Tag Archives: New Release reviews 2022

FERNHILL LANE (Huckleberry Bay 2) by Kristen Proby-Review Tour

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FERNHILL LANE (Huckleberry Bay 2) by Kristen Proby-Review Tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 15, 2022

She didn’t think she’d ever come home again.

When Sarah Bitterman left Huckleberry Bay at the tender age of nineteen, newly married to a much older man, she had every intention of coming home to visit. Sadly, she quickly learned that was out of the question.

Until her husband throws her out with only the clothes on her back and finally sets Sarah free.

Coming back to the small seaside town has been the hardest thing she’s ever done. Facing those who loved her the most and think she turned her back on them is almost unbearable. But she needs her two best friends, and she’s longed to make amends with her little brother.

Huckleberry Bay is like the art in her soul. And now she can put down roots and begin to heal.

Tanner Hilleman knew it was a mistake to let the love of his life go all those years ago, and he’s never stopped thinking about her. Now that she’s home, while he’s giving her the space she needs, he’s also determined to make Sarah see that they belong together.

Unfortunately, Sarah’s past has followed her to Huckleberry Bay and threatens to destroy everything she loves. Will she and Tanner survive it? Or will it tear them apart for good?

••••••

REVIEW:  FERNHILL LANE is the second instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult HUCKLEBERRY BAY erotic, romance series. This is divorcee, diner waitress/artist Sarah Bitterman, and businessman/gallery owner Tanner Hilleman’s story line. FERNHILL LANE 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 first person perspectives (Sarah and Tanner) using present day and memories from the past FERNHILL LANE follows the second chance romance and relationship between former high school sweethearts divorcee, diner waitress/artist Sarah Bitterman, and businessman/gallery owner Tanner Hilleman. Several years earlier, while home on holiday from college, Tanner Hilleman destroyed Sarah Bitterman’s heart, and in the ensuing time Sarah married and eventually divorced an abusive man. Fast forward to present day, wherein Sarah, has moved back to Huckleberry Bay but disaster continues to follow in her wake. A house fire destroyed everything she owned, a vindictive co-worker, a brother who is no longer on speaking terms, and someone is stalking our story line heroine but reconnecting with Tanner Hilleman gives Sarah the opportunity to start anew, including renting the guest house behind Tanner’s home. A chance encounter, leads to a possible future doing what she loves but someone is making Sarah’s life miserable, forcing our couple to call in outside help. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Sarah and Tanner, and the potential fall-out as Sarah is targeted in a game of obsession and revenge.

Tanner Hilleman knew he made the biggest mistake of his life when he walked away from the woman he would always love but years would pass before Tanner would get the chance to beg forgiveness for the stupidity of a college freshman. Sarah’s younger years were marred by abuse and neglect, escaping Huckleberry Bay meant leaving behind the people she loved.

The relationship between Tanner and Sarah is one of second chances. Tanner has never stopped loving our story line heroine but Sarah struggled in the wake of heart break, falling for a man who would try to destroy her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are re-introduced to Wolfe Conrad and Luna Winchester (Lighthouse Way #1), as well as Sarah and Luna’s best friend June: Luna’s brother Apollo, and the introduction of Sarah’s brother Scott, her ex husband Anthony; fellow diner waitress Angela, and their boss Gordy. There is something developing between June and Apollo. The requisite evil has many faces.

FERNHILL LANE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, forgiveness and love, family and friendships. The premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is passionate and steamy; the characters are energetic, dynamic and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LIGHTHOUSE WAY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana with her husband and their four pets, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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Code Name: Outlaw (Zodiac/Linear Tactical) by Janie Crouch-review

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Code Name: Outlaw (Linear Tactical /Zodiac Tactical Crossover) by Janie Crouch-review

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 15, 2022

Months trapped in the clutches of a madman made Jenna Franklin a shell of the woman she once was. All she can do now is use her computer genius from inside the safety of closed doors.

Even two years later, going outside = blood-freezing panic.

She’s made herself a haven in the only place she’s felt safe since her captivity: Oak Creek, Wyoming—home of her Linear Tactical friends. They don’t realize the extent of her emotional trauma, but at least she knows she can trust them.

Only one person knows the truth about the fragile mental state she’s hiding: Zodiac agent, Mark Outlawson—code name: Outlaw.

He’s witnessed her panic firsthand. Knows what it does to her.

When info on a human trafficking group—one connected to her own captivity—comes to light, it’s clear only Jenna’s expertise can stop them. Mark will have to prove Jenna can trust him—to keep her secrets, to protect her, to help fight her demons.

He’ll prove this outlaw is a hero.

