Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2019. Sandy’s Reviews

BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA by Maura Rose-a review

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BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA (A Russian Mafia Romance) by Maura Rose-a review

ebook ONLY 99¢ or £0.99 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 8, 2019

The flame burns hot in the dance of love…

ALEXEI

My father is gone and it’s up to me to run the Vanin bratva’s operations now. This means going to America to meet up with the Sokolovs, to strengthen the ties that bind and secure my family’s place in the Russian mafia world. As the new boss, I need to make a name for myself both at home and abroad, and find out more about the legacy my father left behind after his sudden death.

But that’s not all I find.

Her. The ballerina. Her grace and talent put even the best dancers from my home country to shame. Her energy and beauty make me want her, make me need her, make me crave a taste of her.

Damn the alliances, damn the expectations. I’m my own man, and I’ll do things my own way. I have to have her, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine…

JANET

Dance. It’s all I’ve known for my entire life. My parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be, as long as I was the best at what I did, and I have lived accordingly. Now, I have finally made it. I’m the prima ballerina—something I have fantasized about since I was old enough to tie my pointe shoes. Nothing can distract me from this dream come true.

Nothing except a handsome stranger with shockingly blue eyes and a roguish smile. He’s tall. He’s hot. And I can tell that underneath that tailored suit of his is a rock-hard body. And that’s not the only thing…

But he’s dangerous, I can tell. And as enticing as he is with his old-fashioned charm and sexy Slavic accent, I can’t let a man like that burrow his way into my heart. Can I?

•••••••••

REVIEW: BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA is the fourth instalment in Maura Rose’s contemporary, adult RUSSIAN MAFIA ROMANCE series focusing on the members of the Russian Bratva. This is the Vanin Bratva’s new leader Alexei Vanin, and American born ballerina Janet Wong’s story line. BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Alexei and Janet) BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA follows Alexei Vanin in the aftermath of his father’s death. As the new head of the Vanin Bratva Alexei heads to America in an effort to introduce himself as his father’s successor. What Alexei never expected was to meet American born Prima Ballerina Janet Wong, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. What ensues is the building relationship between Janet and Alexei, and the potential fall-out as Alexei keeps secret his life back home.

Alexei Vanin needs to make a good impression on his American Bratva counterparts but something isn’t right when he is introduced to his former Russian compatriots. Hoping to reconcile with what he has learned, our hero heads back to Russia in an effort to shore up his defences if the truth is revealed. Janet Wong has dreamed of being the Prima Ballerina and her hard work has paid off with the dual lead in Swan Lake. Meeting Alexei Vanin meant a chance for a future but a future that begins with lies of omission.

The relationship between Janet and Alexei is one of immediate attraction but Alexei is only in the US for a short while. Janet’s social life is virtually non-existent as she spends every waking minute working towards her professional debut. Alexei is determined to seduce the woman that calls to his heart, a woman he will one day bring home to meet his mother. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Alexei’s mother Masha Vanin; Janet’s parents, and fellow ballerina’s Sofia and Vicky; as well as the head of the Sokolov Bratva Ivan Sokolov and his wife Kelly (Burning for the Bratva); his lieutenant Pavel and his wife Natalia (Blazing for the Bratva).

BALLERINA FOR THE BRATVA is a sexy and engaging story line with powerful hero who isn’t afraid to show his softer side. The premise is captivating; the romance is intimate; the characters are colorful and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Beholden to the Bratva
Burning for the Bratva
Blazing for the Bratva
Ballerina for the Bratva

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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HER OTHER SECRET by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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HER OTHER SECRET by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2019

