Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2018

Jilted Brides Series 1-3 by Cheryl Holt-Reviews and Giveaway

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Jilted Brides Series 1-3 by Cheryl Holt-Reviews and Giveaway

The JILTED BRIDE series
by Cheryl Holt
Release Date: September 20, 2018
Genre: adult, historical romance

JILTED BY A CAD

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Josephine Bates only ever wanted to marry and have a home of her own.  At age eighteen, when a handsome suitor swept her off her feet, she believed all her dreams were about to come true.   But he was actually a cad who stole her dowry and jilted her at the altar. Since then, she’s been wary of men and their motives.  She’s accepted the notion that she’ll never escape her dreary, quiet existence, and she’ll most likely live out her days as a spinster…

Peyton Prescott is a ship’s captain in the Royal Navy.  He’s a man of action and adventure, and his years have been filled with danger and excitement.  But his brother has died, so he’s inherited a title and earldom he never sought or wanted. He’s afraid his new position will force him to abandon the thrilling life he loves, and he’s loafing in England, feeling landlocked and desperate to return to the sea.  He’d give anything for a diversion, and when pretty, lonely Josephine crosses his path, he’s fascinated and can’t resist…

But Peyton isn’t looking for a bride, and Josephine could never be interested in a handsome, dashing scoundrel.  Yet as friendship blossoms and passion flares, can love be far behind? 

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: The first book in a new series always has a hard job, if it’s not good enough do you carry on reading the series?

It’s the usual dashing cad and scoundrel falling for the dowdy and let down spinster story, and reading the back I really wasn’t too convinced …..

But the writing is very well done. It’s very descriptive and well thought out. And can be easily read in an afternoon.

Our “spinster of the Parish” Josephine (or Jo to family and friends ) was jilted at the altar, so wants no part in “love” she wants to live a quiet life, but secretly longing for a little adventure and that all elusive “love” she lives with her older half sister, who likes to constantly remind her of her silly mistake.

Our “dashing scoundrel” Peyton is not ready to settle down, he wants to continue his adventures …..
But when his poor brother dies, Peyton has to step into the role of Earl, and he can’t think of a worse fate, he wants to be back on his ship and sail away to find adventure.

So ….. the two characters meet, Josephine is extremely wary, and Peyton just wants to have a little fun.
But the two strike up a friendship, and then the chemistry starts to work its magic.

Will Peyton be cured of his need to leave for new adventures? And will Josephine ever trust a cad and scoundrel with her heart ?

Julie ?

___________

JILTED BY A SCOUNDREL

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CHERYL HOLT continues to delight readers with the thrilling, dramatic second novel in her Jilted Brides trilogy…

Winifred Watson grew up as the only daughter of a decorated war hero. When he died suddenly, she was shocked to learn that he was bankrupt and she lost everything to pay his final debts.  She’d hoped to wed her fiancé—a steady, handsome man who would have guided her through the tumult of her father’s death.  But when her penury was revealed, her fickle betrothed jilted her at the altar. His treacherous conduct pitched her into a downward spiral that she can’t seem to halt…

John Dunn escaped his dreary home by joining the army when he was sixteen.  He loved his years as a soldier and planned to dedicate the remainder of his life to King and country.  But he was swept into a scandal and drummed out of the service. He’s returned to his family’s isolated, dreary castle on the Cornwall coast, but it’s the one spot on the globe he vowed to never visit again.  He’s bitter, raging, and eager for a diversion from his pathetic situation…

When Winifred arrives, demanding shelter and assistance, John isn’t inclined to provide any help.  But she’s pretty, intriguing, and in desperate need of a knight in shining armor. How can he resist?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:So …..

after reading book one in the series I delved into book two ….

The family is loosely connected to the Earl of Benton ( Peyton’s brother) he fathered (another) two children, (they have the same father, but different mothers) and when Winifred (or Winnie as the children like to call her) comes storming in to demand that he not only provide a home for the child, his sister had with the Earl of Benton, she also asks that he take in the child’s half brother and herself (she claims that she is the child’s legal guardian, but when all in fact she is their governess) and when he refuses, Winifred is at a loss at what to do next, their home gone, her job no longer needed, John was their last hope ….

