Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2017

Rugged Texas Cowboy (Cowboys and Captives 1-2) by Lora Leigh-a review

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Rugged Texas Cowboy (Cowboys and Captives 1-2) by Lora Leigh-a review

Rugged Texas Cowboy

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RELEASE DATE: December 5, 2017

COWBOY AND THE CAPTIVE
Melina is one of two gorgeous twin daughters, the clever and considerate one who always spared her parents the humiliation of what her sister Maria had wrought. But now, Melina is finally ready to stand up for herself and seize control of her life—until she is kidnapped by a cowboy, named Jardin, who is dead-set on settling the score with her family. There’s only one catch: In capturing Melina, this tough, rough, hunk of a man has actually found a way to unleash her greatest fantasies, body and soul. . .

COWBOY AND THE THIEF
Beautiful, spirited Angel Manning has always longed to experience the power of her ancestors’ most precious heirloom. Her mother once told her that the legendary Irish torque would lead Angel to the one man worthy of possessing her heart. But when Angel learns that her father, now a widower, has sold the torque to the notorious two-timer Jack Riley, she is furious. Of course she plans to take back what is rightfully hers, by whatever means necessary. But the fate of the ancient Druids works in mysterious ways. . .Could it be that this slick, smooth-talking cowboy was destined to satisfy Angel’s deepest desires all along?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Not proud to admit this, so the past few months I have been on a Lora Leigh sabbatical. Life gets busy and such. After reading Rugged Texas Cowboy, one thought I have is, “What the heck was I thinking taking a break from Lora Leigh?!” I absolutely adored reading this book.

So much to enjoy about this book, where do I even begin? Guess I will start with the interesting concepts Lora beautifully wove into her books to bring her couples together. In the first story, you get the evil and good twin concept. When evil twin Maria goes too far, Brother Joe takes matters into his own hands deliberately leaving good twin Melina in his friend’s ranch to protect her on pretense she is the evil twin for his friend to straighten up. So while Luc is bent on revenge against Maria for a past incident, he is internally warring with himself why “Maria” is different than 2 years ago. Reading the power struggles between Luc and Melina was beyond amusing. Luc intent on teaching “Maria” a lesson not knowing he has the wrong sister. Melina’s constant pleas to prove her innocence Luc has her confused for her twin. Eventually Luc does figure things out. Cherry on top was good triumphing over evil or in other words, good twin wins over evil twin.

The second story had the interesting concept of a family heirloom legend in a torque that holds a special power. Story is the torque is passed down from mother to daughter in which the torque has the power to bestow love and happiness pretty much a good long marriage with the man the torque leads the daughter to. In the beginning of the story, Angel is so cold and aloof that one would find it hard to believe that she is holding on to the hope of the torque leading her to the man she is destined to spend forever with. I have to admit I did feel for Angel. To hope and hold on to the promise of something you really want but to also at the same time lose hope it’s going to come true. Little did I know Jack was the same way about finding love but coped with it differently by becoming a playboy.

Let’s be honest but sometimes you just want some erotica, kinky, raunchy sexy fun call it whatever you want sexy type of fun. Kinky, raunchy fun is Lora Leigh’s style and did not fail to deliver. Yes we get anal and bdsm that is tastefully written. While the love scenes were immensely enjoyable, I really appreciated that the depth of feelings was not sacrificed. What was beyond amusing in both couples was in the internal struggles how the other person was getting under their skin and into their hearts.

This is the fourth series of Lora Leigh’s that I’ve read and I have to say she is a firm favorite author to me. This book only confirmed that I will continue to read and enjoy her books for a good long time. Good triumphing over evil, good twin vs. evil twin, jewelry with magical powers, and so much more to love. While I can understand some reservations about not reading literotica, why not give it a chance and why not start with a Lora Leigh book. You get wonderful play on fantasies and yes the story and character development is not sacrificed. Highly recommending this book.

Reviewed by Xtina

Copy supplied for review by the publisher

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Once Upon a Christmas Eve (Maiden Lane 12.6) by Elizabeth Hoyt-Review & Giveaway Tour

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ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE (Maiden Lane 12.6) by Elizabeth Hoyt-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

ONCE UPON A Christmas Eve
Maiden Lane 12.6
by Elizabeth Hoyt
Release Date: December 5, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

Once Upon A Christmas Eve

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date December 5, 2017

Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday—and Adam loves his grandmother, so he’ll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they’re forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he’s ever met.

Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she’ll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it’s the one gift this mismatched pair can’t wait to unwrap.

••••••••••

REVIEW: ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE by Elizabeth Hoyt follows Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Argue, and renowned rogue as he embarks on a seduction of Sarah St. John during the Christmas holidays. ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Adam and Sarah) ONCE UPON A CHIRSTMAS EVE finds Adam Rutledge and his grandmother accepting the hospitality of Godric St. John following the break down of their carriage as they embarked towards a Christmas celebration with family, out of town. Enter Sarah St. John, Godric’s half-sister and the woman with whom Adam will fall in love. What ensues are Adam’s attempts to prove to Sarah that his prior reputation as a rake is now in the past, and all of his attentions are sighted upon our story line heroine.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS EVE is a quick read; a novella length historical romance set in the days prior to the Christmas celebrations as one woman struggles with her attraction to a man whose reputation repulses but attracts the curiosity. The premise is impassioned, light-hearted and spirited; the characters are colorful and engaging; the romance is a case of insta-lust/love between two people confident in themselves yet looking for something more.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

OnceUponXmas-Quote

About the Author

Follow: Twitter / Website/ Facebook / Bookbub / Amazon

Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing “mesmerizing.” She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt

Giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the publisher.

There are FIFTEEN (15) ebooks available to be won

 

Forever romance

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The Wicked Vampire (Last True Vampire #6) by Kate Baxter-a review

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THE WICKED VAMPIRE ( Last True Vampire #6) by Kate Baxter- review

The Wicked Vampire

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About the book: Release Date December 5, 2017

He was one of the most feared creatures in the supernatural world, and yet, she was drawn to him unlike any other. His scent ignited her thirst. The sight of him drove her mad with want…

Lovers forever–or enemies to the death?

Sasha Ivanov was born to be wild. A vampire party girl, she stalks the L.A. clubs at night. Dancing. Drinking. Indulging her darkest appetites. Never sated, she’s always looking for more: more danger, more excitement, more blood. But when she enters a supernatural fight club–and is tethered to her mortal enemy–Sasha realizes she’s playing the most dangerous game of all…

Ewan Brun was born to kill vampires. A powerful berserker and unbeaten champion, he doesn’t need a weapon to be deadly. He is the weapon. But when his soul becomes captive to the most beautiful vampire he’s ever seen, he is all but powerless. He cannot resist Sasha–and cannot fight his desires. Is their love strong enough to defeat the gathering forces of darkness that threatens to destroy them both?

••••••

REVIEW: THE WICKED VAMPIRE is the sixth instalment in Kate Baxter’s contemporary, adult LAST TRUE VAMPIRE erotic, paranormal romance series. This is vampire Sasha Ivanov, and berserker Ewan Brun’s story line. THE WICKED VAMPIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout the series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Six hundred years earlier the Sortiari and the Beserkers had all but wiped out the vampire race from existence as retribution for the vampires killing most of the Beserkers female population. The Beserkers became the mindless killers, enslaved by the Sortiari, and are now seeking retribution for sins of the past.

Told from several third person perspectives including Sasha and Ewan THE WICKED VAMPIRE follows the building but forbidden relationship between newly turned vampire Sasha Ivanov, and berserker/underground fighter Ewan Brun. For hundreds of years the berserkers have been at war with the vampires-mortal enemies who have all but wiped one another off the face of the earth-only to come face to face with the unlikeliest of matings between a vampire and a berserker.

Sasha Ivanov knows that Ewan Brun is her mate when the male ‘tethered’ our heroine, returning her soul but the berserker species has been without females for hundreds of years, and the likelihood of Ewan recognizing his mate is a very low probability. As the relationship between our couple begins to build, threats against our heroine find Ewan willing to give up his life to save the woman with whom he is falling in love.