Is it the perfect escape?
Whitaker Island is more than a getaway. For Tessa Jenkins, the remote strip of land in Washington state is a sanctuary. Fleeing from a shattering scandal, she has a new name, a chance at a new beginning, and a breathtaking new view: Hansen Rye. It’s hard not to crush on Whitaker’s hottest handyman. At six-foot-three and all kinds of fine, he’s also intensely private—and the attraction between them soon simmers dangerously out of control.
…or a private trap for two lovers?
After a devastating family tragedy, Hansen finds the pebbled shores of the faraway island to be an ideal refuge. Letting down his guard for the sexy, impulsive Tessa is an unexpected pleasure. But there’s another newcomer to Whitaker. He’s no stranger to Hansen. And when he’s murdered, the crime casts a threatening shadow. As suspicion falls on Hansen, all his secrets are about to collide with Tessa’s. Now the pasts they were determined to outrun are catching up to them. So is a killer who’s putting their love—and their lives—on the line.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: HER OTHER SECRET by HelenKay Dimon is a contemporary, adult story of romantic suspense focusing on  twenty-six year old, manual and guide creator Tessa Jenkins, and handyman Hansen Rye.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tessa and Hansen) HER OTHER SECRET follows in the wake of a murder on Whitaker Island. The residents of Whitaker Island all have secrets: from political scandals to murders, blackmail to affairs, Whitaker Island is the island of misfit toys. When a well-dressed man mysteriously walks out of the water, only to be found murdered the very next day, all suspicions fall onto our leading hero when he reveals his connection to the people involved. From a badly beaten woman to the murder of the town’s most likable old man, Whitaker Island’s secrets are about to be revealed. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Tessa and Hansen, and the fall-out as our couple find themselves on the receiving end of more attention and accusations than they could have imagined.

Like most of the residents, Hansen Rye moved to Whitaker Island to get away from his past, a past that has now drawn the attention of law enforcement and the political elite. Tessa Jenkins knows what it is like to keep her own dark and dangerous secrets but with the continuing drama, our couple’s individual pasts are about to be exposed.

The relationship between Tessa and Hansen is one of immediate attraction but neither one is in a place for romance or love. When the local ‘law enforcement’ has eyes for our heroine, Hansen steps up to claim Tessa as his own. As one another’s alibis for the on-going investigation, our couple find themselves the target of island gossip, innuendo and talk. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including many local island residents. We are introduced to the island’s lawman, thirty-four year old, former military MP Ben Clifford; council member and island ‘queen’ Ruthie Totttenridge, and her son Doug; lodge owner Sylvia Sussex; vacationers and busy bodies Ellis and Arianna Wells; old man Cliff; brother/sister duo Allen Bernard and Kerrie Ross; as well as Tessa’s father senator Charles Michaelson. I am hoping the author has plans for future stories involving the island residents.

HER OTHER SECRET is a story of power, betrayal, greed and murder; a story of secrets and lies; of romance and love. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are eclectic, charismatic and energetic. HER OTHER SECRET is a thrilling and edgy ride into the world of romantic suspense.

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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Jersey Six by Jewel E Ann-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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JERSEY SIX by Jewel E Ann-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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

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

About the book: Release Date June 13, 2019

How far would you go for revenge?

A hit-and-run accident leaves Jersey Six orphaned and homeless on the streets of Newark, shattering her dreams of school dances, pink nail polish, and a diploma.

Eight years later, a burn victim with amnesia wanders into Jersey’s barely-existent life. She resists his efforts to form a friendship until he reveals knowledge of the person responsible for derailing her future. Through their unusual friendship, she discovers a way to avenge the deaths of her foster parents.

All she has to do is destroy the world’s biggest rock star.

In the ultimate game of sex, lies, and manipulation, can Jersey discover the truth? Or will she be blinded by attraction, deceived by love, and destroyed by her past?

•••••••••

REVIEW: JERSEY SIX by Jewel E Ann is a stand-alone, contemporary, adult, dark romance story line focusing on twenty-four year old boxer and homeless woman Jersey Six, severely burned homeless man Chris, and rock star Ian Cooper.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Jersey, Chris and Ian, JERSEY SIX follows the odd relationship between twenty-four year old boxer and homeless woman Jersey Six, a severely burned homeless man whose amnesia has left him with no memories of the past, and rock star Ian Cooper, whose connection to Jersey and Chris begins a downward spiral for everyone concerned. Chris, as he will come to all himself, will become protector of our story line heroine, a woman who only needs protecting from the demons within. A chance meeting with rockstar Ian Cooper finds Jersey and Chris working behind the scenes on Ian’s latest tour, a meeting that will place everyone in the direct line of fire for betrayal, manipulation, deception and love. What ensues is the quick building friendship between Jersey and Chris; the building romance and relationship between Ian and Jersey, and the fall-out as Chris begins to regain his memories, unreliable memories that are about to destroy them all.

