROUND: At the age of twelve, Neri Taylor rescued sixteen year old Aslan Avci from the oceans surrounding her home near Australia. The boat on which Aslan was travelling was caught in a storm, and our hero was the only survivor. Living with the Taylor’s meant keeping his past a secret, a secret that could destroy his life going forward.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Aslan and Nerida) using two timelines, COR AMARE picks up immediately after the events of book one in which six years after Aslan’s rescue, he is forced into a life he refuses to accept, a life he fled at sixteen years old. Five years would pass, where we are witness to what was and what would never be, as Nerida recounts a life without her soulmate and love.

COR AMARE is a lengthy, emotional, dark love story about two people torn apart by power and control, circumstance and madness. A heart breaking, suspense-filled romance of the forbidden; of torture and pain as only Pepper Winters’ is able to write. There are twists and heartache, loss and despair, acceptance and the fight to live as our heroine recounts her story about a life of anguish and loss, love and acceptance. The premise is heart wrenching and poignant; the romance is passionate and intense; the characters are broken, desperate and determined.

Akin to James Cameron’s retelling of the TITANIC™, LUNAMARE is the retelling of soulmates tied to one another through love, and the beating of the heart.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LUNAMARE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 Apple Books bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Romance Thriller.

Pepper currently has close to 40 books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists almost 40 times, is a self-confessed hermit, yoga convert, has a house rabbit, six horses, and a long suffering husband.

To learn more about Pepper please visit: www.pepperwinters.com where she regularly posts videos of behind the scenes writing, horses, books, and more.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads / Amazon Author / Instagram / Bookbub / Verve

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Dirty Filthy Billionaire(Dirty Universe) by Laurelin Paige-review tour

Dirty Filthy Billionaire (Dirty Universe /1001 Dark Nights) by Laurelin Paige-review & excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: May 16, 2023

I’m damn good at my job.

So if I swipe my boss’s event invitations from time to time, it’s kind of like a much-earned bonus. He’ll never miss them, and I get a five-star free meal in the company of men in well-fitted suits.

But then he shows up at an award’s dinner that I’m most definitely not supposed to be at.

Lucky for me, when my boss accuses me of stealing his ticket, a hot swoony man in a tux steps in and says, “She came with me.”

Now I owe the stranger one, which is totally cool.

Until I discover the hot, swoony man is none other than Steele Sebastian, a rich man with a penchant for scandal.

And the way he wants me to pay him back?

Let’s just say that Steele Sebastian has a reputation as a dirty filthy billionaire, and I’m about to find out why.

••••••

REVIEW: DIRTY FILTHY BILLIONAIRE is a stand alone, contemporary, erotic, romance novella, found in Laurelin Paige’s DIRTY UNIVERSE series, a part of the 1001 Dark Nights instalment. This is thirty-four year old, billionaire media mogul Steele Sebastian, and PA Simone Lima’ story line. FIRTY FILTHY BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Simone Lima) DIRTY FILTHY BILLIONAIRE follows the highly sexual relationship between thirty-four year old, billionaire media mogul Steele Sebastian, and PA Simone Lima. Simone Lima is Donovan Kincaid’s PA, and our ‘borrowed’ her boss’ invite to the annual media awards dinner but Simone never expected n to meet her future in the guise of billionaire Steele Sebastian, a man who pushes all of our heroine’s buttons. From the outset, the sexual tension is heavy and palpable, and a few ‘clandestine’ meetings at one another’s work place reveals a possible ulterior motive to Steele’s interested in Simone. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Simone and Steele, and the potential fall-out as lies of omission have Simone questioning her affair with Steele Sebastian.

The relationship between Simone and Steele is one of immediate attraction but Simone questions Steele’s attraction to, and interest in our story line heroine. Simone knows nothing about the man with whom. she is rapidly about to get intimate but she will quickly question his motives when off-hand comments put her on alert. The $ex scenes are provocative, intimate and demanding but I dislike the author’s use of a certain four-letter word.

The secondary and supporting characters include Donovan Kincaid, and Steele’s brother Holt.

DIRTY FILTHY BILLIONAIRE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced premise is captivating; the romance is erotic and intense; the characters are determined and powerful.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Here’s the thing—will Donovan fire me for using his discarded invites without his permission? No.
Will he reprimand me? Also, no.
Will he take advantage of my desire to attend these functions and put me to work at future events? No, probably not.
In fact, he’d probably pat me on the back while giving me one of his infamous smirks and tell me how to get a hold of his partners’ discarded invites as well. Donovan and I are two of a kind like that, which is the real reason he keeps me around, not my awesome PA skills. It’s not always easy to find company while walking semi-ethical lines.
But this is my thing. My thing that has nothing at all to do with who I am during office hours. It’s personal and private and sort of embarrassing, when I think about admitting it out loud, because it’s not just about getting free food. Hell’s Kitchen apartments take a fair amount of my salary, but Donovan pays well. I can afford to go out.
I just don’t really want to go eat solo in expensive restaurants.
People stare and whisper. Not that I care what they think, but it’s distracting. It’s much easier to be a solo at a business function. Maybe my plus one is involved in the actual event. Maybe they canceled, last minute. Maybe I’m there purely because of work, and no one whispers or stares or judges, and waiters don’t give me pitying comments, and strange men don’t (usually) take it as an opportunity to hit on me.
It’s a perfect hobby, as far as I’m concerned, and I’ll be damned if it’s taken away because of the hazel-eyed assface who sat at my table, who is the sole reason I’m out in the lobby at the same time Donovan is.
I have half a mind to turn around and go tear that too-hot-for-his-own-good fucker to shreds, and I would if my boss wasn’t looking at me like I’m a lifeline.
I quickly try to make up a backstory. “Uh, Donovan…I’m…” Try and fail. “Hi. You’re here.”
He waves to a security guard then points at me, which…okay. Maybe I was wrong thinking he wouldn’t be mad. He really doesn’t have to go so far as to bring security in.
But though the guard is eyeing us, he doesn’t make a move, letting Donovan approach me.
“Hey, I’m looking for Sabrina. Do you…?” Donovan trails off, and I can see that I misjudged the situation, because it’s just now that his expression becomes suspicious. “What are you doing here? Did you use my ticket?”
“No!” The denial was too obvious, but I’ve chosen my path. Now I have to walk it. “No. Of course I didn’t do that. I just. I’m, um, here—”
Suddenly, an arm slips around my waist. “She’s here with me. It’s okay, Simone. We don’t have to keep it a secret.”
I look up to see it’s none-other-than the antagonizing prick from the ballroom, and I’m both shocked and…aroused?
I mean, I’m not into being rescued. By anyone. Ever. 


 

With millions of books sold worldwide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. She is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however.  

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Killing Eve or Letterkenny, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.

She is represented by Rebecca Friedman. 

Follow: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook Fan Page

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THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP (Indiana Summers 2) by Lori Foster-review

THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP (Indiana Summers 2) by Lori Foster-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2023

How did her love life become a community affair?

Since her divorce, Emily Lucretia—affectionately known as the flower lady to the people of Cemetery, Indiana—has been focused on her flower shop and taking care of her aging aunt and uncle. Her love life is hardly the centerpiece of her busy days.

Saul Culver, the town’s favorite bachelor and owner of the local barbecue joint, has been interested in Emily for a while. But as much as Emily knows about flowers, she can be a little oblivious to her own appeal. Saul is determined to show her just how special she is.

Saul isn’t the only one trying to get Emily out of her shell. Well-meaning locals have started tagging photos of Emily with #theflowerlady on social media—and now the entire town is involved in finding her Mr. Right. Saul won’t give up easily. He’s finally caught her attention, and he’s determined to convince Emily—and the town—that this is the real deal and not just some passing trend.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP is the second instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult INDIANA SUMMERS romance series focusing on the people of Cemetery Indiana. This is thirty-nine year old, restaurant owner Saul Culver, and forty-one year old, divorcee and florist Emily Lucretia’s story line. THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from third person perspective THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-nine year old, The Pit Stop restaurant owner Saul Culver, and forty-one year old, divorcee and florist Emily Lucretia. Saul Culver is Cemetery Indiana’s most eligible bachelor but Saul has his sights set on florist Emily Lucretia. A slow seduction of Emily begins to involve a number of locals, and someone is posting Emily’s picture of the town’s social media account but Emily is batting between head and heart as her beloved uncle is injured in a fall, and her heart is lost to our story line hero.

Meanwhile, Emily’s employee Gentry McAdams is working above and beyond at Emily’s shop but Emily suspects someone has captured Gentry’s heart, a young woman who is currently working for the man Emily loves. Mila Nash is trying everything to grab Gentry’s attention but Gentry struggles with demons from the past.

The relationship between Emily and Saul is a friends to lovers; a slow building romance between two people who live and work in Cemetery Indiana, a small town of friendly residents who love and support their local citizens. Saul has lusted after Emily from afar but is determined to seduce the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Emily’s Aunt Mabel and Uncle Sullivan; Gentry and Mila; Pit Stop waiter Wheeler; Saul’s Godson Beck t-shirt shop owner Lawson Salder; town busybody Betty Cemetery, and Kathleen, who appears everywhere and anywhere.

THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP is a sweet story of family and friendships, love and happily ever afters. The premise is heartwarming -there is little to no conflict; the romance is tender; the characters are impassioned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A TOUCH OF DEATH (Dyavol’s Mercy MC 1: RBMC ) by Crimson Syn

ꗥ☠️ A TOUCH OF DEATH (Dyavol’s Mercy MC 1: RBMC spinoff) by Crimson Syn ꗥ☠️

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2023

The Bone Collector
My name is Sasha Volkova,
Better known as the Bone Collector.
As Treasurer of Dyavol’s Mercy MC, I keep the numbers in check.
The one that organizes transactions.
The one who pays out what’s due and collects what’s owed.
Leon Kingsly is our connection on American soil,
A while back, he made a deal that went sour and put me behind bars.
Years later, there’s still a debt to settle.
A personal one.
And he will pay what he owes, because if he doesn’t,
it will cost him his left pinky, to start with.
Followed by his index, his thumb, his toes…
I will collect what is owed to me, bone by bone.
What I do not expect, is what he wants to offer me in exchange for his life.
Kristina Kingsly is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.
She is elegant, intelligent, and a renowned author.
An author with a connection and the key to the information I need.
A woman who has just been sold away by her father.
An innocent that has no idea I’m watching her.
No idea that she is my next target.
And while she’s smiling and signing away her books,
The devil is waiting in the wings,
Itching to have her sign away her soul.

•••••

REVIEW: A TOUCH OF DEATH is the first instalment n Crimson Syn’s contemporary, adult DYAVOL’S MERCY MC erotic, MC romance series-a spin of from the multi-authored RBMC world, set in the multi-authored MAYHEM MAKERS world. This is Dyavol’s Mercy MC treasurer Sasha ‘Bone Collector’ Volkova, and romance writer Kristina ‘Kingsly’ Storm’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sasha and Kristina) with a chapter from Siege (RBMC) A TOUCH OF DEATH follows Sasha Volkova as he is tasked with retrieving a large sum of money somewhere in the USA. Sasha Volkova was born in Russian, emigrated to the US at an early age, then upon the death of his mother, his father claimed him and indoctrinated our hero into the Dyavol’s Mercy MC. Fast forward to present day, Sasha must prove his worth but Sasha has dual citizenship and refuses to return once the money is found. The only problem is romance writer Kristina Storm, the estranged daughter of the man who is currently in control of the Dyavol’s Mercy’s money but a woman who is about to give Sasha a run for his money. What ensues is the cross country venture in search of the money with the Bratva hot on their trail, and the potential fall-out as Sasha is about to set down roots, without the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Sasha and Kristina begins when Sasha abducts our heroine at a book signing in Houston Texas. Kristina is participating in an author signing event, and Sasha is determined to take back the money, his father demanded. Kristina’s father took the money that belonged to the Dyavol’s Mercy but in doing so, our heroine now has complete control, something she is totally unaware. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members of the RBMC, Fallens Kings MC, Devil’s Mercy MC and the Russian Bratva. We are reintroduced to Sasha’s uncle Adam Young (The Enforcer’s Holiday Package: RBMC).

A TOUCH OF DEATH is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family, acceptance and determination. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is fast and furious; the characters are dynamic and powerful.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

My name is Crimson Syn, not really, but what fun is it to use my real name. Instead I’ll use my inner goddess’ name, it’s much more fun that way. I grew up in New York City where I had a wonderful education, loving parents and awesome friends. What more could a girl ask for?

I started writing at the age of sixteen. The first romance I read was Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride. Since then I have been influenced by dozens of flourishing romance authors and even more dashing and daring rogues. I must say it, but Fifty Shades was not my first erotic romance, nor did it influence me to start writing them. If you’ve never read Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lisa Kleypas, Bertrice Small or A.N. Roquelaure’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy, then you’re missing out. Those were my sweet introductions to erotic romance, and boy were they hot.

So here I am, after reading so many wonderful stories, I have too many sinful tales of my own not to share. I like my alphas rough and possessive, and I have no shame in saying it or writing it. I had delightfully wicked teachers growing up, their books took me to new worlds and brought me new loves. So, I want to do the same for you. I want to indulge my readers in those steamy reads that will send them into the arms of dangerous alphas and deliciously sexy rogues, without leaving the confines of their nice warm bed. If I am able to entice your inner goddesses, then I have done my job and I am satisfied.

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The Bachelor (Dalton Family 5) by Marni Mann-review tour

The Bachelor (Dalton Family 5) by Marni Mann-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 April 27, 2023

Camden Dalton is notorious for three things: his command of the courtroom, his moves in the bedroom, and being the ultimate bachelor, never ever taking a woman home twice.

One drunken night, when Camden and I are accidentally left alone, we make a deal.

My proposition to him: if I don’t lose my virginity within the next year, he promises to take it.

But I don’t just want to do it.
I want to get filthy, dirty, rocked.
And I want to learn how to give as good as I get.

His rebuttal: four lessons on how to be an unforgettable lover. If I can make it through those without catching feelings, then we’ll move on to the fifth and final lesson, where all my naughtiest dreams will come true.

There’s only one problem.
Camden’s twin sister is my BFF.
And he’s forbidden to ever date any of her friends.

We just pray his sister won’t find out because what we’re doing is a whole lot more than dating.

•••••

REVIEW:The Dalton Family has officially become a top favorite of mine! These guys are everything you want in a book boyfriend and more. The Bachelor is the fifth installment in the Dalton Family series; this book tells the story of Camden and Oaklyn. As always I recommend reading a series in order, this ensures you get the best of the best in all of the books.

Oaklyn is a good girl, and this good girl is ready to walk on the wild side. To do that she needs the help of her best friend’s twin, Camden. The Playboy Extraordinaire. These two have known each other since they were children, but alas as Oaklyn is Hannah’s bestie; she is off limits.

Well she was, until she talked Camden into taking her V-Card.

MM is a MASTER of the slow burn, but holy holy, this one kicks off in the first few chapters. Get ready for the spicy readers, this one was a slow burn spicy read for the books. Camden goes from player to golden boy quicker than I could read, and Oaklyn, she’s a ray of sunshine spreading the light wherever she goes. I’m sad that this is the last in the series, and very much hope the MM has something new for her readers soon.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Lawyer
The Billionaire
The Single Dad
The Intern

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

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What the Hex (Hex 2) by Jessica Clare-Review,Excerpt & Giveaway

What the Hex (Hex 2) by Jessica Clare-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2023

Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it.

Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone).

Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?

••••

REVIEW:WHAT THE HEX is the second instalment in Jessica Clare’s contemporary adult HEX erotic, paranormal romance series. This is troubled and embattled warlock Willem Sauer, and thirty year old, apprentice familiar Penny Roundtree’s story line. WHAT THE HEX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Penny and Willem) WHAT THE HEX follows the building romance and relationship between troubled warlock Willem Sauer, and thirty year old, apprentice familiar Penny Roundtree. Warlock Willem Sauer has been banned from procuring a witch’s familiar, a person with a well of magic whom witches and warlocks need for fuel and power. Hundreds of years earlier Willem Sauer was the familiar to a powerful warlock but when he left to pursue his own dream of becoming a warlock, Willem has suffered in the wake of false accusations and trumped up charges but Willem is desperate for a familiar, someone to help him uncover the truth. Enter thirty year old, apprentice familiar Penny Roundtree, the woman with whom Willem will fall in love. With the help of Ben Magnus (Go Hex Yourself 1), Willem will come face to face with his future, a young woman who has yearned to become someone’s familiar but as Willem and Penny begin a search for the truth, they must enter into a fake romantic relationship in an effort to keep the spies at bay. What ensue is the building romance and relationship between Penny and Willem, and the potential fall-out as the charges against Willem become all too real, and Penny must search for answers where history has failed.

The relationship between Willem and Penny begin as a professional arrangement but a forbidden arrangement in the eyes of the Witch’s Council. Willem has been banned from doing magic, and from using a familiar but in his desperation to prove his innocence Willem is willing to break the laws, falling in love in the process. Penny is desperate to be chosen as a familiar but very few familiar have been chosen from the local pool of magic. With the help of her friends (Ben and Reggie) Penny finds herself a familiar to a man who has been shunned by his peers, shunned by betrayal and lies. As Penny and Willem’s fake relationship turns into something more, they find themselves the target of magic and revenge. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful, energetic and magical. We are introduced to several witches and warlocks: Penny’s boss Vivi, wanna-be familiars Cody, Katrina and Derek; Warlocks Titus and Stoker, as well as the return of Ben and Reggie (Go Hex Yourself). The requisite evil has many faces.

WHAT THE HEX is a story of magic and power, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and retribution, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are fun, dynamic and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one GO HEX YOURSELF

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpted from What the Hex by Jessica Clare Copyright © 2023 by Jessica Clare. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

PENNYThere’s nothing better than a well-established routine.

I love knowing what to expect. I love everyone playing their individual part, and watching it all come together. Maybe that’s me romanticizing even the mundane aspects of life, but the best kind of progress happens when the system works like a well-oiled machine. That’s why I don’t mind the weekly meeting of the Society of Familiars. Some people might find it boring, but I love it.

Well, most nights I love it. The current president of our society is . . . a bit difficult to listen to for long periods of time, if I’m being honest. I stifle a yawn as Derek Chapman bangs a gavel on the meeting table and then drones on. “Any other news to discuss before the society?”

It’s silent.

“Anyone? Anyone?”

I glance out at the gathered audience. There are twenty people here tonight. There should be all fifty of our local members out there, but a lot of them lose faith and stop attending, or they come around just enough to renew their dues and then disappear again for another year. I’m doing my best to make coming to society meetings more fun, but sometimes it feels like an uphill battle since no one else is putting in effort. I don’t blame them for feeling down about things. It’s hard to keep being positive when year after year, there’s no opportunity to apprentice. But I believe in positivity, and I’m sure our situation will change at some point. We just have to keep on.

“Anyone?” Derek drones out again.

Derek doesn’t think he’s part of the problem with the Fam, as we call the Society of Familiars. It’s an ironic name, because none of us are actually familiars. We’re the pool of candidates in waiting to become familiars. We’re here because we have the bloodlines and the inclination, and we’re just waiting for a witch or a warlock to come along with an opening for an apprentice. Until that glorious moment happens, all we have is the Fam.

And Derek isn’t exactly a dynamic leader. He’s dry and boring. He reads in a monotone from manuals instead of learning the information and speaking about it from the heart. He hyperfixates on tiny things about the society, like dues and attendance, and focuses less on the people themselves and what they bring to the group. As a result, our attendance numbers keep dwindling. You don’t have to attend all the meetings to be in the society, of course, but as someone that loves to be part of the group, it’s hard for me to watch everyone peel away under Derek’s lead.

“This is your opportunity to speak up,” Derek continues in the same colorless voice. He rubs his nose rather wetly, examines his fingers, and then peers out at the group. “Might I remind you that attendance and joyful participation will be considered by some warlocks and witches as a sign of enthusiasm.”

Ugh. Please. There’s a hierarchy to our group. Names are put on the list in order of how long we’ve been waiting and rarely get shuffled. The warlock or witch then pulls from the top candidates. It doesn’t have anything to do with “joyful participation.” That’s just Derek being, well, Derek.

I raise my hand and bounce to my feet, clutching my notes. Time to save the day. “I just wanted to say to please remember to bring your cookies for next week’s baking swap! All cookies, cupcakes, and brownies are welcome, but remember that if you use known allergens or rare spell components in your baking, to please label your goods accordingly.” I glance around the room, smiling at everyone as warmly as I can. “I also wanted to get volunteers for the car-wash fundraiser for Abby this weekend, and a reminder that several of us are going out for drinks after this. Everyone is of course invited!”

“Thank you, Penny,” Derek replies, his monotone drowning the shot of fun I just tried to inject. “Any other familiar business?”

No one speaks up. There’s a polite cough in the back.

“Then I’d like to close the meeting-” Derek begins, lifting his gavel like he’s a judge.

“Wait.” Someone in the audience stands up. It’s Cody, a good friend of mine. We’re about the same age and in the same situation-as in, we’re both from a long line of familiars, and yet we have no one to serve. “When are we opening up membership again?”

I look over at Derek, who frowns. “We’re not.”

In the audience, Cody looks unhappy with this bit of information. “Why not?”

Derek blinks. He’s elderly, and for a moment, I wonder if he’s forgotten where he’s at, and my heart squeezes with pity. Poor old thing. But then he turns to me, a hint of confusion on his face. “Why not?”

I have to answer? I stammer for a moment, then try to frame it in as positive a light as possible. “Right now we’re focusing on our existing members to give them the best opportunity for familiarship possible.”

“So in other words, we’re not letting in new people because it’d make things too competitive?” Cody crosses his arms, his pose challenging. “Doesn’t that seem a little unfair?”

I look over at Derek, but he’s still watching me, so I bite back a sigh of frustration and keep a bright smile on my face. I shouldn’t be surprised that Derek is making me do part of his job. I kinda end up doing it anyhow. “Membership being open or closed is voted upon at the annual meeting. If everyone feels really strongly about opening up for new applicants, we can take a vote then. Or you can send a formal request to have it added to a future agenda-”

Cody waves a disgusted hand at me and sits back down.

Oh. Well then. I keep smiling and look over at Derek. I guess it’d be impolite to point out that not only did Derek propose that we close enrollment, but he’s supposed to be the one enforcing it, not me. Then again, if he’s having trouble remembering where he’s at, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised he’s forgetting this, too.

Derek bangs the gavel. “Business concluded for this evening. See you all next week.”

“Drinks at the Alehouse around the corner,” I call out cheerily. At least now it’s time for my favorite part of meeting nights. “We’d love to see you guys there!”

Despite my warm invitation, less than half the group migrates over to the Alehouse. I buy a few rounds of drinks to encourage people to stick around, and sip my amaretto sour as my friends talk about nothing in particular. Darcy is complaining about her job at a bookstore, and Megan just broke up with her boyfriend. Nathan asks if my job is hiring, but he always asks that. We’re never hiring for my part of the job, unfortunately. There’s a guy that works weekends at the front, but for spell component fulfillment? It’s just me. I get why he asks, though. Of all of us in the Society of Familiars, I’m the only one that has regular contact with any witches or warlocks. The rest of them just sit back and . . . wait.

I head for the bar once my drink is gone, ready to order another round. To my surprise, I run into Derek. He’s sitting at the bar instead of with the rest of us, and I feel a twinge of pity. I put a hand on his back and tap it to let him know of my presence. “I didn’t know you were here! Why didn’t you join us?”

He waves an irritated hand at me. “No one wants to sit with an old man like me.”

Oh dear. Derek’s words are slurred. I frown at the cluster of empty beer glasses in front of him. “You’re not old,” I say cheerfully. “You’re just distinguished.”

“I’m seventy-eight.” He leans over toward me. “And I never, not once, served a witch.”

“Because you’ve made your life all about the Society of Familiars, right?” Derek moved here recently from out of state, and ever since, he’s been determined to be involved in our local group. I’m thrilled that someone’s showing interest other than me, but I just wish he were a more dynamic leader.

But Derek just shakes his head. “No one wants an old familiar. I’m never gonna get to serve.” He peers over at me through beer-glazed eyes. “You’re gonna age out soon, too.”