THE WICKED VAMPIRE follows several paths including the ongoing struggle of the berserker warlord Ian Gregor and his need for retribution and revenge, and his imprisonment of Rin, the mage. The Demon nation intends to control the berserker population by destroying our hero, one slice at a time.

The relationship between Ewan and Sasha is fated by DNA and blood but Ewan is unaware of the reasons why he is sexually and emotionally attracted to our story line heroine. Alpha and over-protective Ewan intends to keeps Sasha away from other males or outside threats to their growing relationship. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Sasha’s cover leader Saeed Almasi and his mate Cerys Bain; fellow vampires Diego and Bria; werewolf Lucas; Ewan’s cousin Drew self-proclaimed kind of the berserker clan Ian Gregor, as well as his cousin and second in command Gavin.

THE WICKED VAMPIRE is a fast paced, spirited story line; an imaginative tale about mortal enemies pushed together by fate and love; about the tragedy of betrayal and hundreds of years of retribution and revenge. The premise is energetic; the romance is emotional; the characters are passionate and hurting.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Stripped Bear
The Last True Vampire
The Warrior Vampire
The Dark Vampire
The Untamed Vampire
The Lost Vampire
The Wicked Vampire

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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No Other Duke Will Do (Windham Brides #3) by Grace Burrowes-a review

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No Other Duke Will Do (Windham Brides #3) by Grace Burrowes-A Review

No Other Duke Will Do

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Julian St. David, Duke of Haverford, is barely keeping his head above water in a sea of inherited debts. Though he has a long-term plan to restore the family finances, his sister has a much faster solution: host a house party for London’s single young ladies and find Julian a wealthy bride.

Elizabeth Windham has no interest in marriage, but a recent scandal has forced her hand. As much as she’d rather be reading Shakespeare than husband-hunting, she has to admit she’s impressed by Julian’s protective instincts, broad shoulders, and, of course, his vast library.

As the two spend more time together, their attraction is overwhelming, unexpected… and absolutely impossible. With meddling siblings, the threat of financial ruin, and gossips lurking behind every potted palm, will they find true love or true disaster?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOOT WOOT! Grace Burrowes has a new release! My all time fave historical romance author once again delivered in the best way she knows how! She is like curling up with friends you have had for a long time and once again you are reacquainting with them .. catching up with them. BLISSFUL! 🙂

No Other Duke Will Do by Grace Burrowes is the third book of her “Windham Brides” series. A historical regency romance, you will be taken back to a time when ladies were proper and men were manly, living by codes of honor. Except, sometimes all of that is just fluff and a deeper story takes place.

Elizabeth Windham is the oldest sister and the one not yet married. Having just completed another season, Elizabeth is close to what is considered spinsterhood although that doesn’t really to bother her either. She is a dreamer of sorts having often escaped to her books for some passion and adventure but not to the point where she is ignorant of reality. Quite the opposite really. She has no interest in marrying and truthfully she doesn’t need to. Now that she has gotten her sister’s married off, it’s natural for her family to turn their attention towards getting her married off, and it’s the one last house party she must attend, that just may the mind changer.

Julian St David is the Duke of Haverford, and while he has the title he also has the responsibility that comes with it. It’s not an easy task seeing as he was left a mountain of debt, hardly any means to pay it off and many people dependant on him. The last thing he needs is a wife at this moment. But with the title of Duke comes the responsibility of producing an heir, so Julian’s sister invites many ladies to a house party in the hopes that Julian will find the one.

Seeing as both Elizabeth and Julian are book lovers and the library that Julian’s family owns is quite extensive (and a reason for some of the debt), it’s natural that this provides a platform for the two of them to commence a relationship. While both make it clear that the other is not interested in any romance, the friendship builds and the attraction connects them. Before they know it, they are ready to break the rules for some companionship, and perhaps once and for all decide that marriage may not be the worst thing either of them have ever faced. Of course there is a villain in the wings making it very hard for all!

Very simplistic in my description of the story here, but I believe Grace’s books are to be absorbed and experienced without anything spoiling them for the reader. You will find a mature story that has a slow burn. The passion is there but I found I sat back and sighed at the pleasure of two people really getting to know the other. They are so very well suited. What can I say, I am a sucker for a friendship to lovers kind of story! I also adore the bluntness that comes with these characters and as always, Grace offers secondary characters to fall in love with and hope for a future story.

