Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2018

Peyton and Noah (Beaumont: The Next Generation 3.5) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Excerpt Tour

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PEYTON AND NOAH (Beaumont: The Next Generation 3.5) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Excerpt Tour

 

 

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18, 2018

Bells will be ringing. It’s the wedding everyone’s been waiting for and you’re cordially invited to the Christmas wedding.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PEYTON AND NOAH is instalment 3.5 in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult BEAUMONT: THE NEXT GENERATION romance series, a spin-off from the authors Beaumont series. This is the continuing story of Peyton Powell- James and Portland Pioneers’ quarterback Noah Westbury, in the months preceding their Christmas wedding. PEYTON AND NOAH should not be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion

NOTE: Some of the events of PEYTON AND NOAH run parallel to, and crosses over with some of the events in CHASING MY FOREVE-Quinn and Nola’s story line. If you have not read the previous instalments in the series, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Peyton and Noah) PEYTON AND NOAH focuses on the upcoming wedding between journalism graduate Peyton Powell-James to the love of her life quarterback Noah Westbury. It’s the off-season for professional football and Noah is hoping to pin down a date for his upcoming wedding to Peyton James, a date that revolves around the Christmas holidays. Life and everything it has to offer continues to push at our story line couple including the opportunity of a life-time for Peyton that may or may not come with ulterior motives. Second thoughts and questions about the who, how and why find our heroine struggling with a direction in life, including what was and what will never be.

PEYTON AND NOAH is an ensemble story line that brings together most of the James and Westbury families we have come to love. From football games to holiday celebrations, heartbreak and happiness, the members of the rock band West 4225 and their extended family and friends is a force to be reckoned with when one of their own is in pain or hurt.

Heidi McLaughlin pulls the reader into a story line of family and friendship, happiness and hope, love, honor, and happily ever after. A thought-provoking, real and inviting tale where fairy-tales really do come true.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Holding Onto Forever
My Unexpected Love
Chasing My Forever
Peyton and Noah

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

By the time we stop at the third bridal store, or maybe it’s the fourth, could be fifth because I’ve lost count, I realize why couples elope. The stress of having everything right, everything perfect, is almost too much to handle. The words I’ve heard today are it’s too frilly, not enough lace, the back looks odd, you look frumpy, is enough to make me want to throw my hands up and say forget it. Maybe it’s the champagne talking and being unreasonable in my head. With each store, comes a plate of hors d’oeuvres from restaurants looking to land a contract from me, and champagne from the best vineyards, wanting to supply our reception with their bottles. Because of my dad and who I’m marrying, the A-list treatment is real and all I want to do is pick a wedding dress with my mom and sister and decide on bridesmaids’ gowns that don’t look like they belong in an 80’s prom magazine. Most of all, I just want to marry Noah, in front of our family and friends, in a simple ceremony.I’m surrounded by mirrors, and my reflection tells me that I’m tired and have had way too much champagne. I want to eat, gorge myself on carbs and ice cream until my stomach revolts. I want everything unhealthy and not listed on the approved list that my uncle Xander gave me. He means well and is only giving me what I wanted when I asked him to help get me into shape for my wedding.

My body jerks to the left or right, depending on which way the saleswoman is pulling the gown I’m trying on. It’s not my favorite, but my mom fawned over it as soon as she saw it on the hanger. In fact, she’s loved just about every dress she’s picked out, as well as some of Elle’s choices. Each one I show her, brings her to tears. I guess this is a mom thing to do, to cry at the sight of their daughters dressed in wedding gowns. I texted Noah and warned him I plan to be the same way when we have a daughter going through this. He replied, telling me how much he loves the idea that we’re going to have children.

I have yet to find the one. Not man, because I found him many years ago, but dress. In my mind, it exists. It’s out there, sitting on some rack, being passed by, waiting for me to try it on. I know I could have had a bespoke gown, designed, and made to my own specifications, if I were to delay my wedding for a few more months. I’m not sure a dress is worth it. My parents are going to spend hundreds, if not thousands, on a dress that I’ll wear for a few hours, send off to dry-cleaning and have stored in a box. It seems frivolous and a waste of someone’s time.

Elle enters the dressing area and crinkles her nose. She gets it. At least, she pretends to. “Do you like it?”

I stare at her through the mirrors, not answering. I don’t need to. It’s a twin thing, she knows how I’m feeling.

“Mom means well. She’s excited.”

“I can’t wait for it to be your turn,” I tell her. “When will Ben propose?”

