Tag Archives: New Release reviews 2022

The Widow by Kaira Rouda-Review and Interview with the Author

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The Widow by Kaira Rouda-Review and Interview with the Author

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2022

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.

•••••

REVIEW: THE WIDOW by Kaira Rouda is a stand alone, contemporary, adult political suspense story line focusing on Congressman Martin Asher, his social climbing wife Jody, and Washington Think Tank operator Mimi Smith.

Told from three first person perspectives (Martin, Jody and Mimi) THE WIDOW follows in the wake of the death of Congressman Martin Asher, an elected official facing the downfall of a rapidly building scandal. In the weeks before his only daughter’s lavish nuptials, Martin Asher takes ill and succumbs to his ailment on the day of the wedding. In an effort to keep her position as part of the political machine of Washington DC, Jody Asher invokes the Widow’s Succession Mandate, a little used practice that allows a widow to succeed or run for office upon the death of their politician spouse. Jody, ever the manipulator and power hungry politician’s wife, uses every dirty tactic available at her disposal but Jody has overestimated her popularity and her husband’s reputation on Capitol Hill. Facing down an aggressive,investigative reporter, a Think Tank manipulator whose own secrets are dangerous and dark, and a past shrouded in secrets and lies, Jody must tread carefully, in an effort to get what she believes she rightfully deserves.

THE WIDOW is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, manipulation and collusion. The fight for control is dirty; power is manipulated and abused; the political machine is deceitful, unethical and unscrupulous. Back room deals are the norm; blackmail is rampant; illegal and controversial deals are an everyday occurrence, and no one is above the ultimate betrayal. THE WIDOW is gritty and intriguing story of fiction; an up close and eye opening look at the what ifs, the probabilities, and the disturbing reality / unreality of the people in charge; the characters are relentless and destructive -politicians are a different breed of people, their humanity and hearts are non-existent.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi Kaira and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE WIDOW.

Kaira Rouda:  Thank you. I’m excited about this one, and hope everyone enjoys my first political thriller.

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

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

Kaira Rouda: Sure. I live in Southern California with my husband and two dogs. We are lucky that all four of our 20-something kids live in various parts of Southern California, too. I’m a Pickleball fanatic and I’m so happy to be living near the beach.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Kaira Rouda: My dad is a professor and an author, business books, and my mom is an elementary school teacher, so our home was filled with books. In elementary school, my third grade teacher asked us to write to the person we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote to Robert McCloskey, of Make Way for Ducklings fame. I knew then I wanted to be an author. My first published book was in fifth grade. My librarian, Mrs. Gardier, lamented my story and put it on the shelf for checkout. I was thrilled.

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

Kaira Rouda: I’m impatient, and my background is marketing. So the speed of publishing – the very slow process involved in bringing a book to life — is something I’ve struggled with. But I’m so grateful to be doing the career I dreamed of as a child.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE WIDOW?

Kaira Rouda: The Widow’s premise is based on the tradition of The Widow’s Mandate. When a sitting member of congress dies in office, their spouse is often appointed by the governor (senate) or runs for the seat in a special election (house) to complete the term. The tradition is the way the first women began to serve in congress. In fact, statistically speaking, for women aspiring to serve in congress, the best husband has been a dead husband. I thought that was a good starting point for a political thriller.

TRC:  Are any of the events in THE WIDOW based in reality?

Kaira Rouda: Some of the settings are based on real events I had the chance to attend while we were in DC: The Congressional Dialogue Dinners at the gorgeous Library of Congress, the First Lady’s Luncheon, The Congressional Club. Congressman Asher’s office set up is based on the office my husband had. If you’re referring to the plot points, those are all my imagination. Although I will say Chinese spies are everywhere in DC, and there are a lot of stories about corrupt lobbyists.

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

Kaira Rouda: I’m a pantser, who writes by the seat of her pants. I don’t plot. So I just let my characters loose on the page and hope for the best.

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?

Kaira Rouda: I do think people judge a book by its cover — thus the expression!

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

Kaira Rouda: The characters are in charge.

