Tag Archives: New Release Reviews 2020

Sexy Beast (Billion $ Bastards #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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Sexy Beast (Billion $ Bastards #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2020

Commanding billionaire Everett Calhoun reveals his sexy dark side to his girl-next-door best friend in this smoking hot second installment of the Billion $ Bastards trilogy!

I was born bad. Maintaining tight control—in business and in the bedroom—is the only way to keep my darkness in check. So when my girl-next-door best friend, Freya, comes to me for a sexual favor, I don’t see the harm in giving her what she needs. After all, I’ve always kept her firmly in the friend zone.

But after showing her that there’s nothing wrong with her ability to orgasm, it’s all I can do to walk away. Unleashing my inner beast on the person who matters most to me is not an option. But she wants me… Is she prepared to follow my every command? To submit to my will and let me take her to the ultimate heights of pleasure?

Getting Freya on her knees should make me feel like the monster I am, but being with her leaves me more vulnerable, more human, than ever. I need to reclaim the friendship we had before I lose control completely, or will she have me on my knees…?

•••••

REVIEW:SEXY BEAST is the second instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult Billions $ Bastards erotic, romance series focusing on three friends and business partners Everett Calhoun, Damian Blackwood and Ulysses White. This is billionaire Everett Calhoun, and auto mechanic Freya Johnson’s story line. SEXY BEAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: There are some scenes of domination and spanking that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Everett and Freya) SEXY BEAST follows the friends to lovers relationships between thirty two year old billionaire Damian Blackwood, and thirty year old Freya Johnson. Freya has been in love with her best friend since she was sixteen years old but having lost her mother at an early age, raised by an aunt who destroyed our heroine’s self esteem, Freya battled between head and heart as it pertained to Damian Blackwood. An invitation to be Damian’s plus one at a charity auction in London, England found Freya stepping out of her comfort zone, asking Damian if he was willing to help her with achieving her first O. What ensues is the building sexual relationship between Freya and Damian, and the fall-out as Damian struggles with his own needs and demands, believing himself unworthy of Freya’s love.

The relationship between Freya and Damian is a friends to lovers but Damian is a sexual Dominant and demands obedience in all things sexually related. Freya will soon discover that she is a willing and cooperative partner for the man that she loves but Damian struggles with what he needs from his best friend, a friend whose heart he is about to destroy. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with Domination and spanking.

SEXY BEAST is a quick read; a story of friendship, power, control and acceptance. The premise is fast paced and entertaining; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are strong, energetic, broken and hurt.

copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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Warrior (Talisman 2) by Tam Derudder Jackson-a review

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Warrior (Talisman) by Tam Derudder Jackson-a review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date February 20, 2020

Only she can save her home …

Upon turning twenty-five, Ceri Ross inherits an estate in Scotland. To avoid losing the druidic enchantments that have kept her alive since her parents’ deaths, she must spend a year at Conlan Manor. When she arrives, she discovers the old druid caretaker isn’t the only one sharing the mansion with her–an uninvited guest is lurking. She calls the security company run by her best friend’s husband and anticipates he’ll set up a system to catch her midnight visitor. Business keeps Rowan Sheridan in the States, but his brother Rio is free–Rio Sheridan, the one man she can’t stop thinking about even though he can never be hers.

Only he can save her…

Ceri Ross is a flirt and a talisman with obligations to the warrior community. She must bond with her fated mate and not spend time with random unattached warriors, yet it seems to Rio that she didn’t get the memo. None of which helps him: the woman calls to him like a siren.

A clan is counting on them.

Hamish Buchanan has taken care of Conlan Manor for years. The energy swirling around the Conlan heir and the big American warrior she’s hired to protect the most secure stronghold in the Highlands gives him hope. If Ceri’s warrior discovers his mate within the confines of the manor, the clan will enjoy enhanced protections from the violent war goddesses for ten generations. If only Ceri and Rio would stop sparring long enough to figure out they belong to each other..

•••••••••

REVIEW: WARRIOR is the second instalment in Tam Derudder Jackson’s contemporary, adult TALISMAN paranormal, fantasy, Celtic mythology series. This is twenty-five year old, event planner Ceri Ross, and twenty-eight year old, security specialist Riordan Sheridan’s story line. WARRIOR can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one TALISMAN for back ground and history.