Elle shrugs, playing my question off. Her relationship with Ben is similar to the one I share with Noah. Lifelong loves with the difference being Elle didn’t realize she was in love with Ben until it was almost too late. Her stubbornness almost blew her chance at happiness but thankfully Ben was determined to win her love.

“What? Don’t you talk about marriage?”

“Not really,” she says. “We’re both so busy. Ben has a really good job, plus he’s helping me launch my career. We’re both sort of focusing on work right now.”

“You want him to ask you. I can tell.”

Elle waves me off. “The commitment would be nice.”

“So ask him. I would’ve had Noah not. I wasn’t going to let him go.”

The saleswoman makes one final tug before she dismisses me to go see my mom. Elle helps me off the large platform and holds the curtains open for me. Mom stands, covers her mouth, and proudly proclaims this is the best one yet.

“Mom, you say that each time,” Elle points out. “How are we supposed to help Peyton choose?”
Mom wipes at the tears falling. “I can’t help it, I just…” she looks from me to Elle, and then down at the floor. “I’m emotional is all.”

She doesn’t have to finish her sentence. I already know she was going to say something like “never thought she’d see this day.” She’s not the only one to think that. Sometimes, I have nightmares about the wedding, about Noah and I. Me sitting in church, watching him marry someone else. I’m there out of obligation because our families have been friends for forever. In this dream, his bride finds me crying in the bathroom, telling me that everything will be okay. She has no idea who I am or that I’m madly in love with her new husband. She just sees a weeping woman in the restroom who needs comfort. When my dreams do show my wedding to Noah, it’s perfect because it’s him and I standing there, professing our love for one another.
“Peyton, do you like the dress?” My mother asks.

I look down and trace the intricate beadwork. A seamstress or tailor spent a long time putting this together and it will be the right dress for a bride that isn’t me. “It’s pretty, but I think it’s too busy for what I had in mind.”

Mom smiles. “We have a handful of other stores to try.”

“Actually, there’s a vintage shop not far from here. I’d like to look in there.”

 


 

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

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

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

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

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

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Miss Compton’s Christmas Romance by Sophie Barnes-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Miss Compton’s Christmas Romance by Sophie Barnes-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

MISS COMPTON’S CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
by Sophie Barnes
Genre: adult, historical, stand alone, romance
Release Date: December 18, 2018

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /<>center?a href=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1442118819 “>iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18, 2018

Sometimes playing pretend can lead to the perfect romance…

When Miss Leonora Compton decides to go to Sheffield and spend Christmas with her sister, she finds herself travelling with a man she cannot afford to like. But as their journey progresses she enters an unexpected partnership with him and realizes that things aren’t what they seem. Because Mr. Dalton is not only tempting. He may in fact be precisely what she needs.

When Philip believes his travel companion requires protection, he immediately steps in to help by pretending to be her husband. For although the last thing he wants is to form an attachment, Philip is irrevocably drawn to the stunning red-head. And as they become better acquainted and their paths increasingly intertwined, he must decide if risking heartache again is worth the chance of finding true love.

•••••••

REVIEW: Miss Compton’s Christmas Romance is a delightfully told and wonderfully romantic adventure centered around the Christmas season.

Lenora Compton is twenty-four and has given up on trying to find a husband. She’s talked her father into giving her some of her dowry to invest in a shop to help her be independent. She rented a home and used the front part to set up her shop. Just before she was to leave for her sister’s home in Yorkshire for Christmas, a man came to her shop. Mr. Becker was not a pleasant man. He informed her he now owned the building and would be raising the rent to almost double.

She hated leaving, but her friends who worked for her, Kathy and Mildred were staying and urged her to go to her sisters for Christmas and they would take care of the shop. Still fuming in her mind about the horrible Mr. Becker and changes she knew she’d have to make to her business plan, she reluctantly set out.

At the coaching house, she found the carriage she’d be taking and began to take her luggage out to begin her ride. She saw a handsome tall man and recognized the man talking to him as the horrible Mr. Becker. She assumed this stranger would be of the same ilk as Becker. When her tried to help her load her valise she refused. She was strangely attracted to this man, but simply didn’t trust anyone who was friends with Mr. Becker. When she couldn’t manage, he smiled and helped her. He introduced himself as Mr. Dalton (Mr. Philip Dalton).

Okay, that’s the basic setup. There’s much more of course, but you need to read this to get the full and truly entertaining tale. What happens next on the trip is so much fun and truly exciting. How they learn about each other, misunderstandings and just pure attraction is what makes this story so delightful and a great read. Not a lot of unnecessary drama, just a good and exciting story of falling completely in love and how things work out is simply miraculous! Just in time for Christmas!