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 writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Kaira Rouda: Characters, even the killers, need to have relatable traits. I hope my characters are the kind you love to hate, at least some of them. The ones up to no good.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Kaira Rouda: No. I write with no music, no noise. I’m not a cafe writer, either. I like to be at my desk, by myself.

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

Kaira Rouda: My agents are great first readers, and my friend Andrea Katz of Great Thoughts is a fabulous brainstorming partner.

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

Kaira Rouda: I’m not sure. Do you know? 😀

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

Kaira Rouda: I love to hula hoop. And, I’m afraid of heights. Oh, and I’m shy, but people never think I am.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Kaira Rouda: I’m in edits on my next novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, out September 2023. So excited.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Cheese

Favorite Dessert
Cheese

Favorite TV Show
Just binge watched LOOT. Loved it. Huge fan of Succession.

Last Movie You Saw
A Simple Favor. So good.

Dark or Milk Chocolate
I am one of the few people in the world that does not like chocolate. Halloween was tough growing up!

Secret Celebrity Crush
Cheryl Hines

Last Vacation Destination
Hawaii

Do you have any pets?
Two dogs! Mine is a shipoo named Tucker. He’s thirteen and my right-hand man. My husband’s dog is a crazy bernedoodle named Cali, who is a year and a half.

Last book you read
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

Thank you Kaira for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release.

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My Bratva Christmas (XXXmas) by Mika Lane-review tour

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My Bratva Christmas (XXXmas) by Mika Lane-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2022

This Christmas, bullets will fly and my heart will be on the line.
As a party planner, I watch the rich and powerful glitterati of New York enjoy the fruits of my back-breaking labor.
Caviar? Check. Champagne? Check. Flowers imported from the far corners of the earth?
Check.
And when it’s all done, I go home.
Alone.
If I’m lucky, with leftover food from the caterer.
But a Christmas Eve party shootout changes everything.
Three handsome men with guns kill everyone…
Except me.
One minute, I’m a hard-working party planner. The next, I’m a prisoner.
These men claim I’m in danger. And the only way to protect me is by abduction.
So, I end up kidnapped by the terrifying, dangerous Bratva, New York’s powerful crime syndicate.
And yet, just beneath the surface of my fear is a blazing, unsettling attraction.
When I wake on Christmas morning at their hideout, everything changes.
These violent killers have a soft side.
Lavishing me with attention and gifts.
Until, all I want for Christmas is—them.

•••••

REVIEW: I know what I’m adding to my Christmas this year. Three over the top Bratva alpha’s. Mika Lane’s latest release is most definitely an early Christmas present for her readers. My Bratva Christmas is a reverse harem romance filled with spicy scenes, funny comments and all the hot alpha’s you possibly need to keep warm at night.

When Lily’s simple job at an art gallery lands her in the arms of three of the hottest men she has ever seen, she isn’t sure if her luck has changed or if it’s run out. What do they want from her? They say they want to protect her, but the look in their eyes is anything but protection, it’s more carnal. More primal. Will Lily, the party planner give in to the three men or is her fate already sealed?

Artem, Grisha and Valentin are Bratva brothers and they have finally found their one. Lily. Put into a not so great situation, the mafia brothers must not only protect her, but also convince her that she is theirs. To protect her though, they must kidnap her, to keep her from something much more dangerous. Now and forever. But can they make the relationship work?

Oh. My. Christmas!

Mika Lane has done it again. Bratva Christmas is just the thing to get you into the heat of the holidays! I always look forward to this author’s books, and this one sure didn’t disappoint! This quick read is nothing but fun and enjoyable, to my fellow readers who love a good spicy read, you will love this book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE MULTI-AUTHOR XXXMAS SERIES

US: https://amzn.to/3Xkb50L
UK: https://amzn.to/3XmDIdx
CA: https://amzn.to/3XopOb9
AU: https://amzn.to/3OtqgRo

CONNECT WITH MIKA LANE: https://mikalane.com

Please join my Insider Group and be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, pre-orders, ARCs, and other cool stuff: HERE 

Writing has been a passion of mine since, well, forever (my first book was “The Day I Ate the Milkyway,” a true fourth-grade masterpiece). These days, steamy romance, both dark and funny, gives purpose to my days and nights as I create worlds and characters who defy the imagination. I live in magical Northern California with my own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and an evil cat named Bill. These two males also defy my imagination from time to time.