JERSEY SIX is a dark and raw story of secrets and lies; of betrayal and vengeance; of forgiveness and love. Jewel E Ann pulls the reader down a rabbit-hole of frightening memories, mistaken beliefs, and detestable acts of cruelty and abuse. A ruinous, ill-fated and tragic circumstance spurs all three characters into a battle for their lives, lives interconnected by sins of the past. The premise is gritty, heart breaking and intense; the characters are flawed, broken and edgy; the romance struggles in the face of mistrust, anger, secrets and Jersey’s inability to let go and thrive. Jewel E Ann’s talent knows no boundaries, a talent that will keep surprising us for years to come.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“We ate at the hotel.” Her lips twisted to the side. “Mind if I stick some stuff in my bag for later?”
A tiny wrinkle formed between Ian’s eyes, just below the long sweep of his black bangs. “There will be lots of food available later too. But…” he shrugged, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees “…take whatever you want.”
Jersey glanced over her shoulder at the food and the three other men in the room. She decided to wait a little while before shoving as much as possible into her bag like a free-for-all. “Thanks.” Jersey returned her attention to Ian. “So … you’re a singer. Like … are you a big deal?”
Every word she spoke seemed to feed his level of happiness. “Well …” He rubbed his chin, twisting his lips. “We play music. People like to listen to our music. But no … it’s not a big deal. We’re not saving lives or anything like that.”
She eyed him with suspicion for a few seconds. That smile of his didn’t feel worthy of complete trust. “Um … what exactly do you need me to do? What’s my job? They already took Chris. Will that big, bearded guy come for me too?” Jersey couldn’t remember his name.
“No.” Ian stood, pushing his elbows out from his shoulders, twisting side to side. “Tonight you are just going to watch the concert from backstage. Tomorrow night you’ll sell merchandise.”
“Drugs. You mean drugs, don’t you?”
Ian paused his stretching, letting his arms fall limp to his sides. “Merchandise—T-shirts, posters, keychains, phone cases, hats, guitar pics …”
“To who?”
“Fans.” Ian grinned. “Okay. I might have understated all of this to you … can you name a famous singer? Old or new. Doesn’t matter. Just a famous singer.”
“I had a foster parent who used to listen to Josh Groban.” Jersey gnashed her teeth, still feeling so much anger. Dena wasn’t just a foster parent; she was Jersey’s friend.
“Okay. Well, Josh has sold millions of records, and he’s a huge star in his genre of music. Thousands of people pack venues all over the world to see him sing live in concert. And they sell merchandise of his at those concerts.”
Jersey gazed unblinkingly at Ian as he scratched his jaw.
“Well, I sing a different genre of music, but I, too, travel the world, singing to sold-out concert venues, andI have people who sell my merchandise at these concerts.”
Jersey dropped her bag to her feet and planted her fists on her hips. “Listen, Coop. Stop talking down to me. I’m not an idiot. I know what a concert is. But earlier today you didn’t say what you did or what the job was you were offering. You bought a homeless person a hot dog and offered her a job. Of course, I’m going to think something sketchy might be involved.”
Tipping her chin up, she held her breath to puff out her chest, pretending the recent revelation of Ian Cooper being a famous singer didn’t faze her one bit. Inside, Jersey’s heart hammered into her ribcage, and her mind reeled trying to figure out the day’s events.
“Coop?” His lips twitched into a tiny grin.
“It’s short for Cooper.”
“Clearly.” Ian chuckled. “But my name is Ian. Everyone calls me Ian.”
“I busted the nose and jaw of a kid named Ian. He tried to stick his cock in my ass. I’ll call you Tom, Dick, or Harry, but I’m not calling you Ian because that makes me want to physically harm you.”
Ian’s eyebrows shot up his forehead as his head whipped back a few inches. “Coop it is.”
 


