Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2019

Hawk (The Boys of Summer 4) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Giveaway

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Hawk (The Boys of Summer 4) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

Hawk
The Boys of Summer #4
by Heidi McLaughlin
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

It’s another season of Renegade baseball and, as they say, the boys are back in town. All except for all-star pitcher, Hawk Sinclair, who has returned to his hometown and back to the ranch he grew up on to rehab after shoulder surgery.

Real estate agent, Bellamy Patrick, feels like she’s failing at being a single mom. Her son is having a hard time fitting in and she’s hoping that playing baseball will be the answer. When he doesn’t make the team, she’s willing to do anything to help him… except that! And that’s exactly what the little league coach expects.

When Hawk’s asked to coach a team of misfit kids, he balks…until he sees how the program is run and how boys are left out. That’s when he knows he has no choice but to do the right thing and turn these boys into the players he knows they can be.

•••••••••

REVIEW:HAWK is the fourth instalment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult THE BOYS OF SUMMER romance series. This is Boston Renegade pitcher Hawk Sinclair, and real estate agent, single mother/ divorcee Bellamy Patrick’s story line. HAWK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hawk and Bellamy) HAWK follows Boston Renegade pitcher Hawk Sinclair in the aftermath of a near-career ending injury. Heading home to Montana for rest and rehabilitation Hawk will come face to face with real-estate agent Bellamy Patrick, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero but not all is well in the small town of Richfield, Montana including a corrupt system of government and a little league coach who doesn’t play on the up and up. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Hawk and Bellamy as they circumvent the local oligarchs in an effort to start up a little league team of their own.

Hawk Sinclair loves the game of baseball but struggles with injuries that could very well end his career. Discovering the local little league coach has too much control over the players and their parents, Hawk takes things into his own hands disrupting the coach’s power and control over the town of Richfield, Montana. Bellamy Patrick struggles in the face of ex-husband less than active parenting skills but when their son does not make the little league team, Bellamy is desperate to help anyway she can, but desperation found our heroine facing threats of a different kind.

The relationship between Hawk and Bellamy is one of immediate attraction and palpable sexual energy. Bellamy is a single mother, five years older than the man with whom she will fall in love but a man whose career and job will take him from her home in Richfield, Montana. The $ex scenes are mostly implied or fade to black.

We are introduced to Bellamy’s ten year old son Chase, her ex-husband Greg; Bellamy’s office manager Karter Watson, and their boss Owen; Hawk’s brother in law Warner; his sisters Avery and Elizabeth, and his nephew Nolan; Hawk’s former best friend and little league coach Brett Larsen and his wife Annie, their daughter Mattingly; Coach David Farmer, as well as several members of the Boston Renegades, their spouses and family: Ethan and Daisy (Third Base #1), Cooper and Ainsley (Home Run 2), Saylor and Travis (Grand Slam #3).

HAWK is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and vengeance; power, control, revelations and love.The character driven premise is engaging, fast paced and inviting; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic, lively and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Third Base
Home Run
Grand Slam

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in 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 Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

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

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

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

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Burn (Men of Inked:Heatwave #2) by Chelle Bliss-Review Tour

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Burn (Men of Inked: Heatwave #2) by Chelle Bliss-Review Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

She thought she’d never fall in love, but then he rode into her world covered in ink and wrapped in chaos.

He never expected his past to follow him into his future, but nothing stays hidden for long.

Burn is book two in the Men of Inked: Heatwave series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss. The Men of Inked: Heatwave series features steamy romance, hot heroes, and strong women.

•••••••••

REVIEW:Burn begins where Flame left off………..Someone had broken into Gigi’s apartment and attacked her, only to find out when Pike storms in that it is none other than his dad, Colton Moore. Shocked to their core, Gigi’s family is called in to take care of the intruder whom the Feds have been looking for.

Pike’s life growing up was not an easy one. He left as soon as he was old enough and never looked back. He kept in touch with his grandmother some, but not his little brother nor his mother. When Pike learns that tragedy has struck back in Tennessee, he makes the hard decision to head back to Tennessee to help with the arrangements. Gigi informs him that she is going with him, to which he strongly disagrees, but Gigi being Gigi and all, they head out. Once the arrive, Pike’s little brother, Austin, is so glad to see him. It’s when the two of them spend some time together talking, Pike discovers the truth about what happened and what Austin had to endure. With Pike being all Austin has left, other than his aging grandmother, the not so easy decision is made by Pike to take Austin home with him.

