The Secret She Keeps (Whitaker Island #2) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

The Secret She Keeps (Whitaker Island #2) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 30, 2019

No matter where you run to…

Connor Rye seeks solace on remote Whitaker Island. When his first quiet evening ends with a blow to the head, it’s clear that nothing—and no one—is as it seems. Still haunted by his sister’s murder, he’s buried himself in work while trying to hold his family together. Now, when he has a minute to breathe, he knows better than to get involved with a stranger, but it might be too late to keep his distance.

Desire will find you…

For years she’s pretended to be someone else, but Maddie Rhine is done living in the shadows. Old habits are hard to kick however, and when her past follows her to Whitaker she’s forced to hide once more. Except with Connor. Effortlessly sexy Connor makes it difficult to ignore him. He sees right through her…and senses her fear.

Someone is watching her. And waiting for the right moment to strike. This time Connor vows to be ready.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE SECRET SHE KEEPS is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult WHITAKER ISLAND romantic, suspense series. This is businessman Connor Rye, and Maddie Rhine’s story line. THE SECRET SHE KEEPS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from three third person perspectives including Connor and Maddie, THE SECRET SHE KEEPS follows businessman Connor Rye as he escapes to Whitaker Island for some mandatory R&R, the same island where his brother Hansen (Her Other Secret #1) fell in love with his future wife. But from the outset Connor finds himself targeted by a woman who believes she is being stalked for sins of the past, sins that are about to be exposed on Whitaker Island. Enter Maddie Rhine, the woman with whom Connor will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Maddie and Connor, and the potential fall-out as Maddie’s secrets are about to be revealed.

Maddie Rhine is in hiding but someone has found our story line heroine, sending letters that are now threatening the man with whom Maddie is falling in love. An unidentified body, and an assault against an elderly neighbor find Maddie face to face with a man who was once responsible for Maddie’s life. Connor Rye has struggled since the death of his sister months before, a struggle that forced his family to intervene for Connor’s mental health but Whitaker Island, for all of its’ quietude, has found itself on the receiving end of too many murders and questionable happenings.

The relationship between Maggie and Connor begins as a case of mistaken identity when Maggie believes Connor is someone from her past. Connor finds himself attracted to a woman whose secrets are dark, secrets that are about to pull Connor into a web of murder and obsession.The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Whitaker Island’s colorful and eccentric residents including the head of the Whitaker Board and lodge owner Sylvia Sussex, old man Paul, Whitaker’s self-appointed guardian Dom, Jenna Hughland, law enforcement officer Ben Clifford, and Maddie’s former handler Evan Williams.

THE SECRET SHE KEEPS is a story of secrets and lies; obsession and betrayal. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and spirited.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HER OTHER SECRET

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Avoiding Temptation ( Bro Code #3) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review tour

Avoiding Temptation ( Bro Code) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 23, 2019

I hit on her first.

Realized she was my best friend Finn’s little sister second.

And got a bloody nose third — compliments of Finn after he watched me nearly score with the new underclassman.

After all I did have a reputation on campus, word on the street was that a girl could orgasm within one minute just watching me eat Lucky Charms.
You can’t make this stuff up — even though it was at least four minutes and included outside circumstances. Ahem, I digress.

Point is, not only did I earn the attention of the worst sort of girl for me — my best friend’s only sibling — but now she’s out to seduce me.

Me! One of the most famous Pleasure Ponies of them all!

I can’t shower — she follows me to the bathroom. Literally.
I can’t sleep — Lucky me, she lives in the same dorm.

And I can’t focus on anything except for her taunting eyes every single time something goes her way.

I want her, but I don’t want her to know I want her, and I definitely don’t want to die before graduation, which is looking more and more likely considering we can’t keep our hands off each other.

Something’s gotta give, and I have an inkling I should probably start writing my eulogy now because that something is probably going to be me.

••••••••

REVIEW:AVOIDING TEMPTATION is the third instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult BRO CODE erotic, romance series focusing on four friends known as the Pleasure Ponies who work for Wingman Inc: Knox, Finn, Leo, and Slater. This is Slater and Tatum’s story line. AVOIDING TEMPTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. The Bro Code is a spin off from the author’s Wingman, Inc series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Slater and Tatum) AVOIDING TEMPTATION follows the best friends’s little sister relationship between Finn’s sister and sophomore Tatum, and Pleasure Pony Slater. Tatum has transferred schools following the fall-out of a relationship that spiralled out of control. Hoping to start anew, Tatum recognized her brother’s best friend Slater, and proceeded to try and seduce our story line hero but all does not go according to plan when Finn walks in on Slater and Tatum, threatening Slater within inches of his life. When Finn and Tatum’s family life begins to split and fall apart, Finn heads home, leaving Tatum and Slater to dance around the palpable sexual attraction between one another. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Tatum and Slater, and the potential fall-out when Finn calls foul on the unwritten bro-code between best friends and brothers.