Just so you know this is also a series branched off another of her series BUT it can be read as a stand alone. If you appreciate revisiting old friends in your books then by all means please pick up Grace’s previous books. The Windham family is like no other and you will find just about every character type possible in her books at one time or another.

Thank you for returning to me old friends Grace Burrowes, you never disappoint!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Trouble with Dukes
Too Scot to Handle
No Other Duke Will Do

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

About The Author Black and Red

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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Raw Rhythm (Found in Oblivion #6) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott

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RAW RHYTHM (Found in Oblivion #6) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Raw Rhythm

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2017

Saving her was his addiction.

When Warning Sign drummer Malachi Shawcross first saved Elle Crandall, he put her in a box in his head—do not touch. Not that she remembered him anyway. Then he joined her band, and he got to spend every night behind the kit watching her shred on her guitar.

Hating himself for wanting her.

But that was before the night the band he’d never wanted to join became his family. The night he had to make a choice to save someone, and someone else was lost.

Of course he saved Elle. He’d do it every damn time.

Though she’s filled with guilt, Elle survived—with scars. With her reason to stay clean gone, even temporarily, she’s tempted to be bad.

Oh so bad.

Until Mal’s unexpected help as she recovers turns into something else entirely. She never expected him to offer her another kind of addiction, one just as dark and dangerous as the chemicals she craves.

Him.

But with the band under siege from a threat from the past, Mal is no longer fighting to keep from falling for the one woman he shouldn’t.

He’s fighting to keep her alive.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: RAW RHYTHM is the sixth instalment in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult FOUND IN OBLIVION erotic, rock star romance series focusing on the rock band WARNING SIGN. This is Warning Sign’s drummer Malachi ‘Mal’ Shawcross, and guitarist Richelle ‘Elle’ aka Ricki Crandall’s story line. The FOUND IN OBLIVION series is a spin off from Quinn and Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION series. Several characters from LIO cross over including Nick Crandall, band manager Lila Shawcross and Ripper Records owner Donovan Lewis. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand the events of RAW RHYTHM although some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of earlier events in the original series. RAW RHYTHM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. Mal is the brother of Michael Shawcross (Bedded Bliss / Found In Oblivion #1), and step-son to band manager Lila Shawcross; Elle is the twin sister of Nick Crandall (Owned / Lost in Oblivion #5).

NOTE: If you have not read book five –PERFECT PITCH-there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from several third person perspectives including Mal and Elle, RAW RHYTHM picks up immediately after the events of book five PERFECT PITCH in which an accident tore apart the rock band Warning Sign leaving our heroine struggling for her life, and grieving the loss of a close-member of their music family and crew. For three years, Malachi Shawcross has been both protector and foil to Warning Sign guitarist Richelle ‘Elle’ Crandall, a former drug addict whose rock and roll lifestyle was spiralling out of control. A deadly on-stage accident finds our heroine struggling to move forward as grief and survivor’s guilt weigh heavily on her fragile shoulders. Enter Mal Shawcross, adversary and enemy, and the man with whom Elle would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Mal and Elle as Mal helps our heroine through acceptance and recovery, and the potential fall out as the past comes seeking revenge against the people he believes have done him harm.

Throughout the series Mal and Elle have battled their apparent attraction and hatred towards one another as Mal continues to watch from the sidelines as the woman with whom he had fallen in love slowly destroyed what was left of her life. Elle struggled to remain clean but the rock and roll lifestyle fed the addiction that was to become the devil inside. But the accident brought everything into perspective including our couple’s sexual attraction and desire for one another. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate, seductive and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the members and their spouses of the rock bands Oblivion and Warning Sign; employees of Ripper Records; and Lila’s parents aka Grandma and Grandpa Ronson; and Elle’s friend Teagan.

