Tag Archives: New Release reviews 2022

A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones-dual review

Posted on by
15

A Hard Day for a Hangover (Sunshine Vicram 3) by Darynda Jones-dual review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2022

Some people greet the day with open arms. Sheriff Sunshine Vicram would rather give it a hearty shove and get back into bed, because there’s just too much going on right now. There’s a series of women going missing, and Sunny feels powerless to stop it. There’s her persistent and awesomely-rebellious daughter Auri, who’s out to singlehandedly become Del Sol’s youngest and fiercest investigator. And then there’s drama with Levi Ravinder—the guy she’s loved and lusted after for years. The guy who might just be her one and only. The guy who comes from a family of disingenuous vipers looking to oust him—and Sunshine—for good.

Like we said, the new day can take a hike.

••••

Sandy’s Review:

A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER is the third and final instalment in Darynda Jones’ contemporary, adult SUNSHINE VICRAM romantic suspense series focusing on small town Sheriff Sunshine Vicram, her daughter Auri aka Aurora, and Del Sol’s eclectic group of mad men, thieves, murderers, mean girls and amateur investigators. A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER should not be read as a stand alone as there is an ongoing theme and premise throughout, and picks up immediately after the events of book two A GOOD DAY FOR CHARDONNAY.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sunshine and Auri) following several intersecting pathways, A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER follows the investigation into the discovery of a badly injured young woman who may or may not be a victim of a serial abuser. Sunshine and her team are called to the cliffs outside of Del Sol where a barely recognizable Jane Doe is struggling to survive. With her daughter Auri on the hunt for clues, Sunshine finds herself investigating the possibility of one of their own targeting innocent young woman. Meanwhile, the love of Sunshine’s life, distillery owner Levi Ravinder must contend with his dysfunctional family, a war ‘brewing’ for ownership of the business, and a secret that is about to change the direction of this life. From the town’s ‘tiny boy band’ breaking into local homes, to another orphan discovering his is no longer alone, Del Sol is the proverbial small town ‘Peyton Place’ and ‘Knot’s Landing’ where secrets reveal decades of lies, buried sins, and years of abnormal social behavior culminating in vengeance and obsession.

A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER is a story of family, relationships, friendships, and love with a little bit of Darynda Jones’ requisite humor thrown in for release; jealousy and greed, betrayal, vengeance, and murder. The premise is intriguing, captivating and thrilling but the ‘guilty party’ is too easily deduced; the romance between Sunshine and Levi is heartwarming and emotional; the characters are numerous, energetic and dynamic.

__________

Barb’s Review:
A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones is the 3rd book in her Sunshine Vicram series. Refresher: Sunshine (Sunny) Vicram, our heroine, is the newly elected sheriff in her home town of Del Sol, New Mexico.  Sunny recently returned home, having left town years before, at the age of 17; after she suffered a trauma, having been kidnapped and then pregnant. Sunny is a tough, independent, smart, funny heroine, which you couldn’t help but love.  Her relationship with her now 15 year old daughter, Auri was wonderful, as I loved how close they were; while Auri was slowly learning to be like her mother in helping solve crimes. 

Sunny has built her own team, as sheriff, with Deputy Quincy her right hand, not to mention best friend.  Seems things never slow down in Del Sol, and Sunny is called to the scene of a young girl found over the edge of the cliff, brutally beaten, but still alive and unconscious.   Sunny begins to suspect that this is another case of women being missing. Is this the work of a serial killer?

Auri, who likes to do sleuthing on her own, questioning others at school, much to the dismay of her mom. Despite the danger, Auri is too headstrong to listen, but she is very good in technical things, as well as finding some clues. 

Levi Ravinder, the man Sunny has always loved, has his own problems, with his ruthless members of his family.  Levi, who also cares about Sunny, will learn some secrets that will escalate their relationship.  Levi runs the family distillery, and is determined to make it successful; but he knows other evil members of this family are threatening his life, as well as others. 

The first half of the book was hilarious, funny, snarky that made us laugh often, especially with Quincy and her team; but the investigation still stood in front.  I loved how Levi and Sunny came together, and the love Auri had for both of them. The second half of the book was so exciting, filled with non-stop action, danger, murder and violence.  The suspense was so great, I could not put the book down, and the wild frantic ending had me on the edge of my seat throughout. 