The relationship between Slater and Tatum is one of immediate attraction but Slater is unaware of Tatum’s connection to his best friend Finn. It quickly becomes apparent that Tatum will become a permanent fixture in the best friend’s residence, a position that places Tatum and Finn within feet of one another. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is plenty of back and forth texting between our story line couple, texting of which Slater is completely unaware.

We are reintroduced to Pleasure Ponies Finn, and Leo Blackwood, as well as Leo’s fiancée Kora Robinson, and Finn and Tatum’s colorful and eccentric ninety two year old Aunt Nadine.

AVOIDING TEMPTATION is a fun and flirty story line with a little bit of drama and conflict. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is sweet and seductive; the characters are energetic and charismatic. I am looking forward to Finn’s story.

Reading Order and Previous review
Co-Ed
Seducing Mrs. Robinson
Avoiding Temptation

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

 

 

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Mischievous Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour-Review & Giveaway tour

Mischievous Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour-Review & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 21, 2019

After one night of blistering lovemaking that would bring any sane man to his knees clutching a ring, Jack’s forced to accept Mia’s unexpected rejection. Then when she seems to be warming up to having a relationship, danger erupts around him in freakish accidents and mystical happenings. How can he permit her and her little girl to be anywhere near these threats?

Mia lovingly adopts her best friend’s four-year-old child in accordance with her will. She also agrees to move her new family and her business to live with her aunt before the Christmas holidays arrive. But… she isn’t willing to hold on to a man because of one incredible night’s loss of restraint.

••••••••

REVIEW: I’ve read a few of the other books in the series. But I don’t think you need to read them in order.

Mia is devastated, her best friend has died, cruelly taken from her in a car accident. They’ve known each other forever, in fact when Jasmine’s mother abandoned her, Mia and her family gave her a new home. And when Jasmine became pregnant, the two girls brought her up between them. But the memories in the apartment they shared is just too much, she’s going back to live with her aunt.

Jack thinks he’s a broken man, after being wounded in Afghanistan, it’s taken time to be rehabilitated and mobile. His friend and neighbour has helped immensely, giving him handyman jobs and making him feel part of a family. For a long time he battled with pain and drug addiction, but aunt Angie gave him a place to start over.

Both jack and Mia know about each other through Angie, but neither have met each other yet. So both are surprised when they meet at Mia’s home (she’s packing up her home to go live her aunt) Jack thinks she’s a cutie and Mia thinks he’s hot.
The story then takes a few twists and turns, wrong words and misunderstandings have these two people thinking the worse. But with the help of Lucas (Jack’s guardian angel) things are back on track.

It’s a feel good book, a few good laughs and a couple of moments where you want to slap the main characters. I love aunt Angie she’s so funny. And little Maisie is such a bundle of fun.

?Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

Mimi is an incredibly busy NYT and USA Today award-winning, best-selling author who has seven series to her credit. The Vicarage Bench Series – Spirit/Time -Travel tales that have a surprising twist / The Angels with Attitude Series – Angels Love Romance / The Elvis Series – Make an Elvis song a book / Vegas Series – 6 books full of romantic suspense, humor and gritty conflicts / and… the fast-paced, edgy, humorous, romantic suspense, Undercover FBI Series /The Holiday Heatwarmer Series – puppies become cupids. And the latest, explosive Mob Tracker Series – six books full of conflicts and characters you’ll hate to leave.
Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her husband and writes her various romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye. She’s been known to say: “If I can steal a booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”
**1st place prize of the 2015 – Chanticleer Reviews – Clue Awards. Special Agent Francesca
**A TOUCH OF PASSION, has just become the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Awards.