•••••

REVIEW:CODE NAME: OUTLAW is the fifteenth and final instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL erotic, romantic suspense series. CODE NAME; OUTLAW is a Linear/Zodiac Tactical crossover focusing on former Special Ops soldier and Linear Tactical security specialist Mark ‘Outlaw’ Outlawson, and bioengineer/computer engineer Jenna Franklin. CODE NAME: OUTLAW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mark and Jenna) CODE NAME: OUTLAW follows the building romance and relationship between former Special Ops solder and Linear Tactical security specialist Mark ‘Outlaw’ Outlawson, and bioengineer/computer engineer Jenna Franklin. Approximately four years earlier computer genius and bioengineer Jenna Franklin was abducted and forced to reveal the secrets behind a powerful drug that could one day be used for illegal purposes. Two years ago, Jenna was rescued by the team at Linear Tactical but in the ensuing time Jenna has withdrawn from the world, having developed agoraphobia from the onslaught of abuse at the hands of her abductors. Fast forward to present day wherein someone is using Jenna’s biological weapon, and the Linear Tactical team has been called in to help take down the people responsible. Enter former Special Ops soldier and Linear Tactical security specialist Mark ‘Outlaw’ Outlawson, the man who understands our heroine more than anyone could have imagined. As Jenna and Mark begin to unravel the possible connection to Jenna’s drug, and a string of break and enters, and eventual deaths of the people involved. What ensues is the building relationship between Jenna and Mark, and the potential fall out when the Jenna is forced to make modifications, possibly losing the man with whom she has fallen in love, in the process.

Mark Outlawson knows his time is limited with Linear Tactical but working alongside Jenna means up close and personal with the woman he loves.Both Jenna and Mark have suffered at the hands of their captors and abductors but none more so than our story line heroine. Jenna’s daily struggles mean limited friendships, and never going out while Mark must concede that life as he knew it is coming to a close.

The relationship between Mark and Jenna is one of immediate attraction but Jenna battles between head and heart knowing any relationship is a struggle going forward. Mark is one of the few people who is aware of Jenna’s disability, a disability brought on at the hands of her abductors for disobeying orders. 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 many of whom we have met in both interconnected series including artist/ waitress Wavy Bollinger, and former US Navy SEAL and CEO of Zodiac Tactical Ian ‘Aries’ DeRose, Baby Bollinger, Callum Webb, Finn and Charlie (Charlotte) Bollinger, Zack Mackay, Dorian Lindstrom aka Ghost, Riley Harrison aka Phoenix, Gavin and Lexi. The requisite evil has many faces.

CODE NAME: OUTLAW is the final and thrilling instalment in Janie Crouch’s LINEAR TACTICAL series. The premise is engaging and exciting; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but struggling to move on. The epilogue fast forwards the series approximately ten years where we get a glimpse at the next generation.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews in the Linear Tactical Series
Cyclone
Eagle
Shamrock
Angel
Ghost
Shadow
Echo
Phoenix
Baby
Storm
Redwood
Blaze

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Code Name: Aries
Code Name:Virgo
Code Name: Libra
Code Name: Pisces

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211574.Janie_Crouch
Website: http://www.janiecrouch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiecrouch/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pmEH1X
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janiecrouch

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PROTECTIVE VOWS (Valverde Mafia 1) by BB Hamel -a review

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PROTECTIVE VOWS (Valverde Mafia 1) by BB Hamel -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 October 25, 2022

I crave freedom and his marriage bed.
But I can’t have both.

I’m all that’s left of the powerful Greek Florakis mafia. My father and my older brothers were murdered in a yacht explosion off the coast of Crete, and now my family is in tatters.

That’s when Luca Valverde comes for me. He’s six-foot-four, covered in scars and muscles, a hardened killer, and my sworn enemy.

But instead of finishing the job, he takes me home and gives me a choice: a bullet or his wedding ring.

I accept marriage and decide to bide my time until I can put a knife in his back.

When we return to New York, things get complicated. He needs to prove himself to his family after taking a Greek bride, and I’m stuck trying to help my hated husband while also waiting to escape.

Every second I spend in his marriage bed is another second I spend forgetting about my freedom.

His touch is a poison flower and his lips are like honey.

But I’m playing the long game, and in the end, I’m going to win.

•••••••

REVIEW: PROTECTIVE VOWS is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult VALVERDE MAFIA dark, erotic, Mafia series. This is heir to the Valverde Mafia throne Luca Valverde, and twenty-three year old, Greek Mafia princess Kacia Florakis’ story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kacia and Luca) PROTECTIVE VOWS follows in the aftermath of the murder of Kacia Florakis’ entire family. Three months earlier, Kacia’s father, and two brothers were murdered in a yacht explosion blamed on the Italian mob. Hiding in Greece, with her father’s one-time guardian, Kacia quickly discovers not all is at it appears to be when she becomes the prisoner of the heir to the Italian mob. Sentenced to death for the sins of her father, Kacia has a choice to make- a bullet or marriage- and our heroine is quickly leaning to one side more than the other. Marriage may protect her from immediate harm, but there are others waiting in the wings, to destroy what’s left of the Florakis family, in an effort to take control of everything left behind. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance and relationship between Kacia and Luca, and the fall-out as the fight for control leads to a potential war with the Russian Bratva.