RAW RHYTHM is the second to last instalment in the authors’ FOUND IN OBLIVION series. The romances are provocative and emotional; the characters are heartbreaking and real; the story lines are powerful and inspiring. RAW RHYTHM is a story of two people fated by circumstance pulled together by mutual grief and loss; battling the demons that all but destroyed their lives. The premise is riveting; the characters are animated; the romance is edgy and hot.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bedded Bliss
Triple Trouble
Dirty Duet
Lost Lyric
Perfect Pitch
Raw Rhythm

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Villain (Hero 1.5) by Samantha Young-Review & Excerpt Tour

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VILLAIN (Hero #1.5) by Samantha Young-Review and Excerpt Tour

Villain Banner

VILLAIN
Hero 1.5
by Samantha Young
Release Date: December 5, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Villain

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About the book: Release Date December 5, 2017

Nadia Ray is not just a broadcast meteorologist. She’s Boston’s morning television It Girl. Successful and independent, she’s put a past she’s ashamed of behind her and is forging a future she can be proud of. However, when her new boss discovers her secret he blackmails her, intent on using Nadia’s popularity to make them the number one morning show in Massachusetts. He wants her to be part of uncovering the city’s biggest scandal – a secret billionaire Caine Carraway is hiding.

Soon Nadia is thrown into the path of Caine’s best friend: sexy, wealthy bachelor Henry Lexington. But she doesn’t encounter the dashing high society gentleman Henry is purported to be. Instead she’s faced with an insulting and defensive villain who misjudges her at every turn.

When Henry finally realizes the truth, and decides to make amends, Nadia wants nothing to do with him. But she underestimates his determination and charm and soon they find themselves embroiled in an intense, passionate affair.

An affair Nadia knows must come to an end before their feelings grow any deeper and he discovers her secrets.

After all, Henry Lexington isn’t the only one who played the part of a villain once…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: VILLAIN is the second instalment and companion novella in Samantha Young’s contemporary, adult HERO erotic, romance series. This is broadcast meteorologist Nadia Ray, and successful businessman and managing director of his father’s bank Henry Lexington’s story line. VILLAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order as VILLAIN is the companion to book one, and many of the events run parallel to, and cross over with book one HERO.

Told from first person perspective (Nadia Ray) VILLAIN follows the building relationship between weather meteorologist Nadia Ray, and billionaire Henry Lexington. Nadia Ray is hiding in plain sight. The latest ‘It Girl’ on the local morning show, Nadia’s ‘buxom’ body has caught the attention of too many admirers including her boss who has discovered that our heroine has a secret in her past-a secret that will be used against her in a blackmail scheme aimed at uncovering the latest scandal of the rich and famous Caine Carraway. Enter Henry Lexington, Caine’s best friend, and the man with whom Nadia will fall in love. What ensues are Henry’s attempts to stop Nadia from discovering the truth about his best friend Caine, and Henry’s seduction of a reluctant Nadia who is desperate to keep her secrets buried in the past.

Nadia has had to endure too many advances from over zealous admirers who believe the beautiful and voluptuous meteorologist is nothing more than b**bs with hair. Now that her boss know the secret in her past, our heroine struggles between keeping her secrets, or burying the secrets of the infamous billionaire. Henry Lexington doesn’t do relationships; his reputation as a player, and manwhore precedes his introduction to our story line heroine-an introduction that pushes all of Nadia’s boundaries and buttons when Henry threatens to destroy Nadia if she continues on the path of certain discovery.

The relationship between Nadia and Henry is one of immediate attraction that is tempered by Henry’s attitude with regard to his over protective nature towards fellow billionaire and best friend Caine Carraway. Henry knows that he screwed up when he verbally attacked our story line heroine-a screw up Henry intends to right before too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a small ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Caine Carraway and Alexa Holland; Henry’s parents Penelope and Randall Lexington; as well as Nadia’s boss Dick Peters, and the morning show host Barbara.