Website: https://mimibarbour.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mimi-Barbour-Fan-Page/203964072966134
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MimiBarbour
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/barbour0499
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mimi-barbour
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mimi-Barbour/e/B0051EAN52
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3376439.Mimi_Barbour
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MimiBNewsletter

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

$25 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

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Fatal Accusation (Fatal #15) by Marie Force-Review & Tour

Fatal Accusation (Fatal #15) by Marie Force-Review & Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2019

A deadly serious affair…

The story breaks as Metro PD lieutenant Sam Holland attends a dinner party with her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano: President Nelson is accused of having an affair. More shocking still, campaign staffer Tara Weber claims the president fathered her newborn son—while the First Lady was undergoing secret cancer treatment.

When a high-profile murder case hits Sam’s desk, she’s shocked to uncover a connection to the presidential scandal. With the department caught up in its own internal scandals, and the chief’s job hanging by a thread, Sam questions who she can trust as her team uncovers information that clouds an already-murky case. And with calls for the president to resign getting louder by the minute, Sam needs to close this case before she finds herself living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

•••••••••

REVIEW: FATAL ACCUSATION is the fifteenth instalment in Marie Force’s contemporary, adult FATAL romantic suspense series focusing on Lieutenant Samantha ‘Sam’ Holland, and her husband US Vice President Nick Cappuano. FATAL ACCUSATION 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 as some of the events are as of a direct result of events in earlier story lines.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sam and Nick) FATAL ACCUSATION follows Washington DC, Metro PD lieutenant Sam Holland as she is tasked with investigating the murder of a woman connected to the most recent scandal linked to US President Nelson. President Nelson is no stranger to scandal but the fall-out of accusations by a campaign staffer could end his career in politics, as well as his marriage to his beloved wife. Sam Holland struggles with the knowledge that if President Nelson steps down, she and her husband will assume the role as President and First Lady, a position to which neither one is looking forward. As Sam begins to dig deeper into the murder investigation all clues point to the powerful elite, with more than one possible suspect on the horizon.

Meanwhile Sam’s private and personal h*ll wants a face to face but Sam struggles with what was, and what will never be. Betrayal hits hard, and our heroine battles not to crawl into the abyss when the truth about the who and why is slowly revealed.

Marie Force pulls together a colorful and energetic cast of secondary and supporting characters including Sam’s feisty partner Detective Freddie Cruz whose one on one banter is straightforward, animated and real , as well as a host of other co-workers and law enforcement who help make Sam’s life a little easier.

FATAL ACCUSATION, in some aspects, mirrors a little bit of the current US administration in that the honesty and transparency is missing and lost. Marie Force pens a startling, thought provoking and sexy story of betrayal and vengeance, heart break and love. The premise is dramatic and engaging; the characters are dynamic, charismatic, raw and inspiring.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, historical romance and erotic romance. Her series include the indie-published Gansett Island, Treading Water, Butler, Vermont and Quantum Series as well as the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books.

Her books have sold more than 9 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list 30 times. She is also a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, a Speigel bestseller in Germany, a frequent speaker and publishing workshop presenter.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

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DRAGON’S KISS (DragonFate #1) by Deborah Cooke-a review

DRAGON’S KISS (DragonFate #1) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10 2019

Her kiss could be his doom…

When dragon-shifter Kristofer feels his firestorm ignite, he eagerly follows its spark to his destined mate. To his surprise, the heat leads him to a Valkyrie intent on claiming his soul. Even so, Kristofer has never met a woman as alluring as the fierce warrior before him. Trusting in the firestorm, he must convince her to fight with him instead of against him.

Trading the life of a dragon shifter for that of her sister Valkyrie is an easy choice for Bree…until she meets Kristofer. Experience taught her that dragons are evil, but in him she sees a bold and noble warrior. Finding his confidence as irresistible as his touch, Bree fears she is being tricked into abandoning her sister. But how can she take Kristofer’s life when his very presence makes her burn with desire?

When they’re compelled to join forces, Kristofer seizes the chance to convince Bree that they’re stronger together. Yet as a sinister plan unfolds, an ancient dragon is roused from his slumber. With danger closing in, can Kristofer convince Bree to surrender her immortality for their forbidden love? Or will Bree’s distrust of dragons prove justified?