Once Pike, Gigi and Austin get back home and head over to Gigi’s family’s home, Austin overhears Pike expressing his frustration with the whole situation and takes off. Once apologies are made, Pike thinks that, finally, his life may straighten out and the bad stuff is over. However, their father’s criminal activities seem to have no end in sight as Pike and the Gallos are targeted by someone wanting what Colton Moore has hidden that is worth a fortune. Pike knows one thing: he will never let anything happen to Gigi or a member of her family, which puts his life on the line….

Burn is another amazing story written by Chelle Bliss. Pike and Gigi are great together and I loved their interactions. I love that Gigi is her own person and that Pike lets her be just that. And, once again, it’s Pike who just breaks your heart. Once deeply buried memories resurface for him, your heart will break even more. But, it’s the decisions he makes regarding his life that makes him one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a very long time. Add to all of this the Gallo family, and you find yourself not being able to turn the pages fast enough. The world that Bliss has created will suck you in from the very beginning. Well done, Chelle Bliss!! Very, very, very well done!!!

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of book one FLAME

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

 

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She’s written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.

 

Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – NEWSLETTER – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM

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We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer-Review tour

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WE STILL LIVE by Sara Dobie Bauer-Review Tour

 

 

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

Add to Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2019

Running from a scandal that ruined his life, Isaac Twain accepts a teaching position at Hambden University where, three months prior, Professor John Conlon stopped a campus nightmare by stepping in front of an active shooter.

When John and Isaac become faculty advisors for the school’s literary magazine, their professional relationship evolves. Despite the strict code of conduct forbidding faculty fraternization, they delve into a secret affair—until Simon arrives.

Isaac’s violent ex threatens not only their careers, but also John’s life. His PTSD triggered, John must come to terms with that bloody day on College Green while Isaac must accept the heartbreak his secrets have wrought.

***WE STILL LIVE is a standalone M/M friends-to-lovers romance featuring detailed adult content, graphic violence, hurt/comfort, and mental illness.***

•••••••••

REVIEW: WE STILL LIVE by Sara Dobie Bauer is a contemporary, adult, stand alone M/M erotic, romance storyline focusing on university professors . Isaac Twain, and Professor Dr. John Conlon.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Isaac and John) WE STILL LIVE follows in the aftermath of a campus shooting at Hambden University. Professor Isaac Twain was living a nightmare of his own, and had no idea about what had happened at the university where he recently been hired as a member of the English department. Meeting fellow professor, and writer John Conlon gave Isaac Twain pause when he quickly discovered that John faced down the shooter in an attempt to protect the students he loved. But not all was well in John Conlon’s life, as he suffers with nightmares and PTSD in the wake of the shootings, and the department’s no fraternization policy was another slap to an already struggling couple. What ensues is the behind closed doors building relationship and love between John and Isaac, and the potential fall-out as their demons slowly begin to destroy all sense of security between our leading couple.

Isaac Twain has been a closeted gay man for most of his life but marriage to a woman he thought he could love proved more dangerous and heart breaking than he could have imagined. Moving to Ohio to escape his past, Isaac struggles with what was and his feelings for a man who has endured so much more. John Conlon struggles in the aftermath of the shooting at Hambden University. Hailed as the ‘hero’ John’s emotional balance continues to spiral out of control and the only saving grace is the man with whom he will fall in love, a love that must be kept hidden to protect their jobs.

The relationship between John and Isaac is one of immediate attraction but everyone suspects Isaac is straight but his need for John is palpable and strong. John must battle between head and heart knowing their future at the university hangs in the balance but to move towards a happily ever after, one or both will have to sacrifice in the end. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, broken and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Isaac’s former lover Simon; John’s best friend Tommy Dewars; English department head Sonya Meeks, and several students whose lives have been affected by the campus shooting.