Luca Valverde has his orders, and his order are to kill Kacia Florakis but something about Kacia begins to melt the ice around Luca’s heart, a heart that has been frozen since the murder of his younger brother. Wanting revenge against the Greeks for destroying his family, Luca takes aim at our story line heroine only to discover she is an innocent in a war between Mafia families. Kacia has no idea as to the extent of her family’s sins, and our heroine is about to pay the price for the darkness that has followed wherever she goes. Choosing to live, Kacia is forced into a marriage of convenience, a marriage that is seen as both good and evil within the families fighting for control.

The relationship between Kacia and Luca is predicated upon duty; a forced marriage that will hopefully save Kacia’s life but a marriage based on blood and death. Luca knows that to force Kacia could mean a life without love, without the support of his family, and the possibility of facing his own mortality at the hands of his father but Luca sees an opportunity to take back control, and gain the power the Valverde family needs. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.

We are introduced to Kacia’s guardian Perico, and her best friend Adrienne; the Valverde capos Tony, Nicolla and Fio,Mafia security forces; Luca’s father, Don Roberto Valverde; as well as head of the Greek Mafia in America Yiannis Calimeris: Russian Damir Novalov.

PROTECTIVE VOWS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and retaliation, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is gritty and intriguing; the romance is captivating; the characters are determined, desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rock Hard/Rock On (Rock Hard 1 & 8) by MJ Roberts-review tour

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Rock Hard/Rock On (Rock Hard 1 &  8 / Chord Brothers 1) by MJ Roberts-review tour

ROCK ON
ROCK HARD 8 / Kenner Brothers 3
by MJ Roberts
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, rock romance

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

Knife-Edge “Ears” Kenner is the well-known lead guitarist of Dirt Cherry. He sees the woman who makes his heart race and she doesn’t recognize him, doesn’t answer his pick-up lines, doesn’t even look at him. What do you do if you think you meet the woman of your dreams and she acts like she doesn’t hear you?

Lucy Shaanti lives her whole life in silence. Between work, school, volunteering, and overwhelming family obligations that threaten to crush her, she doesn’t need a rock star with an even rockier past.

Will Knife-Edge be able to convince Lucy to risk everything to give them a shot?

••••••

REVIEW: ROCK ON is the eighth instalment in MJ Roberts’ contemporary, adult ROCK HARD erotic, rock romance series, and the third instalment in the interconnected KENNER BROTHERS series. This is guitarist Knife-Edge ‘Ears’ Kenner, and computer coder/university student Lucy Shaanti, a hearing-impaired woman of Indian descent. ROCK ON 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 (Knife-Edge and Lucy) ROCK ON follows the building but forbidden relationship between guitarist Knife-Edge ‘Ears’ (KE) Kenner, and computer coder/university student Lucy Shaanti, a hearing-impaired woman of Indian descent. When Lucy and KE first met our hero had no idea Lucy was deaf but wanting to get to know Lucy, Knife-Edge and the band begin attending ASL (American Sign Language) classes, in the hopes of one day telling Lucy just how he feels. As Lucy and Knife-Edge’s relationship builds, Lucy struggles with her parents’ plans for her future, a future that will not include our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lucy and Knife-Edge, and the potential fall-out as old world customs, family and financial duties threaten Lucy and KE’s happily ever after.

Lucy Shaanti’s future is limited and restricted, and there is no place in her life for rock stars or musicians. Lucy comes from a very strict East-Indian family, and she must obey their directives in the face of shame and humiliation but her heart belongs to Knife-Edge Kenner, a heart that is no longer under her control. Knife-Edge knows Lucy is ‘the one’ but convincing Lucy is harder than he could have ever imagined-the world of the deaf is rife with discrimination and preconceived notions but so too is the reverse when the deaf face-off against those who can hear-and Knife-Edge must face off against an entire community where he and the band are on the outside looking in.

The relationship between Knife-Edge and Lucy is one of immediate attraction but Lucy’s future is out of her control, and falling for KE was never in the plans. In an effort to prove he is worthy of Lucy’s love, Knife-Edge sets into motion an over the top display of acceptance and love. 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, fun and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Knife-Edge’s brothers and band mates: Half-Sour, Hair-Trigger, Overkill, Clay, Venom, as well as Ryder and Lexi Chord, Hit Man and Jase. We are introduced to Lucy’s sister Maddie, as well as their strict East-Indian parents.

ROCK ON is a story of power and control, family and honor, preconceived notions and misunderstanding, duty, heart break, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating but anxiety filled; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and desperate.

copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

__________

ROCK HARD
Rock Hard 1 / Chord Brothers 1
by MJ Roberts
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, rock romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2018

Drummer Ryder Chord has been living half a life since he was sixteen when a brutal tragedy struck, and he and his best friend hit the road.