John isn’t happy that he has to come home, he loved the army after joining it at a very young age, he gave him the “family feeling” he didn’t get at home. But after a scandal drums him out of his “beloved” army, John wearily makes his way home, to become the Lord of Dunworthy (an honorary title, not an actual title)

Coming face to face with Winifred annnoys him no end ….. how dare she claim his sister had a child out of wedlock, and to a married man at that !!! And that she wants a home for the children and the rest of the family !!! She has a nerve, but she was a feisty young thing.
But he really can’t afford the young lady and two children to wander around the castle and village …. John has a secret, he’s had to start smuggling to cover the debts his family has left him with.

But he comes to his senses and offers Winnie and the two children a room for the night, but just for tonight, and as soon as the tide is low, he’s getting them off his island.

But circumstances change, and John and Winnie become allies (there are people in the castle that want Winnie gone, and John to be married to the widow of his late brother) their bickering and bantering had me chuckling at times.

So ….. do John and Winnie have a happy ending ? Or will she find out about his smuggling ? And will the other forces come into play and keep them apart ?

Julie ?

_________

JILTED BY A ROGUE

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CHERYL HOLT delivers the delightful, emotional, and stunning conclusion to her Jilted Brides trilogy…

Amelia Boyle has always viewed herself as an extremely modest and moral woman. But after suffering a string of personal catastrophes, she went a bit wild and made several reckless decisions. Her spurt of excess culminated in her becoming engaged to a man she barely knew. When he promptly jilted her at the altar, the cruel act yanked her to her senses. She’s been forced to admit she has frivolous tendencies, and she vows to never let them flare again.

James Hastings loves his life in the army, and he doesn’t plan to ever retire. He’s a confirmed bachelor who spends his days around active, tough men who are proud to serve King and country. He’s not interested in marriage or settling down, and he has no time for women and no patience for flirtation.

But when Amelia stumbles into his dull, boring world, she turns it upside down, and it gradually dawns on him that he might not be able to live without her. Amelia has sworn off romance though and has other plans that don’t include binding herself to a handsome, dashing soldier. Can James convince her that he might be precisely who and what she needs to be happy?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: Amelia is planning a trip to Gibraltar, well planning isn’t exactly the word. Amelia fell for a smooth talking con man ….
And now she needs to get away, and answering a call to become a ladies travel companion seems like an ideal opportunity to escape London and all the gossip her downfall will bring.

We meet Amelia in book one (Jilted by a Cad) and I had hoped she would get a book.

Her rescuer comes in the form of James Hastings (Lord Denby)
He’s a sailor and the brother to the lady she travelled with.
But a rescuer isn’t how she first sees him, he’s half naked and riding on the back of a horse.

He is so rude, and vain, and conceited, he flirts like mad with Amelia, but soon stops when he finds out Amelia travelled with his sister (she told Amelia that James had written to her and told he she was to come to Gibraltar, when in fact, he hadn’t had spoken to his sister in years) so storming to their hotel, he is absolutely fuming.

James doesn’t want to be Lord Denby, he told his family that he didn’t want the title. But as his brother passed away, the title is rightfully his. And his sister told him that he had to come home and look after her. He likes his life in Gibraltar and has no inclination to go home.

The banter and bickering was very much in the same vein as the other two books.
And all the books connect (there is a man that cons all the women out of money and innocence)

They were fun and very light hearted. The romance felt a little stilted.
So if you like your historical romance, then give these books a go.

They don’t really need to be read in order, but I did and felt they read better.

Reviews by Julie  ?

Copies supplied for review

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Cheryl Holt is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon “Top 100” bestselling author of fifty novels. 

She’s also a lawyer and mom, and at age 40, with two babies at home, she started a new career as a commercial fiction writer. She’d hoped to be a suspense novelist, but couldn’t sell any of her manuscripts, so she ended up taking a detour into romance, where she was stunned to discover that she has an incredible knack for writing some of the world’s greatest love stories.

She is considered to be one of the masters of the romance genre, and her emotional, dramatic, and riveting stories of passion and illicit love have captivated fans around the world. She has won or been nominated for many national awards. For many years, she was hailed as “The Queen of Erotic Romance”, and she’s also revered as “The International Queen of Villains.” She is particularly proud to have been named “Best Storyteller of the Year” by the trade magazine Romantic Times BOOK Reviews.