A lover of shiny things, I’ve been known to try to new recipes on unsuspecting friends, find hiding places so I can read undisturbed, and spend my last dollar on a plane ticket somewhere.

I have several titles for you to choose from including perennially favorite Billionaire and Reverse Harem stories. And have you see my Player Series about male escorts who make the ladies of Hollywood curl their toes and forget their names? Hottttt…. And my brand new anti-hero/mafia books are coming out in audio as I write this.

Exciting news: in June 2020, I will be publishing with Vi Keeland’s and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Hero Club as one of their contributing authors. Stay tuned for more on this or follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mikalaneauthor. And, as if that’s not cool enough, I am also writing in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heros world. Look for that later in the year.

I’ll always promise you a hot, sexy romp with kick-ass but imperfect heroines, and some version of a modern-day happily ever after.

I LOVE to hear from readers when I’m not dreaming up naughty tales to share. Join my Insider Group so we can get to know each other better HERE , or contact me HERE 

Newsletter: https://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list
Website: http://www.mikalane.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikalaneauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mikalane0293
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaLaneAuthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/mikalaneauthor

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Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy-Review Tour

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Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy-Review Tour

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

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Ej9vVP

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2022

Knox Maguire is the king of our college campus.

Star offensive tight end on the football team.

He is the complete opposite of me in every way.

I’m quiet. He’s loud.

I’m shy. He’s definitely not.

Everyone loves him. No one knows me.

Fresh out of a breakup, I don’t really trust him, and why should I? Knox is the ultimate player. When I become his English tutor, I tell myself we need to keep things between us strictly business. Watching my mother deal with my ex-athlete father long, long ago taught me to stay far away from that type of man.

Yet Knox is impossible to resist. Next thing I know, we’re getting hot and heavy in the library—and that was never part of the plan. When Knox admits he can’t stop thinking about me, I have a realization.

I can’t stop thinking about him either.

Instead of keeping my distance, I pull him in closer. Until somehow, we’re spending all of our time together and I find myself falling for Knox. Hard.

Will this actually work between us? Or am I getting played?

••••••

REVIEW: PLAYING HARD TO GET by Monica Murphy is a contemporary, new adult, erotic, romance story line set in the world of the author’s ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND series. This is college senior/quarterback Knox Maguire, and junior / book store employee Joanna Sutton’s story line. Knox is the son of Owen and Chelsea Maguire (Four Years Later/One Week Girlfriend).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Joanna and Knox) PLAYING HARD TO GET follows the building romance and relationship between Knox Maguire and Joanna Sutton. Joanna Sutton doesn’t pay attention to football or jocks but the numerous appearances of Knox Maguire at her place of work have our heroine fantasizing about the star quarterback. Knox Maguire is the star quarterback, a quarterback with a reputation amongst the girls on campus but Knox is struggling to pass his English classes and finds himself face to face with the woman that has been starring in his fantasies and dreams. Enter Joanna Sutton, Knox’s new English tutor, and the woman with whom Knox will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Knox and Joanna, and the potential fall-out as Knox made a vow that he is about to break

Joanna Sutton is fresh out of a three year, long distance relationship that ended when she discovered her ex-boyfriend with someone else. Not ready to jump back into the cycle of dating, she reluctantly agrees to ‘see’ Knox Maguire but Knox wants to keep everything on the down low. Knox Maguire made a bet with some of his teammates, and he was about to lose a butt load of money but Knox refuses to walk away from the only woman that has stirred his heart, a woman who continues to struggle with memories of the past.

The relationship between Knox and Joanna begins as tutor and client that quickly turns into something more. Joanna never expected to cross the invisible line but her attraction to Knox is visceral and intense. Knox Maguire doesn’t do relationships but some advise from his father forces Knox to reconsider his life going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive 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 Knox’s parents Owen and Chelsea, and his sister Blair. We are introduced to Joanna’s co-worker Leon, her roommate Natalie, as well as Knox’s teammates Cam and Derek. There is something developing between Blair and Cam.