SOME BACKGROUND: Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan sets into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested. Morrigan is part of Celtic mythology representing the cycle of birth and death, but is also the patron of magic and revenge, prophecy and night.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ceri and Rio, WARRIOR focuses on the relationship between twenty-five year old, event planner Ceri Ross, and twenty-eight year old, security specialist Riordan Sheridan. On her twenty-fifth birthday Ceri Ross inherited her family estate in Scotland. To ensure the druidic magic continues to protect our story line heroine, Ceri must spend one year at Conlan Manor leaving her friends and family behind but Ceri discovers there are secrets and magic surrounding Conlan Manor, and heightened security is needed to protect those within. Enter Ceri’s nemesis and current target of aggression Riordan ‘Rio’ Sheridan, and the man with whom Ceri will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ceri and Rio, and the potential fall-out as Maeve sets her sights on our leading couple.

Riordan ‘Rio’ Sheridan is descended from a long line of Celtic warriors, who before midnight on their twenty-eight birthday must find the woman, their talisman, their fated mate who will fight, in tandem, against the Morrigan(sisters Morgan, Macha and Maeve) or fear fighting beside the goddesses for all eternity. But Rio’s brother Rowan’s mating with Alyssa, broke part of the curse, allowing the warriors to live past their twenty-eighth year.

Rio and Ceri’s attraction to one another is fraught with angry energy and cutting words that barely hide the palpable sexual intensity between a warrior and his talisman but Rio refuses to ‘test’ the theory that Ceri is his mate, preferring to watch from a distance as his anger unfolds. Ceri Ross has known from childhood that she is a talisman, and has trained for the day where she will be asked to stand by his side but with each mating, the talisman will come into her full power, with an ability that is meant to help her mate in an upcoming battle. Immediately upon discovering Rio is her mate, our heroine’s attitude did an abrupt one-eighty knowing they would have to face the Morrigan together. With the approach of Samhain, reinforcements are needed as the Sheridan, Conlans and Ross Clans prepare for a celebration, bringing together Rio’s brothers and their mates , his parents, and Ceri’s aunt in an effort to prepare for the upcoming battle.

The relationship between Ceri and Rio begins acrimoniously as Rio is perturbed to discover that Ceri is a talisman who flirts and flaunts with every available male but his family history will prove there is a backstory to his anger and turmoil. Upon the discovery that Ceri is his talisman, our couple are quick to forget about their jealousy and anger, anger that was growing with every interaction. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Rowan and Alyssa (Talisman #1), Riley and Lynette, their parents Sian and Owen Sheridan, guardian Finn Daly; Ceri’s aunt Shanley; druids Hamish Buchanan and Davy Sutherland; and warrior Alaisdair Graham ; weather god Taranis; goddesses Scathach (warrior woman and martial arts teacher), Maeve and Morgan. Alaisdair and Shanley’s story line is next in Prophetess.

WARRIOR is a detailed story line that closely follows Celtic mythology and lore with druids and warriors; gods and goddesses, magic, family, destiny and love. The complex premise is enchanting, inventive and clever ; the characters are animated and edgy; the romance is seductive and energetic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one TALISMAN

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Changing Lanes by Season Vining-Review & Guest Post

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Changing Lanes (Welcome to Grace #1) by Season Vining-Review and Guest Post

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2020

Stella Locke is starting over. After an ugly divorce, she picks up her Southern roots and transplants to upstate New York where the air is crisp and no one knows her name. She’s an enthusiastic reader and just so happens to pick the quaint little spot where her favorite author lives. The small town of Grace welcomes Stella with open arms, a new job, and a smoking hot neighbor.

Lane Holder is a bit mysterious with his midnight jogs and brazen flirting. He’s got an adorable corgi named Chap who immediately steals Stella’s heart. In time, Stella is blown away by Lane’s charm, maturity, and undeniable interest in her. Being out of the dating game for 20 years has filled her with self-doubt and the hurt endured from her marriage has made her want to keep that part of her past hidden. Still, Lane convinces her to take a chance on him.

Their relationship is a slow, steamy burn that seems to be building toward something special and permanent. But as with any relationship built on secrets, one wrong move and it all could come crashing down.

•••••••

REVIEW:Changing Lanes by Season Vining is book one in The Welcome to Grace series.