Cheryl lives and writes in Hollywood, California. www.cherylholt.com.

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Dr. Strange Beard by Penny Reid-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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DR. STRANGE BEARD (Winston Brothers #5) by Penny Reid-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

DR. STRANGE BEARD
Winston Brothers #5
by Penny Reid
Release Date: July 30, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2018

Hunches, horse races, and heartbreak

Ten years after Simone Payton broke his heart, all Roscoe Winston wants is a doughnut. He’d also like to forget her entirely, but that’s never going to happen. Roscoe remembers everything—every look, every word, every single unrequited second—and the last thing he needs is another memory of Simone.

Unfortunately, after one chance encounter, Simone keeps popping up everywhere he happens to be . . .

Ten years after Roscoe Winston dropped out of her life, all Simone Payton wants is to exploit him. She’d also like some answers from her former best friend about why he ghosted her, but if she never gets those answers, that’s a-okay. Simone let go of the past a long time ago. Seriously, she has. She totally, totally has. She is definitely not still thinking about Roscoe. Nope. She’s more than happy to forget he exists.

But first, she needs just one teeny-tiny favor . .

••••••••••

REVIEW: DR. STRANGE BEARD is the fifth full-length instalment in Penny Reid’s contemporary, adult WINSTON BROTHERS romance series focusing on the Winston siblings. This is twenty-six year olds, FBI agent Simone Payton, and veterinarian Roscoe Winston’s story line. DR. STRANGE BEARD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Roscoe and Simone) DR. STRANGE BEARD follows the second chance relationship between twenty-six year olds, childhood friends and sweethearts, FBI agent Simone Payton, and veterinarian Roscoe Winston. Ten years earlier, at sixteen years old, after professing his love to the girl that he loved, the youngest Winston sibling Roscoe walked away without explanation leaving a grieving Simone Payton to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Fast forward to present day wherein Simone, now an undercover FBI agent, returns to her hometown of Green Valley, Tennessee as part of a sting operation to take down the local MC believed to be involved in a string of murders and missing men. Enter veterinarian Roscoe Winston, the man who destroyed her heart, and the man with whom she is still in love. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Roscoe and Simone, and the potential fall-out as the sting operation comes to a head placing our story line couple in the direct line of fire.

For close to five years, Roscoe Winston has avoided Payton’s bakery owned and operated by Simone’s mother but a chance encounter found Roscoe face to face with his past when he and his father squared off the bakery parking lot, as Simone played interference between the cantankerous duo. Still reeling from the events ten years earlier, Winston is constantly on the run to avoid a confrontation with the woman he loves.

Throughout the story Penny Reid offers up bits of information from the previous story lines including the dysfunctional Winston family dynamics, as well as the on-going history of the local MCs. The Winston siblings are a tight knit group held together by their tormented pasts including their futile relationship with the man they called dad.

The relationship between Simone and Roscoe is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by misunderstanding and miscommunication, and the betrayal of heart break and pain. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the Winston siblings are present and accounted for including the long suffering eldest brother Billy Winston whose own personal life is spiralling out of control. We are re-introduced to Simone’s parents Daisy and Trevor Payton, and her siblings Dani and Poe. The requisite evil has many faces including Roscoe’s father Darrell Winston, and MC member Razor Dennings.