PLAYING HARD TO GET is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating, engaging and heart warming-the conflict is limited; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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.

FOLLOW: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Twitter / Newsletter Sign Up

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Cruel North (The North Brothers 4) by JB Salsbury-review tour

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Cruel North (TheVanessa and North Brothers 4) by JB Salsbury-review tour

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

Add Cruel North to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3BO81ju

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2022

A teenage girl with my eyes and a familiar glare, strolls into my life and she’s calling me Dad.

Vanessa was my high school girlfriend and the smartest person I knew. She had a plan, a future, and she swore nothing would get in the way. Until she became pregnant. I thought we agreed on our plan. I sent her the money. Then she disappeared.

Her parents told me she was in South America for a year. They told me she needed space. I never heard from her again.

Seventeen years later and she’s back. I’m staring into those green eyes that used to tempt and taunt me. But it’s not just about us anymore. We have a daughter.

Wanting to get to know her, I convince them to move in with me for one month. I’m so angry with Vanessa and she seems to be equally upset. Every insult from her smart mouth invites me to engage. The brutal chemistry between us ignites old embers. I wish I could hate her. Instead, I want her.

But too much time has passed, and I fear some hurts run too deep to heal.
At the end of thirty days, I’ll have to let them go.
Unless I figure out a way to keep them.

••••••

REVIEW: CRUEL NORTH is the fourth instalment in JB Salsbury’s contemporary adult THE NORTH BROTHERS erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old attorney Hayes North, and thirty four year old single mother/app developer Vanessa Osbourne’s story line. CRUEL NORTH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Vanessa and Hayes) CRUEL NORTH focuses on the second chance romance and relationship between Vanessa Osbourne and Hayes North. Vanessa Osbourne and Hayes North were high school sweethearts. Hayes wanted to be a professional hockey player, and Vanessa wanted to delve into computer technology but a surprise pregnancy was something neither expected, and Hayes was in no position to become a young father. Fast forward to present day wherein, Hayes is blindsided with the appearance of Haven, a seventeen year old young woman claiming to be his daughter, a daughter he never knew existed. Vanessa Osbourne never told her daughter the truth about her father, but a box full of heart breaking memories becomes the catalyst to push Haven to go in search of the father she knew nothing about, a father who now lives and works in New York City. With her daughter searching for Hayes, Vanessa goes in search of the daughter whose heart she broke. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Hayes and Vanessa, and the potential fall out as Vanessa and Haven’s time in New York comes to an end, an end predicated upon perceived betrayal and misunderstanding.

Vanessa Osbourne’s hatred for Hayes North is powerful in the wake of Hayes pushing Vanessa out of his life. As a single mother Vanessa struggled with every aspect of their lives but not only did Hayes walk out of her life but so too did her parents who refuse to acknowledge their granddaughter’s existence. Hayes North had no idea that Vanessa kept the child he never wanted.Having watched his father’s life implode, Hayes refused to follow the same path, as he battled between head and heart in an effort to get to know the daughter he never knew.

The relationship between Vanessa and Hayes is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by immaturity, misunderstanding, heartbreak and dysfunctional family relationships. Hayes wants a chance to get to know the daughter he never knew but Vanessa struggles to get past the hurt of being abandoned by the man that she loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Hayes siblings: twin brother Hudson and Lillian, Alexander and Jordan, Kingston and Gabriella, as well as their father August; security specialist James, Hayes and Vanessa’s daughter Maven, Vanessa’s parent Nicholas and Annabella; Vanessa’s best friend Tag, and Hayes’ best friend Ellie.