 

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

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

Enter Jewel’s giveaway for a signed paperback and swag!

https://www.jeweleann.com/jersey-six-giveaway

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Pax Britannica / The Friends of Eddy Relish by Paul Dalzell-reviews

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Pax Britannica/ The Friends of Eddy Relish by Paul Dalzell-reviews

PAX BRITANNICA
(Golden Anvil #1)
by Paul Dalzell

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2019

Forget anything you know about history in the last 400 years. England’s Glorious Revolution failed. A descendant of the Stewarts, King James the Fifth occupies the British throne in 2006 and the British Empire is the dominant world power. The British Empire monopoly on nuclear weapons is challenged by the theft of five atom bombs. Imperial Secret Service Chief, Sir Anthony Raja, summons Mick Doyle to recover the missing weapons, suspected to be hidden in a German run gold mine in British New Guinea. Doyle is warned at the beginning of the mission that ‘everything in New Guinea will be trying to kill him.’ It seems as if New Guinea is trying to make good on that promise.

The recovery of the nuclear weapons is the toughest mission Doyle has ever undertaken. From the start, the mission is dogged by bad-luck and an ingenious enemy, always one-step ahead. His team must survive hostile New Guinea warriors, man-eating sharks and crocodiles, venomous snakes and a Chinese military force allied to the Germans.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PAX BRITANNICA is the first instalment in Paul Dalzell’s GOLDEN ANVIL adult, slightly dystopian, fictionalized story of alternate history that follows UK’s Imperial Secret Service (ISS) agent Mick Doyle as he is tasked with recovering five missing nuclear explosives believed to be hidden, in a German run gold mine, in British New Guinea. Along with fellow ISS agents Alexandra McCall, and May Pilgrim, Mick Doyle goes under cover in an attempt to locate the bombs, and take down the people in charge.

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

The year is 2006, and the British Empire is the world’s dominant power. Having lost three wars to the United Kingdom, Germany, along with China, gain a foothold in the arm’s race as they prepare to ransom their stolen ‘wares’ to the highest bidder. From the outset, our hero has been targeted by the enemy, an enemy that is determined to take down ISS agent Mick Doyle, at all costs. Not only does Mick have to defend himself against potential assassins but the wilds of British New Guinea continues to make an example of our story line hero.

PAX BRITANNICA is an intricately detailed story of what if. An action packed, fast paced look at politics, espionage, vengeance and authority. The British Empire’s ISS agency is desperate to recover the missing nuclear weapons, weapons with enough power to wipe out most countries. The political content is vast, varied and comprehensive; the numerous characters are colorful, energetic and ambitious; there is a building romance and relationship between Mick Doyle and Alexandra McCall.

As to the meaning of ‘Pax Britannica’, it translates to British Peace: a state of relative international peace between the Great Powers regarded as overseen by the UK, originally observed during the nineteenth century.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

____________

THE FRIENDS OF EDDY RELISH
by Paul Dalzell & Gerard Radley
Genre: contemporary, adult, political suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2019

Failed Hollywood actor Eddy Relish falls into the hands of bible-quoting gangster, Bill Blake, and must become a drug mule. Eddy is menaced not only by Bill Blake but also by Abdul Madbul, an Albanian superspy turned Islamist terrorist. A chance encounter in Paris makes Eddy the only person who can identify this terrorist. Cynthia Tzin, whose Hollywood bar is a front for Chinese intelligence, rescues Eddy. She offers Eddy a Faustian pact: become a Chinese intelligence asset, and she will protect Eddy and help rebuild his Hollywood career. Eddy’s first assignment is simple—become a star again and bait a trap set to catch Madbul. The trap is set at a Las Vegas party hosted by a Chinese billionaire. Madbul and Bill both appear at the party to collect their dues from Eddy. Cynthia’s abilities are put to the test to ensure Eddy emerges alive and unscathed from this ordeal.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE FRIENDS OF EDDY RELISH co-authored by Paul Dalzell and Gerard Radley is a contemporary, adult, political suspense story focusing on former Hollywood star Eddy Relish, whose life is no longer his own. A washed up actor who found himself in the seedy underbelly of sex, drugs and alcohol addiction, Eddy will unwittingly become a pawn in the world of high stakes espionage, intelligence and international terrorism. Hoping to reinvigorate his career, Eddy unknowingly becomes the bait to take down an Islamist terrorist, a terrorist who has targeted Eddy for termination. A deal with the devil pushes Eddy into dangerous circumstances, danger of which he knew little about.