DR. STRANGE BEARD is a well-written, infinitely detailed, and intelligent story line focusing on family, friendships, second chances, murder, betrayal and race. The premise is energetic and animated; the characters are colorful and spirited; the romance is dramatic and edgy. DR. STRANGE BEARD is a suspenseful, impassioned and palpable tale about the destructive nature of secrets, lies, power and greed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“Why are you here?”
Simone twisted toward me, resting the side of her head against the back window of the truck’s cab. “Are you asking me why am I in Green Valley? Or are you asking me why I’m here, now, in Hawk’s Field? Because we already covered the latter and, honestly, I don’t want to discuss the former.”
I lifted an eyebrow at her slippery response. “No. We did not cover the latter.”
It seemed to me like she didn’t wish to discuss anything of substance except how much she hated the idea of falling in love.
“Yes, we did cover it.” Her eyes were on my raised eyebrow and her lips pressed together, like she was combating a grin.
“No. We didn’t. I asked, ‘What are you doing out here, Simone?’ And you said—” I paused here to lift my voice and imitate hers, Yankee accent and all, “‘Oh, well, you know. Shelly and Beau mentioned that you like to camp one night a week.’”
“Roscoe.” She laughed, hitting me lightly on the shoulder with the back of her hand. “I do not sound like that.”
I caught her wrist so she couldn’t hit me again, she was a double hitter. “So then I asked, ‘You were looking for me?’ And you said, ‘Yes.’ And then you asked a hundred questions in order to change the subject—”
“I was not trying to change the subject,” she hollered.
The uneasiness and charged atmosphere from moments prior had dissipated, and I breathed in a full breath, rolling my eyes with a great deal of exaggeration. “As I was saying, in order to change the subject and distract me from the fact that you never answered my original question.”
“I’m sorry”—she put on a mask of confusion, the effect mostly ruined by the cute and mischievous smile she was attempting to iron from her features— “what was the original question?”
I wasn’t going to ask again, but I didn’t need to. As she’d alluded earlier, there were other ways to get answers out of her, tried and true methods.
My eyes dropped to her neck. A tick of meaningful silence passed, during which I questioned myself and the wisdom of what I was doing—teasing her, threatening to tickle her, which would necessitate putting my hands on her, disregarding the levelheaded precautions I’d put in place to maintain the essential barrier between us in order to avoid making new memories I couldn’t control—but I actively decided to ignore wisdom and good sense.
Just for a minute.
Just for a moment.
Just to be with her again, like this.
Simone gasped, breaking the silence and yanking her hand away.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
I grinned, my eyes still on her neck, where she was most ticklish.
She covered each side of her throat with her hands, a preemptive defense strategy, but she was giggling.
Lifting my eyebrows, I tilted my head to the side and braced my hands on either side of me, preparing to launch myself if necessary. “Answer the question.”
Now she was laughing again, watching me, as though waiting to see if I did dare.
I pushed myself up and she squealed, her hands bracing against my chest. I easily captured her wrists with one hand, wrapped my other arm around her torso, and brought her back down on the bed. Straddling her thighs and sitting on her knees, I lifted her arms over her head while she focused her defensive efforts on tucking her chin to her chest.
Between gasping laughter, she said, “I should have worn a turtleneck.”
“Poor planning, princess.” I laughed, trying to get my fingers under her chin, and had to work to keep my seat because she was now bucking her hips and trying to bend her knees, proving herself to be stronger than I’d assumed.
No matter. Pulling her arms to the right, I maneuvered her on her side and found the sweet skin at the back of her neck.
Simone bucked again, but this time it was a reflexive response, because I’d found her spot. She shrieked as I tickled her.
“Oh my God, I can’t breathe.”
I stopped. “Answer the question.”
She panted and gasped, shaking her head, and giving me a big, teasing grin. “Never!”
Squinting in suspicion, I studied her twisted form. She wasn’t struggling, her wrists in my hands were slack, her body was both relaxed and clearly bracing for another attack, like she anticipated it, like she wanted it, like she was having a good time and wanted it to last.
Despite the chill, I was getting hot under the collar. My eyes moved over her prone form, traveling from her beaming smile to her neck, the swell of her breasts, the indent of her waist, the generous curve of her backside. The urge to do something—to her, with her, inside her—seized my lungs and nerves and muscles, a blazing flare of carnal want shot down my spine.
Yeah, I’d definitely lost control of this new memory.
Breathing out at the dizzying instinct, I moved completely off her body. I released her wrists—releasing her—as I averted my eyes and backed away to gather my wits. She sat up, reaching for me. I twisted away. The bed of the truck was too crowded, so I turned to jump down. Before I could, she caught me by the arm.
“Hey.” Her grip was tight and she tugged. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head, tossing my thumb over my shoulder. “Just remembered something.”
“Roscoe—”
Pulling my arm from her fingers, I hopped over the edge of the truck and walked toward the tent. I reached the first post, I walked beyond it, my direction aimless.
I suspected it wasn’t like this for most folks, but this sporadically cruel and often inconvenient time travel to my past was all I knew. Therefore, I dealt with it the only way I knew how.
I retreated. 