A Hard Day for a Hangover was not only an intense, exciting, but with lots of heartwarming humor that was a lot of fun. Darynda Jones does an excellent job of giving us light-hearted humor, as well as an intense suspenseful page turner. Jones also gives us great characters, such as Sunny, Levi, Auri, Quincy, Cruz, just to name a few. If you have not read the first two books, I suggest you start with A Bad Day for Sunshine, then A Good Day for Chardonnay, and now A Hard Day for a Hangover.  I had heard this could be the finale of this series, but I would love to read more stories with Sheriff Sunshine Vicram.

 

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Bad Day for Sunshine
A Good Day for Chardonnay

Copies supplied for review

Share

Tempt Me (The Donovans 2) by Samantha Chase-review

Posted on by
10

Tempt Me (The Donovans 2) by Samantha Chase-review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2022

He hates the holidays. She lives for them. Let the games begin.
A small town, grumpy/sunshine romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha Chase

Six months ago, Liam Donovan met the world’s cheeriest, most upbeat woman at a wedding.
It was the longest two days of his life.
Now she’s his next door neighbor.
Talk about awkward.

Tessa Sullivan believes in always looking at the bright side. Unfortunately, her new neighbor is the most negative man on the planet and seems to have made it his mission to ruin her good mood on a daily basis. She loves to sing, she loves to smile, but more than anything, she loves to decorate for the holidays. The fact that this seems to bug her new neighbor is simply a perk.

After twelve years in the Marines, Liam is more than ready to come home and start the next phase of his life. He’s starting a business, reconnecting with his mildly over-bearing family, and loves the fact that he’s finally got a place of his own. If only his neighbor’s decorations would stay on her side of the property. There isn’t one thing about Tessa that tempts him…until there is. Now she’s all he can think about.

Being friends makes sense.
Becoming lovers was inevitable.
But having Tessa be his forever is more than tempting.

••••••

REVIEW: TEMPT ME is the third instalment in Samantha Chases’s contemporary adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is former US Marine turned contractor Liam Donovan, and music teacher Tessa Sullivan’s story line. TEMPT ME 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 (Liam and Tessa) TEMPT ME follows the building romance and relationship between former US Marine turned contractor Liam Donovan, and music teacher Tessa Sullivan.Tessa Sullivan is a widow, having married her best friend prior to his death but Tessa struggles to move forward, constantly living in the past where life was easier and calm. Her new neighbor, former US Marine Liam Donovan was about to become the bane of Tessa’s existence as Liam’s grumpy attitude was harshing on Tessa’s perpetually happy outlook until their relationship turns from frenemies to lovers, a relationship that will struggle with ghosts from the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tessa and Liam, and the potential fall out as Tessa struggles between head and heart, and Liam feels like a third wheel in Tessa’s life.

The relationship between Tessa and Liam begins acrimoniously as Liam struggles to accept Tessa’s always positive outlook on life. Liam’s relationship with his siblings is fraught with jealousy and misunderstanding, and their issues begin to affect both his personal and professional life. Tessa has yet to realize her inability to let go may push Liam out of her life but a one on one with someone else shows Tessa that letting go doesn’t me forgetting the past. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Liam’s siblings Patrick, Rhyllie, Jamie and Arianna, Arianna’s fiance Will, and their parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan. The siblings continue to have a love -hate relationship with one another, fraught with jealousy, misunderstanding and heartache but the parents attitude is a one-eighty from the first two instalments, more empathetic and compassionate towards their adult children.

TEMPT ME is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of grief and acceptance, understanding and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is sweet and passionate; the characters are emotional, charismatic but struggling to be.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DARE ME

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

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

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

Share

The Path to You (Wilder Brothers) by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

Posted on by
12

The Path to You (Wilder Brothers 3) by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

Title: The Path to You
Series: The Wilder Brothers #3
Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 5, 2022

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December

The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world.
Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before.
An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face.
Now she’s an A-list celebrity.
And I’m just a Wilder.

But when her boyfriend cheats on her, Bethany needs a safe place to hide from the paparazzi.
The Wilder’s Retreat seems like the perfect escape.
Only every time we see each other it’s hard to remember we come from two different worlds.
And that the danger that follows her is only the beginning.

••••••

REVIEW: The Path to You is the third installment in C.A.R’s Wilder Brother series. I have yet to meet a Wilder that I don’t like, so getting my hands on this baby was a happy surprise. TPRY has all the feels of a second chance romance, but the fiery meet-cute of a first love too.