VILLAIN is an enjoyable and encouraging story line about two people pulled together by circumstance and fate. The premise is spirited and inspiring; the characters are spicy and energetic; the romance is sexy and passionate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
HERO
VILLAIN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

Maybe he really did feel bad for the way he’d treated me.
Yeah, maybe he did.
But did that change anything?
He’d still treated me poorly and who was to say he wouldn’t again?
Just because people felt awful for doing something didn’t mean they wouldn’t repeat the crime.
The real problem was my attraction to him.
I could admit it.
I was attracted to the son of a bitch.
There was something deeply wrong with me that I could be attracted to a man I didn’t even like.
Turned out that lunch with my colleagues was a terrible distraction idea. Because Henry was dining at The Bristol Lounge with none other than Caine Carraway.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else,” I said as we stood in the lobby outside the restaurant. Henry hadn’t spotted us yet.
Barbara frowned. “This is your favorite place. You love the Bristol Burger.”
I did love the Bristol Burger.
And for the first time in weeks, I was hungry.
Dammit.
No man was chasing me away from my goddamn burger.
“You’re right.” I nodded, sounding more assured than I actually felt. “But I’ll walk on your left side.”
My friend eyed me in confusion as I huddled at her side, trying to hide behind her as the host led us up the few stairs onto the main floor of the restaurant and right past Henry and Carraway’s table near the bar area, to a larger table at the back of the restaurant. As far as I could tell, he hadn’t spotted me and there were now pillars between us that I could hide behind.
Relieved, I slid into my chair beside Barbara.
“Drinks?” the waiter asked.
We’d finished giving him our orders when the sight of Henry Lexington walking into view around one of those aforementioned pillars and toward our table made my pulse skitter.
He gave me a soft smile as if we hadn’t been enemies up until twenty-four hours ago. “Miss Ray, what a pleasant surprise.” That soft smile grew into a roguish grin. “Are you stalking me?”
I arched an eyebrow, wondering what the hell kind of game he was playing now. “A burger. I’m stalking a burger.”
“The burgers are very good here.”
“Mr. Lexington,” Barbara said beside me, sounding delighted to see him, and awfully familiar. “What a pleasure to see you.”
“You too, Barbara. And please, I’ve told you before—smart, beautiful women should call me Henry.”
I didn’t know what to do first: be surprised they knew each other or gag at his flirting with her.
“You know each other?”
“I know everyone worth knowing.” He winked at Barbara and she tittered like a schoolgirl.
Dear God.
And then I was the focus of his attention. He leaned against Andrew’s chair who was, as always, oblivious to anything but himself. “So this burger … will it put you in a good mood?”
“Excuse me?”
Those blue eyes were too intense, much too intense. “A good enough mood to agree to have lunch with me tomorrow?”
I was going to kill him.
How dare he put me on the spot in front of my colleagues, in front of Barbara! What? Did he think I’d be civil to him because we had an audience? I scowled. “No.”
“Are you seeing someone?” he persisted.
“No, she’s not,” Barbara interjected, giving me an “Are you crazy?” look. “And yes, she’s free for lunch tomorrow. You can pick her up from the station at one.”
“Fantastic.” Henry gave her a grateful, gorgeous smile before turning it on me. “See you tomorrow.”
He was gone before I could even get past the shock that had sealed my lips.


 

About the Author Black and Green

Samantha YoungSamantha Young is the New York Times,  USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows.  Every Little Thing, the second book in her new Hart’s Boardwalk series, will be published by Berkley in March 2017. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha’s debut YA contemporary novel The Impossible Vastness of Us was published by Harlequin TEEN in ebook & hardback June 2017. Play On is an adult contemporary romance and the first in a brand new series set in Scotland. Villain is a companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.

 

Samantha has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for On Dublin Street, Best Romance 2014 for Before Jamaica Lane, and Best Romance 2015 for Hero. On Dublin Street, a #1 bestseller in Germany, was the Bronze Award Winner in the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2013, Before Jamaica Lane the Gold Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2014 and Echoes of Scotland Street the Bronze Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2015.

Samantha is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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Undercover Attraction (The O’Malleys #5) by Katee Robert-a review

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UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION (The O’Malleys #5) by Katee Robert-a review

Undercover Attraction

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 28, 2017

Scandal. Wealth. Power. Seduction. Welcome to the world of the O’Malleys.

Ex-cop Charlotte Finch used to think there was a clear line between right and wrong. Then her fellow officers betrayed her, and the world is no longer so black and white. Especially when it’s Aiden O’Malley, one of the most dangerous men in Boston, who offers her a chance for justice. The only catch: she’ll have to pretend to be his fiancée for his plan to work.