Ryder, desperate to forget, throws himself into touring life and writing music. When Lexi joins the band, Ryder’s life becomes almost tolerable. Until one day when the rest of the band isn’t there and Ryder and Lexi have to share a hotel room: with only one bed.

Rule number one of band-dom: You never sleep with anyone in the band. Rule number one of bro code: You never sleep with anyone’s sister. You DEFINITELY never sleep with your best friend’s little sister. Rule number it’s so obvious it’s a count even a drummer can keep: You Never, EVER, sleep with your best friend’s little sister when she’s in the band…and he is too.

•••

REVIEW: ROCK HARD is the first instalment in MJ Roberts’ contemporary, adult CHORD BROTHERS erotic, rock, romance series. This is drummer and lyricist Ryder Chord, and singer Lexi Evanovich’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ryder and Lexi) ROCK HARD follows the forbidden romance and relationship between drummer Ryder Chord, and singer Lexi Evanovich.Lexi is the sister of Jase Evanovich, Hard Chord’s bassist, and there is a rule while working with the band: never sleep with anyone in the band; never sleep with anyone’s sister; and never sleep with your best friend’s little sister but drummer Ryder Chord is about to break all of the rules with his attraction to Jase’s sister, the woman who has starred in his fantasies and dreams. Left alone for several days while the rest of the band members do their own thing, Lexi and Ryder act on their attraction, if only for the time they are left alone. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lexi and Ryder, and the potential fall-out if Jase discovers the truth about his best friend and little sister, and a past that Ryder struggles to let go.

A large portion of the story line focuses on music, the running ‘juke-box’ inside Ryder Chord’s head, which is often distracting at pivotal points in the story but our hero has a form of ‘synesthesia’ wherein Jake sees color, sounds and symbols, often times relating to specific song titles and lyrics that are matched to the current events and situations in his life. There is also a copious quantity of reflective memories, called ‘rewinds’ in the story, relating to Ryder’s state of mind-we learn about his past,his anger and his guilt that tend to suffocate our story line hero. Hit Man is a literal man-wh*re, and many readers will struggle with the lack of a line drawn between his personal and public life.

The relationship between Jake and Lexi is a best friend’s younger sister/forbidden romance in the wake of potential problems leading to the break up of the band. Lexi has lusted after her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember, and not that she is with the band, Lexi wants the man that calls to her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate

We are introduced to the other members of the band: Lexi’s brother Jase, and flamboyant Hitman; members of the group Zeet Fleet (Matt, Aaron, Julie, Zeeter), as well as Hit Man’s wife Candace, and their son Caleb, and a brief intro to Ryder’s brothers Cole, Zach, and Lucas.

ROCK HARD is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and responsibility, grief and acceptance, love and understanding, family and friendships. The premise is engaging and entertaining but often reads like a script, a journal of events and timelines- the flow is a little rough. The romance is seductive ; the characters are broken, struggling but trying to move on.

Previous Reviews
#5 Rock Me
#6 Rock Steady

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ due to language and content

 

Around 2:19 AM I finally fall asleep. At around 3:30 there’s a soft knock on my door. I’m fully awake in an instant. I jump up, run to the door and throw it open.
“Lexi, what’s wrong!” I put my hands on the side of her face. I search her expression, which seems, I don’t know, slightly scared. Which makes me worried.
“Lexi, what is it?” I ask.
But she doesn’t say anything. She just stares up at me. She’s wearing a short, silk burgundy-colored robe I’ve never seen before.
“Lexi, what is it?” I ask again. “What do you need?”
“You,” she says.
I blink. I stare down at her, and my brain refuses to understand. My tongue plasters to the roof of my mouth. Lexi reaches up and touches my biceps, and the spell that has me frozen is temporarily broken.
“Ryder? Ryder, say something.”
I blink again.
“Lexi. I’m not sure what you mean. I’m right here.”
Her voice is soft. So soft I have to bend down a little to hear her. I’ve been playing drums long enough that I have a bit of hearing loss.
“I haven’t been able to sleep since Detroit.”
I straighten up. “Sure you have,” I say like an idiot. “You don’t toss and turn.” I think of myself, the hours I spend staring at the ceiling of my own bunk.
“But I don’t really sleep, not well.” Lexi takes a step closer, and the smell of bursting orange blossoms wafts up.
“Ryder…” she says softly.
She opens the sash of her robe, and it reveals a mostly see-through, burgundy-tinted babydoll nightgown that barely reaches the top of her thighs.
I groan. “Lexi, we can’t.”
She closes that last inch between us and plants a tiny kiss on my chest. The barest of touches.
And I snap.
I grab her, haul her up my body, and smash our lips together. All the pent-up need and want I’ve been so good at keeping caged in, tethered, is pulsing out into her. I fist her hair, tilt her head, and plunder her mouth.
God. She tastes so good. Incredible. God. Fuck.
“Lex…” I say as I break away.
“More,” she breathes.
“We shouldn’t,” I manage.
“Right,” she says, but then she kisses me again, and fuck, I don’t give a damn, because, yes, this is Lexi, and all I can think about is tasting her again, more, yes. How soft her tongue is and how out of control I am. I carry her to the bed and part of me tries to reel it in, take it slow, but I don’t want to. Not even a little.
I want to devour her. Every single inch.
Lexi. My Lexi.
Yes.
The blood is pounding in my ears. I can’t think, everything becomes a haze of pure lust, heat, a throbbing sound of need, the contrast between hard and soft, and the perfection of our rhythm together.
I manage to break for a second. “Lex, are you sure?”
“So sure.”