CRUEL NORTH is a story of misunderstanding and mistakes, family and friendships, betrayal and forgiveness, love and acceptance. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are independent, determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TRUE NORTH

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt intended for mature readers due to strong language and content

 

Hayes
“Let’s go.” I open the passenger side door to my car, and when Haven climbs in, I give Hudson a chin lift, thanking him for having my back.
He nods back with a look that says I better be nice.
Fuck me. My own twin acts like I’m the enemy here. Like I’d hurt my own daughter?
I climb behind the wheel and fire up the engine, grateful for the steady hum of the supercharged V8 that cuts through an uncomfortable silence.
“Nice ride,” Haven says and touches all the buttons and knobs. “Is this real leather?” She runs her hands along the seats, and I notice that she has long elegant fingers that are exactly like Vanessa’s.
“Yes.” I force my eyes to the road, feeling oddly uncomfortable with such precious cargo.
“I have a Jeep,” she says. “It’s a piece of shit.”
I’m not great at conversation on a good day, so I grunt like a fucking caveman.
“So what’s it like?”
I see out of my peripheral that she’s facing me. “What’s what like?”
“Being a millionaire.”
I lose the battle with my eyeballs, and they dart toward her before I wrangle them back to the road. Vanessa’s family has a net worth equal to mine. I can’t imagine Haven grew up without.
I clear the discomfort from my throat. “I hear you’re a pretty good athlete.” My tone sounds like I’m accusing her of something, and I don’t know why. Maybe I should’ve just let Hudson take her home. I suck at this.
“I am. I’m good at a lot of things.”
Confident, like her mom. Good.
“Oh yeah?”
“Mm-hm.” She doesn’t elaborate.
I take the bait. “Like what?”
She shrugs and looks casually out the front window. “You want the condensed version of my life so that you don’t have to actually invest?”
“No,” I say dryly and grip the steering wheel tighter.
The uncomfortable silence is back and goes on for so long that I start to sweat. I flip on the AC and aim the vent right at my face.
“Listen, uh… Haven… I…” I sound like an idiot who can’t string two words together. “I’ve been thinking—”
“About how you wanted my mom to abort me?”
Fuckin’ hell. “No.”
“About how you abandoned her and left her to have a baby alone at—”
“Jesus, no.”
“About how you’re a rich selfish asshole who couldn’t even be bothered to look for the woman who carried your unwanted child to see if maybe she needed anything like money for food or clothes or a safe place to live or—”
“Haven, stop.”
“—or money so that kid could play sports and afford equipment so she wouldn’t get made fun of for wearing the wrong shoes or sweatpants to games.”
“What are you talking about? Your mom’s family is wealthy.”
“Yeah, well, thanks to you and your mighty sperm, they disowned her.” She tilts her head, just like her mother does before she delivers a brutal tongue lashing. “Ohh, you didn’t know that, did you?” She makes a tsking sound. “You would’ve if you looked for us. Ever heard of Google, asshole?”
“That’s enough.”
“Hey, you’re the one who wanted me to ride with you—”
“I get it. You want to hurt me. I’d do the same in your shoes.”
She slams her mouth closed without response. She faces forward and crosses her arms at her chest. “Whatever.”
“We need to… get to know each other. The three of us have a lot to talk about.”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
I cough out a laugh. “Could’ve fooled me.”
“Are we almost to Uncle Hudson’s house?”
He gets to be Uncle Hudson, and I’m Asshole? My jaw ticks. “Yes.”
I use the rest of the time in the car to breathe in and out and try to calm my temper. Vanessa’s parents disowned her. I shouldn’t be surprised, and yet, I am. She’s their only child, for fuck’s sake.
I have a million questions and worry I won’t get the chance to ask Vanessa if we can’t even be in the same room without fighting. Time feels like it’s slipping away, and I don’t know how to grab onto it. But I know I have to try.
I pull up to Hudson’s building. Haven makes a reach for her seatbelt.
“I have a proposition for you.”
Her hand freezes on the buckle, and her eyes narrow.
My God, it’s like looking in a mirror. “One month in New York. Rent free, all expenses paid, you and your mom.”
She eyes me cautiously. “What’s the catch?”
Here’s where I might lose her. “You live with me.”
“Yeah, right.” She snorts. “Mom will never agree to that. I’m pretty sure she hates you.”
She’s not exactly my favorite person right now either. “Leave the convincing to me.”
Her smile is a little wicked. “You’re either really brave or really stupid.”
“I’m not stupid.”
Her brows pop high on her forehead. “You clearly don’t know my mom.”
I don’t respond because she’s right. But she’s also wrong. I got the fiery Vanessa Osbourne to care for me once. A month in New York shouldn’t be too hard. 