•••••••••

REVIEW:  DRAGON’S KISS is the first full-length instalment in Deborah Cooke’s adult DRAGONFATE paranormal/fantasy / mythological romance series-a spin off from the author’s Dragonfire series. This is dragon shifter Kristofer, and Valkyrie Bree’s story line. DRAGON’S KISS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the prequel and introductory novella MAEVE’S BOOK OF BEASTS for backstory.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kristofer and Bree DRAGON’S KISS follows in the aftermath of the Dragon’s Tail War wherein the Pyr defeated the Slayers only to face a new foe in the guise of Maeve, the Dark Queen of the Fae. Maeve believes shifters and vampires, any specie that is half-human, half-mythological creature are abominations, impure creatures, tainted beings, and therefore must be annihilated and destroyed leaving only the Fae and human beings to walk the earth. In order to begin her methodical destruction of the dragons, Maeve ‘kidnaps’ Kara, a Valkyrie, knowing her sister will do anything to save Kara’s life. Enter Bree, aka Sigrdrifa, who will make a deal with Maeve in order to free her sister from the eternal dance with the Fae.

Valkyries believes dragons are the most vilest creatures to have ever walked the earth, and therefore, any survivors must be exterminated, and Maeve will use this knowledge to her advantage by manipulating a firestorm, a call to mate, between Bree and Kristofer, a peridot and gold dragon who has been searching for his firestorm all of his life. But things don’t go according to plan when Maeve demands more from our couple forcing Bree and Kristofer to work together in an effort to save Kara, and dragonkind. Kristofer believes their firestorm is real, and not directed by Magick, and therefore, Bree struggles with their ‘unnatural’ attraction, an attraction that will develop into something more.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including dragons, vampires, Fae, and Valkyrie, as well as the return of several of Deborah’s dragons and characters from the Dragonfire and its’ interconnected series and stories including Rafferty and Melissa, Erik, the leader of the Pyr; Drake, Caleb and Micah . We are introduced to Alasdair, Kade, Theo, Rhys, and Hadrian. With the introduction of the ‘sleeping’ dragon warriors, protected by Eithne, there is the possibility of another spin off series. Rhys’ story is next in Dragon’s Heart.

DRAGON’S KISS is a detailed exposition of information and history connecting Norse mythology with a modern day supernatural world. With the revelation of other paranormal creatures including Valkyrie, vampires, Fae and more, the dragons find themselves no longer the oldest or most powerful beings on the planet but one of many. The enchanting premise is fascinating and intense; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance is passionate and seductive. DRAGON’S KISS is an imaginative take of Norse mythology and paranormal romance.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Delight Me (Stark Ever After ) by J. Kenner-Review & Excerpt Tour

Delight Me (Stark Ever After Novella) by J. Kenner-Review & Excerpt Tour

 

Delight Me
Stark Ever After Novella
by J. Kenner
Release Date: December 19 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 19, 2019

There’s one special gift Damien wants to give his wife Nikki and their daughters for Christmas… but with a storm approaching and time running out, can he make it home in time for the holidays?

While Damien tries to bring something wonderful home to his family, this book is JK’s special treat for Nikki and Damien fans. Dive deep into bonus content you may have missed over the years, including a love note from Damien, text messages between Nikki and Damien, fan-favorite quotes from the books, plus several fun and sexy scenes previously shared in JK’s newsletter and on other sites. And, of course, the all-new holiday novella!

•••••••

REVIEW:DELIGHT ME is the latest contemporary, adult, erotic, romance novella in J. Kenner’s Stark Ever After series focusing on billionaire businessman Damien Stark, and his wife Nikki Fairchild-Stark.

NOTE: DELIGHT ME also includes a collection of short stories, bonus content and out takes from the author’s newsletter and previously released story lines from the Stark series and its’ numerous spin-offs.

Told from first person (Nikki) and third person (Damien) DELIGHT ME focuses on the few days prior to Christmas as Nikki prepares for the holidays but a bit of bad news finds Damien desperate to help his wife, a desperation that sends Damien searching for the perfect gift to ease his wife anxiety. Out of the country on ‘business’ Damien will find what he is looking for but plane trouble, and a potential two day drive force Damien to look for other alternatives in an effort to get home to his beautiful wife. Meanwhile, Nikki struggles wit the absence of her husband so close to Christmas Day, an absence reinforced by her mother’s caustic comments, and her father’s inability to come home for Christmas.