 

Connect with MJ:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |  Newsletter

M.J. Roberts is a writer, editor, and teacher – with more than two million copies of her stories in circulation worldwide, Roberts is well loved for creating characters who feel as real as your most cherished friends. Roberts works to diligently to create believable, lovable characters, witty dialogue, prose ripe with metaphor, exciting plot twists, action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and romance scenes that sizzle.

Roberts is a multiple award-winning author including first place in the prestigious Summer Lovin’ Romance Literary Contest 2015 for the novel Risk Your Heart.

Roberts also writes under the pen name Natasha Action. Roberts is originally from New York but lives in the southern United States for the purpose of endless comic material.

She’s married to a professional musician (A.K.A. The Rock and Roll God) because she is too busy tormenting imaginary characters and counting her blessing to pursue her longtime dream of Rock n’ Roll stardom herself.

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Don’t Accept Gifts from Ghosts by Melody Raven-a review

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Don’t Accept Gifts from Ghosts (Craven Manor 1) by Melody Raven-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 November 1, 2022

Meet me, Layla Craven. I’m a disgraced accountant with who specializes in pessimism and social anxiety.

A prime example is Craven Manor. Most people would love to inherit a huge mansion, but all I see is a crumbling foundation in need or repairs I can’t afford.

But with the help of a sexy handyman, Adam, who is always around and seems to have an aversion to clothing, I get to work restoring Craven Manor.

At least until things start getting weird.

Noises in the middle of the night. Entities crashing through my doors. And rumors that make me think Adam might have more sinister intentions than I could have imagined.

I came here to start my new life, but if I’m not careful, the afterlife might be coming after me…

•••••

REVIEW: DON’T ACCEPT GIFTS FROM GHOSTS is the first instalment in Melody Raven’s contemporary adult CRAVEN MANOR paranormal, romance series focusing on former Chicago accountant Layla Craven.

Told from first person perspective (Layla) DON’T ACCEPT GIFTS FROM GHOSTS follows disgraced accountant Layla Craven as she embarks on a new stage in her life. Having recently inherited Craven Manor located in the small but magical town of Ashland Springs, from an aunt she never knew existed, Layla quickly discovers that all is not as it appears to be in Ashland Springs. From magic to mayhem, ghosts and potions, murder and mystery, Craven Manor begins revealing its’ secrets one supernatural entity at a time including a small kitten that may or may not be of the feline variety. Along with her new neighbor Poppy, and handyman Adam, Layla finds herself a target of greed and betrayal, leaving our heroine wondering where everything went wrong, including the possible murder of her aunt’s friend.

We are introduced to Layla’s eccentric neighbor Poppy; magic shop owner Deliah , handyman Adam, and realtor Larry Todd, as well as several townsfolk who may or may not be supernaturally inclined.

DON’T ACCEPT GIFTS FROM GHOSTS is a story of betrayal, obsession, greed, secrets and lies, magic and ghosts. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are energetic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cruelest Oblivion (Cruelest Oblivion 1) by MA Heard-review tour

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Cruelest Oblivion (Cruelest Oblivion 1) by MA Heard-review tour

 

 

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 November 7, 2022

Over the past five decades, the dome over our Ecocity has protected us from the deviants living in the forbidden territory. Since the great war ended, our lives have consisted of virtue and order.

Once a year, seven people are sent out to the forbidden lands to see if there are any deviants worth saving. None have returned, only increasing people’s fear of what lies beyond the safe border of the dome.

When I’m chosen as a crusader, the world, as I know it, is ripped from under my feet. In the forbidden territory, I learn things I never dreamed existed – a world I’ve been totally oblivious to. I meet people who freely show emotion and affection. People who dare make their own choices.

It’s frightening and the opposite of everything I’ve ever known.

Suddenly, I have to fight for my life. I’m thrown into chaos where time is running out to become a skilled fighter who will be an asset for the coming war. But my mind’s bombarded with questions – who’s right and who’s wrong? Which side should I fight on?

I don’t belong in this world filled with cruelty and depravity.