Told from several third person perspectives, THE FRIENDS OF EDDY RELISH is a slow building story line that follows several intersecting and diverging paths that culminates in Las Vegas where all of the significant people, and events that have played a part in Eddy’s journey will be pushed together in an explosive reveal. From a bible spewing loan shark, to Islamist terrorists and Chinese intelligence, Eddy’s life spirals out of control but a spiral Eddy is blissfully unaware. At times I questioned what appeared to be the unnecessary introduction of yet another character, circumstance or situation but eventually everything and everyone fell into place in orderly fashion. The premise is intriguing and fascinating; the characters are colorful, diverse and eclectic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FALLEN PRINCESS (Wind Dragons MC #7) by Chantal Fernando-Review & Giveaway tour

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FALLEN PRINCESS (Wind Dragons MC #7) by Chantal Fernando-Review & Giveaway Tour

FALLEN PRINCESS
Wind Dragons MC #7
by Chantal Fernando
Release Date: April 8,2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, MC

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

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date April 8, 2019

Growing up as the Princess of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club, Clover Black knows she’s had a thoroughly unique upbringing. As the daughter of the former President of the club, she’s expected to live a certain kind of life but she does the unthinkable…she goes to the police academy and becomes a cop. Without her family knowing.

After being assigned a new partner, the handsome Felix Banks, a friendship blossoms, but as Felix teaches her how to be a better cop, she finds herself falling for him, all while, struggling to keep her two lives separate. Tensions rise when the truth comes out and it becomes clear that Clover is being used for her motorcycle club ties.

As things heat up within the MC and at Clover’s job, she faces a difficult choice—her love for Felix and the law, or her family and the Wind Dragons.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FALLEN PRINCESS is the seventh instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult WIND DRAGON MC romance series. This is police officers Clover Black, and Felix Banks’ story line. FALLEN PRINCESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary, FALLEN PRINCESS focuses on the next generation of the motorcycle families. Clover is the daughter of Dex ‘Sin’ Black, vice president of the Wind Dragons MC, and his wife, attorney Faye Black.

NOTE: Several characters from both the Wind Dragons MC and the Cursed Ravens MC cross over for cohesion and history.

Told from first person perspective (Clover Black) FALLEN PRINCESS follows police rookie Clover Black as she struggles to keep secret her family history from the people she works with, and battles between head and heart as it pertains to her job as a cop, and the people she loves. Clover Black, for all intents and purposes, is a little naïve to believe her family connection to the Wind Dragon MC does not go unnoticed by the local PD but a difficult partnership with someone on the force means gaining a reputation, and a new partner on the job. Enter police officer Felix Banks, and the man with whom Clover will fall in love. What ensues is the forbidden but building relationship between Clover and Felix, and the potential fall-out as Clover’s connections to both the Wind Dragons and the Curse Ravens MC will be used against our story line heroine.

The relationship between Clover and Felix is quick to develop. There is an immediate connection but Clover keeps secret her family history, and her connection to the local MC. When a drug sting brings our heroine face to face with the people she loves, all bets are off, including her need to reveal the truth to the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom were previously introduced in both the Wind Dragons and Cursed Ravens MC series.

FALLEN PRINCESS is a quick read but in saying that the entire story line felt rushed; the build up was cursory; and the conflict resolutions were hurried and abrupt. Overall, I feel like the small details were missing, details that would have grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story –I did not feel connected. The MC lifestyle is virtually non-existent, almost ‘vanilla’ in comparison to other seires; the action and chaos mostly absent. The premise is fast paced and intriguing; the romance is flirty and warm; the characters are energetic. I am a big fan of Chantal Fernando’s MC series but for me, Fallen Princess didn’t hit the mark.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dragon’s Lair
Arrow’s Hell
Tracker’s End
Dirty Ride
Rake’s Redemption
Wild Ride
Wolf’s Mate
Last Ride
Crossroads
Fallen Princess

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Nice and Easy (Boys of the Big Easy #3) by Erin Nicholas-Review & Excerpt Tour

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NICE AND EASY (Boys of the Big Easy #3) by Erin Nicholas-Review & Excerpt  tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 12, 2019

New Orleans firefighter, Caleb Moreau had to trade body shots and hot all-nighters for sippy cups and actual up-all-night fevers when his sister was killed, leaving his niece in his care. But two years in, he’s definitely got the hang of this fatherhood thing. Of course, he couldn’t do it without nanny-turned-friend and fellow single parent, Lexi. Because of her, things have always been pretty easy.

Getting pregnant and going it alone wasn’t in Lexi’s plans, but thanks to Caleb, she’s doing okay. He’s helped her out with everything from diapers to car repairs over the years. So, when she suddenly needs a place to live, of course Caleb steps up. After all, it’s only temporary. They’re just friends. It’s just a favor, like all the others.

But for now it really is, very, very nice.

••••••••

REVIEW: NICE AND EASY is the third instalment in Erin Nicholas’ contemporary, adult BOYS OF THE BIG EASY erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends, and their single parent support group. This is twenty-nine year old, New Orleans fire fighter and first responder Caleb Moreau, and twenty-two year old, ER nurse Lexi Scott’s story line. NICE AND EASY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: NICE AND EASY incorporates a few scenes of Domination and submission, as well as some light discipline including spanking.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lexi and Caleb) NICE AND EASY follows the friends to lovers relationship between twenty-nine year old, New Orleans fire fighter and first responder Caleb Moreau, and twenty-two year old, ER nurse Lexi Scott. Two and half years earlier Caleb Moreau became a single parent to Shay, when a car accident took the life of his sister and her husband. Six months later, having met single mother and ER nurse Lexi Scott, at the local single parents support group brought the much needed help and support for one another, support disguising the palpable sexual attraction between our leading couple. A drunk Lexi will make a pass at our story line hero, resulting in humiliation and embarrassment when Lexi believes Caleb feels nothing in return but a potentially homeless Lexi finds herself cohabitating with our story line hero bringing one another closer than ever before. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Caleb and Lexi, and the potential fall-out when misunderstanding and issues of trust force Lexi to re-evaluate the direction of their relationship.

Lexi Scott believes herself to be a burden upon our story line hero, unable to forge ahead on her own with assistance and help. Caleb Moreau struggles to become the father his four-year old niece needs, struggles that include Shay’s ongoing disabilities as a direct result of her parents’ accident. Over protective by nature, Caleb will overstep his need to control potentially pushing away the woman he loves.

The relationship between Caleb and Lexi is a friends to lovers romance wherein our couple support one-another as they co-parent and raise their children together. The palpable sexual attraction does not go unnoticed by family and friends, an attraction that reveals Lexi’s need to be submissive behind close doors. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and ‘helpful’ secondary and supporting characters who offer advise to our story line couple, including the suggestion of erotic, romance novels to aid in the adventures and playtime in the bedroom.

NICE AND EASY is a story of family, friendship, communication and love. The premise is sexy and captivating; the characters are sassy and energetic; the romance is seductive and intense but in all honesty, I am tiring of the D/s story lines. NICE AND EASY is a spicy, fun and spirited story perfect for the romantic in all of us.

Pick up EASY GOING .5 for FREE at Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple / Google Play

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Easy Going
Going Down Easy
Taking It Easy
Eggnog Makes Her Easy
Nice and Easy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy


NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ to due content and language.

 

Lexi could feel Caleb’s breath on her lips, and his bunched muscles under her palm were hot and hard. She stared at his mouth. He stared at hers. And she decided that if he wasn’t going to look at her breasts, looking at her mouth like he was starving and she was a grilled BLT—his favorite food in the world—was just fine with her.
Being compared, even in her own head, to a grilled BLT might not seem sexy, but in her mind, it so was. Caleb devoured those sandwiches. He’d do almost anything for one. He made sexy moaning sounds when he first tasted them. And he’d proclaimed that hers were the best he’d ever tasted. Yeah, put that way, along with the schnapps still coating her brain, it was strangely sexy.
“Caleb.”
She watched his pupils dilate and his jaw clench.
Her hand went to the front of his shirt and she bunched it in her fists, watching his eyes. He didn’t try to stop her. Then she tugged, urging him forward.
And he came, the hand next to her hip pressing into the mattress as she tipped her head to one side. Their lips touched. Softly. Briefly. But she felt it all the way to her bones. Heat, want, relief. She suddenly had to have more. She made a little almost-a-sob sound and licked her tongue along his lower lip.
“Lex.”
Her name was more of a groan than a word. It was the sexiest thing she’d ever heard.
“Caleb,”she breathed.
Then the next groan became the sexiest thing she’d ever heard. It was a combination of hunger and resignation, and she felt like he’d just set her nerve endings on fire.
Suddenly, Caleb’s hand came up to cup the back of her head, his fingers diving into her hair. And he took over.
His mouth opened over hers and his tongue stroked deep and hot. Every glide of his tongue felt as though he was running a finger over her clit. Some were firmer, some softer, some longer, some shorter, and her need ratcheted up with each one.
She ran her hands over his chest to his shoulders and up the sides of his neck, loving the hard muscles and the heat under her palms. Then she slid her hands down his sides to the bottom of his shirt. She slipped her hands underneath, moaning as she met hot, bare skin. He sucked in a quick breath and she smiled against his lips, loving having an effect on him.
And suddenly she was on her back and Caleb was moving over her. Her hands slid to his back, the muscles there bunching as he braced himself above her, still kissing her like it was his job. Instinctively, she slid her legs apart and he settled between them. The comforter was between them, but she felt him hard and hot and deliciously heavy against her. The feel of his cock pressed against her made her ache. She’d done that to him. She’d made him hard.
Hallelujah.


 

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

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See The Light by Kate McMurray-a review

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SEE THE LIGHT by Kate McMurray-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2019

Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.

Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.

Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.

When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.

But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.

••••••••

REVIEW: SEE THE LIGHT by Kate McMurray is a contemporary, adult, M/M erotic, romance story line focusing on twenty-eight year olds, Broadway actor, singer and dancer Jeremy Reynolds, and makeup artist Max Meyer.

NOTE: SEE THE LIGHT contains scenes of M/M sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jeremy and Max) SEE THE LIGHT follows the friends to lovers relationship between Broadway actor, singer and dancer Jeremy Reynolds, and makeup artist Max Myer. Max Meyer has been in love with his best friend since childhood, a best friend who recently broke up with his long-term boyfriend. Needing a place to crash, Max offered Jeremy a place to stay, in an effort to get closer to the man that he loved. Jeremy auditions for several show buy is eventually offered the lead in a new Broadway play; Max finds himself the makeup artist and designer for a couple of big productions. With both of their careers climbing the ladder of success, emotions and issues of trust begin to tear them apart.
What ensues is the building romance and sexual relationship between Jeremy and Max, and the fall-out as Max struggles with feelings of inadequacy as it pertains to Jeremy, and the potential of losing his best friend forever it things fall apart.

Max Meyer loves Jeremy Reynolds but Jeremy’s star is on the rise, and time apart means too many hours, for Max, to contemplate what might go wrong. Max’s angst and emotional drama begins to eat away of his own self-esteem, and thusly his relationship with the man that he loves. Jeremy has fallen for his best friend, a friend he saw more as a brother. With Max’s revelations of a life-long love, Jeremy finds himself looking towards the future, a future that is in jeopardy as Max struggles between head and heart.

The relationship between Max and Jeremy is a best friends to lovers romance wherein Max battles the ‘what ifs and whys’. Struggling to accept that Jeremy loves him in return, Max begins to sabotage their relationship in the hopes of saving a lifelong friendship. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the cast of the Broadway production of See the Light, as well as a number of ‘drag queens’ and friends of Jeremy and Max. Max is the makeup artist to the wanna-be stars, a group of drag queens hoping to make it big and launch their careers.

The world building spotlights the Great White Way-the Broadway hits of the past and present; the musicals, the actors, the hits and the misses. We are backstage as Max Meyer develops his artistic designs, and Jeremy Reynolds prepares for the role of his life.

SEE THE LIGHT is a story of friendship, love, uncertainty, and miscommunication. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are wounded, sassy and spirited; the romance is arousing and provocative. I had an issue with the inordinate amount of Broadway musical information and history, reflection and contemplation which reads like filler more than anything else.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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