DELIGHT ME is a story of family, friendship, and love; a Christmas themed novella wherein Damien will deliver the perfect Christmas surprise for the woman that will forever call to his heart. The premise is engaging; the characters are passionate and familiar.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Anchor Me
Play My Game
Seduce Me
Unwrap Me
Hold Me
Please Me
Lost With Me
Damien
Indulge Me
Delight Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A few moments pass, and I consider going back inside. But I can’t bring myself to do it. All day we’ve been surrounded by people, and now that it is just the two of us, I want to wallow in the pleasure of having claimed this man. I want to watch him rounding the side of the house. I want to see the possessiveness with which he approaches it, knowing full well that he owns the property, the house, and everything inside it.
Including me.
I want to see the heat that will flare in his eyes when he sees that I’m waiting for him, and I want to feel the brush of his lips on mine when he kisses me.
I want it—and Damien doesn’t disappoint.
The moment I see him, I feel the breath catch in my throat, his impact upon me no less intense after having been married now for years. He walks with a casual confidence, his body straight and strong, his chin high. He radiates power and control, but at the same time there is an easiness to him. A weekend quality that suggests that even though he can command a board room, he is equally skilled on a tennis court or the ski slopes.
Or in a bedroom.
I shiver, thinking about his particular skills in that area, and when his eyes meet mine and he flashes that slow, easy smile, I’m certain he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“Why, Mrs. Stark,” he says, sliding one hand around my waist and pulling me to him. “You look like a woman with something on your mind.”
“I am,” I admit. I’m breathless now, my skin tingling in response to his touch.
“Whatever could you be thinking about?”
“You,” I admit, then rise onto my toes to meet his mouth. The kiss is deep, claiming, and I melt against him, more than willing to surrender to his touch.
I want to simply let go. To lose myself and the rest of this afternoon in his arms. 


 

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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KING OF EVANSTON (Kings of the Castle ) by J.L. Campbell-a review

KING OF EVANSTON (Kings of the Castle #3) by J.L. Campbell-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2019

Shaz Bostwick’s personal views and business ethics collide when Camilla Gibson walks into his office, seeking his help.The treatment her daughter needs is available in Chicago, but Camilla is almost out of time and has several issues working against her. Raised as an immigrant, Shaz knows the heartache of family separation firsthand. In a race against the clock and the authorities, he calls in favors but receives a disturbing offer. Let baby Ayanna slip through the cracks in exchange for a handsome reward. Fed up with politicians and businessmen with too much money and too little scruples, Shaz and his fellow Kings of the Castle band together to stem the flow of illegal adoptions, while they solve the mystery of who wants their mentor dead.

Camilla Gibson has traveled the world in her capacity as an adventurer, sometime model, and blogging celebrity. In her eyes, the charming, but tough lawyer is her last resort before deportation. Shaz is smart and tenacious, with renowned negotiating skills and a reputation for making a way when there seems to be none. If she can get past the biggest crisis in her life, then maybe the spark of attraction that sizzles between them will develop into something magical.

•••••••

REVIEW: KING OF EVANSTON by J.L. Campbell is the third instalment in the multi-authored/ multi-cultural contemporary, adult KINGS OF THE CASTLE, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is attorney Shastra ‘Shaz’ Bostwick, and single mother Camilla Gibson’s story line. KING OF EVANSTON can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one KINGS OF THE CASTLE for backstory and history between Shaz and Camilla.

SOME BACKGROUND: Nine men, all ‘brother’s in arms’ from the mean streets of Chicago, have been called together by their former mentor Khalil Germaine in an effort to re-make and reclaim the restrictive and exclusionary THE CASTLE, an institution now involved with illegal activities including drug trafficking, human sexual slavery and more.

Told from third person perspective (Shaz Bostwick) KING OF EVANSTON focuses on the search for an illegal adoption and child slavery ring. Four years earlier, while on vacation in America, Jamaican born Camilla Gibson got pregnant by a man who wanted nothing to do with our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day wherein Camilla has returned to the States, along with her daughter Ayanna, who needs emergency surgery to correct a heart defect but all does not go according to plan when the child’s father offers up his estranged young daughter to the highest bidder. Enter attorney and King of Evanston Shastra ‘Shaz’ Bostwick, and the man with whom Camilla will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Shaz and Camilla, and the potential fall-out as numerous attempts to abduct Ayanna place the child in dangerous and precarious position.

KING OF EVANSTON focuses on the imprisonment of young women, and the illegal procurement and adoption of their newborn children. As the nine Kings of the Castle begin an investigation of their own, all clues lead back to The Castle, and the previous and current members who operated a series of illegal endeavors.