WE STILL LIVE is a heart breaking and emotional story line ripped from the head lines of the daily news. Sara Dobie Bauer pulls together the haunting and frightening issues in the aftermath of so much pain but there will never be an answer to the who, how and why. The premise is sensitive and impassioned; the romance is steamy and seductive; the characters are numb, shattered and struggling to move forward.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Close as they were to the foyer, Isaac was the first to notice the front door opening. A student walked inside. The kid dragged a heavy-looking suitcase behind him. Dressed as he was in a slim-fitting button-down, Isaac immediately assumed preppy, although that assumption altered and changed when taking into account the tight black jeans, Converse sneakers, and shaggy hair the color of caramel and chocolate—a mass of waves and curls that fell down the back of his neck but not quite to his shoulders.
The kid pushed his hair out of the way and looked up, eyes finding Isaac and flashing a moment of panicked nonrecognition before seeing Tommy.
“Um.” Isaac pointed toward the new arrival.
Tommy turned and shouted, “John! My man!”
Not a student, then.
Tommy wrapped John in a hug that actually lifted his feet off the ground. Isaac imagined it wouldn’t be difficult. The new guy might have been average height, but he was gangly, skin and bones.
Tommy ruffled his hair. “Have you lost weight?”
John grumbled and scratched his face with his middle finger. “What are you freeloaders doing in my house?” His voice was surprisingly resonant for someone Isaac considered “pretty.” At John’s pronouncement, crows of approval rang from every direction.
“Come meet Isaac,” Tommy said.
John wiped his palms on his jeans before reaching out to shake, and Isaac’s large hand dwarfed his.
“Isaac Twain is the newest addition to our special corner of Hambden hell. Isaac, this is John Conlon.”
John brushed more hair out of his face. “Nice to—”
“John Conlon?”
John and Tommy froze.
Isaac jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “The books on the shelf. Those are yours?”
John’s face, immobile in what looked like dread a moment before, melted into relief, tinged with a bit of blush. “Oh, yeah. You’ve read?”
“No, but I should. You’ve published a lot of books. You must be good.”
John’s nose wrinkled, and he looked away.
Tommy shook him by the shoulders. “John is an amazing writer. He had a story published in The New Yorker when he was, like, five. Are you working on anything right now?”
John glanced at the bookshelf. “Not lately.”
“You need a drink,” Tommy said.
John’s eyes widened on a big breath. “God, yes, I do.”
“Nice to meet you,” Isaac said, but John just nodded quickly, smile thin, before allowing himself to be herded farther into the house toward the sound of quiet laughter and clinking bottles.
Isaac felt it then—an outsider’s emptiness. He became a nervous-looking coat rack in the corner, a terrified tree waiting for the ax. As the party doubled in auditory volume, he bemoaned his spilled wine. Was it okay for him to leave? It wasn’t like he was supposed to make a speech. He was only there because he figured it was the easiest way to meet everyone before the first official faculty meeting, but he’d been standing around too long. He wanted to run.
Out of curiosity, he reopened John’s book from earlier and read the front flap. It was a coming-of-age story about a gay kid in the Midwest. He flipped to the back, and a picture of John stared back at him. He’d assumed the guy was tired when they first met, but no; apparently, John had perpetual bedroom eyes, and his hair was always an artful mess. He skimmed…creative writing professor at Hambden University…gay rights activist…Converse-wearer and “old-people music” enthusiast.
All arrows pointed to John’s probable sexual preference for men. A spark of interest flickered but quickly went out. True, John Conlon was what most people would consider beautiful, but he wasn’t Isaac’s type. John was the kind of man butch guys fought over in gay clubs, but he was too small for Isaac, too fragile-looking, girly. After all he’d been through, the last thing Isaac wanted was someone feminine.
A thin figure ducked into the library and literally hid against the doorframe. He took a long drink of something brown and leaned his head back. “It’s not good when you want to hide in your own house.”
“Library is the best place for it,” Isaac said.
John kicked away from the wall. “Tommy mentioned you just moved here? I’ve been in Lothos forever, so if you need anything…” He examined Isaac from his brown boat shoes to the top of his blond head. John’s large eyes, dark green, seemed bottomless—drowning pools of intellect and soul—only slightly overshadowed by his thick eyebrows.


 

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. She is author of the paranormal rom-com Bite Somebody series and Escape Trilogy.

