Tag Archives: new release reviews 2024

Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne-dual review

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Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne-dual review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 13, 2024

After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year in this effervescent rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan.

As the youngest physics professor at her university, practical-minded Miranda Reed plans her life with minute precision. But that’s before she’s denied tenure and the promotion she thought was guaranteed. