Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2017

Abby, A Second Chance Novel by Tina DeSalvo-Review, Promotion and Giveaway

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Abby, A Second Chance Novel by Tina DeSalvo-Review, Promotion and Giveaway

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ABBY
A Second Chance Novel
by Tina DeSalvo
Release Date: August 24, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, woman’s fiction

Abby

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

NOTE: In honor of BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Tina DeSalvo is donating ALL of the proceeds from all of her books sold in October on ALL platforms to the unmet needs of individuals fighting breast cancer.

Elli
Jewel
Abby
Magnolias and Sunshine

Tina Desalvo promo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2017

“Abby, what I’m asking isn’t something you have on that résumé…Will the LAPD be coming to arrest you when I’m depending on you to meet the deadline?”
She shook her head. How in the hell did she know?

She comes from Hollywood Royalty, which makes her fall from grace all the more interesting to millions of people who have no idea what Abby McCord is going through. Instead of following in her family’s acting footsteps Abby made her own way as an attorney. She also joined her good friend, Elli, in raising money for a cause near and dear to her heart, until someone steals their famous donors’ money and personal information. And the police believe the thief is her. Now she’s run from one LA to another as she hides in Cane, Louisiana trying to get by until she can get home.

Too bad there isn’t a statute of limitations on the public’s memory.

Jackson Bienvenu spent his adult life in the military because he wanted to get out of Cane and away from the people who know his desperate beginnings. Now all he wants is to come home and start a life and family in the one place he knows he belongs. And, this infuriatingly secretive woman who needs work until she can move on does not fit into the future he wants.

Unfortunately, Jackson and Abby are both discovering that what your head has planned and what your heart wants don’t always work together

•••••••••

REVIEW: Abby begins with the title character hiding out in a small house at her best friend’s home in Cane after attending the wedding of a friend. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your perspective, she didn’t stay hidden long. There was a knock on the door and Abby thought if she just stayed quiet, whomever was knocking would go away……until she heard Tante Izzy’s voice. When she finally opened the door, she found not only Tante Izzy, but the ever handsome Jackson Bienvenu as well. She finally gave in to Tante Izzy and headed to the reception with them.

Abby and Elli met during their treatment for breast cancer in California. Once they kicked cancer’s butt, they started a foundation in order to raise money to aide others fighting the same battle. Unfortunately, someone, somehow, stole from the foundation and fingered Abby for the crime. Although she wasn’t arrested, she remained a person of interest. With her assets frozen and no job, she applied for various jobs in and around Cane with the idea that she’d hide out there and once her name was cleared, she would head back to her life in Los Angeles. However, when she runs into a couple of people she had applied for work with, she’s pretty much told that she won’t be hired by anyone anytime soon.

Jackson, who’s an attorney as well, has a huge project that had a hard deadline and he needs help. Once he realizes that Abby is between a rock and a hard place, he offers her a job, which Abby reluctantly accepts. She soon finds herself surprised that she is not only enjoying the job, but Jackson’s company as well. However, when someone starts stalking Abby, things get scary pretty fast. Reluctant to accept Jackson’s help, she quickly realizes that she actually needs it. What follows keeps you guessing until the very end.

Abby is an awesome addition to the Second Chance series. Abby is a wonderfully written character, whom, despite her upbringing in the glamorous world of Hollywood, is a hard worker with her feet planted firmly on the ground. She’s loyal and has a big heart. Jackson is awesome as well. His love for his family and friends will endear him to everyone and leave you swooning. He has a protective streak a mile wide, without being overbearing. I love the main characters in DeSalvo’s stories, but it is the secondary characters who keep me coming back for more. That brings me to Tante Izzy. She is, without a doubt, one of the best characters I’ve read in years, if not ever. She IS the aunt/grandmother/friend/sister that everyone would love to have. She’s funny as hell, but it is her heart that will leave everyone clamoring for more. Her group of besties are just icing on the cake. If you enjoy a simmering romance with some of the best secondary characters you’ll ever read, the Second Chance Novels are definitely for you. I cannot wait to return to Cane. Well done, Tina DeSalvo! Very, very, very well done!!!!!

 

Reading Order and previous reviews
Elli
Jewell
Abby

Reviewed by Vickie M

Copy supplied for review

The Nutracker Reimagined

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2017

A MASTERPIECE OF HOLIDAY STORYTELLING…

Imagine, if you will, that it is Christmas Eve.

The candles are guttered, one by one, and a hush falls over the grand parlor. The children have gone to bed, and a tall, gloriously decorated Christmas tree looms in the shadows of the hearth’s dying embers. Beside the tree a nutcracker stands guard, its broken jaw cradled in a kerchief tied about its head. All is quiet in this dark, peaceful scene until the long case clock chimes. Dulcet tones form a gentle symphony, and the parlor comes to life.

Now, the magic happens.

Lose yourself in The Nutcracker Reimagined, a collection of eleven Christmas tales based on the most treasured characters from the famous holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Sugarplum fairies will dance in your head, as armies of mice and legions of dolls do battle, and a wounded nutcracker and his lady fair become the stuff of which legends are made. From Arabian dancers to living flowers and hosts of angels, enjoy these tales as reimagined characters from the beloved Christmas tradition find their own happily ever after.

And as the clock’s chimes signal the approaching sunrise, you’ll awaken from these magical stories to discover it has all been a beautiful dream of a retold Christmas classic.

••••••

CHRISTMAS AT THE INN ON CLOUD HILL (Cloud Hill #1)  by Tina DeSalvo

Through the veil of freshly fallen snow, swaying Christmas lights and prancing elderly twins in tutus, Daniel and Aurora each have returned to Cloud Hill – seeking different things until a kilt-wearing handyman changes that.

About the author

Click HERE to read about Tina’s journey

Follow Tina: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook / Twitter

giveaway

Tina DeSalvo is graciously offering an ebook copy of ELLI (book 1) to 2 commenters, and and an ebook copy of THE NUTCRACKER REIMAGINED to 2 commenters.

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.

3. Please follow Tina DeSalvo on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is open to international

8.  Giveaway runs October 9-13, 2017

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Forever Our Boys (Beaumont 5.5) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review and Book Tour

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FOREVER OUR BOYS (Beaumont 5.5) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review and Book Tour

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FOREVER OUR BOYS
Beaumont 5.5
by Heidi McLaughlin
Release Date: October 5, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Forever Our Boys

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon. uk / Amazon. au / B&N / KOBO / itunes /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 5, 2017

Come back to Beaumont… sort of! Join Josie, Katelyn, and Jenna when they embark on a vacation, away from the glitz and glam that their lives have become.

With Katelyn and Jenna living in California, and Josie in Beaumont, the daily coffee at Whimsicality has long been forgotten, while motherhood and being wives to Harrison, Jimmy, and Liam have taken over, the best friends aren’t able to see each other as often as they like. After their husbands all but push them out the door, they meet up for a week of sun, relaxation, and reminiscing.

•••••••••

REVIEW: FOREVER OUR BOYS (Beaumont 5.5) by Heidi McLaughlin follows the ladies (Josie, Katelyn, and Jenna) as they embark on a week long getaway to the Bahamas, far from the paparazzi, and the glitz and glamor as wives and significant others of rock and roll stars. Although FOREVER OUR BOYS can be read as a stand alone I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion, as well as familiarity with the story line couples.

Told from three first person points of view (Josie, Katelyn and Jenna) FOREVER OUR BOYS is a reflective journey that focuses on memories of the past; regrets and revelations; friendship, family and love. The children are growing up; making names for themselves; success on the playing field, in front of the camera, in the music halls, theatres and the stage. We are up close and personal as three strong female leads find comfort with their lifelong friendships, as they reminisce about the past, and set off towards the future.

Heidi McLaughlin sets the stage for HOLDING ONTO FOREVER: The Beaumont Series: Next Generation- a spin off series that will focus on the children of the stars of the rock band 4225 West. The premise is heartwarming and informative; the characters are familiar, sassy and fun; the romances are provocative and sensual. FOREVER OUR BOYS ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Forever Our Boys Teaser4

About the Author

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Heidi McLaughlin Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she’s isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

Enticing Journey

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The Sorrow Stone by J.A. McLachlan- review

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The Sorrow Stone by J.A. McLachlan-a review

The Sorrow Stone

99¢ ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon. au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

During the middle ages, a peasant’s superstition held that a mother mourning the death of her child could “sell her sorrow” by selling a nail from her child’s coffin to a peddler.

Would you pay someone to bear your sorrow?

Lady Celeste is overwhelmed with grief when her infant son dies. Desperate to find relief, she begs a passing peddler to buy her sorrow. Jean, the cynical peddler she meets, is nobody’s fool; he does not believe in superstitions and insists Celeste include the valuable ruby ring on her finger along with the nail in return for his coin.

Jean and Celeste both find themselves changed by their transaction in ways neither of them anticipated. Jean finds that bearing another’s sorrow opens him to strange fits of compassion, a trait he can ill afford. Meanwhile Celeste learns that without her wedding ring her husband may set her aside, leaving her ruined. She determines to retrieve it before he finds out—without reclaiming her sorrow. But how will she find the peddler and convince him to give up the precious ruby ring?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Ok so you know when you read a book and after you are done you think “Where did that come from and my goodness that was strange and really really good!” NO? You will after reading this book. So out of the historical fiction “norm” that I am use to reading and I was pleasantly surprised.

The Sorrow Stone by J.A. McLachlan is a historical fiction novel with a side of superstition folklore, set in the medieval era (MY FAVE) in 12th century France. Plenty of authentic detail with regards to historical accuracy, I was very pleased that this author had done the research for what this time had to offer. I love my history and I admire an author who does their homework and weaves a fantastic story in a with true details/facts.

Lady Celeste is grieving the loss of her infant son. A superstition says that one can sell their sorrow by selling the nail of the coffin with it. Desperate for relief, she sets upon a peddler to buy it from her. Jean is said peddler, and he really doesn’t have much interest in Celeste until he sees the ruby ring on her finger. Before we know it, Celeste has sold her sorrow and her wedding ring. At first, Celeste is confused as to what had happened prior to meeting Jean, but she does recollect the importance of her ring. She must get her ring back or be cast off by her husband. Off she goes to find Jean and both have near misses and very strange journeys.

Ok so clearly I have oversimplified the story because let me tell you this is not a simple story. This is an author with excellent pacing and revealing tidbits as we progress with the characters. It is told in multi person, but the transition from one to another is done perfectly. I was never bored for one second reading this story and it felt a little like peeling an onion, so many layers and a few tears. I LOVED getting to know Celeste and Jean and as you know I love my romance .. I didn’t miss it! I loved how all things tied in and up … together.

I feel like I am not doing this book much justice here, so I will say two things to end this review. This book is INCREDIBLE and this book will keep you thinking long after you have finished it. If this is your cup of tea, then pick this book up and give it a shot.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

About The Author beige

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

J. A. McLachlan is the author of a short story collection, CONNECTIONS (Pandora Press) and two College texts on Professional Ethics (Pearson-Prentice Hall). But science fiction is her first love, a genre she’s been reading all her life. Walls of Wind was her first published SF novel. She has two young adult science fiction novels, The Occasional Diamond Thief and The Salarian Desert Game (EDGE SF&F Publishing).

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Misadventures Series 1, 2 & 4 by Meredith Wild, Chelle Bliss, Helen Hardt, and Shayla Black

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Misadventures Series 1, 2 & 4 by Meredith Wild, Chelle Bliss, Helen Hardt and Shayla Black

Misadventures series

Misadventures is a multi-authored series of stand alone novellas. There are currently fourteen installments scheduled between September 2017 and June of next year. My review covers three of these story line.

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MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL
(Misadventures #1)
by Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss
Release Date: September 12, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2017

Fresh off a divorce from a Hollywood hotshot, Madison Atwood needs an escape. With the paparazzi fresh on her heels and her love life splashed on every tabloid, she runs away to a swanky retreat in Northern California. Avalon Springs is the mountainside haven she needs to find herself again.

Luke Dawson lives off the grid, preferring solitude to society. When he finds a beautiful woman soaking in the hot springs on his property, he can’t stop himself from watching her. She captures his attention, but she’s just a city girl—a beautiful distraction disturbing the peace he’s settled here to find.

When Madison discovers Luke’s secluded cabin, he can’t turn her away again. They make no promises. Madison needs to feel wanted again, and Luke misses the touch of a woman. But when mother nature has other plans, they’re forced to spend more than a night of passion together. Can Luke say goodbye to the only woman who’s made him feeling anything in years, and can Madison leave behind the man who brought her back to life?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL by Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss is the first installment in the multi-authored MISADVENTURES erotic, romance novella series. This is Hollywood makeup artist Madison Atwood, and former Navy SEAL Luke Dawson’s story line. Each installment in the MISADVENTURES series is a stand alone, and can be read in any order.

Told from dual first person points of view (Madison and Luke) MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL is an erotic story of romance; of insta lust between two people, far off the grid, struggling to move on with their lives. Madison Atwood is a newly divorced, single woman whose escape into the wilds at the Avalon Spa in Northern California will bring her face to face with a grizzly, mountain man Luke Dawson. Hoping to relax and recover following the revelation of her Hollywood hotshot husband’s infidelity, Madison embarks on a month long spa vacation but doesn’t intend to follow the retreat’s day to day itinerary. Enter Luke Dawson, a former Navy SEAL who struggles with PTSD, and the social anxiety of big city living. His reputation, whether earned or untrue, precedes his introduction to the people who live and work near the Avalon Spa. What ensues is the quick developing, sexual relationship between Luke and Madison, and the fall out as Luke struggles with his need for a woman whose entire life has been spent in the public eye.

MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL is a quick read; an erotic romance based on sexual attraction, want and need. Opposites in every aspect of their lives, Madison and Luke’s physical relationship is all about the here and now. The character building is limited; the world building focuses on the woodlands of Northern California, and the back and forth relationship between our leading couple but saying that I struggled with some of the immaturity and actions of a man who has seen the worst and lived to tell about it, and of a woman who reacted without thinking about the consequences. There were also some discriminating reactions towards our leading couple that I felt needed some further explanation. While Madison begins living in the moment, Luke struggles with memories from the past. The premise and characters are interesting; the romance is erotic and intense.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

_____________

MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE
(Misadventures #2)
by Meredith Wild and Helen Hardt
Release Date October 3, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Kate and Price Lewis had the perfect marriage—love, fulfilling careers, and a great apartment in the city. But when Price’s work takes him overseas and his plane goes down, their happily-ever-after goes down with it.

A year later, Kate is still trying to cope. She’s tied to her grief as tightly as she was bound to Price. When her sister-in-law coaxes her into an extended girls’ trip—three weeks on a remote island in the South Pacific—Kate agrees. At a villa as secluded as the island, they’re the only people in sight, until Kate sees a ghost walking toward them on the beach. Price is alive.

Their reunion is anything but picture perfect. Kate has been loyal to the husband she thought was dead, but she needs answers. What she gets instead is a cryptic proposal—go back home in three weeks, or disappear with Price…forever.

Emotions run high, passions burn bright, and Kate faces an impossible choice. Can Price win back his wife? Or will his secrets tear them apart?

••••••••

REVIEW:   MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE by Meredith Wild and Helen Hardt is the second installment in the multi-authored, erotic, romance novella series. This is Kate and Price Lewis’s story line. Each installment in the MISADVENTURES series is a stand alone, and can be read in any order.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kate and Price) MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE is second chance story line between married couple Kate and Price Lewis. One year earlier Kate’s life was destroyed with the news that her husband’s plane went done without any survivors. Fast forward to present day and our heroine discovers that not only is her husband alive but on the run for his life. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Price and Kate, and the fall out when Price’s whereabouts have been discovered by the people trying to destroy his life.

MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE is a fast paced, erotically charged story of second chances. Kate lost the only man she would ever love but his ‘return from the dead’ comes with too man conditions and complications including the possibility of a life on the run. The rekindling relationship finds our couple in a constant state of arousal including the need to prove that their love have never wavered in spite of Price’s apparent betrayal. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and provocative. My only complaint is the use of a four-letter word that I hesitate to include in any romantic situation or story line. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and determined; the romance is raw and edgy.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

___________________

MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE
(Misadventures #4)
by Shayla Black
Release Date: October 17, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2017

An Overnight Billionaire… When Carson Frost inherits a confectionary that rakes in billions but is too cash-strapped to last another sixty days, he agrees to take a loan from his late father’s rival. There are two catches: Carson has to sign over a permanent stake in the company, and marry the man’s daughter.

Concocts a Fake Bride… Two weeks before the wedding, he gets cold feet and claims he’s in love with someone else. The investor says he’ll still hand over the cash if Carson takes a stroll down the aisle–with the woman who owns his heart. Since he isn’t even dating anyone, Carson panics. Where is he going to find a bride willing to jilt him at the altar on such short notice?

And Whips Up a Little Love. Ella Hope is an actress happy for any paying gig, but jilting a hottie in public isn’t what she had in mind. Still, she needs rent, and he’s in a bind. How hard can it be? While playing at matrimony, suddenly their intimacy isn’t so fake. Ella can’t help but fantasize that Carson is her groom and they will live happily ever after. But once his company is safe, will he want her anymore?

••••••••••••

REVIEW :MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE is the fourth installment in the multi-authored MISADVENTURES anthology series of novellas. This is billionaire, candy company owner and CEO Carson Frost, and actress Ella Hope’s story line. Each installment in the MISADVENTURES series is a stand alone, and can be read in any order.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ella and Carson) MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE follows the fake relationship between billionaire owner of Sweet Darlin’ Candy Company Carson Frost, and struggling Hollywood actress Ella Hope. With the recent death of his biological father Carson Frost became the sole owner and proprietor of the Sweet Darlin’ Candy Company-a company over extended on funds, and struggling to survive. When Gregory Shaw, his competition and rival at Dulce Lama makes an offer Carson cannot refuse, our hero finds himself engaged to a woman (Kendra Shaw) he does not love. Enter Ella Hope, Hollywood actress, and the woman Carson hires to be the woman he truly loves. What ensues is the insta-lust/love relationship between Ella and Carson, and the potential fall out when Gregory Shaw get wind of the ruse, and forces our hero to go through with a different set of wedding plans.

MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE is a story of one man’s desperation to save his father’s business, and one woman who struggles with a future originally designed for someone else.

The relationship between Carson and Ella is one of instant attraction. Our couple previously met six month earlier but since haven’t spoken to one another. The author quickly reveals some of the individual backstory and history of our leading couple, as well as Ella’s struggle between her head and her heart. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and provocative.

MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE is a fast paced, spirited and energetic novella. The premise is engaging but predictable; the romance is passionate; the characters are charming and inspiring.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviews by Sandy

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The Duke of Danger (The Untouchables #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Duke of Danger (The Untouchables #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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THE DUKE OF DANGER
The Untouchables #6
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

The Duke of Danger

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2017

After killing his opponent in a duel, Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge, is known as the Duke of Danger. Tortured by guilt, he shields himself with a devil-may-care attitude. However, when he kills another man in another duel, he’s beyond redemption, even though it wasn’t his fault. He refuses to smear a dead man’s name, especially when he’s left behind a blameless widow who doesn’t deserve an even bigger scandal.

Widowed and destitute, Lady Emmaline Townsend must marry the man of her parents’ choosing or beg unsympathetic relatives for support. The only way out is to ask for help from the one man she’s sworn to hate, the man who owes her anything she asks, the man who killed her husband. They strike a devil’s bargain in which passion simmers just beneath the surface. But her dead husband’s transgressions come back to haunt them and threaten their chance at love.

••••••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW! This is heavy read warning. An angst filled, good lord can anything else go wrong for these characters, dark, spine chilling, sob filled with some very amazing sexy time thrown in kind of heavy read. IT WAS INCREDIBLE and totally made this book.

The Duke of Danger (yup best title there) by Darcy Burke is the 6th novel in her “The Untouchables” series, a historical romance and I would recommend you read the previous books as this series is multi layered in characters and story and at this point there is just so much you would miss out on if you skipped the previous 5. It can be read alone I suppose, but seriously, don’t deprive yourself of the full series experience .. you won’t be disappointed!

Our leading guy is Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge. Lionel is a stand up guy and is pretty much quite amazing, but this thing called honour is the cause of a string of bad outcomes on his life and the duels he has participated in. He carries the weight of dark emotions due to his dueling and despite having believed they were just caused, the result doesn’t sit well. The latest duel ends in death (not Lionel’s and not with intent to kill), and this makes him feel he can no longer be happy and/or redeemed. He will take care of his opponents now widow and be the best stand up man he can be.

Lady Emmaline Townsend is the opponents widow. Geesh, if it wasn’t for bad luck, she’d have no luck. This poor woman has been through the ringer with endless life altering catastrophes after another. Horrible past, this latest stroke of bad luck hits her the hardest as her husbands death leaves much debt, shame and her having to return to her parents (shudders .. not good). She decides to take matters in her own hands and plays the widow guilt card and take Lionel’s offers of help.

These two set off on a journey of self discovery, healing in each others arms and faith that trust and love can exist. Passion, of my, Darcy Burke writes some serious amazing passion and these two lit up the pages. I have to admit, Emmaline was very hard to like and I almost knocked a star off as she was not my favourite, but, then I thought, if Darcy can write a character I kinda really don’t like and have me sympathize, empathize and maybe understand a little bit .. and to the point where I liked her by the end, well that right there is an applause to fantastic character development and writing.

Like I said above, a heavier historical romance read but I was engaged the entire time and found myself wanting to rush through the story to get to the hard reached HEA. We get there, it’s just quite the path taken! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T

The Duke of Danger teaser

 

excerpt

“Good afternoon, Lady Townsend. May I offer my deepest condolences?”

She turned on the chair, barely curious as to who might be visiting and eager to send him on his way. But as soon as she pivoted, it was as if a dam inside her split in two and a cascade of emotion tumbled forth.

Bolting from the chair, she took two long steps toward him. “You.”

“Yes, me.” The Marquess of Axbridge didn’t flinch. Indeed, he stared into her, his blue eyes clear and piercing.

“You’ve a singular audacity to come here.”

The marquess bowed deeply. “I beg your pardon.” He looked at her once more. “And your forgiveness.”

Rage spiraled through her, and it was glorious to feel. “You’ll never have either.”

“That is completely understandable.” His tone was tight, measured. His cool reserve antagonized her.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m so glad I have your approval.”

“I wouldn’t ever ask for, nor expect that.”

“And yet you ask for my forgiveness. It hardly seems to matter—I’ll give you nothing save my undying hatred.”

“Which I deserve. Nevertheless, I would apologize for what happened.”

“Apologize? You didn’t step on my foot during a dance. Nor did you spill a glass of ratafia on my gown. You killed my husband.”

Now he flinched. His eye twitched, and his lips pressed together so hard, they turned white. And yet he was still incredibly handsome. That hardly seemed fair.

He took a step toward her. She didn’t retreat, but her body tensed. She clenched her hands into tight fists. Her spine was so straight and stiff that she could have flown a flag from her shoulder.

“I didn’t come to make excuses, but please know I had good reason to demand satisfaction. I’d hoped he would settle the matter before moving to weapons, but he refused.”

She gaped at him. “Are you somehow trying to blame my husband for your actions?”

His jaw tightened, and he blew out a breath. “No. I came to offer my condolences, beg your forgiveness, apologize, and offer any assistance you may need—ever.”

He wanted to help her? She stared at him, the anger inside her curdling. “I would never want anything from you, nor would I ask.”

“I certainly understand you not wanting anything from me; however, if a need should ever arise, I would very much like to help you.”

“I think you’ve done quite enough.” Fury churned through every part of her, and she wanted to lash out. Needed to. “Actually, I can think of one thing I would like from you.” She took a step toward him, her lip curling. “I should appreciate it if you would be miserable for the rest of your life. I would take great joy in knowing that you will wallow in guilt and anguish for all your days.” She glared at him, long and hard.

“I can do that,” he said softly, without a shred of irony. “You may be pleased to know that I am already well on my way. And I shan’t trouble you with my presence. I’m leaving England today.”

“Good.”

“My offer will always stand, whether you choose to take advantage of it or not. Should you require anything at all, please contact my man of affairs.” He held out a card.

She didn’t want to take anything from him. “Choke on it,” she spat.

He withdrew his hand to his side. “Again, my deepest apologies, Lady Townsend.” He turned and strode from the room, his broad shoulders straight, his gait sure.

Damn him.

Damn him.

About The Author

Darcy BurkeDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

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An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities #3) by KJ Charles-a review

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AN UNSUITABLE HEIR (Sins of the Cities #3) by KJ Charles-a review

An Unsuitable Heir

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

A private detective finds passion, danger, and the love of a lifetime when he hunts down a lost earl in Victorian London.

On the trail of an aristocrat’s secret son, enquiry agent Mark Braglewicz finds his quarry in a music hall, performing as a trapeze artist with his twin sister. Graceful, beautiful, elusive, and strong, Pen Starling is like nobody Mark’s ever met—and everything he’s ever wanted. But the long-haired acrobat has an earldom and a fortune to claim.

Pen doesn’t want to live as any sort of man, least of all a nobleman. The thought of being wealthy, titled, and always in the public eye is horrifying. He likes his life now—his days on the trapeze, his nights with Mark. And he won’t be pushed into taking a title that would destroy his soul.

But there’s a killer stalking London’s foggy streets, and more lives than just Pen’s are at risk. Mark decides he must force the reluctant heir from music hall to manor house, to save Pen’s neck. Betrayed by the one man he thought he could trust, Pen never wants to see his lover again. But when the killer comes after him, Pen must find a way to forgive—or he might not live long enough for Mark to make amends

••••••••••

REVIEW: AN UNSUITABLE HEIR is the third and final installment in KJ Charles’ Victorian England, adult SIN OF THE CITIES M/M romance, mystery trilogy. This is private investigator Mark Braglewicz, and trapeze artist and reluctant earl Repentance ‘Pen’ Starling’s story line. AN UNSUITABLE HEIR can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise and plot throughout the series focusing on the search for the heir to the Earl of Moreton’s estate.

NOTE: AN UNSUITABLE HEIR and the SINS OF THE CITIES series contain scenes of M/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty three years earlier, sixteen year old and pregnant Emmeline Godfrey Taillefer’s life fell apart when the man that she married walked away without a backwards glance. Fast forward and the son to whom she gave birth is said to be the legitimate heir to the Earl of Moreton-a position coveted by more than one surviving relation.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Pen and Mark) AN UNSUITABLE HEIR focuses on the search for the truth as a group of friends endeavors to find the missing heir to the Taillefer fortune and title holder to the Earl of Moreton. Mark Braglewicz has been commissioned to locate a young man known a Pen Starling-one half of the Flying Starling trapeze artists, and the man who is quite possibly the missing heir to the Moreton estates. Enter Repentance Taillefer aka Pen Starling, a man whose lifestyle will never be conducive as the Earl of Moreton, and the man with whom Mark Braglewicz will fall in love. With a killer on the loose, searching for the missing Taillefer twins, Mark struggles to convince Pen and his sister Greta (Regret) that Pen’s life hangs in the balance as a killer sets his sights on the Moreton heir.

Pen Starling is an anomaly – a bi-gendered man living in Victoria England; a flamboyant trapeze artist whose ‘professional persona’ crosses over into his daily life including an attraction to men that must be hidden in light of the times. Pen’s ‘gender fluidity’ is expressed by the way he presents himself as a girl or a boy (woman or man) depending upon his current state of mind or emotions. Mark Braglewicz, a private investigator is a bisexual man (with a missing left arm) whose captivation with Pen is palpable and intense.

The relationship between Pen and Mark is one of mutual fascination; a forbidden romance between two men who must remain closeted at a time when homosexuality is criminal and a sin. Mark’s ongoing need to convince Pen to acknowledge his rightful title builds a wall between our leading couple, a wall that will harden the heart of Pen Starling as betrayal and lies force Pen to face the truth about the man with whom he is falling in love. Pen is a reluctant heir knowing his personal lifestyle will become fodder for the people in charge-his fears are legitimate and painful. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to focus on the hunt for a killer; the search for the missing Moreton heirs; and the developing friendships and relationships between a group of gay men in Victorian England. All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. Once again, the tone of the story is not conducive to the era or the time-I was expecting a tighter interpretation of the language e.g. euphemisms, slang, sentence structure, and because of this, the story line reads more modern than historic (see my review of books one and two). The premise is entertaining and enlightening; the characters are colorful but flawed; the romance is seductive and intense.

I would like to add that political correctness did not exist in Victorian England, and to apply modern standards to an historical romance novel would alter the perceptive believability of the era. Some readers may take offense to the ‘presentation’ of Pen’s sexuality or Mark’s physical disability but for readers to apply contemporary criteria, standards, measurements or guidelines to this series and story line would be a grievous error that should be avoided.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
An Unseen Attraction
An Unnatural Vice
The Unsuitable Heir

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Damned (Magnus Blackwell #1) by Alexandrea Weis: Review, Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

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DAMNED (Magnus Blackwell #1) by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

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DAMNED
Magnus Blackwell #1
by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: adult, paranormal,

Damned

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Over a hundred years after the death of Magnus Blackwell, Altmover Manor sits abandoned.

Lexie Arden and her fiancé, Will Bennett, are determined to rescue the neglected Mount Desert Island landmark. They want to make Altmover Manor their home. But Magnus has other plans.

A spirit bound to his former residence, Magnus finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young woman. She has a supernatural gift; a gift Magnus wants to exploit.

As Lexie and Will settle in, secrets from Magnus’s past begin to surface. Compelled to learn all she can about the former owner, Lexie becomes immersed in a world of voodoo, curses, and the whereabouts of a mysterious dragon cane.

Magnus’s crimes won’t be so easily forgotten, and what Lexie unearths is going to change the future … for everyone.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DAMNED by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor is the continuing story of Magnus Blackwell, a Victorian era gentleman whose spirit has been cursed to his beloved Altmover Manor in Maine. The new owners, Lexie Arden and her fiancé Will Bennett are determined to renovate Altmover Manor to its’ original glory but the building’s fabled history of hauntings and ghosts becomes the focus of our heroine when two spirits from the past battle for Lexie’s attention and help. Enter Magnus Blackwell, the former owner of Altmover Manor, and the ghost who will mentor our heroine through a world of the supernatural, voodoo priestesses and curses, magic, murder, power and revenge.

NOTE: Although listed as book one in the series, DAMNED is technically book two. For background and history about Magnus Blackwell pick up a copy of BLACKWELL (Magnus Blackwell .5) before venturing into the territory of the DAMNED.

DAMNED is a story of the paranormal; an intriguing thriller where the ghost of Magnus Blackwell is caught between the past and present; cursed to serve time for the sins of the past. Lexie Arden has the ability to see and speak with the spirits but there is more to our heroine than a reluctant medium-she’s a woman whose growing powers are seen as a threat to those in charge. From Boston to New Orleans Lexie, along with her ghostly companion, will go in search of a mysterious dragon cane that will change our heroine’s life forever.

Fans of Alexandrea Weis will recognize the author’s love of New Orleans, ghosts and the power of voodoo from many of her previous story lines including the Corde Noire Series, The Ghosts of Rue Domaine, and The Satyr’s Curse Series. DAMNED will explore the cult religion of voodoo-the power, the magic, the belief system and the rituals-all meant to pull the reader into a fantasy tale of ghosts caught in the ether between the ’then and now’, and the one woman whose gift of talking to the spirits is only the beginning of a magical journey. The world building is phenomenal; the sights and sounds of New Orleans are palpable; the mystery of the restless spirits continues to unfold.

Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor’s DAMNED is a fantastic journey; a well –written, dark and spirited story that will captivate the imagination with its’ passionate characters and vivid imagery.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of BLACKWELL

BLACKWELL purchase links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Damned Teaser

 

Excerpt beige

A thin layer of mist covered the foyer floor as the lotus sconces glowed with an eerie light. Lexie wore a formal white gown, woven with lace and gold ribbons. The dress harkened back to a long-ago era. She didn’t recall putting on the outfit or where she had gotten it.
She ran her hands ran over the smooth silk and played with the lace on her sleeves.
“This is weird.”
The grand chandelier came to life, filling the foyer with its bright light. Ethereal music wafted through the house. Lexie swore she recognized the piece—a waltz. The music got louder; embedded in the notes was the distant murmur of conversation and glasses tinkling.
Lexie moved toward the sounds, stopping along the way to admire the home. The dull and drab foyer, once ravaged by time, blossomed before her as if magically restored. The golden wallpaper glistened in the candlelight, and the tears in the material came together as the dusty hardwood floors took on a dazzling shine. The chandelier appeared new, its chain covered with red velvet rope.
She made her way to the staircase where the red dragon’s eyes at the base of the banister glowed. Her fingers caressed the colored glass, and she raised her head to the massive chandelier. The light fixture swayed.
Terrified, Lexie took off running down the hallway. Her flight halted as long, flowing, multi-colored gowns, intermingled with black tuxedos with long tails, sprung up around her. Couples caught up in the frenzy of the waltz kept time with the music, but these dancers had no hands and no heads. They were nothing more than costumes inhabited by ghosts.
“They’ve outdone themselves. Quite an event,” a haughty man’s voice came from the flurry of twirling clothes.
“Have you seen Katherine’s dress?” a woman twittered. “He imported it from Paris for their anniversary.”
Lexie carefully maneuvered through the swirling apparel, anxious not to disturb them.
“I never thought they’d last the year,” another man said. “They’re so ill-suited.”
“Well, I’ve discovered the most scandalous things about Magnus Blackwell and the lurid things he likes to do with women,” a woman remarked. “Do you think they’re true?”
Eager to get away from the creepy dancing garments, Lexie ducked into the closest room. She slid inside a set of shiny double oak doors and closed them behind her. Resting her pounding head against the wood, she relaxed.
“This is a bad dream. Nothing more.”
When she turned from the doors, Lexie had somehow arrived in the living room. But unlike before, the room had rich furniture, the polished paneling gleamed, and an oriental carpet with a green dragon graced the center of the parquet floor.
By the entrance, she toed the same spot where she’d found the deep gouge, but it wasn’t there.
The bloom of a roaring fire in the hearth commanded her attention, drawing her gaze to Magnus Blackwell’s portrait. Lexie stared at the painting. Something changed with the colors. They morphed and moved as if taking on a shape.
A voice emanated from inside the painting; a man’s voice.
“I’ve been waiting for you, dear girl.”