 

Penny Reid is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Please feel free to drop her a line. She’d be happy to hijack your thoughts! You can find her on her blog or email her: pennreid at gmail dot com

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One print copy of each book from the series!

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A Fierce Wind (Donet Trilogy #3) by Regan Walker -a review

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A Fierce Wind (Donet Trilogy #3) by Regan Walker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 23, 2018

Love in the time of revolution

France 1794

Zoé Ariane Donet was in love with love until she met the young commander of the royalist army fighting the revolutionaries tearing apart France. When the dashing young general is killed, she joins the royalist cause, rescuing émigrés fleeing Robespierre’s Reign of Terror.

One man watches over her: Frederick West, the brother of an English earl, who has known Zoé since she was a precocious ten-year-old child. At sixteen, she promised great beauty, the flower of French womanhood about to bloom. Now, four years later, as the Terror seizes France by the throat, Zoé has become a beautiful temptress Freddie vows to protect with his life.

But English spies don’t live long in Revolutionary France.

•••••••••

REVIEW: A Fierce Wind begins with Zoe Donet attending a rally with her family. She is smitten with a young general, who after the king and queen of France are killed, fights with the royalist army trying to rid France of the revolutionaries who are terrorizing her beloved country. When the general is killed, she vows to avenge his death in the only way she knows how…..joining the royalist cause and rescuing emigrants who are desperately trying to leave France. Putting herself in constant danger to do so does not please everyone, namely, Englishman Frederick West, who just happens to also be the brother-in-law of Zoe’s uncle, Jean Donet.

As the story progresses, Frederick grows uneasy with Zoe putting herself in harm’s way, only to have her uncle tell him that she will do what she wants. Her uncle does continuously send a couple of men with her to guard her when on her ‘missions’. However, it is when West is injured that Zoe starts to see him in a different light. They’ve been friends for a long time, but now, she sees him for what he really is: heroic, handsome and steadfast. Things take a sudden turn for West when England’s Prime Minister gives him orders for information gathering in order to aid the French, and he has to take Zoe with him. They embark on their journey where danger lurks with every step they take, which only adds to the developing feelings they have for each other.

A Fierce Wind is another beautifully written story by Regan Walker. Zoe is a well written character and readers will immediately be pulled in by her story. She is smart, loyal and stubborn, but even more, at least for me, she was a realist. She had no fantasies about the war, nor the ones fighting it. She knew that she could be captured, or killed, every time she went to help those in need. Frederick West was perfect for Zoe. Even though he worried over her, he also realized that, like he, she had to help in ways that she saw fit. The secondary characters are well written and leave you wanting more. As always, Regan Walker does a masterful job with her world building. As you read, you can feel the ocean breezes and hear canons firing and are drawn in from the very beginning. Intertwining actual historical events into her stories only adds to the appeal and has become a trademark for all that she writes. I’ve said it more than once…….I feel a little smarter and more informed after reading one of her books. I know she says this is a trilogy, but I’m hoping for more! Well done, Regan Walker! Very, very well Done!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
To Tame the Wind
Echo in the Wind
A Fierce Wind

Copy supplied for review

Review by Vickie K

Regan Walker is an award-winning, Amazon #1 bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. A lawyer turned full-time writer, she has six times been featured on USA TODAY’s HEA blog and nominated six times for the prestigious RONE award (her novel, The Red Wolf’s Prize won Best Historical Novel for 2015 in the Medieval category). Her novel The Refuge: An Inspirational Novel of Scotland won the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards in 2017. And her novel To Tame the Wind won the International Book Award for Romance Fiction in 2017.

Years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government have given Regan a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown”. Hence her romance novels often involve a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for special assignments. Each of her novels features real history and real historical figures. And, of course, adventure and love.

Author website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104

Regan Walker’s Readers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReganWalkersReaders/

Pinterest (storyboards for my books): https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RegansReview

Regan’s blog, Historical Romance Review: https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/

Amazon link for the Donet Trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B071JPXTT5/

 

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A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift (Holidays in Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

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A FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS GIFT (Holidays in Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 11, 2018

This firefighter has the perfect gift for a single mom and her little girl – if they’ll take him. .