After the shopping and wrapping treat yourself to a sweet heartwarming romance with all the bells and whistles. Cuddle up with a copy of this great story and enjoy!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

 

 

The Bull and Mouth coaching house was bustling with travelers buying tickets and preparing for departure while others climbed out of newly arrived coaches. Horses neighed and people shouted, pushing and shoving their way past each other, the loud noise occasionally drowned out by the sound of a horn.
Her mother would likely have a fit if she ever found out that her daughter had chosen to travel alone on public transportation. In the past, Leonora had always taken a hired carriage, but that was before she’d become aware of the need to save every penny – back when her parents had paid the expense. In hindsight, she should perhaps have asked one of her parents’ maids to accompany her as chaperone. Except she’d been leading an independent life for the past eight months and had little desire to suffer the constant presence of someone insistent on making her follow a long list of rules.
So Leonora clasped her belongings and wove her way through the crowd on her own. She’d purchased her ticket a week earlier just to be sure she would get one. “Where’s the coach for Sheffield?” she asked a team of hostlers who were in the process of switching out horses.
One of the men pointed toward a coach on the opposite side of the courtyard, and Leonora thanked him before hurrying toward it. Her breath misted in the chill morning air as she stepped around the vehicle and prepared to show the coachman her ticket. But then she spotted him, and her entire body froze in place. Mr. Becker was here, and he was standing next to her coach, which only made Leonora’s heart beat harder. Because if there was one person she did not wish to spend one more second with, it was him. Least of all if they were to be confined to a place from which there could be no escape.
Her chest tightened and she realized then that she was holding her breath. She inhaled sharply, the frigid air rushed down her throat and into her lungs where it started to burn. She hesitated briefly, torn between choosing to face him and walking away. He was speaking with a younger and much taller gentleman with dark brown hair. Mr. Becker smiled, his countenance far more pleasant than when he’d come to call on her earlier. The younger gentleman nodded politely and offered his hand which Mr. Becker promptly shook before tipping his hat, adding a comment, and walking away. The younger man watched him go before turning toward the coachman. The two exchanged a few words, and the younger man pulled out his pocket watch to check on the time.
Leonora stepped forward. Thankfully, it did not seem as though she would have to endure Mr. Becker’s company. Just that of his friend. Determined to ignore him, she walked straight past the spot where he stood, her entire focus on the coachman. Reaching him, she set down her valise and retrieved her ticket from her reticule.
“Thank you, miss,” the coachman said when she handed it to him. He glanced at her luggage. “That will have to go on top of the carriage or in the boot. Which do you prefer?”
“I’ll put it in the boot,” Leonora told him. She picked up her valise and turned, only to find her path blocked by what had to be over six feet of solid masculinity. Leonora looked up and immediately bristled upon realizing not only that the man was Mr. Becker’s friend, but that he, upon further inspection, had eyes that weakened her knees and lips that quickened her pulse. He was, as it were, impossibly handsome, and that was almost more annoying than anything else that had happened that morning.
“May I help you with that?” he inquired.
Oh Lord, his voice was lovely too – like plush velvet sliding over her skin.
Leonora squared her shoulders. “No thank you. I can manage perfectly well on my own.” She stepped around him quickly, before his angular jaw and broad shoulders could cause her to change her mind, and went to the boot. It already contained a trunk and a couple of other valises, which meant she would have to heft her own up and over in order to secure it. She glanced around. Surely there must be some Bull and Mouth employee available to help?
If they were, none came to offer assistance. Leonora blew out a breath and proceeded to lift her valise, bringing her other hand underneath it while her reticule dangled back and forth from her wrist. Feeling the weight in her arms, she steadied herself against the carriage, bracing her body while struggling to push the darn thing toward the top of the boot.
“Are you sure you don’t need help?” the handsomest man in the world inquired.
“Absolutely,” Leonora panted. She was now holding her valise at shoulder level, supporting it against another valise that was in her way. Just a few more inches…
“Have you always been this stubborn?”
“I am not stubborn…just…” Ugh! She managed to wedge her shoulder underneath the valise, but its size and shape made it unstable, and before she could manage to steady herself properly, she felt the entire thing lean to one side. Oh no. She reached up attempting to grab it, but that only quickened the inevitable outcome.
Her valise slipped from her shoulder and started to fall, until it was caught by a pair of large hands.
Like Thor wielding his mighty hammer with seemingly little effort, Mr. Becker’s friend lifted the piece of luggage with infuriating ease and placed it securely in the boot. He stepped back and turned to face her, his toffee-colored eyes catching a ray of rare winter sunshine in the process. The effect was dazzling. More so when the edge of his mouth lifted to form a crooked smile with a perfect dimple placed right at the corner.
Leonora swallowed. For heaven’s sake, her hands were trembling, though she quickly decided that this was from her recent exertion and not at all because of this handsome man’s attentions. She had no interest in him, she reminded herself. Not when he kept company with the sort of man who would happily force a woman from her home and place of business during Christmas.
Deciding she would not allow him to divest her of her manners, she raised her chin and met his gaze boldly. “Thank you, sir.”
His smile broadened. “Mr. Dalton.” He glanced aside for a second before returning his attention to her. “Mr. Philip Dalton. How do you do?”


 

Follow Sophie: Goodreads /Website / Facebook / Twitter /Instagram /=Pinterest / Bookbub

Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing.She currently lives on the East Coast.

 

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

Link to giveway: https://promosimple.com/ps/d9d5/miss-compton-s-christmas-romance

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Not The Duke’s Darling (The Greycourt #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt-a review

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NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING (The Greycourt #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18, 2018

Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe–the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family–appears at the country house party she’s attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.

Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading amongst the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins. Sins he’d much rather forget. But she’s also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can’t resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, Harlowe will have to earn Freya’s trust-by whatever means necessary.

••••••••

REVIEW: NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING is the first instalment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s adult THE GREYCOURT historical, romance series. This is Freya de Moray, and Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Freya and Christopher NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING follows the childhood friends /enemies to lovers/ brother’s best friend relationship between Freya de Moray, and Christopher Renshaw. Years earlier Freya’s brother was accused of a heinous crime, and in the ensuing melee was beaten and maimed without benefit of proof. Fast forward to present day wherein Freya will come face to face with her past,a man who stood by and watched as her brother nearly lost his life. Enter Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, and the man with whom Freya will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Freya and Christopher, and the potential fall-out as Freya is targeted for her connection to a group known as the Wise Women.

Freya de Moray is a titled lady but our heroine prefers to remain in the background as she endeavors to help those who are unable to help themselves. A feminist before her time, Freya’s actions make her a target by the men who hope to destroy anyone who goes against the norm, or in Freya’s case, a strong-willed, stubborn woman who is willing to risk her life to save the life of someone else. Christopher Renshaw returned from exile the Duke of Harlowe but his inability to let go of the past found our hero struggling to make sense of mysterious stranger who despised his presence from the first time they met. Having no recollection of what he had done Christopher would soon come to realize that the woman with murder in her eyes, is someone from his past. Estranged from family and friends, Christopher is desperate to uncover the truth behind Freya’s appearance.

The relationship between Freya and Christopher is an enemies to lovers/ best friend’s little sister trope that finds our couple at odds over their future together. Christopher is hoping for his happily ever after but Freya refuses to be bound to any man as a servant or bed mate. Marriage is not out of the question but our heroine prefers her independence over servitude, an independence and strong-will that has placed a target on her back. Christopher considers Freya his equal, and in this, he too, is ahead of the times. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters as Elisabeth Hoyt introduces the players and key figures in her Greycourt series. We are introduced to Freya’s former best friend Messalina Greycourt, and her sister Lucretia. Many of the characters have several names, nicknames and titles, as well as the mention of innumerable others, such that there is much confusion throughout the story.

NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING is a story of family and betrayal; friendship and loss; second chances and love. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong and sassy. There are a number of sub-plots including secret societies and witch hunting, murder and confinement, blackmail and estrangement, all wrapped up in an historical romance love story

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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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

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Pretty Little Player (Blackwell-Lyon #2) by J.Kenner-Review Tour

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PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER (Blackwell-Lyon #2) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2DsGTtY

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2018

Bedroom games are fine … but I need a woman who won’t play with my heart.

After years in the military, I’ve faced down a lot of things, and there’s not much I shy away from. Except relationships. Because when you catch your wife in bed with another man, that tends to sour even the most hardened man against women.

When I was hired to keep surveillance on a woman with a checkered past, I went into the job anticipating the worst. But what I found was a woman who turned my head. Who made my blood heat and my body burn. A woman who made me feel alive again.

A woman who was nothing like what I expected, but everything I wanted. A woman who, it turned out, needed my protection. And wanted my touch.

And as the world fell out from under us, and everything I thought I knew shifted, there was only one reality I could hold onto—that the more I got to know her, the more I wanted her.