Stella Locke has recently divorced her cheating husband and has decided to pick up her life and move to upstate New York. Stella picks Grace, New York because that is where her favorite romance author Alaina Taylor lives. Her thinking is that if its good enough for Alaina its good enough for her to start over. Upon arriving in Grace she meets her next door neighbor Lane Holder. Mysterious, smoking hot man that jogs every night at midnight. Lane slowly breaks down Stella’s defenses and a beautiful relationship begins.

The sub-characters in this story were amazing and hilarious. Stella’s real estate agent turned best friend is outrageously hilarious and I am praying that she gets her own story soon. She is on of those characters that you want to know more about.

Stella and Lane have amazing chemistry, but when Stella finds out that Lane has been lying to her, all games are off. She has been betrayed before by her ex-husband, but this hurts way worse. Will she be able to forgive him?

And will she even want to take him back?

This was an imaginative, fun romantic read. The story pulls you in and you become invested in small town Grace and the characters that live there.

Looking forward to more books in this series. Recommend highly if you are looking for a boy next door romance with lots of laughs.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed By Erin K

What makes a cover?
by Season Vining

Along with the apparent upswing in romantic comedy novel sales has been a trend in illustrated covers to go along with them. Maybe both of these things coincide with the madness and chaos of the world today. People need a distraction—something light with moments of hilarity and heart. RomComs and illustrated covers seem to both fit the bill. Plus, they’re fun. And for those of you who like to carry around paperbacks in public, they are not sexually suggestive no matter what the content of the book is.

The first question when building a cover is, do I want a couple or just one person or just an object. This is completely subjective to the author/designer/publisher’s taste and what they think will sell the book. For RomCom, both members of the couple are almost always represented. Then, what do you want your audience to feel when they look at your cover? Turned on? Happy? Inquisitive? The answer will set the tone of the cover, which could covers everything from the style of illustration, background elements, and colors used.

Like in my new RomCom, Changing Lanes. I knew I wanted an illustrated cover and I knew I wanted the couple on there. But I also knew that Chap, the adorable and lovable corgi featured in the story, should have his place too. There are a lot of elements of the story represented on the cover. For example, you can see Stella’s work apron with the name of the bookstore she works at. Chap sits atop a stack of books, so you know that those are important to the theme of the story. There are fall elements, letting you know when the book takes place. And finally, a road to literally represent Changing Lanes.

When the book is part of a series, you’ve really got to think ahead enough to makes sure that you can create a cover for each book that is unique and appealing while fitting in with the rest of the series seamlessly. Changing Lanes is book 1 in the Welcome to Grace series. I added the fall elements, because there are four books and four seasons. Each cover will have its own theme.

In the end, the cover is usually what sells your book. It is what makes people stop and read the blurb. It is the first impression. So, make sure it’s a good one. Most importantly, make sure it represents the story and overall feel so that readers know exactly what to expect. Sure, there can be twists, turns, and surprises… but leave that to the writing.

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The Money Man (The Consultants #1) by Nancy Herkness-a review

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The Money Man (The Consultants #1) by Nancy Herkness-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 14, 2020.

New Jersey bookkeeper Alice Thurber has a carefully constructed risk-free life. Everything in perfect balance. Until little discrepancies show up in her clients’ accounts. Most would ignore it. Not the impeccably precise Alice. In desperation she reaches out to a high-powered consulting firm for help. New York City’s movie-star handsome financial wizard Derek Killion reaches back. All he has to do is smile and Alice’s fantasies stir. A girl can dream, can’t she?

A cofounder of KRG, Derek’s promise is to advise small-business owners in trouble. He never guessed that assisting the diffident but sexy Alice would be so captivating and make it so hard to keep his desires in check. But just as intriguing is the alarming puzzle behind the computer glitch that’s unsettled his client. As the investigation unfolds, they must also confront an attraction too palpable to ignore. Every new dark twist they follow is only bringing them closer together—in passion and in danger.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE MONEY MAN is the first instalment in Nancy Herkness’ contemporary, adult THE CONSULTANTS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on three friends and business partners Derek Killion, Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson who own KRG Consulting Group. This is KRG co-founder Derek Killion, and bookkeeper Alice Thurber’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Derek and Alice) THE MONEY MAN focuses on the building relationship between KRG co-founder Derek Killion, and bookkeeper Alice Thurber, and the search for the truth. Alice Thurber owns a small bookkeeping business but struggles with a few questionable results since installing a new accounting software that leaves her frustrated and looking for help. Enter Derek Killion of KRG Consulting Group, and the man with whom Alice will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Alice and Derek, and the potential fall-out as Derek, Alice and Derek’s partners uncover a dangerous trail of espionage, fraud, computer hackers and the possibility of financial ruin for thousands of small businesses.

Derek Killion doesn’t do relationships in the wake of his engagement that ended badly. Meeting Alice Thurber drew Derek like a moth to a flame but a flame with the potential to burn if he got too close. Alice Thurber believed Derek was out of her league in all things including romance and love. Growing up the daughter of a professional model, Alice never measured up to her mother’s ideals, and in this Alice considers herself less than worthy of Derek’s affections and love. Working together to uncover the truth behind the software anomalies, Derek would soon discover there is more to Alice than book smarts and a pretty face.

The relationship between Alice and Derek begins as a business arrangement when his firm offers ‘free’ services to small, independent firms. From the outset, Derek and Alice fantasized about one another but neither one had dared crossed the line from professional to personal until Derek offered Alice a night out of town. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Derek’s business partners Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson; Alice’s mother, and her friends Gabrielle, Natalie and Dawn.

THE MONEY MAN is a story of betrayal and fraud; friendships and partners; romance, relationship, and falling in love. The fast paced premise is imaginative and inviting; the characters are flirty, sassy and real; the romance is spicy and inspiring. THE MONEY MAN is an edgy and captivating introduction to Nancy Herkness’ THE CONSULTANTS series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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Dangerous Engagement / Lethal Wedding by Charlotte Byrd-reviews

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Dangerous Engagement / Lethal Wedding (Wedlocked Trilogy 1 & 2) by Charlotte Byrd-reviews

DANGEROUS ENGAGEMENT
(Wedlocked Trilogy 1)
by Charlotte Byrd
Genre:adult, contemporary, erotic,romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 17, 2020

Not long ago, there was nothing I couldn’t have. Now, I don’t even have the choice of whom to marry.

To save my father’s life and our family’s legacy, I have to marry a cruel man who wants me only as a trophy.

Henry Asher was just supposed to be a summer fling, but we fell in love. We thought we would be together forever, but life got in the way. After we broke up, I vowed to never tell Henry the truth about my engagement.

What happens when the lies that were supposed to save me start to drown me?

Henry Asher
I didn’t always have wealth or power. There was even a time when I didn’t want any of that.

Then I met her: Aurora Tate is an heiress to a billion-dollar fortune. She grew up on Park Avenue, had a house in the Hamptons and skied in Aspen. Our first summer together was magical. We were naive enough to think that love was going to be enough.

Now, she’s forced to marry a man she hates to save her father’s life.

To get her back and to make her my wife, I need to become the man she needs me to be.

Can I do it in time?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: DANGEROUS ENGAGEMENT is the first instalment in Charlotte Byrd’s contemporary adult WEDLOCKED erotic, romance trilogy focusing on twenty-five year old heiress Aurora Tate, and high school teacher Henry Asher.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Henry and Aurora) DANGEROUS ENGAGEMENT follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-five year old Tate Media heiress Aurora Tate, and high school teacher Henry Asher. Aurora Tate was raised in a bubble of wealth, and as such our heroine is completely oblivious of the world around her but a summer fling with the Henry Asher, the ‘hired help’ , gave Aurora a first hand look at how the other half lived. Falling in love had never been so easy until Henry loses his job, and Aurora is incapable of making ends meet.But not all is well behind the scenes at the Tate Media empire when Henry is offered a job in their crime reporting division, a job that will pull Henry away from the woman he loves. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Henry and Aurora, and the fall-out as betrayal and behind closed door negotiations force Henry and Aurora in opposite directions.

DANGEROUS ENGAGEMENT sets the background and premise for the author’s WEDLOCKED series, a series that focuses on power and control; manipulation and betrayal; secrets, lies and fractured family dynamics. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the characters are energetic and colorful; the romance is passionate and intense but will struggle in the face of preconceived notions, secrets and deception.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

___________

LETHAL WEDDING
(Wedlocked Trilogy #2)
by Charlotte Byrd
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense,

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

About the book: Release Date April 14, 2020

To save my father’s life and our family’s legacy, I have to marry a cruel man who wants me only as a trophy.

I thought Franklin Parks was a bad man before, but now I know he’s a monster.

To survive, I will have to beat him at his own game. But then Henry Asher, my one and only love, comes back into my life and things get a lot more complicated.

Franklin is not only my fiancé but also Henry’s boss, and he will stop at nothing to get everything he wants…

Henry Asher

I was a fool to let her go. Now, I’ll have to do everything to get her back…

Aurora never thought I could be a rich dirtbag who would do anything to get what he wants but I am proving her wrong.

To help her, I had to teach myself a few things.

To protect her, I had to become my worst enemy.

To save her, I will have to do the unthinkable.

The problem is that she doesn’t want saving. She has her own plans. But the wedding is approaching and time is running out…

••••••

REVIEW: LETHAL WEDDING is the second instalment in Charlotte Byrd’s contemporary,adult WEDLOCKED romantic, suspense trilogy focusing on twenty-five year old heiress Aurora Tate, and high school teacher turned investigative reporter Henry Asher. LETHAL WEDDING should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one DANGEROUS ENGAGMENT.

NOTE: If you have not read book one Dangerous Engagement, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Aurora and Henry) LETHAL WEDDING follows in the aftermath of several events resulting in the break down of the relationship between Aurora and Henry, and our heroine’s subsequent engagement to her father’s business rival. Aurora Tate would soon discover that she had become a pawn in a much bigger game, a dangerous game of power and control, and our heroine is but a piece in a much bigger problem. With her father facing financial ruin, bankruptcy and prison, Aurora is forced into an arrangement that will free her father, but trap our heroine in a gilded cage. Meanwhile, Henry Asher’s friend and PI begins digging into the event and circumstances surrounding Aurora’s about face and engagement to one of the most powerful men in the world, a man who now controls every aspect of Aurora’s family and life. As Henry continues to drown his sorrows from afar, Aurora struggles with a future that will end very badly.

LETHAL WEDDING is a story of power and control; of betrayal and manipulation; of lost love, resignation, secrets and lies. Aurora Tate is a pawn; a doormat; a little TSTL but her father’s schemes and business practices have placed our heroine in the direct line of fire. Resigned to her fate, Aurora will once again walk away from the man that she loves in an effort to save her family’s legacy and name. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and intense; the romance struggles in the face of revelations and time apart; the characters are tragic and heart breaking.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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My One True Cowboy (River Ranch 4) by Soraya Lane-a review

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My One True Cowboy (River Ranch 4) by Soraya Lane-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release March 31, 2020.

When Angelina Ford returns home to her family’s sprawling Texas ranch, she’s hiding a secret from her super successful siblings. With her business empire left in tatters back in Los Angeles, the former high-flying lawyer has nothing and she doesn’t want anyone back home to know.

But a chance encounter with her childhood best friend, Logan Brody, changes everything. The soldier turned rancher has been to hell and back himself, and he refuses to leave her to lick her wounds and be miserable.

Neither Angelina nor Logan wants to risk their friendship, but when sparks start to fly, everything changes. And Angelina is left wondering if her big city life is everything it’s cracked up to be, or if happiness has been waiting at home in Texas for her all along.

•••••••

REVIEW:MY ONE TRUE COWBOY if the fourth instalment in Soraya Lanes contemporary, adult RIVER RANCH erotic, romance series. This is thirty year old, California business woman Angelina Ford, and Texas rancher Logan Brody’s story line. MY ONE TRUE COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Angelina and Logan) MY ONE TRUE COWBOY follows the friends to lovers relationship between thirty year old, California business woman Angelina Ford, and Texas rancher Logan Brody. Years earlier Angelina Ford left Texas to start her own business in Los Angeles, California but her father’s worsening condition found Angela back in Texas with a secret that was slowly breaking her heart. Coming face to face with her childhood friend Logan Brody, meant feelings and emotions of a time long ago, but Logan struggled with demons from his past, demons that are about to resurface within days. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship and romance between Logan and Angelina, and the fall-out as neither Logan nor Angelina is willing to commit to something more.

Logan is a retired member of the US military, and battles PTSD and the guilt of surviving an attack against his team and the loss of his best friend Brett. Believing himself to be broken and unworthy of his own happily ever after, Logan continues to sabotage his relationship and friendship with Angelina Ford, a woman who struggles with her own guilt of failure and loss.

The relationship between Logan and Angelina is a friends to lovers romance that is doomed to fail on so many levels. Logan fights his attraction and need for our story line heroine, and Angelina is quick to run at the first sign of trouble. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to all of the previous story line couples, as well as the introduction of Bretts widow Kelly and their daughter Lucy.

MY ONE TRUE COWBOY is a story of family, friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is heart breaking; the romance is captivating; the characters are energetic and colorful but frustrating. The up and down, back and forth, yes and no between Logan and Angelina was disheartening and often discouraging, and affected my overall enjoyment of the story. In the end I didn’t care whether or not the couple remained together or went their separate ways.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cowboy Stole My Heart
All Night With a Cowboy
Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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As a child, Soraya Lane dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as “the best career in the world”, and she hopes to be writing romance for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze. She is the author of The Devil Wears Spurs, Cowboy Take Me Away, and I Knew You Were Trouble.

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Deadly Surrender by Katie Reus-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Deadly Surrender (The Serafina: Sin City 5) by Katie Reus-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April l7, 2020.

Getting too close could end their friendship…

Good old-fashioned heartbreak sent Grace running to Las Vegas for a new start. There, she has the support of a college buddy and her social group, which includes Logan…funny, sexy, protective Logan MacNeil. They’ve become close friends, but that’s all Grace is willing to offer. Logan’s a known player, and Grace has been hurt enough for one lifetime, thanks. Getting left at the altar will do that to a woman.

Being apart could end their lives…

Logan’s reputation is more than a little exaggerated, and he’s never cared. Until Grace. She’s worth risking his heart again, if he can convince the brave, independent woman he’s not the playboy he seems. Right now she needs a friend…and a protector. Someone has already targeted them both—twice. Logan suspects he gained an enemy for his part in his boss’s recent failed business deal. But until he’s sure, he’s keeping Grace close. Achingly, torturously close… And when things turn deadly, he’ll lay everything on the line to make her his.

••••••••••

REVIEW:DEADLY SURRENDER is the fifth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult THE SERAFINA: SIN CITY erotic, romantic suspense series. This is security specialist Logan MacNeil, and school guidance counselor Grace Foster. DEADLY SURRENDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Logan and Grace) DEADLY SURRENDER follows the friends to lovers relationship between security specialist Logan MacNeil, and school guidance counselor Grace Foster. Months earlier Grace Foster was heart broken when she found herself left at the altar. Starting over in Los Vegas, Grace will be introduced to security specialist Logan MacNeil, a man whose reputation as a ladies’ man is difficult for Grace to overcome but when her ex-fiancé arrives in Vegas with his new wife, Logan steps up in defence of our story line heroine. Meanwhile one of Logan’s last assignments has quite possibly followed him home, targeting our couple as they run for their lives. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Grace and Logan, and the potential fall-out when, at every attempt to secure safety, is met with an attempt on their lives.

The relationship between Grace and Logan is a friends to lovers that continues to build while on the run but Grace battles between head and heart fearing losing her best friend if their romance crashes and burns. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Graces ex fiancé Kevin. We are reintroduced to Logan’s twin brother Roman and his significant other Taylor (Dangerous Surrender 4), Angel and Vadim (Sweetest Surrender 3), Sierra and Hayden (First Surrender).

DEADLY SURRENDER is a story of betrayal and revenge, friendship and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are determined and charismatic. DEADLY SURRENDER is a welcome return to the Serafina: Sin City.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Breaking Her Rules (RSS #6)
1.First Surrender
2.Sensual Surrender
3.Sweetest Surrender
4.Dangerous Surrender

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Ever since she’d walked into his orbit, he’d had one focus. Grace. The first time he’d met her, her bright smile had nearly knocked him on his ass. When he looked at her, he wanted to smile too. Hell, it was impossible not to.

“I’ve gotta have some secrets.” He pulled her close as they reached the dance floor.

She was five foot seven and fit perfectly against his six foot two frame. Tonight she had on some sparkly, multicolored dress he’d never seen her in before but it hugged all her curves, dipping low in front and flaring out with every step she took. It definitely fit in with the Vegas club scene. Every time she moved, a rainbow of colors shimmered across her body. Normally she wore jeans and flowy tops, but this? Oh, he liked this so much.

“Fine, be that way.” She mock pouted as she started swaying her hips to the music.

He wasn’t a big dancer, mainly because he didn’t have much rhythm—but no way was he letting her out on the dance floor without him. He was claiming her for everyone to see even though she clearly had no idea how he felt about her. And she was pretty much the only one who didn’t realize how into her he was.

He understood though. She’d gotten burned so bad before she’d moved here, so he was simply biding his time until she was ready for him. And if she decided she never wanted to take a shot with him, well, at least they were friends. Though that was something he didn’t want to think about. Because he would always want more, and he couldn’t even pretend to himself that he was okay with that. So he shut the thought down hard.

When some guy started creeping up behind her and getting a little too close, he gave the man a look that immediately made him back off.

It made Grace laugh and dance even closer to him. Good God, the way she moved was pure erotic fantasy. And her laugh? He wanted to drown in that too. To just soak up everything that was her.

“Heads-up, your ex is here,” he murmured as he leaned down closer. He didn’t want to hurt her with the knowledge, but he wanted her aware that the loser had just stepped onto the dance floor. “Want to put on a show?”

Her eyes widened as she looked up at him. And he noticed that she didn’t look around to see if he was telling the truth. No searching looks for that loser who’d left her on their wedding day. Maybe she didn’t care about her ex anymore. She never talked about him. Maybe…she was ready to move on?

“What do you have in mind?” She raised her voice again, still moving in tune with the music.

He leaned down, making his intentions clear. Things were about to change between them, even if this was just for show. Because he knew once he got a real taste of her there was no going back.

Her eyes widened slightly but she didn’t pull back. Instead she leaned into him, and when he slanted his mouth over hers, he hoped that this was more than just a show for her.

Because it was real to him. The taste of champagne on her lips made him go lightheaded as she leaned into him, holding on to his shoulders as she teased her tongue against his. He clutched onto her hips, savoring the feel of her curves pressed against him.

He hadn’t had sex in forever, not since he’d met Grace. Hell, since before then. He’d been tired of the dating scene long before he met her. But he had a reputation and everybody assumed he was this giant player. He had been once upon a time, but that phase hadn’t lasted long. He’d gotten tired of one-night stands and meaningless hookups but the reputation had stuck. Probably because he was a huge flirt.

He shoved thoughts of his past and everything else away as Grace plastered her body to his, wrapping her arms around his neck.

This didn’t feel like a show; this felt totally real. So damn real he was afraid to hope for more.

And as he nibbled on her bottom lip, he realized he didn’t want anyone else seeing them making out. Her kisses and moans and everything else were just for him. And the way she was melting against him completely caught him off guard. He’d just wanted a little taste. Now? God, she couldn’t be acting. He sure as hell wasn’t.

Holding her tight, he nibbled his way along her jaw, not bothering to hide his reaction to her. And she didn’t seem to mind. “Want to get out of here?” he murmured before gently biting her earlobe.

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

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HATE TO DATE YOU (Dating 4)by Monica Murphy-Review & Excerpt Tour

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HATE TO DATE YOU (Dating #4) by Monica Murphy-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7 , 2020

Stella Ricci is bored.

Her overprotective family barely let her out of their sight, despite the fact she’s a grown woman. Yes, she loves her job at her family’s café and she’s the best barista in the entire Monterey Peninsula, but is that enough? She’s thinking no. But what else can she do?

Enter Carter Abbott. Burnt out after the never-ending grind of selling high end real estate in Los Angeles, he’s returned home, unsure of what to do next. He needs someplace to crash temporarily until he gets back on his feet.

It’s easy for Stella to suggest Carter move in. Temporarily of course. It’ll give her someone to talk to. The only problem?

That one night stand Stella and Carter had about a year ago. They never talked about it. They still don’t really talk about it. Despite the fact that the old chemistry has come back full force. Living together has made that obvious. Should they admit that one night wasn’t enough? Or will dating each other turn into an epic fail?

Only one way to find out…

••••••••••

REVIEW: HATE TO DATE YOU is the fourth instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, adult DATING romance series. This is café owner Stella Ricci, and real estate agent Carter Abbott’s story line. HATE TO DATE YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stella and Carter) HATE TO DATE YOU follows the best friend’s brother relationship between thirty-one year old real estate agent Carter Abbott, and twenty-something café owner Stella Ricci. One year earlier Stella and Carter had a drunken one-night stand but when Stella woke up Carter was gone, and ghosted our heroine for close to one year. Fast forward to present day wherein Carter has returned to his home, having quit his position in Los Angeles, and desperately needs a place to stay. Enter Stella Ricci, his one-night stand; his sister’s best friend, and the woman with whom Carter will fall in love. What ensues is the building but secret relationship between Carter and Stella, and the potential fall-out as Stella is unwilling to commit to something more.

Stella Ricci has always been attraction to her best friend’s brother but struggles with their relationship and their one-night stand. With Carter her new roommate, Stella finds herself willing to accept a friends with benefits relationship but refuses to admit to something more. Carter Abbott knows he screwed up one year before but hopes to convince Stella to give him a chance. Falling for Stella was easy, but Stella refuses to settle down, and in this, pushes Carter out of her life.

The relationship between Stella and Carter is a sister’s best friend or best friend’s brother (however you want to see it 😉 ). Stella is fearful of revealing the truth to her best friend Caroline but Stella’s Nonna sees something between our couple that everyone else is struggling to see. As Carter begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, Stella begins to pull away fearing losing her friends, her family and her independence. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Stella’s friends Caroline (Save the Date #1), Sarah (Fake Date #2) Candice (Holidate), Eleanor, Kelsey and Amelia; Stella’s parents Vera and Lorenzo Ricci, brother Michael, their grandmother Graziella ‘Grace’ Ricci.

HATE TO DATE YOU is a story of family, friendships, indecisions, and second chances. The premise is engaging and inviting ; the characters are flirty and feisty; the romance is spicy but struggles in the face of Stella’s reluctance for something more.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Save the Date
Fake Date
Holidate

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

I’m in the bathroom applying one last coat of mascara to my eyelashes when Carter suddenly appears behind me, his gorgeous face looming over my shoulder. Of course, like the dork that I am, I yelp with a jolt when I first spot him, stabbing myself in the eyeball with the mascara wand.
And like some sort of romcom hero, he rushes for me, his big hands curling around my shoulders and turning me around so I have no choice but to face him. Though I can’t even look at him, considering I’m bent over and holding both hands over my wounded eye.
“Are you all right? I didn’t mean to scare you.” He sounds troubled. Which is good. He should definitely feel bad for causing my injury.
Though really, I’m the one who overreacted and stabbed myself in the first place.
“I’m okay.” I stand up straighter, still cradling my watery, stinging eye. “It only hurts a little.”
“Drop your hand.” He turns away from me, snagging a tissue out of the Kleenex box that’s perched on the back of the toilet, then faces me once more. “Drop it,” he repeats when I still haven’t removed my hand.
Reluctantly I remove my hand from my face, my eyelashes practically stuck together. I’m sure I look a mess and I swallow hard, reaching up to dab at the tender skin beneath my eye, but Carter bats my hand away.
“Let me,” he murmurs as he brushes the tissue underneath my eye, picking up all the excess mascara. “Does it still hurt?”
“A little.” He’s so close. I can see all of his eyelashes, and they’re thick and dark and don’t need a lick of mascara on them, the jerk. He’s freshly shaven, his face nice and smooth, and I sort of want to rub against it. Like a cat.
“I’m sorry I startled you,” he says with the utmost sincerity. “I didn’t mean for you to try to take your eye out.”
A soft laugh escapes me. “I’ve stabbed myself in the eye before with a mascara wand. I’m sure this won’t be the last time.”
He finishes cleaning up the mess I made and then turns me so I face the mirror once more. “Now you’re perfect,” he says, squeezing my shoulders for the briefest moment before he lets go and exits the bathroom, heading straight into his bedroom.
I’m shaken by the encounter and it takes me a minute to get moving again. Since the afternoon at my nonna’s house, we’ve been friendlier. Not so friendly that we fall into bed together, but friendly enough. Which is…nice. I don’t like having hostile feelings toward Carter. What exactly did he ever do to me anyway?
Oh, he just rocked your world and turned you into a firm believer in multiple orgasms, then left you in the dust and never talked to you again.
Right. He did that. And it sucked.


 

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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