Everett Wilder’s life hasn’t been the same since his last tour overseas. Not only did it leave him with scars, but he still doesn’t remember chunks of his past. Just before his life was literally turned on its head, he met Bethany, an up and coming celebrity. Their tryst was short, but left them both hopeful for more. Then his accident. He forgets their time together.

Fast forward and Bethany is a hot shot, mega celebrity running from her ex, a scandal, the crazy paparazzi and now the possibility of a stalker. She needs a safe place to relax while things calm down. Where else would she land than the Wilder Resort with none other than Everett Wilder himself. The one man she has never had a stronger connection with, but also the one that never came back for her. The kicker? He says he doesn’t remember their time together.

As the story unfolds and we piece together all that has happened, Bethany and Everett rekindle their spark for one another. While that happens, the danger that Bethany was hiding from gets closer, and finally catches up to her.

The drama in this book is FIRE! C.A.R doesn’t disappoint. Drama, spiciness, mystery, military family, The Path to You has it all. There is a holy moly moment in this book, and ohhhhh it is so good! I can’t wait to read what comes next. Five stars!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Way Back to Me
Always the One For Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Follow: Goodreads  /Website  /Facebook  /Twtter  /Instragram

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

Share

THE WICKED TRUTH (The Wickeds) by Melissa Foster-a review

Posted on by
10

THE WICKED TRUTH (The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside 4) by Melissa Foster

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2022

What happens when you’re not looking for love, but it walks in the door?

Madigan Wicked’s heart is not up for grabs. She’s been there, done that, and she’s not going back for seconds. She pours her heart and soul into her family, her greeting card line, puppetry, and storytelling performances. But she’s not opposed to having a night of fun, and the gruff, sinfully hot, definitely-not-looking-for-love mysterious stranger she runs into at a bar might be just the right man to enjoy it with.

Ex-con Tobias Riggs has lost enough for one lifetime. The only family member in his corner doesn’t remember him, and the people who he thought would always be in his life, walked away. He’s just trying to make it through each day, and the last thing he’s looking for is any sort of connection. When chemistry ignites with the snarky, sexy storyteller, with lips he can’t stop thinking about, he gives in to a night of passion.

Though neither is open to love, it’s been known to bully its way into even the most resisting hearts. But can it survive the wicked truth of Tobias’s dark past?

About The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. These men are wickedly alpha and intensely loyal, but they are not alphaholes.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE WICKED TRUTH is the four instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary adult THE WICKEDS: DARK KNIGHTS AT BAYSIDE erotic, romance series-one of the many spin offs from the author’s Bayside Summers, The Whiskeys, and its’ numerous franchises. This is twenty-eight year old, former inmate and mechanic Tobias Riggs, and twenty-five year old story teller, musician and greeting card designer Madigan Wicked’s story line. THE WICKED TRUTH 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 (Madigan and Tobias) THE WICKED TRUTH follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-eight year old, former inmate and mechanic Tobias Riggs, and twenty-five year old story teller, musician and greeting card designer Madigan Wicked. A drink at a bar ended with Tobias Riggs coming face to face with the woman with whom he would fall in love but a comment about her singing, perceived to be negative by everyone concerned found Tobias facing the wrath of the Wicked clan, a wrath that quickly pushed Tobias away from our story line heroine. Madigan Wicked was immediately pulled into the aura that was Tobias Riggs but Tobias had a secret, a dark and dangerous past, and with it our hero doesn’t do relationships, refusing to place anyone in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Madigan and Tobias as Madigan continues to pursue our story line hero offering nothing more than the present, and their time together until the Wicked brothers go into overdrive to protect the sister they love.

Tobias Riggs served his time, and lost everything in the aftermath of protecting someone he loved. Falling for Madigan brought with it a large extended family of overprotective cousins and brothers, brothers that push Madigan out of his life. Madigan Wicked wants her own happily ever after having watched from the sidelines as her family and friends found a future with love but Tobias doesn’t want anything beyond the present, and his secret is about to push Madigan out of his life.