But if I’m going to make her mine, I’ll have to not only keep her safe, I’ll have to prove to her that I’ve conquered my own fears and doubts. That I’m done looking into the past, and that all I want is a future—with her.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER is the second instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult BLACKWELL-LYON erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Blackwell-Lyon Security. This is security specialist and retired US military veteran Cayden Lyon , and fashion model Gracie Harmon. PRETTY LITTLE LIAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Cayden in Lovely Little Liar (aka Bitch Slap). Once again, there is a slight cross-over with the author’s Stark Series, and Man of the Month series.

Told from first person perspective (Cayden) PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER follows Cayden Lyon as he is hired by attorney Thomas Peterman to investigate and follow Gracie Harmon, a women he claims to be his unfaithful fiancée. Gracie is a plus-size fashion model, and is all too aware of a potential ‘stalker’ following her every move but meeting Cayden Lyon, our heroine throws caution to the wind until she discovers that Cayden is not the man he claims to be. As Cayden and Gracie begin to develop a relationship, our hero is torn between head and heart believing Gracie is engaged to another man. What ensues is the building relationship between Cayden and Gracie, and the potential fall-out as Gracie is targeted by an unknown assailant.

The relationship between Cayden and Gracie is one of immediate attraction but Gracie is Cayden’s surveillance target, and our hero believes Gracie is an unfaithful woman. Unable to stay away Cayden will come face to face with the woman that calls to his heart but a woman who reminds him of a darkened past. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text

We are reintroduced to Cayden’s business partners: Pierce Blackwell and his girlfriend Jezebel (Lovely Little Liar), Pierce’s sister Kerrie, and Cayden’s identical twin Connor Lyon. Connor’s story line is next in Sexy Little Sinner.

PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and heart break. The premise is captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are flirty, sassy and spirited. A quick read, PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER is an animated, seductive and inviting tale, great for a late night quickie before going to bed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

____________

LOVELY LITTLE LIAR
Blackwell – Lyon #1
by J. Kenner
Re-release Date: November 12, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date November 2018

The first time I met her I wanted to slap her.

The second time, I knew I had to have her.

As for the third time, a gentleman doesn’t tell.

So I guess it’s a good thing I’m no gentleman … right?

Let’s get this out of the way, right off the bat: I love women.
I love the way they look. The way they smell. The way they feel. Especially the way they feel. And I’ve pretty much made it my mission to give each and every woman who shares my bed the ride of her life.

Then I met her. Bitchy as hell and completely uninterested in me. And damned if I didn’t want her. Crave her. I told myself I only wanted to tame her. That it was all about the challenge.

I never expected to break through that ice queen exterior and find the softness underneath. Never expected how wild she’d be between the sheets or the way she’d cry my name with such sincere intensity when I totally rocked her world.

Most of all, I never expected to fall for her.

But I did.

And the question is, now that I know I want her, how the hell do I go about keeping her?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: LOVELY LITTLE LIAR is the first instalment and novella in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult, Blackwell-Lyon erotic romance series. This is security specialist Pierce Blackwell, and PA Jezebel Stuart’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s best selling Stark, and Man of the Month series.

NOTE: LOVELY LITLE LIAR was first published as Bitch Slap in June 2017. Lovely Little Liar contains expanded content not found in the original release.

Told from first person point of view (Pierce Blackwell) LOVELY LITTLE LIAR follows the building relationship between security specialist Pierce Blackwell, and Jezebel Stuart. Thinking he was meeting his one-night stand, Pierce Blackwell, comes face to face with a woman who believes he is someone else. Enter Jezebel Stuart, the sister and manager of up and coming young but vilified actress Delilah Stuart, and the woman with whom Pierce will fall in love.

We are introduced to Jezebel’s sister, Delilah Stuart; Pierce’s sister Kerrie Blackwell, as well as Pierce’s business partners Cayden and Connor. There may be something developing between Kerrie and Connor. Cayden and Connor’s stories are next in Pretty Little Player, and Sexy Little Sinner.

BITCH SLAP is a predictable and familiar story line; an erotic, quick building romance between two people who have been hurt by previous relationships. Pierce doesn’t do relationships or love, and the introductory chapters reveal exactly what and who Pierce is looking for. Jezebel Stuart is a woman betrayed by a former lover but a woman who is determined to protect her younger sister from the rabid fans who are currently vilifying the up and coming star. The plotline is a little more fleshed out than the original release. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are colorful and energetic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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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Buried Lies (Crimson Point #2) by Kaylea Cross- a review

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BURIED LIES (Crimson Point #2) by Kaylea Cross-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2018

She left her painful past behind.