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Forever Friends (Cranberry Cove) by Sarah MacKenzie-Review

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Forever Friends (Cranberry Cove) by Sarah MacKenzie-Review & Giveaway

 

FOREVER FRIENDS
Cranberry Cove #1
by Sarah Mackenzie
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, women’s fiction

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

Single mom Renee Rhodes seems like a woman who has it all together — perfect house, perfect kid, perfect yard. But now that her daughter is away at college, she doesn’t know what to do next. Without weekly PTA meetings and after-school chauffeur duty, Renee isn’t sure who she is anymore. What she is sure of is that she probably shouldn’t be crushing on her new boss, who couldn’t possibly be interested in a middle-aged mom….

Sadie Landry is drowning in the stay-at-home mom life. With a toddler running wild, a husband who is growing more distant by the day, and a mother-in-law who has a comment on every-little-thing, Sadie is one mommy-and-me class away from losing it. When she learns that she is pregnant again, Sadie knows that something has to change for the sake of her family — and her sanity.

After a birthday party bake-a-thon nearly turns into a three-alarm fire, Renee comes to her neighbor Sadie’s rescue with comfort, competence, and a killer pie recipe. With their unlikely friendship and a newly hatched plan to open a bakery, can Sadie and Renee finally have the lives they’ve always dreamed of?

•••••••••

REVIEW:FOREVER FRIENDS by Sarah Mackenzie is a contemporary, adult work of women’s fiction focusing on neighbors and friends-divorcee, single mother and physician’s assistant Renee Rhodes, and married mother of a two year old toddler Sadie Landry.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Renee and Sadie) FOREVER FRIENDS follows Renee and Sadie as they navigate the minefield of everyday life. Sadie Landry is a graphic designer by trade but opted to stay home and raise her child but Sadie is struggling with her direction in life which includes a husband who is hiding a secret, and a surprise pregnancy for which she is ill-prepared. As she slowly spirals out of control preparing for her child’s second birthday party, her neighbour and friend Renee Rhodes, takes the lead, and offers support where Sadie needs it the most. When Renee’s baking skills become the hit of the party, a local real-estate agent suggests Renee open up her own pie shop, a shop where Sadie’s grandmother’s recipes will be the menu of choice.

Sadie Landry battles between head and heart when Renee offers a partnership using Sadie’s grandmother’s recipes. As ‘Hester’s Bakery’ begins to take shape, Sadie quickly learns that all is not well in her married life. Secrets and lies, and issues of trust threaten Sadie’s tenuous hold on her emotional well-being. Meanwhile Renee Rhodes has fallen for her boss, widower and physician Dr. Dan Hanlon, a mutual attraction that quickly turns into something more but Renee also has issues of trust having witnessed the infidelity of her first husband, and as such, Renee begins to second guess the man with whom she is falling in love. With her daughter Tansy away at university, and her sister Bree keeping secrets, Renee finds herself caught between two worlds, and feels like she is losing control

FOREVER FRIENDS is a story of family and friendships; failures and success; secrets and lies. We are introduced to Sadie’s husband Ethan, their two year old son Lincoln, and Ethan’s meddling mother Annette ; Renee’s daughter Tansy; her sister Bree, and Renee’s boss and lover Dr. Dan Hanlon. The character driven premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are colorful, energetic and real- our heroines are courageous and supportive as they take the tentative steps towards controlling their futures.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Blog /Facebook/

Sarah Mackenzie is the author of The Read-Aloud Family: Make Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids, and the bestselling book, Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace.

On the immensely popular Read-Aloud Revival podcast, she helps families all over the world make meaningful and lasting connections with their kids through books.

She lives in the Northwest with her husband, Andrew, and their six kids, where she loves to make sure they are well-stocked in the best books she can find.

Forever Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of FOREVER FRIENDS to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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9. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

10. Giveaway runs from December 9-14, 2019

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All the Befores (Magnolia Sound 3.5) by Samantha Chase-a review

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All the Befores (Magnolia Sound 3.5) by Samantha Chase-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

Susannah Westbrook never thought she’d find love again.

After a failed marriage, focusing on her children instead of her love life was the best thing to do. Now years later, she’s content with her life. But when she meets Colton Hale, she decides that she wants to be more than just content—she’s ready to take a chance on love once again.

After just a year of being together, Colton is ready to spend forever with Susannah—to give her the happily ever after she deserves. But old insecurities have a way of making a comeback when you least want them to.

Will they be able to get over all their befores for a chance at their happy ever after?