Then there’s Chance, my reluctant trainer. The man is the definition of deadly and so attractive I struggle to think straight around him. I’m also pretty sure he would love nothing more than to snap my neck. Cruel, impatient, and harsh, he’s a brute who seems annoyed by my existence.

Honestly, I’m not sure I will survive living with the deviants, never mind fighting in a war. Unless I find my courage and learn to fight for myself, I fear this new world will crush me.

••••

REVIEW: Cruelest Oblivion is the first book in the new adult dystopian romance series by Michelle Heard writing as M.A. Heard.

Jasper “Jai” Matthias was born and raised in a domed ecocity (an isolated city built after wars ended) and knows nothing about the outside world. She has spent her almost 20 years of life adhering to the rules that were brought forth by the emissaries- leaders and founding fathers of the ecocity. Spending her days honoring those rules and being virtuous as she is supposed to be. She knows that turning 20 means one of two things. She will either get married, which is highly unlikely or become a bearer, which means she will spend her days bearing children to all of the men of the dome to further the race in the ecosystem.

There was one other option she wasn’t counting on. On the seventh day of the seventh month, seven people are collected by the emissaries and are named crusaders.
They are cast out into the forbidden territory (beyond the dome walls), where the deviants live. Their goal is to see if there are any deviants worth saving, No one has ever returned. Several years ago, Jai lost her mother this way. Her mother was cast out into the forbidden territory never to be heard from again.

But when Jai is picked as a crusader, her entire world is ripped from her. All she has ever known, been taught or required to learn – she soon finds out is lies.
Thankfully with her fathers standing and connections she has those that will look out for her and teach her the ways of the forbidden world. What she wasn’t counting on was falling for one of them.

Chance was cast out of the ecocity ten years ago, He has spent those ten years becoming the strongest soldier he can, with one intention. Protecting his brother Ethan, When Ethan shows up at the meeting point with a woman, Jai – Chance almost loses his mind. The last thing he needs is to have to worry about protecting a woman in the forbidden city. Especially one like Jai. She is so young and innocent and he knows she will never survive. But she quickly stands her ground and holds her own.. Jai was told by her father right before she was taken to find Chance and have him train her. That is exactly what she is going to do.

As the world as she knows it goes from virtuous to deviant Jai knows she must protect herself at all costs and do whatever she needs to do to survive.

Upon meeting Chance she realizes that he hates the very sight of her, But innately she knows she can trust him. And when Chance sees that she is giving her all to learn the new ways in the forbidden territory, slowly his walls start to crack. He starts to feel very protective of Jai and soon realizes that he must protect her at all costs. But will she survive? Will she be able to comprehend and understand the new world she lives in Especially when all she has been taught until now has been lies?

I would never pick a dystopian book – just not in my reading genre. But I am a huge fan of Michelle Heard and figured why not give it a try. I read and finished this book in one sitting. And I can not wait to see where this story leads. The second book is due out at the end of November 2022 and I am there for it. There is a trigger warning and an 18 and up advisory on this book. But I highly recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

Michelle Heard is a Bestselling Romance Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She might have a slight obsession with alpha heroes who are not afraid to fight for their women.

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in my world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways →http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

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JUST WHAT I NEEDED (Stage Dive 4.9) by Kylie Scott-review tour

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JUST WHAT I NEEDED (Stage Dive 4.9 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kylie Scott-review & excerpt tour

 

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 November 8, 2022

When the Stage Dive crew decides to help, they do it in a big way.

Nanny and housekeeper Jude has been going through a dry patch. Getting ready to dip her toes back into the dating pool is a little nerve racking. And the offers of assistance from her boss, David Ferris, and his band are not helping. Right up until music producer Dean Jennings arrives to work on the band’s latest album.

But Dean is more than a little wary of dating anyone with anything to do with the Stage Dive crew after losing Lena to lead singer Jimmy Ferris all those years ago. Can Jude a) Convince the crew to stay out of her business and b) Woo the man of her dreams?

•••••

REVIEW: JUST WHAT I NEEDED is instalment 4.9 and novella in Kylie Scott’s contemporary, adult STAGE DIVE erotic, rock romance series, and a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Ev and David Ferris’, twenty-five year old nanny Jude, and record producer Dean Jennings’ story line. JUST WHAT I NEEDED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Jude) JUST WHAT I NEEDED follows the building romance and relationship between Ev and David Ferris’, twenty-five year old nanny Jude, and record producer Dean Jennings. Jude works as the nanny to Ev and David’s nine-month old son Jamesy, and lives in the guest house on the Ferris property. With the arrival of music producer Dean Jennings, Jude never expected a temporary roommate much less a nudge from the wives of the Stage Dive rockers. Hoping for an instant connection, Ev, Lena and Anne push Dean and Jude together but Jude’s past is hoping for something more, and Jude’s secrets reveal the embarrassment of a one-time crush on someone they all know. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Jude and Dean, as our couple must come to terms with Dean’s transient lifestyle, on the road more than he is home.