Poppy Larsen is finally free. She moved to Crimson Point to make a new life for herself, full of bright possibilities. A whole new world awaits her, if she can find the courage to trust again—even her gorgeous neighbor, the town sheriff. But darkness lurks in the picturesque Oregon Coast town, concealing a deadly threat that’s closer than she ever imagined.

Now a killer is watching her from the shadows.

Sheriff Noah Buchanan can’t help but be intrigued by his new neighbor. She’s hard working, sexy as hell, and unlike most of the women in town, she hasn’t thrown herself at him. After it becomes clear that she plans to put down roots here, he finds himself falling more and more for Poppy and her big heart. When someone from her past tries to hurt her, it triggers all his protective instincts. But the real danger is hiding in plain sight. When the unthinkable happens, Noah is thrust into a race against time to save her before it’s too late.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BURIED LIES is the second instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Crimson Point, Oregon, and a group of former Special Forces soldiers. This is thirty-eight year old Crimson Point Sheriff Noah Buchanan, and twenty-six year old café/book store owner Poppy Larsen’s story line. BURIED LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person points of view including Poppy and Noah BURIED LIES follows the building relationship between is thirty-eight year old Crimson Point Sheriff Noah Buchanan, and twenty-six year old café/book store owner Poppy Larsen. Crimson Point newcomer Poppy Larsen has caught the eye of Sheriff Noah Buchanan, her next door neighbour and the man who stirs something deep inside but Poppy left behind a heart breaking and emotional past, and was hoping to move forward without bringing unwanted attention in the small town of Crimson Point. But things don’t always go according to plans, when Sheriff Noah Buchanan insists on giving them a chance, a chance that may threaten Poppy’s hard fought independence. What ensues is the building relationship between Poppy and Noah, and the potential fall-out as Poppy is targeted by a serial killer determined to make Poppy his final target.

Poppy Larsen doesn’t like to be reminded of what she left behind but the past has a way of catching up and destroying any semblance of happiness and peace. As her café continues to thrive, small-town bullies continue to stalk our heroine ensuring everyone knows what happened and why. Noah Buchanan is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but Poppy’s need for independence threatens all good sense including her own safety. When Poppy goes missing, Noah struggles to remain professional in spite of his job, a job that brings him up close and personal with a serial killer.

The relationship between Noah and Poppy is one of immediate attraction but Poppy believes she is in no place to start a relationship in the face of the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Sierra and Beckett (Fractured Honor #1), as well as Carter Boyd and his wife Molly, Jase Weaver, and the introduction of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Aidan MacIntyre. The requisite evil has many faces, some more familiar than others.

The world building continues to focus on the crumbling relationship between Carter and Molly as the lingering affect of head injuries suffered during the war in Syria push Carter beyond any semblance of reason or control.

BURIED LIES is a story of discrimination, heartbreak, friendship and love. The premise is suspenseful and dramatic ; the characters are animated, courageous and spirited; the romance is spicy and sassy. BURIED LIES will capture your attention from the very start.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FRACTURE HONOR.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Upside Down (One Fond Embrace #2) by Crista McHugh-a review

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Upside Down (One Fond Embrace #2) by Crista McHugh-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2018

Caz Miller. Surfing god. Arrogant Asshole.

Or at least, that’s what Kayla’s assessment of him has always been. But in a cruel twist of fate, she finds herself at his mercy. Dropped by her sponsors, homeless, and pregnant, how could she not accept his offer to crash in the apartment above his garage? It’s just until she can get back on her feet. That doesn’t mean she’ll fall for him all over again…or does it?

Kayla Gilmore. Queen of the Waves. The one he can’t forget.

By the time Caz realized how much Kayla meant to him, it was too late. He knows better than to ask for a second chance. She deserves someone better than him. The best he can hope for is to get the asshole title dropped from his name. But what starts out as an offer to earn some karmic points rekindles the fiery passion between them, and he finds himself in same precarious position as before. This time, though, he’s determined not to break her heart.

••••••••

REVIEW: Upside Down begins with Kayla Gilmore discovering that she is pregnant. She tries to tell the father but he blows her off to go surfing. She follows, and when tragedy hits, the one person she doesn’t want anything to do with is the one there to console her……..Caz Miller. He had broken her heart years ago and she had done her best to stay away from him. She finds herself not only dropped by her sponsors, but without a place to live. She accepts Caz’s offer to let her live in the empty apartment above his garage, but is still wary.

Kayla and Caz grow closer, but both are spooked by the past. Both are sending mixed signals, and both end up distrusting the other. A series of events, and some advice from trusted friends (and one not so trusted), lead the two of them to wonder if they can indeed right their world which has been turned upside down…..