All Bradley Ford wants this holiday season is a date or three with sweet Hanna Lane. He’s the new fire chief, recently returned to Heart Falls to help his father after an accident. And while he wasn’t expecting to find someone like Hanna so soon, Brad’s certain that Hanna—and her adorable daughter, Crissy—are perfect for him and his plans to settle down.

Hanna’s been taking care of herself since she became a single mom at sixteen. The only pure, honest love she trusts is her little girl’s, but for the first time in eight years, her libido flares to life. Something about Brad draws her like a moth to a flame—which is always a bad idea for the moth.

When a fire leaves Hanna and Crissy homeless, Brad offers them shelter at his family’s homestead. Crissy insists they’ve moved in with Santa. Hanna’s not sure how she keeps ending up under the mistletoe with Brad. And Brad? He’s hoping for the best Christmas gift of all.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: A FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS GIFT is the first instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult HOLIDAYS IN HEART FALLS romance series-a companion series to the author’s Heart Falls series. This is firefighter Bradley Ford, and office cleaner Hanna Lane’s story line. A FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS GIFT can be read as a stand alone. You do not have to have read the original series. Some of the characters cross-over for familiarity. Brad and Hanna were first introduced in A Rancher’s Song

Told from dual third person perspectives (Hanna and Bradley) A FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS GIFT follows the slow building romance between firefighter Bradley Ford, and office cleaner Hanna Lane. For months, local fire chief Brad Ford has pined after single mother Hanna Lane. When a fire destroys the building where Hannah was living, Brad offers his family home to Hanna and her daughter. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hanna and Brad with the approach of the Christmas holidays.

Bradley Ford knows Hanna Lane is his happily ever after but Brad is committed to taking it slow with the woman that calls to his heart. Hanna Lane has struggled to raise her daughter, on her own, but the people of Heart Falls are more like family than the people back home.

The relationship between Hanna and Brad is a slow burning attraction. Brad doesn’t want to move too fast, fearing frightening away the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are passionate.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters included Hanna’s eight year old daughter Crissy; Brad’s brother Mark, and their father Patrick, as well as a number of cross-over characters from the original Heart Falls series.

A FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS GIFT is a sweet romance; a heart-warming and passionate Christmas story. The premise is inspiring and delightful: the romance is encouraging and sensual. There are no real conflicts, only the trepidation of love and a possible forever.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Please Me (Stark Ever After 4.2 / 1001 Dark Nights) by J. Kenner-Review & Excerpt Tour

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PLEASE ME (Stark Ever After 4.2/ 1001 Dark Nights) by J. Kenner-Review & Excerpt Tour

PLEASE ME
Stark Ever After 4.2 / 1001 Dark Nights
by J. Kenner
Release Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 28 , 2018

Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.

I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PLEASE ME by J. Kenner is instalment 4.2 in the author’s contemporary, adult STARK EVER AFTER erotic, romance series, and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. PLEASE ME is the on-going story focusing on billionaire businessman Damien Stark, and his wife / app developer Nikki Fairchild.

Told from first person point of view (Nikki) PLEASE ME follows Nikki Fairchild-Stark as she endeavors to come to terms with her husband’s recent change in behavior. Hoping to keep their marriage alive Nikki plans a weekend for two only that will fall victim to a potential scandal that is about to rock their orderly life. What ensues are Nikki’s attempts to uncover the truth, and the fall-out as Damien hides a secret that could destroy the woman he loves.

PLEASE ME is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and power; love and forgiveness. As Damien’s past comes looking for revenge, Nikki struggles with Damien’s lies of omission that are about to spiral out of control.

J. Kenner adds another passionate and compelling addition to Damien and Nikki’s happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