Aiden can’t afford to let anyone see the man behind the mask. To run the O’Malley empire, he has to be cool and controlled at all times. But the moment he meets Charlie, they’re playing with fire. Her slightest touch is enough to send him over the edge. At first their “engagement” was a way to eliminate his enemies. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe– even if he has to destroy his own family to do it.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION by Katee Robert is the fifth instalment in the author’s contemporary, adult THE O’MALLEYS erotic, mafia, romantic suspense series focusing on three warring underground families of the Boston’s Irish mob (O’Malleys, Hallorans & Sheridans), the Russian mafia run by the Romanov family, and new contenders for the Boston territory Alethea and Mae Eldridge. This is the head of the O’Malley clan Aiden O’Malley, and former police officer Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Finch’s story line. UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is a continuing theme running throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives including Aiden and Charlie UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION follows the fake engagement /fiancée trope between former police officer Charlotte Finch, and the acting head of the O’Malley family Aiden O’Malley. Charlotte Finch knows pain, and the fall out of coming clean to the people in charge but vengeance against Dimitri Romanov of the Boston Russian mob has our heroine agreeing to play ‘fiancee’ to the alpha leader of the O’Malley clan. While Aiden appears to disregard his family’s advice, our hero struggles to set into motion a plan to take down everyone threatening the people he loves and management of the territory the family controls. What ensues is the building love and relationship between Aiden and Charlie, and the potential fall out when Charlie is taken hostage by the new players in town.

UNERCOVER ATTRACTION follows several paths including the fractured dynamics of a once proud and controlling Boston mafia family. The inter-family pairings finds allegiances changing but love for one another causes rifts in an already crumbling foundation. Aiden’s announcement of a quick engagement threatens the ever-changing O’Malley control but our hero keeps secret the truth behind his hasty involvement with the woman that will soon call to his heart.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including most of the O’Malley clan: Teague and Callista O’Malley (The Marriage Contract #1): James Halloran and Carrigan O’Malley (The Wedding Pact #2); Olivia and Cillian O’Malley (An Indecent Proposal #3) and their long, suffering sister Keira O’Malley who struggles with demons of her own; Russian mobster Dimitri Romanov whose need to seek vengeance against the O’Malley and Halloran clans quickly shifts as the Edridges seek to destroy them all; hired men Mark and Liam Neale; Charlotte’s father FBI agent John Finch; and the return of the O’Malley patriarch Seamus O’Malley and his wife. Keira and Dimitri’s story is next in The Bastard’s Bargain.

UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION is a story of suspense, family, revenge and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive, erotic and intense; the characters are expressive, charismatic and compelling. UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION looks at the tight knit families of the Boston mob, and the power they exert over the people they love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Marriage Contract
The Wedding Pact
An Indecent Proposal
Forbidden Promises
Undercover Attraction

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About the author

Katee RobertsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katee Robert, learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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Pulled Under (Walker Security #2) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review and Excerpt Tour

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PULLED UNDER (Walker Security #2) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review and Excerpt Tour

Pulled Under

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 28, 2017

He is blond, tattooed, and dangerous. She’s as beautiful as she is mysterious and could be his destruction…

Asher wasn’t always a member of the elite Walker Security team, he was a billionaire’s son, who rebelled against his father’s controlling hand, and ended up in New York City’s underground of drugs, rock n roll, and danger. But that is long behind him, and while his tattoos and long blond hair remain, he’s now a chameleon, far more comfortable in a suit and tie than a leather jacket.

Or so he likes to tell himself.