The relationship between Jude and Dean is one of immediate attraction but Jude struggles in the wake of Dean’s fame and his proximity to our story line heroine. Dean knows immediately he wants to make an effort with our story line heroine but instant attraction does not always make for perfect bedfellows. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include band members: Mal and Anne, Ev and David, Lena and Jimmy, as well as Dean’s ex-girlfriend Frankie.

JUST WHAT I NEEDED is a fast paced, quick read that sees another couple fall madly in love. The premise is heart warming and sensual; the characters are spirited and sassy; the romance is tender and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Lick
Play
Lead
Deep
Strong 4.5
Closer 4.6
Love Song 4.7
The Rhythm Method

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

I smile. I have a lot to smile about. He likes me. We’re doing this. How exciting.
He leans forward. “Can I kiss you, Jude?” he whispers.
I feel those words in every part of me. “Yeah.” I lick my lips. “You can.”
As pretty as he was at a distance, he’s even more handsome close up. All of the shadows and lines of his face. It blows my mind how Lena left him for another. What a fool. Though I am kind of deeply grateful that she did. His lips are divine. No other word will do. And the thought of him pressing them against mine is making my stomach do a weird flip-flop thing. His lips are neither thin nor plump, but somewhere in between and perfect. I stare at them as he comes closer until he’s pressing his mouth softly against mine.
A sweet kiss, as if he’s testing his welcome. The man needn’t have bothered. I balance on the balls of my feet and join our lips once more, kissing him more insistently. I mean, we might as well figure out here and now if we have no chemistry. If he has no expertise. Because I kissed this male model once who was a tongue-wrangling disaster. Just a whole lot of wet-faced yuck. Sad, but true. It’s not like I have kissed anyone in ages. Maybe I’ve forgotten how it all works. Perhaps I’ll be the disaster.
Dean’s hands grip my hips, and his tongue slips into my mouth and oh, yeah. Very nice. A lack of chemistry is obviously not going to be a problem between us. He kisses me deep and wet in a way that goes straight to my head. My fingers slide over the smooth warm skin of his shoulders before holding on tight. He is so solid and strong. One of his hands is now cupping the back of my head, holding me to him. As if I had any intention of leaving. Heck no. We kiss until my lips are numb and swollen and my mind is far away. Nothing else matters but this moment.
He leans his forehead against mine, and we both take a moment to catch our breath. As first kisses go, it was stellar. My empty stomach, however, shows no cool and rumbles loudly. Talk about keeping it real. 


 

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Blue Like Me by Aaron Philip Clark-Review & Author Interview

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Blue Like Me (Trevor Finnegan 2) by Aaron Philip Clark-Review & Author Interview

 

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2022

A brutal homicide sets an ex-cop and his former partner on the hunt for an enigmatic killer in a gripping thriller by the author of Under Color of Law.

When former detective Trevor “Finn” Finnegan became a PI, he adopted a new mandate: catch the LAPD’s worst in the act. While on surveillance in Venice Beach, Finn tails two potentially dirty cops: Detective Martin Riley and Finn’s ex-partner, Detective Sally Munoz. Things take a deadly turn when an unknown assailant executes Riley and wounds Munoz. In an instant, Finn goes from private eye to eyewitness.

Munoz needs Finn to help find Riley’s killer, but doing so could blow his cover. She’s an officer shaded by rumors. Maybe she’s still a good cop—but maybe she’s not. Finn’s reluctance ends when his dear “uncle,” an ex-LAPD detective, is murdered, and it might be connected to Riley’s death.

To prevent more bloodshed and avoid becoming the next targets on the killer’s list, Finn and Munoz will have to bury their complicated past, trust each other, and come face-to-face with painful secrets that could destroy them both.

••••

REVIEW: BLUE LIKE ME is the second instalment in Aaron Philip Clark’s contemporary, adult TREVOR FINNEGAN murder, mystery, thriller series focusing on former LAPD Detective turned PI Trevor Finnegan. BLUE LIKE ME can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one UNDER COLOR OF LAW as most of the events of Blue Like Me are as of a direct result from the previous instalment.

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

Told from first person perspective (Trevor) BLUE LIKE ME is set in 2016, and follows former LAPD Detective turned PI Trevor Finnegan as he is tasked with tailing two LAPD police officers thought to be involved in $ex trafficking crimes but a new assignment finds Trevor following two more detectives, detective of whom he has personal knowledge but all does not go according to plan when a gunman kills one of Trevor’s targets, and injures the other while on the run. Trevor knows that to get involved means facing the wrath of the department for which he once worked, a department that labelled our hero, just another dirty cop. As Trevor works in tandem with injured LAPD Detective Sally Munoz, secrets begin to reveal a connection to a case long thought buried and gone. While his life as a PI is getting more dangerous and dark, his personal life begins to spiral out of control.

Trevor Finnegan lost his job as a detective two years earlier in the wake a scandal, accountability in law enforcement, and the death of a murdered black academy cadet. Fast forward to present day, Trevor now works as a private investigator but quickly discovers many of his targets are members of the LAPD, men and women for whom he once worked. From dirty cops to murder, evidence tampering and bribery, secrets and lies, Trevor uncovers a trail dating back several decades, decades in which time served resulted in the death of a possible innocent man.

BLUE LIKE ME is a gritty and impassioned story of desperation and reprisal, power and control, betrayal and injustice, exposure and lies. The premise is tragic and dramatic; the characters are desperate, determined and broken.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Aaron, and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media Links: Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Website/ Amazon Author Page /

Aaron:I’m a native Angeleno, but I lived on the east coast for twelve years and experiencing both coasts influenced my writing.

I’ve always loved the power of fiction. Before pursuing novel writing, I worked as an independent script doctor revising scripts for clients while working on my thesis. After publishing my thesis novel, I decided to focus solely on fiction. However, I recently returned to screenwriting and found more enjoyment this round than before.

TRC:What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Aaron:Admittedly, the road to publication came easier for me than for some. I published with an independent press for my first three novels and then with a larger publisher for my recent books.

TRC:Would you please tell us something about BLUE LIKE ME and the Trevor Finnegan series?

Aaron: Blue Like Me is the second book in the series. Trevor is no longer an LAPD detective and is working as a private investigator whose mandate is exposing crooked cops. Trevor’s character pays homage to the antiheroes of classic noir. He plays by his own rules, and the path of doing the right thing sometimes means operating in a gray area. Right and wrong are subjective, which makes him complicated and someone the reader will route for because he truly strives to do the right thing.

TRC:Is the lead character Trevor Finnegan based on a real person or a mix of people/ law enforcement members?

Aaron: Trevor’s an amalgamation of police officers I knew in the academy and my personal life. In many ways, he’s an ode to Black law enforcement officers who have had to contend with obstacles both within their respective departments and out on the street.

TRC:Are / will any of Trevor’s stories be based on real-life events or a mix of them?

Aaron: I wouldn’t describe the novels as “ripped from the headlines,” but they do crib aspects of their plots from cases I studied in the police academy.

TRC:What kind of research and plotting was involved in the writing of BLUE LIKE ME? How long did you spend researching the premise?

Aaron: It took me two to four months to outline the novel, including researching cases involving the LAPD that inspired aspects of the story. Some cases are well-known, while others are obscure and typically don’t receive media coverage.

TRC:How many books do you have planned for the series?

Aaron: Likely five or six.

TRC:Are the stories stand-alone, or would the reader benefit from reading the series in order?

Aaron: The reader would surely get more out of the series if they read the books in order, but the stories hold up on their own and can be read as stand-alones.

TRC:How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Aaron: I spend considerable time ensuring my novels are grounded in reality and authentic police procedure. I don’t have any secret formula, but many twists come from characters’ behavior rather than being heavily plot-driven.

TRC:Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Aaron:The cover image is part of branding and marketing. If a cover is poorly designed or fails to catch a reader’s attention, that could hinder the book’s success unless they’re well-known authors. Debut authors or authors that are publishing with a large commercial publisher for the first time need dynamic covers–it’s a must. Unfortunately, publishers often go with the most cost-effective design, which isn’t always eye-catching.

TRC:When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing, or do you direct the characters?

Aaron: It’s 50/50. I set the scenes and plot the narrative, but once the characters begin to take shape and act from their established beliefs and motivations, it’s their show.

TRC:The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Aaron: Point-of-view plays a considerable role in eliciting a vicarious experience for the reader. Writing in the first-person or close third can facilitate that connection more seamlessly, depending on the writer’s goal. Keeping a distance from the reader can also prove useful, especially if it’s an unreliable narrator.

TRC:Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Aaron: I tend to complete a draft, then elicit feedback if I think something needs refinement.

TRC:What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Aaron: Many people presume you’ve sold thousands of books if you have a New York Times Bestseller. That’s often not true, and the New York Times Bestseller distinction is predicated on a reviewer’s taste. So, I always tell people to support books that interest them rather than be swayed by any trade list.

TRC:What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Aaron: I’m a classic car enthusiast.

TRC:On what are you currently working?

Aaron: I’m writing a thriller set in the music industry inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley and other works by Patricia Highsmith.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Aaron: My novel, Blue Like Me, will be published on November 8th and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Lamb Dry Pot

Favorite Dessert: Apple pie

Favorite TV Show: Homicide: Life on the Street

Last Movie You Saw: The Batman

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush: Issa Rae

Last Vacation Destination: Hawaii

Do you have any pets? No

Last book you read: The Force by Don Winslow

TRC: Congratulations Aaron on the new release. We wish you all the best.

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