The relationship between Shaz and Camilla begins as a business association that soon turns into something more. Shaz finds himself attracted to a woman whose time in the States is coming to an end, an end that places Ayanna between the two worlds of her mother and her nefarious father. Camilla Gibson is drawn to the enigmatic and powerful attorney Shastra Bostwick but Camilla’s first priority is the protection and safety of her ailing daughter. The $ex scenes are intmate, passionate and limited but saying that I did not feel any palpable sexual heat or attraction, in fact, I felt little to nothing in the way of love or romance, and in this, I struggled to enjoy the overall story.

KING OF EVANSTON is a dramatic story of family, betrayal, illegal activities and tragic circumstances that fulfills another happily ever after for one of the Kings of the Castle.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Savage Hunger (Savage #1) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review & Excerpt

Savage Hunger (Savage Trilogy #1) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review & Excerpt Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2019

Rick Savage, but they call him Savage and for a reason. He can make you laugh and then rip your heart out. No one knows that more than me, Jasmine Marks, the woman he left bleeding from the heart. I loved him. Lord help me, I’ve never stopped loving him.

Now, I’m engaged to another man, a brutal man I’m trapped into marrying, when to my shock, Savage returns home. Savage who I haven’t heard from in years. I want to hate him. I have ever reason to hate him, but I can’t. I still love him and I fear he will save me just to leave me bleeding one last time. He stirs my desires, a dark, delicious, and dangerous man destined to hurt me and leave me. This time I’m not sure I’ll survive.

•••••••

REVIEW: SAVAGE HUNGER is the first instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult SAVAGE erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on former Green Beret and Walker Security specialist Rick Savage, and architect Candace Marks. The SAVAGE trilogy is a spin-off from the author’s NAKED and Dirty Rich series with the appearance of several characters from the author’s Walker Security series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rick and Candace) SAVAGE HUNGER follows the second chance relationship between Green Beret and Walker Security specialist Rick Savage, and architect Candace Marks. Eight years earlier Rick Savage destroyed Candace Marks’ heart when he sent a ‘Dear Candace’ letter while on assignment overseas but what Candace never knew was that Rick Savage was recruited by a covert CIA black ops unit, a unit whose former members are now in prestigious and powerful places in the US government. When a debt is called in, Rick Savage must face the inevitable including the woman whose heart he destroyed. Enter architect Candace Marks. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Rick and Candace, and the potential fall-out as the betrayal and power in the US government and military hits too close to home.

The relationship between Rick Savage and Candace Marks is one of second chances; a relationship previously destroyed by Rick’s need to protect the woman he loved, a woman who is now engaged to another man. Rick has never stopped loving Candace Marks but struggles with the possibility of having to kill someone Candace may know or love. Candace believes Rick is a stone-cold killer, a belief Rick allows in an effort to prevent his heart from breaking, once again but Candace has moved on with her life, a life that is now threatened by the man that she loves, and the man with whom she is currently engaged.

The secondary and supporting characters include Rick’s father; Candace’s fiancé Senator Gabriel Manning, and his assistant Monica; and her father General Howard Marks. We are reintroduced to security specialists: ex-Army Ranger Smith, and SEAL Team Six member Adam.

SAVAGE HUNGER is a story of family, betrayal, retribution and trust; second chances, friendships, and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is steamy, seductive and hot; the characters are colorful, charismatic and energetic. SAVAGE HUNGER is a fantastic and intriguing start to Lisa Renee Jones’ new SAVAGE TRILOGY.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Why are you here alone, Rick Savage?”He fixes me in a deep blue stare, and I swear I’m drifting in a sea of this man’s making. “To meet you. I just didn’t know it yet.”

The rain explodes around us again, an eternal roughening of the windows that only Texas does with such force. Thunder erupts with it, lightning in the distance, and I don’t know who moves first. Him or me. Suddenly though we’re in the middle of the seat and his fingers are tangling all rough and wonderfully in my hair, his mouth lowering to mine. “I’m going to kiss you now unless you object,” he says.

“Kiss me already, Savage.”

“Rick. Call me Rick.” And then his lips collide with my lips, his tongue a deep stroke of pure heat that has me moaning with the rush of sensation that assaults my body in the best of ways.
My arms slide around his muscular back, body pressing against his body, the hard lines of this incredible man absorbing more than the softer part of me. That need to be touched explodes inside me, demanding satisfaction. He pulls back and stares down at me. “Do you want to get out of here? Together.”

I tell myself this is crazy, insane, wildly out of my character. “I don’t do things like this. Ever.”

He kisses me again and leaves me breathless. “Make me the first.”

 


 

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

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

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

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

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