Upside Down is a nice addition to the One Fond Embrace series. Kayla seemed a bit naïve at first, but I warmed up to her. Her emotions were all over the place, but understandably so. Caz, on the other hand, had me ‘at hello’. I loved his inner turmoil as he tried to figure out his life and Kayla’s place in it. Once he figures out what he has to do, and decides to stop running away when things get a little complicated, I fell for him even farther. Your heart will break for both of them and have you cheering by the end. Upside Down does deal with some heavy issues, so be prepared. If you’re a fan of second chance romance, you’ll not go wrong with this one. Well done, Crista McHugh!

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of book one BETTER TOGETHER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Crista McHugh is an award-winning author of fantasy and romance who writes heroines who are smart, sexy and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the Greater Seattle Chapter and the Seattle Eastside Chapters), and Romance Divas.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Into The Riot (Riot MC #3) by Karen Renee-a review

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INTO THE RIOT (Riot MC #3) by Karen Renee-a review

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

About the book: Release Date December 4, 2018

Tennille “Neil” Lyons has her hands full with Cecilia, her drug addicted sister who recently turned to prostitution to maintain her addiction. Having her sister commit to going to rehab feels like a stroke of luck, until the dealer/handler shows up making threats. While drowning her worries at a hole-in-the-wall bar, she meets a handsome biker. As much as she wants to dismiss him, she finds out he is rougher and tougher than any other man Neil has met before. Which may come in handy, because if Cecilia doesn’t pay her substantial debt, the dealer intends to collect from Neil instead.

Augustus “Razor” Richardson is prospecting with the Riot MC after being renounced from his old MC. He has a past and a reputation as a ladies’ man, but rarely does a woman so blithely give him the brush-off. He knows something is wrong, but she slips away before he can figure out how to help. When an unexpected phone call puts her back in touch, Razor will stop at nothing to protect Neil from harm. However, Razor’s past isn’t done with him yet. Can he prove to Neil that she can trust him before it’s too late?

••••••••••

REVIEW:  INTO THE RIOT is the third instalment in Karen Renee’s contemporary, adult RIOT erotic, romance MC series focusing on the men and women of the Riot MC. This is ‘prospect’ Augustus ‘Razor’ Richardson, and thirty-year old, car salesperson Tennille ‘Neil’ Lyons’ story line. INTO THE RIOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history as some of the events are as of a direct result of the events in the previous story line. The reader was first introduced to Razor as a member of the Leatherneck MC.

NOTE: INTO THE RIOT contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Neil) and several third person points of view including Razor INTO THE RIOT follows the building relationship between Riot MC ‘prospect’ Augustus ‘Razor’ Richardson, and thirty-year old, car salesperson Tennille ‘Neil’ Lyons. Neil Lyons doesn’t do relationships and meeting ‘pretty boy’ Razor Richardson screamed all kinds of trouble for our story line heroine. Trouble was about to come to Neil’s front door when in desperation, in order to save and protect her younger sister Cecilia, Neil Lyons walks head-first into the lion’s den, placing herself in harm’s way, and a target on her back. Enter Razor Richardson, prospect for the Riot MC, and the man with whom Neil will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Neil and Razor, and the potential fall-out as Neil’s continues to fight to save her sister, a sister who doesn’t want to be saved.

Razor Richardson is starting over as a prospect with the Riot MC. When sh*t hit the fan, and all h*ll rained down with the Leatherneck MC, Razor found himself spiralling towards a possible end. Meeting Neil Lyons at a local bar, our hero had no idea how close his past was connected to Neil ‘s sister, a woman who battles addiction, and the fight to pay down her amounting debt. Falling for Neil gave Razor a second chance for a happily ever after but a second chance that brought trouble to the Riot MC. Neil Lyons was desperate to save her sister but not everyone wants to be saved. Hoping to ‘arrange’ a payment of debt, Neil paints a target on her back that forces the Riot MC to assign Razor, and the other members as shadows and guardians.

The relationship between Razor and Neil is one of immediate attraction. Razor is a beautiful, sexy ‘pretty boy’ and our heroine struggles with her attraction to a man rumoured to be a ‘manwhore’ and ‘player’. Razor’s seduction of our story line heroine finds Neil caught between head and heart knowing that their relationship may only be a product of their now-mutual problem. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Cary ‘Vamp’ Sullivan and Frankie Ingram (Inciting a Riot #2) and Vamp’s brother Brock, Cal and Mallory (Unforeseen Riot #1), Club President Henry ‘Volt’ Adler and his old lady Jackie; Blood and Abby; Roll and Trixie, and prospect Jim. We are introduced to Neil’s parents Dave and Debbie, her grandparents MeMaw and PaPaw, and her younger but struggling sister Cecilia. The requisite evil has many faces.