After we tuck Lara back into bed, Damien and I walk in silence to our bedroom. As soon as I close the door behind us, I expect him to speak. But he says nothing. Just sits in the armchair by the window and loosens his tie.
I go to him, then kneel at his feet, my hands on his thighs. “Damien,” I whisper. “Please.”
The corner of his mouth curves up. “Anything, baby. You know that.”
But I don’t know it. Not really. Because I’ve asked him to tell me what’s wrong, and he’s remained silent. But that’s what I need. That’s what will make me whole—getting into his head. Understanding him.
Most of all, helping him.
“Damien,” I whisper as I look into those eyes that have seen all the way into my soul. “Please. Please tell me what’s wrong.”
An infinity passes between us in the space of a breath, then a small, sad smile touches his lips. “Everything is fine, Nikki. I promise.”
Anger boils in me, as hot as wildfire and at least as destructive. I want to scream at him that I know something is off. I want to yell that I can practically smell the secrets. I want to beg him to tell me. Because doesn’t he understand how much his silence hurts?
I say none of that, though. Instead, I press down on his thighs as I lever myself back up.
“Nikki—”
“I need to check on Anne.” My voice is sharp, my words nothing more than an excuse to leave. Because if I stay, I’m going to sink to the ground and beg. But I don’t want to beg. I want him to tell me. To keep his promise that there would be no more secrets between us.

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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Hard Sell (21 Wall Street #2) by Lauren Layne-a review

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HARD SELL (21 Wall Street #2 by Lauren Layne-a review

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

Excerpt Link: http://laurenlaynelibrary.com/hard-sell

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 4, 2018

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

•••••

REVIEW: HARD SELL is the second instalment in Lauren Layne’s contemporary, adult 21 WALL STREET romance series focusing on best friends and Wall Street investors-Ian Bradley, Matt Cannon and Kennedy Dawson who work for Wolfe Investments. This is twenty-eight year old Wall Street broker Matt Cannon, and PR ‘fixer’ Sabrina Cross’ story line. HARD SELL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sabrina and Matt) HARD SELL follows the fake relationship between twenty-eight year old Wall Street broker Matt Cannon, and PR ‘fixer’ Sabrina Cross. At his cousin’s recent Vegas bachelor party, Matt’s behaviour and ultimately his reputation made headlines in the world of Wall Street investors. Precariously straddling the line between employment and not, Matt is desperate to restore his reputation, in order to rein in the billionaire clientele. Enter ‘fixer’ and PR specialist Sabrina Cross, and the woman with whom Matt will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and fake relationship between Matt and Sabrina, and the potential fall-out as Sabrina wants something more, and Matt is unable to give her what she wants.

Matt Cannon doesn’t do love; his parent’s dysfunctional relationship has damaged Matt’s view for a happily ever after. A friends with benefits arrangement with Sabrina, is as close to a relationship that Matt is willing to cross. Sabrina Cross’ childhood was plagued with hardship and neglect a childhood that has burned a hole into our heroine’s heart. When Matt Cannon begs Sabrina to help him clean up his tattered reputation, Sabrina struggles with her growing attraction to a man who isn’t willing to give love a chance.

The love-hate relationship between Sabrina and Matt is contemptuous; their acrimonious back and forth is riddled with insults and accusations so much so the emotional fall-out is painful and wrong. As days turn into weeks, Sabrina begins to develop feelings for the man that calls to her heart as Matt reconsiders what it is he truly wants. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to look at the friendships between Kennedy, Ian and Matt, as well as the ramifications and repercussions of crossing the line where Wall Street is concerned. The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Ian and Lara (Hot Asset), as well as Kennedy Dawson, and PA Kate Henley; Sam and Samantha Wolfe, and billionaire Jarod Lanham.

HARD SELL is a sexy and sassy story line about friendships, family, heart break and love. The premise is spirited and engaging; the characters are dynamic and energetic; the romance is sensual and captivating. HARD SELL is a breath-taking and delightful addition to Lauren’s 21 Wall Street series.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOT ASSET.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Website / Goodreads / / Bookbub / Pinterest / Facebook

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

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Hot As Sin (A Bad Habit Novella) by JT Geissinger-a review

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HOT AS SIN (Bad Habit Novella) by JT Geissinger-a review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date Sept 4, 2018

What do you get when you mix one sultry summer night, one world famous rock band, and one booze-soaked party in the Hollywood Hills?

An evening that’s hot as sin.

On his last day in Los Angeles before leaving for his new job with a high-profile private security firm in New York, Bad Habit’s long-time bodyguard Barney just wants to relax. Too bad the members of the band have other ideas. The bad boys of rock ‘n’ roll might be settling down with wives and children, but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten how to party… hard.

And Barney’s going away celebration turns out to be the party everyone will talk about for years.