The relationship between Madigan and Tobias begins acrimoniously but quickly turns into something more.Tobias never promises Madigan a happily ever after but the heart wants what the head doesn’t understand. Tobias needs to forgive himself before moving forward with our story line heroine but forgiving himself means facing the people whose life he destroyed. The. $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

As per Melissa Foster’s style of writing, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from several of her interconnected series and stories including Madigan’s sibling: Blaine, Justin, Maverick, best friend Marley, and Tobias’ sister Carrie. Blaine’s story line is next.

THE WICKED TRUTH is a story of family, relationships, grief and love; a tale of acceptance and forgiveness, love and understanding. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is energetic, erotic and intense; the characters are struggling, broken but learning to heal.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Tru Blue
Truly Madly Whiskey
Driving Whiskey Wild
Wicked Whiskey Love
Mad About Moon
Taming My Whiskey
The Gritty Truth
Running on Diesel
Crazy Wicked Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites….
Share

YULE TYED (RBMC: Belfast 1.5) by Dani Rene-review tour

Posted on by
11

❄️ ? YULE TYED (RBMC: Belfast Northern Ireland 1.5) by Dani Rene-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 December 2, 2022

I’m the eyes and ears of the club. If it’s online I’ll find it.

You may think you’re hiding something, but I’ll find it. I dig deep into the dark web when I come across her. She’s no stranger. Once upon a time, I loved her. But she walked away and I believed it was my fault.

Now I know it was all a lie she spun to keep me out of the sights of monsters.

She’s in danger, and come Christmas Day, she’s going to meet her maker.

I don’t believe in holiday miracles, but I plan to save her and take back what she stole from me. And this time, she’s not walking away.

•••••

REVIEW: YULE TYED is a contemporary, adult novella found in Dani Rene ‘s RBMC: BELFAST NORTHER IRELAND erotic, MC romance series. This is RBMC members Tyrion ‘Tye’ ‘Tech’ O’Connell, and Einen’s story line. YULE TYED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Einen and Tye) using present day and memories from the past YULE TYED focuses on the rescue and recover of Tyrion O’Connell’s only love. Approximately seven years earlier Tye O’Connell said goodbye to the only woman he would ever love. At seventeen years of age, Tye and Einen had professed their love to one another but family commitments pulled Einen out of Tyrion’s life. Fast forward to present day, and Tyrion now a member of the RBMC Belfast discovers the woman he loves has been a victim of human trafficking, and the RBMC has set into motion a plan to rescue our story line heroine. A Christmas Day auction sets the theme for the sale of the girls but Tye and his club brothers find more than they could have ever imagined. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Tye and Einen, as the RBMC continues to search for the people in charge.

The relationship between Tye and Einen is one of second chances: a rekindling romance between two people destroyed by power and greed, madness and control. Einen’s rapid integration into the MC life finds Tye declaring Einen the only woman he would ever love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to several members of the RBMC Belfast : President Monster and Miren (Monster 1), VP Rebel, Road Captain Racer, twin Rev and Brute aka Hadrian and Hades, Sully, Father Donahue, and the return of Callia.

YULE TYED is a quick read; story of search and rescue, love and loss, power and control. The fast paced premise is entertaining but often felt rushed and disjointed in presentation; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and healing.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one MONSTER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

✔ Website/Series Links: https://www.royalbastardsmc.com/

✔  Follow the Royal Bastards MC here:  https://www.facebook.com/royalbastardsmcbooks/

Share

A Warrior for Christmas by Donna Grant-review & excerpt tour

Posted on by
11

A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS (Dark Warriors 10) by Donna Grant -review and excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2022

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant returns to her beloved Dark Warriors series with sixteen all-new short stories featuring the cherished characters you’ve been missing.

Defenders against evil. Bound by the gods. The Dark Warriors fought their battle from ancient Scotland to the modern world—where love set them free…

Now, with the past evil behind them and things quieter than they remember in ages, they can celebrate the holidays—and each other—with tradition, love, and fun.

Just days away from the winter solstice, Christmas, and Boxing Day, the Warriors and Druids of MacLeod castle come together once more to give thanks for the family they’ve made and the hardships they’ve overcome. But returning brings back so many memories, and each couple in residence finds themselves lost in reminiscences—and one another.

Tonight is about each other. Tomorrow, they will honor the ties they have forged and the life they have built as a group, putting the past behind them and looking to the future. No matter what it holds.

**Each captivating tale in this enchanting novella is followed by a mouthwatering recipe sure to make your holiday celebrations as festive, fun, and full of cheer as those at MacLeod Castle. Bon appétit and slàinte!