About The Author beigealexandrea-weis1

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity.

Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans .

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Bad Reputation (Bad Boys of Sports #1) by Nicole Edwards-a review

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BAD REPUTATION (Bad Boys of Sports #1) by Nicole Edwards-a review

Bad Reputation

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Meet the most wanted players in sports . . . one ridiculously hot alpha male at a time.

Chase: With a nickname like “Sin,” it’s no wonder they call me the bad boy of hockey. Opponents curse me. Fans scream my name—in the arena and in other, much more private places. Penalties or not, I’m not afraid to dish out a little pain. But pleasure? That’s my weakness. And no one knows it better than my best friend, Cassie Desrosiers. I’d have to be blind not to notice her rocking body and teasing grin. So when she invites me along on a trip to Vegas, my curiosity isn’t the only thing that’s aroused.

Cassie: Chase Barrett is a world-class A-hole. As his best friend, I’m allowed to call him on his BS. Who else is going to do it? Certainly not the puck bunnies swooning at every flex of his biceps. Everyone knows that Chase is the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. There’s no such thing as commitment for the king of casual hookups. So why should I care? Maybe because all work and no play makes me a sexually frustrated girl. It’s time to put the hockey stud at my beck and call to good use . . . but after a week in Vegas with Chase, I might never want to go back to the real world.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BAD REPUTATION is the first installment in Nicole Edwards’ contemporary, adult BAD BOYS OF SPORTS erotic, romance series. This is twenty seven year old, professional hockey player Chase Barrett, and twenty eight year old, IT Vice President Cassie Desrosiers’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chase and Cassie) BAD REPUTATION follows the friends to lover’s relationship between the Texas Tornadoes bad boy Chase Barrett, and the vice president of app development for a well-known corporation that specializes in mobile devices and computers Cassie Desrosier. College best friends Cassie and Chase have been in denial about their mutual attraction to one another but an IT convention in Vegas, for Cassie’s company, finds our couple facing the fall out of what happened, and the repercussions to Cassie’s professional life. Cassie is scheduled to be the keynote speaker, and our heroine isn’t prepared for the fight of her life. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Cassie and Chase, and the ramifications when their weekend in Vegas comes to light.

Cassie and Chase refuse to admit their attraction to one another; their growing need and desire that is equally matched by the fear of losing their best friend if stepping over the line means an awkward relationship back home. Workaholic Cassie believes her best friend to be a bit of a manwhore but his reputation is more of a side-affect of the life of a professional hockey player. Cassie is one of the youngest and fastest moving vice president’s within the company, and with it comes the responsibility and qualifications of the position but our heroine’s reputation will be tarnished by a weekend in Vegas that she clearly does not remember.

The relationship, as previously mentioned, is friends to lover’s that struggles with too many denials from both of our leading characters. Apparently Cassie and Chase are the only people not aware of the palpable sexual energy that draws one to the other but acting on their attraction could me the end to a life-long friendship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense-Chase likes to talk dirty in the bedroom, up against the wall, on the coach….

We are introduced to Cassie’s best friend and her administrative assistant Natalie Waters, and their boss Tom Bradburn; several of Chase’s teammates including his friend Mark ‘Marky Mark’ Marcom, as well as Chase’s two fathers Robert aka Chief, and Frank.

The story line is a little slow to build as the author’s character building shows the obliviousness of our couple’s attraction to one another. I also struggled with the believability of some of the events in Vegas-someone, anyone should have been able to contact our story line heroine including hotel maintenance with access to a key. Cassie is a little uptight when it comes to…well… everything in her life including Chase Barrett; and Chase is actually a stand-up kinda guy who has fallen for his best friend.

BAD REPUTATION is a predictable story line but a story line of friendship, love and a happily ever after. The premise is entertaining and enjoyable (although the couple’s ongoing inability to admit their growing love and attraction to one another was a bit annoying); the romance is fated and seductive. BAD REPUTATION is a fun and sexy read if you can get past the obliviousness and unawareness of the entire situation.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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