But now Walker Security needs him back inside the underground club scene for a police case they’re working. Women are dying, murdered, and the clock is ticking until another victim is claimed. When Asher is pulled back into this toxic world he meets Sierra, who is as beautiful as she is mysterious. A woman who calls to a darker side of him, long suppressed, unleashing it in what becomes wicked hot passion and obsession. But Sierra has a secret, one that leads her, and Asher, to a dangerous place, and game, with dangerous players, and the game is about life or death.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: PULLED UNDER is the second instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary adult WALKER SECURITY romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Walker Security- a spin off from her Tall, Dark and Deadly series. This is thirty-three year old Walker Security agent and former Navy SEAL Asher Montgomery, and twenty-eight year old Sierra Marks’ story line. PULLED UNDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross over with the mention of characters (Kayden and Ella) from the author’s Careless Whispers series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Asher and Sierra) PULLED UNDER follows the building relationship between Walker Security agent Asher Montgomery, and Sierra Marks- a woman on the run from her past- as past that is desperate to silence our story line heroine. Former Navy SEAL Asher Montgomery is currently working under-cover at a local dive bar, as he and the Walker Security team search for a serial killer that is targeting beautiful brunettes in the New York area. Enter Sierra Marks, a woman down on her luck, a few months shy of her PhD in Forensic Psychology, but a woman that calls to Asher’s heart. What ensues is the growing romance between our leading couple as Walker Security agrees to go to battle against the man searching for our story line heroine.

For nine months Sierra Marks has been on the run struggling to stay one step ahead of the people hoping to destroy her life. A temporary position at a local bar finds our heroine up close and personal with Asher Montgomery, a man who exudes a dark and dangerous vibe but the man with whom Sierra will fall in love. As the Walker Security Team keep an eye on a potential serial killer, they begin to call in favors as Sierra’s past becomes all too familiar.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Kyle and Myla (Deep Under #1), as well as Blake and Royce Walker, and their spouses Kara and Lauren; Walker Security agents Jacob King and Rick Savage; bar owner Terrance; local drug dealer Ju-Ju; and Sierra’s ex husband Devin Marks. Jacob and Jewel’s story line is next in Falling Under.

PULLED UNDER is a story of romance and suspense; of one woman who must relearn to trust, and one man’s battles with demons from his past. The premise is an entertaining and engaging story line that follows several paths- all leading back to our story line heroine. The characters are colorful, charismatic and energetic; the romance is a case of insta-lust but sexy and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Saying that, I did struggle with the anti-climactic feel, and rush to the finish as it pertained to the diverging yet parallel threats against our story line heroine-for all of the build up, the conflicts were over too quickly, with little fanfare, hassle or effort.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one -DEEP UNDER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Pulled Under Teaser

excerpt

“You want more now, and yet you don’t want it enough to make it end. And I already don’t want it to end, Sierra.”
She leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder, emotion that isn’t pleasure radiating off of her and crashing into me. I cup her face and tilt her chin up, my thumb stroking her cheek. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing. Everything. Can you kiss me again already?”
“Where, Sierra?”
“Where?”
“Where do you want me to kiss you? Tell me.”
“Everywhere.” She pushes to her toes, and her lips find mine, looking for an escape, trying to drive her demons away.
I want to demand her answer, make her tell me where she wants my mouth, but I feel her desperation, her need to escape whatever is in her head. And so, I press my lips to hers, I kiss her mouth, drinking her in, and I don’t taste him this time. I taste her. I taste us. I taste need and hunger and passion. “I want you naked,” I say, my hands sliding inside her jeans and panties. “In every possible way, Sierra.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m already there, and it’s terrifying.” She flattens her hand on my chest. “If you turn into an asshole, I swear—”
“You can punish me,” I promise, “and I’m still willing to offer suggestions.”
“If you turn into an asshole after I trusted you,” she says. “I won’t need suggestions, Mr. Ex-Navy SEAL who won’t be able to hide from my wrath.”
Fuck, I’m crazy about this woman. “Good thing I’m not going to turn into an asshole. I want you naked,” I repeat, and this time, I make it happen. I lower myself to one knee and take her jeans and panties with me. My arm wraps her waist and I lift her, dragging her clothing away, and setting her back down. My hands settle on her hips then and I look up at her. She stares down at me, the simmering look in her eyes all about arousal, submission. And I want that from her and not because it’s some sex game, of which I could play and play well.
I press my lips to her belly and just that easily she trembles, and it only makes me want more. Everything is more with her. I drag my mouth lower and lower…

About the Author Black and Green

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Lisa Renee JonesNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is also the author of the bestselling the bestselling DIRTY MONEY and WHITE LIES series. And will be publishing the first book in her Lilah Love suspense series with Amazon Publishing in March 2018.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

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