That stings. Ouch. “I just turned thirty. There’s plenty of time for me yet.”

“Yes, but there’s always someone younger,” Derek says in a lofty voice. “You’re like me. The society is gonna be your life.” He nods sagely and then taps my arm. “Play your cards right and you can be where I am someday.”

I smile politely and grab the tray of drinks from the bartender the moment he sets them on the bar, practically flinging down my tip. Somehow, I manage to keep smiling as I make my way over to the table again, even though Derek’s words are ringing in my ears like a death knell.

The society is gonna be your life.

Do I even want that? I’m here because I want to learn witchcraft. I’m here because I want to serve as a familiar. I want to grow in my own power and live hundreds and hundreds of years, and I can do that only if a witch or warlock takes me under their wing and teaches me. But the problem is that because most witches are so long lived, they don’t like swapping out apprentices. They don’t like change. So anyone that apprentices can expect to be serving for a few decades at least before being taught to go out on their own.

 


 

Jessica Clare is the pen name for Jill Myles.

Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the ‘naughty parts’ of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.

After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own – stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.

Website: http://jillmyles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaClare?directed_target_id=0
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JessicaClare
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/q4272wf

 

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DRAKE (Pittsburgh Titans 5) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

DRAKE (Pittsburgh Titans 5) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2023

Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?

After I made the decision to divorce, my ex-wife set out on a smear campaign against me, telling anyone who would listen that I was betting on hockey and throwing games. It wasn’t surprising that my ex told the lies, but the fact that the media, league, and fans chose to believe her baseless claims was unforgivable. I walked away from it all and never looked back.

Having settled into life as a single dad to three boys, I’m content. I have more money than I could ever need, and plenty of time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and whoever I want. So when Brienne Norcross, the team owner for the Pittsburgh Titans, shows up at my house with a job offer, I have no problem turning her down. But the no-nonsense billionaire, with sinfully seductive red lips and killer heels that would look hot as hell thrown over my shoulders, won’t take “no” for an answer.

Now I need to find balance between hockey, my boys, and the explosive chemistry Brienne and I can no longer deny. A cast-off hockey player and the league’s only female team owner? I can think of a million reasons why it could never work but can’t bring myself to care about a single one of them. Game on.

••••••••

REVIEW: DRAKE is the fifth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary adult PITTSBURGH TITANS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Titans. This is goalie and single father Drake McGinn, and team owner Brienne Norcross’ story line. DRAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, as there is an ongoing premise throughout. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier, a devastating plane crashed claimed all but three members of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team including owners, coaches and staff. Rebuilding the team, owner Brienne Norcross, offered positions to one-time professional and semi-pro players, including our story line hero.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Drake and Brienne) DRAKE follows in the wake of the Pittsburgh Titans attempt at signing goalie Drake McGinn. One year earlier Drake’s personal and professional life imploded when his now ex-wife started a smear campaign that ended Drake’s hockey career with the devastating fall-out. The lies and nightmare ended with a divorce and Drake awarded sole custody of all three of his boys, leaving Drake bitter and resentful against the team for which he once played. Fast forward to present day wherein Brienne and the Titans offer Drake a position as first string goalie, but our hero struggles in the wake of past betrayal and lies. Signing with Pittsburgh brings Drake up close and personal with our story line heroine, where they will embark on a secret affair that ends when Drake’s past returns, pushing Brienne out of his life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brienne and Drake, as our couple continue to deny their growing feelings, opting to label their relationship nothing more than booty calls and scratching an itch.

Drake and Brienne are determined to keep their affair a secret. Brienne believes their relationship is crossing an invisible line, and Drake refuses to get involved with another woman who could potentially destroy his life. As the weeks pass, their relationship slowly turns into something more but Drake continues to battle between head and heart having loved and lost everything, once before. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples and characters return including GM Callum Derringer, and newcomer Cannon West. We are introduced to Drake’s children, as well as his ex-wife Crystal.

DRAKE is a story of betrayal and lies, secrets and trepidation, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is heart breaking, captivating and inviting; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are determined, charismatic and dynamic.

Read the first THREE chapters of Drake

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Baden
Stone
Gage
Coen

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

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