••••••••

REVIEW: HOT AS SIN by JT Geissinger focuses on Bad Habit’s head of security, former Special Ops team member and ex-cop Barney as he spends one final night in preparation for his new position with a high profile private security firm in New York. A part of the Bad Habit series, as well as the prequel novella in the author’s spin-off series Dangerous Beauty, HOT AS SIN says farewell to Barney, and introduces some of the potential characters and backdrop for Barney’s move to NYC.

Told from first person point of view (Nasir aka Barney) HOT AS SIN is an erotic, sexy and revealing look at the members of Bad Habit, and their close association and friendship with our leading hero as they say goodbye to their head of security. Unable to move on from his past, Nasir (Barney) struggles with the memories, as well as the omens and signs about moving forward and starting anew. Well-written, vibrant and intriguing HOT AS SIN gives the reader a quick peak into the past, present and potential future for the dark and gritty hero.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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One More Moment (Band on the Run #3) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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ONE MORE MOMENT (Band on the Run #3) by Samantha Chase -Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 4, 2018

Julian Grayson is taking a break
…from his cheating fiancée
…from his band
…from his life in the spotlight
Charlotte Clark is devoted to her work
…to save the world
…to help the homeless
…to get a broken man back on his feet
When Charlotte Clark offers to pay for Julian Grayson’s coffee, the world-famous drummer assumes she wants something from him. But Charlotte has no idea who he is, and Julian can’t resist keeping up the charade—being incognito is a novelty and a relief. He’ll have to tell her…eventually. But as Charlotte cheerfully undertakes to transform his life, Julian realizes there’s something about her that gives him what he hasn’t felt in years: hope.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: ONE MORE MOMENT is the third (and final ?) instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult BAND ON THE RUN romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Shaughnessy. This is the rock band Shaughnessy’s drummer Julian Grayson, and vocational rehabilitation counsellor Charlotte Clark’s story line. ONE MORE MOMENT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for background and cohesion. The BAND ON THE RUN series is a spin-off from the author’s SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Julian and Charlotte) ONE MORE MOMENT focuses on the building relationship between Shaughnessy’s drummer Julian Grayson, and vocational rehabilitation counsellor Charlotte Clark. Three months earlier Julian stood at the altar waiting for his bride to be, a woman who was about to pay the piper for years of infidelity and humiliating our story line hero. Fast forward to present day wherein Julian returns from three months on the road, going everywhere and nowhere, only to return to an empty house in Malibu with nothing to do. A quick trip to a local coffee shop finds Julian coming face to face with his future, a woman who believes Julian to be homeless and down on his luck. Enter social worker /vocational rehabilitation counsellor Charlotte Clark, and the woman with whom Julian will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Charlotte and Julian, and the potential fall-out as Julian begins to revert back to a familiar pattern but a pattern that now includes a permanent time-off from the band that he loves.

Charlotte Clark is a social worker who wants to save everyone including the stranger she meets at her favorite coffee shop, a stranger who calls to Charlotte like a moth to a flame. Charlotte has no idea as to Julian’s true identity although he wasn’t quite forthcoming with his current predicament. Julian Grayson is anything but homeless but is willing to accept Charlotte’s help in order to keep himself busy for the foreseeable future. Helping out at the shelter means ‘paying it forward’ but paying it forward in order to be closer to the woman with whom he is falling in love. As Julian’s mood and emotional drama improve his friends suggest getting the band back together for another tour not realizing Julian has no plans to go back out on the road.

The relationship between Julian and Charlotte is one of immediate attraction but an attraction tempered by Charlotte’s mistaken belief in Julian’s status. When the truth is finally revealed Julian and Charlotte’s slow building romance turns into something more until Charlotte begins to push a little too hard, as Julian is unable to move on from the past. The $ex scenes fade to black and are mostly implied.

All of the previous story line characters and couples play secondary and supporting roles including all of the members of the rock band Shaughnessy. Julian’s band mates are desperate for Julian’s return but Julian’s heart isn’t in it for the long haul.

ONE MORE MOMENT is a story of family, friendship, trust and love. The premise is realistic and heart warming; the romance is passionate and sweet; the characters are broken and energetic. ONE MORE MOMENT is an emotional, inspiring and sensual look at a second chance at love for one man who struggles to trust and love again.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One More Kiss
One More Promise
One More Moment

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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