••••••••••

REVIEW:  A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS by Donna Grant is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance holiday novella found in the author’s Dark Warriors series, the merging of her Dark Sword/Dark Warriors series, a part of Donna’s Dark Worlds, fast forwarded to the twenty-first century.

Told from several first person perspectives A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS is a collection of short stories focusing on a few hours in the life of the Druids and Warriors previously featured in the author’s Dark Sword/Dark Warriors series.With the approach of the Winter Solstice and Christmas, the MacLeod Castle in busy preparing with the holiday festivities but there is always the threat of evil biding its’ time, and an invitation extended to a former foe brings with it the possibility of painful memories. As each couple reminisce about what was and what will be, the reader is given a quick glimpse at some of our favorite couples from stories past.

Donna Grant includes a recipe at the end of each chapter; easy, simple and delicious sounding cocktails and hors D’oeuvres for the holiday season.

A WARRIOR FOR CHRISTMAS is a fast paced collection of story shorts. A wonderfully fun and steamy reunion with limited conflict but for the anticipatory appearance of a broken soul, perfect for the fans of Donna Grant’s DARK WORLDS.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

They’ve had over four hundred Yules together, but still she thinks . . .
“I have all I need with you.”You gave me my life back. Before you, I merely existed.We lost our clan—our blooded family. But in turn, we found another. No’ just Warriors, but Druids of incredible strength and power.“Thank you.”
“For what?”
He caressed her face. “For knowing when I need a break. For giving me reasons to smile and laugh. And love.”

Hayden was soaked in the blood of his enemies, and nothing ever washed that away. But love had conquered his anger and hate.

“You’re the reason I’m the man I am,” he whispered.
She cupped his face, her eyes soft and full of love. “You were already a good man, my love. But we make a great team. Individually, we are strong. Together, however, we’re formidable.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “The thing is, everything is already perfect. Because you’re here with me. You’re all I need.”
He brushed a tear from her cheek. “Everything I do is for you.”
“I love you so much that it sometimes feels as if my heart is about to burst,” she said as more tears fell.

“I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“I love you most.”
She turned her head and met his gaze. “Forever and always.”

 


 

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, cats and dogs.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share

Down in Flames (Hot in Chicago Rookies 2) by Kate Meader-a review

Posted on by
11

Down in Flames (Hot in Chicago Rookies 2) by Kate Meader-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2022

It was supposed to be a random hookup.

At a crossroads, my life a hot mess, I swiped right on the guy with the washboard abs and the tree-trunk thighs. His handle was Holt (yeah, really) but as soon as he opened the door, I recognized him: Hudson Grey, the hottest prospect in pro-hockey and apparently, secretly playing for my team. Not mind-blowing enough? He needed someone to punch his V-card and I was only too happy to volunteer as tribute . . .

Then he ghosted me when it got to be too much.

A year later, my life is back on track and I’m a candidate firefighter at legendary Engine 6. While I might be new to the Chicago Fire Department, I’m a veteran in the game of steamy hookups. My No. 1 rule? No newbies. Except now Hudson has been traded to my hometown team, the Chicago Rebels, and he’s out, proud, and ready to date. And he wants my help introducing him to the local gay scene.

My messy past means I’m the worst guy to be mentoring the shy, sexy jock. But neither can I stand by and watch while others touch the man who already feels like mine.

I might have been his first, but I’m about to learn that the new guy has even more to teach me about hunger, hope, and falling hard . . .

••••••

REVIEW: DOWN IN FLAMES is the third instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult HOT IN CHICAGO ROOKIES erotic, hockey romance series-a spin off from the author’s HOT IN CHICAGO series. This is twenty two year old, professional hockey player Hudson Grey, and twenty-four year old fire fighter Jude Torres’ story line. DOWN IN FLAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross over with the author’s CHICAGO REBELS hockey series.

NOTE: DOWN IN FLAMES focuses on a MM sexual relationship with graphic same $ex situations.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Jude) DOWN IN FLAMES follows in the wake of a one-night stand between Chicago Rebels hockey player Hudson Grey, and Jude Torres. Hudson Grey had yet to come out, and a one-night stand with a stranger he met on an app gave Hudson hope for the future but Hudson struggled with his sexuality, and ghosted the man with whom he would fall in love. Fast forward eighteen months wherein Jude Torres, now a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department comes face to face with Hudson Grey but Hudson refuses to admit to their previous encounter. A dark past shrouded in a number of misgivings finds Jude struggling with his personal life, believing himself unworthy of his own happily ever after. What ensues is the second chance romance between Jude and Hudson, and the potential fall-out as the past takes aim at Jude Torres, threatening his future with the CFD and the man that he loves.