INTO THE RIOT is a story of betrayal, vengeance, family and blood. The premise is raw and gritty; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are charismatic, energetic and rebellious but saying that our heroine is naïve as it pertains to the world of the MC, and a little TSTL (too stupid to live) in that she is constantly placing herself in the line of fire requiring the Riot MC to interfere. Intimidation, threats and the knowledge that she was in over her head didn’t prevent Neil from pushing forward, eventually facing danger on more than one occasion. INTO THE RIOT is a spicy, impassioned and sexy read.

Reading Order and Previous Review
Unforeseen Riot
Inciting a Riot
Into the Riot

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Reviewed by Sandy

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The SEAL’s Contract Baby by Katie Knight -a review

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The SEAL’s Contract Baby by Katie Knight -a review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2018

After an “incident” on his last SEAL mission, Zachary “Z” Raybourn has been relegated to babysitting duty. He’s spent the last six months guarding the daughter of a small foreign nation, a girl so valuable to the US that she apparently can’t buy milk without him trailing along like a lost puppy. He’d joined the military to make a difference and stayed enlisted because of the SEAL team he considers family. Now all he wants is to get back to them ASAP.

Esme Hollycombe is her country’s last hope. Her father the King controls a very important port that serves as a naval base for the US. But with her father’s rapidly declining health, and her US-hating cousin next in line for the throne, Esme has been frantically searching for a loophole in her country’s law that says only a man can rule. The only thing she finds is that she can rule in the stead of any male heir she gives birth to. Unmarried and certainly not pregnant, the loophole isn’t of much use to her. Until her attention turns to the hot SEAL protector who has been pacing the palace for the last six months like a caged animal. He’d do anything to get back to his squad; and she’d do anything to keep her cousin off the throne, leaving him unable to evict the US and all their military protection from her country.

Esme offers a contract to Z: get her pregnant, marry her so the heir will be legitimate, and he can have his life back. Z eventually agrees. But being the partner of a princess comes with far more action and intrigue than he’d ever dreamed. He also finds that making a baby is an easy way to fall in love. Now, Z will have to choose: the military family he misses, or the nuclear family he’s creating.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: The SEAL’S Contract Baby is an adult, contemporary, stand alone, erotic romantic suspense story line co-authored by Katie Knight and Leslie North. This is US Navy SEAL Zachary ‘Z’ Raybourn, and Princess Esme Hollycombe’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Z and Esme) The SEAL’s Contract Baby follows the building relationship between US Navy SEAL Zachary ‘Z’ Raybourn, and Princess Esme Hollycombe. Following a mission that went all to h*ll, Zachary Raybourn accepted a position as security to the Princess Esme Hollycombe in the tiny southern European country of Prylea. As her father slowly succumbs to pancreatic cancer, our heroine is determined to keep her cousin from ascending the throne. With an antiquated patriarchal system of heritage, Esme, as the only child of the current King, is unable to take over leadership of Prylea. Hoping to give birth to a male heir, Esme makes Zachary an offer he cannot refuse. What ensues is the building relationship between Esme and Zachary, and the potential fall-out as Esme’s cousin is determined to ascend to the throne, with or without Esme’s support.

Esme struggles with her cousin’s hatred for the USA, and his dismantling of the current regime. Now that her father faces the end of his life without ever having passing a new law regarding lines of succession, Esme battles between head and heart in an effort to keeps her cousin away from the throne. If Esme were to get pregnant with a male heir, her son (and hopefully Zachary’s son) would become the legitimate heir to the throne. Zachary Raybourn doesn’t do relationships-his job is to protect the Princess Esme but falling in love was never in the plans, plans that quickly come to fruition with the announcement of their impending birth.

The relationship between Esme and Zachary begins as a profession arrangement. Z is Esme’s personal bodyguard, but once plans are put into motion, Z will become the father to the next King, and husband to the Queen –mother. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Zachary and Esme. A contract between our couple does little to stop the growing affection and love between Z and his princess, affection that is threatened by Esme’s cousin’s plans to ascend to the throne.

We are introduced to Esme’s ailing father King Renault, and Zachary’s SEAL buddy Deacon, as well as Esme’s cousin Silvester.

The SEAL’S Contract Baby is a story of family and blood; betrayal and hatred; marriage of convenience and ascension to the throne. The premise is captivating and inviting; the romance is seductive and charming; the characters are likable and charismatic. The SEAL’S Contract Baby is a captivating stand alone, sure to enjoy.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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