 

J.B. Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids.

Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance propelled her career as an author.

She spends the majority of her day behind the computer where a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious and begs to be released to the page.

Website: http://www.jbsalsbury.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JBSalsburybooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBSalsbury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbsalsbury/

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Sin’s Betrayal (Ravage Riders MC 3) by Nikki Landis-Review Tour

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Sin’s Betrayal (Ravage Riders MC 3) by Nikki Landis-Review Tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2022

Mack Ravage is an outlaw with a bad reputation.

I should know. I created him with every breath, wrong decision, and regret I’ve made over the last twenty years. That’s why I shouldn’t want her – the sweet, pretty, young single mom that walks into my clubhouse. I promise her safety. I swear the club will protect her and her daughter. Hell, I even let her stay and gave her a room.

She’s too wide-eyed, innocent, trusting, and too damn adorable for her own good. I’m not gonna touch her. I swear I’m gonna keep my distance. And then her eyes rake over me and burn like hot coals over my skin.

My Sergeant at Arms Valan thinks she wants him, but I know better. Her eyes only brighten when I’m in the room. Her smile grows broader when I look in her direction. And the heat – it cranks up a good ten degrees when our eyes meet.

None of this matters when the past decides to show up at our door. The Ravage Riders won’t be bullied. This is our town. We own it, and we damn well do as we please. Valan? Our enemies? The age difference? Just a few details to hammer out.

I’m the president of this club. I take what I want, and I want Charlotte. Nothin’ is standing in my way.

•••••••

REVIEW: SIN’S BETRAYAL is the third instalment/novella in Nikki Landis’ contemporary, adult RAVAGE RIDERS MC erotic, MC, romance series focusing on the Ravage Riders MC. This is forty-nine year old, club president Mack Ravage, and twenty-seven year old, single mother/ elementary school teacher Charlotte Granger. SIN’S BETRAYAL 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 (Mack and Charlotte) SIN’S BETRAYAL follows the building relationship between forty-nine year old, club president Mack Ravage, and twenty-seven year old, single mother/ elementary school teacher Charlotte Granger. Charlotte’s sister Cara is RJ’s, the Ravage Riders MC treasurer ol’ lady, and Charlotte finds herself accepted as a part of the MC family. A visit to the local prison to visit one of their own, forces club president Mack Ravage to claim Charlotte as his ol’ lady, in an effort to protect our heroine from her past, a claiming of which Mack struggles in the face of the differences in age. Charlotte’s past has returned with a vengeance, targeting the Ravage Riders MC. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Charlotte and Mack, and the potential fall-out as the past refuses to let go.

The relationship between Mack and Charlotte is one of immediate attraction but there is someone else eyeing Charlotte to claim as his own. Mack battles his attraction to Charlotte believing there to be too much of an age difference as Charlotte struggles with Mack’s need to be over-protective. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

We are reintroduced to several members of the Ravage Riders MC: Cara and Rj, Edge and Rae, Bryce, Hangman, Tank, Valan, Ghost, GQ and Judge.

SIN’S BETRAYAL is a story of attraction and acceptance, betrayal and obsession. The fast paced premise is entertaining but I wish there was a little more story; the romance is provocative; the characters are energetic and charismatic. SIN’S BETRAYAL does not end on a HEA but a HEA for now.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Sins of the Father
Sinners and Saints

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Nikki Landis is the USA Today & International Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author of over 50 romance novels in the MC, reverse harem, paranormal, dystopian, and science fiction genres. Her books feature deadly reapers, dark alpha heroes, protective shifters, and seductive vampires along with the feisty, independent women they love. There’s heart-throbbing action on every page as well as fated mates and soul bonds deep enough to fulfill every desire.

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The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke-Review and Tour

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The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke-Review and Tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2022

She wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance.

Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability. Nothing about Cole says forever. So why is he so hard to resist?

Cole is swinging through town to visit his parents when he meets the kind of down-to-earth distraction he’s been looking for since retiring from the majors. True, his long-term relationship score is zero. But even though raising his average with Palmer seems impossible, it’s worth a shot.

As promising as the summer nights are, fate turns small-town dreams upside down, and some lessons are learned the hard way. But having faith in love and choosing hope over fear might get Palmer and Cole to the sweet spot they’re looking for.

•••••••

REVIEW: The Sweet Spot is a standalone, small town, single mom romance. This author is known for her great story lines and memorable character, but this one fell a little flat for me.

The story line is good, Palmer and her son Ethan are close, their relationship really shows in the novel. However the chemistry between Cole and Palmer just wasn’t there for me. There were parts of the story that were better than others, but in many parts it felt forced and rushed. I wanted so much to like this more than I did, it has some of my most favorite genres, and as a long time fan of the author I was surprised.

The secondary characters were awesome, I loved seeing them and their interaction with Cole, Palmer and Ethan, it added such warmth to the story. The ending however felt rushed, and was unnecessarily obvious. The Sweet Spot is a faced paced read, not the best by this author, but also a pleasant read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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Just One Taste (Kingston Family 7) by Carly Phillips-review tour

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Just One Taste (The Dirty Dares: Kingston Family 7) by Carly Phillips-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2022

One grumpy billionaire.

One sassy-sweet supermodel.

Add in a tropical private island paradise.

What could go wrong?

As owner and CEO of Dirty Dare Spirits, thirty-three year old, Asher Dare has it all. Money. Power. Women whenever he wants. A private island retreat when he doesn’t. People he trusts? He can count those on one hand. When one of his best friends asks a favor—hide his twenty-one year old, supermodel sister, on the island until a scandal blows over—Asher can’t say no. But he doesn’t have to like it.

The daughter of a Senator and a Presidential candidate, Nicolette Bettencourt always acts with decorum. Yet through no fault of her own, scandal seems to follow her every move. When nude photos surface, the uproar puts her father’s campaign at risk. And forces her into hiding with Asher, the hottest—and grumpiest—billionaire she’s ever met.

Under soothing tropical breezes, Asher discovers that Nicolette is nothing like the spoiled brat portrayed in the tabloids. She’s warm, sexy, and a temptation Asher must resist at all costs—or he risks betraying his closest friend, bringing a powerful political dynasty to its knees… and losing the woman he loves.

••••••

REVIEW: JUST ONE TASTE is the seventh instalment in Carly Phillips contemporary adult KINGSTON FAMILY erotic, romance series-a series interconnected with the author’s Dirty Dare /Dare Nation series. This is twenty-one year old model Nicolette ‘Nikki’ Bettencourt, and thirty three year old, owner of Dirty Dare Spirits Asher Dare’s story line. JUST ONE TASTE 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 (Asher and Nicolette) JUST ONE TASTE follows the age-gap romance between twenty-one year old model Nicolette Bettencourt, and thirty three year old, owner of Dirty Dare Spirits Asher Dare. A media scandal has forced Nicolette Bettencourt into hiding. A series of nude images focusing on our story line heroine have been published, and her parents run for the White House is now in question. With the help of her older and over protective brother Derek, and his best friend, CEO of Dirty Dare Spirits Asher Dare, Nicolette finds herself on a private island, under the care of the man with whom she will fall in love. As Asher’s brothers begins a deep dive into what happened and why, Asher finds himself falling for a woman of whom he has been told to stay clear. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Asher and Nicolette, and the potential fall-out as Nicolette prepares to move on by herself.

Asher Dare doesn’t do relationships, and finds himself both put out and intrigued by his island companion. In an effort to keep things temporary, Asher proposes time together but to go their separate ways upon their return home. Nikki Bettencourt has always found herself second or third ‘banana’ behind her parents’ aspirations, a trophy to be looked at and admired, but a black mark on their fight towards political control. After another disappointing and embarrassing media scandal, Nicolette finds herself pushed further to the back realizing that to move forward means to move forward alone.