The relationship between Jude and Hudson is one of second chances. Hudson battled between head and heart fearing reprisal from his teammates and fans but it was Jude’s past that was about to threaten every good intention, revealing a darkness very few knew little about. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of Hudson’s teammates and Jude’s fellow firefighters from all four of Kate Meader’s interconnected series. We are introduced to Hudson’s parents Lucy and Benjamin, as well as Jude’s friends Milo and Axel.

DOWN IN FLAMES is a story of family and friendships, sexual awakening and sexual awareness, acceptance and love. The premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are charismatic and real.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one UP IN SMOKE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? Book one UP IN SMOKE is ONLY 99¢

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

Kate Meader

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

Share

Dark Kingdom (Kings and Villains 1) by Jagger Cole -review tour

Posted on by
11

Dark Kingdom (Kings and Villains 1) by Jagger Cole -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 December 1, 2022

He’s my husband. I’m his prisoner.

Adrian Cross is the most ruthless kingpin in London’s criminal underworld.
Dangerous. Powerful. Undeniable. Venom wrapped in Savile Row linen.
He’s also my ex-husband.
Or rather, my not-quite-technically “ex” husband.
Now someone wants me dead, and the man I ran from might be my only chance of survival.
But his help won’t come for free.
In exchange for his protection, he gets all of me: body and soul.
No limits. No mercy. No catching feelings for the man who hates me for what I did.
I tell myself my heart isn’t part of our sinful pact.
But the deeper we sink into our twisted games, the more impossible that might be.
Because Adrian never gave it back in the first place.

••••••••

REVIEW: DARK KINGDOM is the first instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary adult KINGS AND VILLAINS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is twenty-four year old Adrian Cross, and Celeste Margaux’s story line.

NOTE: For fans of the author’s books and stories, there was a prequel short story release in the multi-authored DARKLY EVER AFTER Organized Crime Anthology, a short story that is now a part of current 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 (Adrian and Celeste) DARK KINGDOM follows the tempestuous second chance relationship between Irish crime lord Adrian Cross and Celeste Margaux. Four years earlier Celeste’s father discovered his daughter’s relationship with the hired help aka Adrian Cross, and sold his daughter to the highest bidder, a Saudi billionaire looking for a deal but not before crushing Celeste with a series of lies. Fast forward to present day wherein Celeste is in desperate need of protection- there is a price on her head, and the man she was forced to marry has been killed by an unknown assailant. Enter Adrian Cross, now the head of the Cross Crime Family, and the man with whom Celeste is still in love. What ensues is the acrimonious but rebuilding relationship between Adrian and Celeste, and the potential fall-out Celeste remains the target of an unknown assassin.

Celeste Margaux thought she had been betrayed by the man that she loved, and for four years struggled to survive in a marriage of convenience but all was not as it had appeared to be, and Celeste finds herself on the run, desperate to find protection from the man she once loved. Adrian Cross has struggled in the four years since Celeste married someone else, destroying his heart in the process. Now at the top of the criminal underworld, Adrian is determined to reclaim the woman he once loved, even if he has to break her will and destroy her heart.

The relationship between Adrian and Celeste is one of second chances but a relationship predicated upon control and humiliation. Adrian is a jerk, an a$$hole of epic proportions, and his treatment of Celeste is often demeaning and cruel. In an effort to save her life, Celeste must succumb to Adrian’s demands, forcing herself to become a virtual prisoner of the man that she loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative but not without some issues of questionable consent.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines, duets and interconnected series written by Jagger Cole including the Cinder Duet, and the Hunted Duet. We are introduced to Celeste’s father Jean Margaux, and Celeste’s friend Adele. The requisite evil has many faces.

DARK KINGDOM is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, money and greed, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is often cruel and demeaning; the characters are desperate, determined, dangerous and dark.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.

Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.

When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside–rain or shine.

You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com

Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd

FOLLOW: WEBSITE / Facebook / Bookfunnel Newsletter / Goodreads / Amazon Author / Instagram /

Share