••••••••

REVIEW:ALL THE BEFORES is instalment 3.5 in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series focusing on the Westbrook family. This is forty year old contractor Colton Hale, and forty-five year old B&B owner Susannah Westbrook. ALL THE BEFORES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The late Ezekiel Coleman, one of the original founding members of Magnolia Cove, left each of his heirs something different, a business or business plan, in an effort to bring together his dysfunction family.

Told from several third person perspectives including Susannah and Colton ALL THE BEFORES follows divorcee and single mother of two grown children, Susannah Westbrook, as she struggles moving on with her life. Ezekiel Coleman left the family homestead to Susannah, and our heroine would find purpose in Magnolia Cove turning the homestead into a B&B. Now that her children were falling in love and having babies of their own, Susannah battled memories of the past including the failure of her first marriage, a failure that she continues to blame on herself. Nine months of dating, and having fallen in love, Colton Hale asked Susannah Westbrook for her hand in marriage, but Susannah would panic fearing failing all over again. What ensues is the breakdown of Susannah and Colton’s relationship as Susannah struggles with issues of self-esteem, insecurities, and another possible failure.

The secondary and supporting characters include Susannah’s children Mallory and her fiancé Jake, Sam (and Shelby), as well as their cousin Mason (and Scarlet), and Mason’s mother Georgia Bishop.

ALL THE BEFORES is a quick read; a story of family and friendships, love and happily ever after. Susannah and Colton are a mature couple, having previous relationships that ended in divorce. Colton is hoping to move forward by marrying the woman he loves but Susannah struggles with taking their relationship to the next level and beyond. The premise is heartfelt; the romance is passionate and sweet; the $ex scenes are mostly implied; the characters are energetic and colorful.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sunkissed Days
Remind Me
A Girl Like You
In case You Didn’t Know

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

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

 

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

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The Enforcer (Fire’s Edge #3) by Abigail Owen-a review

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The Enforcer (Fire’s Edge #3) by Abigail Owen-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2019

Death comes for everyone. Even Drake Chandali. The aging process that twists all unmated dragon shifters’ bodies into something useless has taken hold of his body centuries early. A mate could have reversed the process, but now it’s too late. To protect his team of enforcers, he leaves, and comes face to face with the woman he’d thought was human when he saved her from a fire months before.

Except she’s not human. She’s a mate.

Camilla Carrillo almost lost her family to wildfire. To discover she’s fated to mate a creature made of flame and rage, and become one herself, should be terrifying. But somehow a rightness settles inside her, especially when she’s around the glowering red dragon shifter who wants nothing to do with her.

When Drake learns Cami bears his mark — the same mark as the High King — he refuses to believe she’s meant to be his. It’s too late. How could he turn Cami only to take her with him to the grave? At the same time, he can’t walk away. Hiding her from the corrupt, rotting High King might be the last honorable thing Drake ever does with the little time he has left.

••••••••

REVIEW: I’ve read the other books in this series.

You don’t have to read the others, but it helps, it gives a little insight into where the story and characters are going (there is a story that loosely connects the books)

A quick recap ….. there are six coloured dragon kings who rule their kingdoms (as usual there is conflict) this is where the “enforcers” come in, a team of dragons (each comprising of the colours) they “police” the dragon world, dispensing justice to rogue dragons. (These dragons set fires in the human world) the enforcers go in as firemen and put out the fires (but not with hoses, they draw the fire into themselves) They don’t interact with the humans, if they have to, they wipe their memories. The humans can’t know about them.

The dragon world don’t have fertile female dragons, so they mate human women, but these women are special, if they can accept the fire a dragon breathes into them, then their life forces are connected. And the female will be able to turn into a dragon. A forced mating will kill the woman, but desperate times are making dragons force the issue. And so a band of rogue dragons are trying to rescue human women before they are taken!!!

I’ve liked Drake since reading about him in the first book, a rough and gruff dragon, one you don’t want to cross, but a loyal friend and an awesome fighter. But Drake is hiding a secret from his brothers (the dragons he calls family) he’s dying. When a dragon gets to a certain age he’s struck with a disease, and Drake has been battling it for a while. A mate could probably reverse the process, but Drake is too far gone, and if he was to find her, he won’t sentence her to an early death (their life forces are joined so when one dies, the other joins their mate). The best Drake can hope for is to die in battle or fighting a fire. Or the only other option is going rogue and forcing his team to end him.