The relationship between Asher and Nicolette begins as forced proximity but quickly turns into something more. Asher has been warned not to cross the line with his best friend’s younger sister, and Nicolette wants the support and comfort she never got at home. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is are large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters: Asher’s parents Serenity and Michael Dare; his brothers Harrison and Zach; as well as the introduction of Nikki’s brother Derek, and their parents Senator Corbin and Collette Bettencourt; island housekeeper Maggie and her son Corey; and Nikki’s friend Winter Capwell. Winter and Harrison’s story line is next.

JUST ONE TASTE is a story of betrayal and jealousy, family and friendships, love and acceptance. The premise is emotional and entertaining; the romance is provocative and steamy; the character are struggling but determined and dynamic.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Just One Night
Just One Scandal
Just One Chance
Just One Spark
4.5 Just One Wish
Just One Dare
Just One Kiss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Haven’t started the series? Book one JUST ONE NIGHT is FREE at these ebook retailers:

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

 

 

 

 

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

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You Can Hide (Laurel Snow Thriller 2) by Rebecca Zanetti-review

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You Can Hide (Laurel Snow Thriller 2) by Rebecca Zanetti-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2022

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of rural Pacific Northwest, New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s thrilling suspense series follows FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow as she strives to navigate her complicated family life when her newly discovered sociopathic half-sister becomes the target of a dangerous killer. The Blacklist meets The Profiler meets Justified in this fast, page-turning thriller that will have readers guessing until the very end!

What do you do when a sociopath loves you? Rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow is about to find out …

Calling Laurel Snow’s relationship with her newly discovered half-sister challenging is an understatement. Not only does Laurel suspect Abigail is behind the mysterious disappearance of their father, but her erratic behavior also makes life in Laurel’s small hometown interesting, to say the least. Still, when Abigail claims someone is now out to kill her, Laurel’s instinct to protect her sister goes into overdrive. Then things get even more dicey as dead bodies start turning up in the icy waters of the Sauk River and there’s only one connection among them: Abigail . . .

Having Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers bringing in those bodies with his dive team only complicates matters. Huck is as impulsive and fiery as Laurel is coolly analytical, which makes their alliance risky at best. But standing up to such a demonically brilliant killer is going to take all the help Laurel can get. Because Laurel’s attempt to save her troubled sister’s life might cost her own .

••••

REVIEW: YOU CAN HIDE is the second instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult LAUREL SNOW suspense thriller focusing on FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow. YOU CAN HIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as their is an ongoing plot line throughout.

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

Told from several third person perspectives YOU CAN HIDE follows FBI profiler Laurel Snow as she is temporarily posted to Genesis Valley and Witch Creek in Northern Washington State where she, and Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers find themselves focusing on the possibility of another serial killer. When Huck and Laurel begin their investigation, a pattern emerges wherein all of the victims are intelligent women with doctorate degrees. As our couple dig deeper into the lives of the victims, secrets reveal a possible connection to Laurel’s half-sister Abigail, a woman whose own proclivities are not as they appear. With the number of murder suspects and victims growing at an alarming rate, Laurel is at a loss, frustrated with the lies that are impeding their murder investigation. Everyone is suspect; the motives are numerous; the behavior is questionable from the Mayor to the local high school bad boys. The small town lives and mentality begin to shake Laurel at her core but when she and Huck become the target of the killer, Laurel thinks she knows who is controlling from the top.

Meanwhile, Laurel’s relationship with Huck Rivers becomes fodder for the local gossips and podcaster. Laurel appears to be on the autism spectrum, a woman with several degrees and doctorates who struggles with basic day to day interactions, often missing clues about her own personal behavior. Huck struggles with issues of PTSD. A former sniper, Huck wanted a quieter life but life in Washington State is anything but calm.

YOU CAN HIDE is a slow building story line that keeps you on the edge of your seat; an intriguing story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, manipulation and obsession, frustration and murder. The dramatic premise is thrilling, compelling and captivating; the characters are numerous, determined and desperate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one YOU CAN RUN

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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