A fire is closing in on Camilla “Cami” and her family, and the stupid herd of goats she’s trying to save aren’t helping. She hasn’t got long, and when the fire threatens to consume her beloved family, Cami has no choice but leave the goats and return to the car. But they won’t make it, they need a miracle, how will they get out of this alive?

Drake is in the vicinity (he’s fighting the fire that a rogue dragon started) he’s got no choice but rescue the family trapped but the fire. What he doesn’t bank on is the feisty female who demands he doesn’t hurt her family. (He doesn’t eat humans in his dragon form) He turns from dragon to man, and then wipes all of their minds (he’s reluctant to wipe the woman’s mind, but no one can know about dragons) setting them on their way shouldn’t bother him, but the thought of letting the woman go, pains him, he pushes himself to let her go …..

Cami is in trouble, not long after somehow escaping the fire they were racing away from, she began to emit sparks from her body (strong emotions usually caused it) she’s scared, how did this happen? Why is this happening? Maybe she’s gone crazy, maybe there is something wrong with her!! Coming face to face with death has changed her, but not to this extent surely? Cami needs answers, and they come in the form of a stranger. He calmly explains that she’s a potential mate for a dragon!! Yeah right!! Until he shows his dragon form to her!! She doesn’t really believe him, but at this point she doesn’t really have another answer.

Cami and Drake meet up again, but she doesn’t know who he is (but she thinks she knows him) Drake knows her, and he’s stunned, she was a dragon mate, how could he not have known? Probably the disease that is now ravaging his body. He’s left the only family he’s known and had come to Rune (the traitor dragon who steals potential mates from the Alliance) He needs a purpose until he can’t fight anymore (oh I forgot to tell you, Rune use to be his friend and second in command to the team Drake was in)

Cami is sure she is Drake’s mate, Drake knows it deep down she is too, but he’s not going to claim her, she could die if he’s wrong, she could die if he did mate her, he won’t sentence Cami to death. So in Drake manner he keeps pushing her away.

The story is a fast paced action read. The Alliance is not happy that Rune keeps helping human women evade them. And they are suspicious of the Huracan (that’s the name of the group) they keep finding women and mating them (law states they have to come to the a Alliance and receive a mate!!)

I like this series and I can’t wait to read the next one. I like we keep in touch with previous mates couples. We have a group of unmated dragons (and now a few rogue dragons) that fight fires and an Alliance that is watching them carefully.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

? Julie B

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When You Find Love by Willa Blair-a review

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When You Find Love by Willa Blair-a review

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2019

When Scottish antiques appraiser Caitlin Paterson accepts a commission in the Hamptons, ’tis the season for Christmas miracles. Too bad she doesn’t have one handy.

Successful businessman Holt Ridley resents being forced by his great-aunt’s bequest to winter at the family estate he has hated since childhood. Still, the enticing appraiser he finds there is an unexpected holiday gift—or is she?

Among the furnishings Caitlin is tasked with appraising, she discovers the key to centuries-old heartache that plagues Holt’s family. Caitlin longs to help Holt find the happiness that eluded him his entire life—but this secret could destroy everything.

••••••••••

REVIEW:When You Find Love is a contemporary romance with a slight paranormal twist. This was a very enjoyable read. I love the characters and the style of writing with author Blair is blessed.

I won’t spoil the book for you, just give you the set up and tell you what I loved so much about this lovely novel with a Christmastime theme.
This is the story of billionaire, but hard-working Holt Ridley and Caitlin Paterson, an appraiser of antique British furniture and items (she’s a highlander).

Holt inherits his great aunt’s estate but doesn’t really want it. However, he been having a lot of legal issues defending his company against an ex that was trying to steal his company’s secrets, he decides that the extra cash from selling the estate and its contents will help. The contents are mostly English or Scottish and the executor of the estate hires Caitlin Paterson to appraise the value of the household and create a catalog for an auction.

Caitlin arrives from Scotland a few days earlier than Holt can get there. She loves the challenge of investigating the providence of the items in the house and can’t understand why anyone would decide to sell such a lovely estate with so much history. However, Holt only sees the pain his mother and he went through when his great aunt disinherited his mother and he’s still very angry. The estate is a painful reminder of the mistreatment of his mother and himself.

Holt’s whole family history is full of stories of unhappy marriages or short-lived happiness. When Caitlin discovers an old cabinet with a curse inscribed within it, the fun begins. Can she unravel the truth behind his family, and will he believe it if she does?

Okay, that’s pretty much the set-up. The characters are both strong and loveable, but this strength creates friction and small clashes that are interesting. Author Willa Blair is talented and creative as a storyteller. Her style is twisty with a touch of the paranormal. I have enjoyed her highland stories and hope to read many more. If you’re fortunate enough to have read Willa Blair’s Waiting for the Laird, you’ll love the ending of this one. Our ghost dog friend Fergus makes an appearance…

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

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NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR by Sarah Darlington-Review & Giveaway Tour

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NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR (Rockstars in Kill Devil Hills #2) by Sarah Darlington-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2019

ONE NIGHT WITH THE DRUMMER OF SUNSET REVIVAL?
Yes, I’m game.

Dani Mills, drummer of the world-famous band, Sunset Revival, doesn’t have time for romance. Touring with her bandmates across the country, she’s content with meaningless sex: one-night-stands, no kissing, no personal details. These are her rules…and there are never exceptions.

John Michaels lives a life of seclusion in Corolla, North Carolina. He works, eats, and sleeps—and is perfectly content with his lifestyle. He doesn’t have the time, or energy, to deal with people. Or relationships. Especially women relationships.

When Sunset Revival gets stranded on the beach, it’s John who is asked for shelter. With his sexy-as-sin good looks—covered in ink with blue eyes so deep they shine—Dani finds herself desperate for one night in his bed. That’s all either of them wants, really…one night, no-strings, no promise of tomorrow.

Yet, when one night turns into two, both find themselves breaking their own rules. Thrust into a whirlwind of passion and desire, the pair struggle to maintain the upper hand, with John learning the hardest lesson of all…never kiss a Rockstar.

••••••••••

REVIEW: NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR is the second instalment in Sarah Darlington’s contemporary, adult ROCKSTARS IN KILL DEVIL HILLS erotic, rock, romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Sunset Revival-a spin off from the author’s Kill Devil Hills series. This is thirty-three year old, reclusive tattoo artist John Michaels, and Sunset Revival’s twenty-seven year old, drummer Dani Mills’ story line. NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order. The timeline and events in NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR run parallel to book one Never Trust a Rockstar.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dani and John) NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR follows the building relationship between tattoo artist John Michaels, and Sunset Revival’s drummer Dani Mills. Sunset Revival needed a break, and found themselves stranded in Corolla, North Carolina. With no place to stay, the band spent the night at a secluded mansion owned by tattoo artist John Michaels, a reluctant offer on behalf of their host but Dani Mills knows a kindred spirit when she meets one, and falls head first into a no strings attached, one night stand with John Michaels. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Dani and John that quickly turns into something more, something neither one was looking for, or had any plans to fall in love.

John Michaels is hiding a secret that if revealed could end his relationship with Dani Mills but Dani hasn’t been truthful with John either. Unaware of Dani’s fame, and her connection to the rockband Sunset Revival, John will soon discover that there is more to Dani, as there is more to John than anyone could have imagined.

The relationship between Dani and John begins as a one-night affair that soon spirals into something more. Dani finds solace and comfort with tattoo artist John Michaels as she avoids the stress and strain of her family back home. With the Thanksgiving holidays approaching, family secrets will come to light, on both sides of the building relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Dani’s cousins Caleb, Ollie and Luke Mills, and Emma’s (Caleb’s girlfriend) aunt Luce; John’s sister Sydney and her boyfriend Rhett. Rhett and Sydney’s story can be found in PULLED UNDER (Kill Devil Hills #3)

NEVER KISS A ROCKSTAR is a story of family, friendships, romance and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are dynamic and charismatic; the romance is passionate and seductive.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one NEVER TRUST A ROCKSTAR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Sarah Darlington was born in Colorado and grew up all over the United States. These days, she calls Virginia home, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and large dog. The best word to describe Sarah is ‘creative.’ She’s passionate about designing, crafting, and photography. But most of all… she loves creating stories through her writing.

Her romance books are sexy and heart-gripping at their core, guaranteed to make you swoon. Any of them can be read as a stand-alone, but all are connected within the same world.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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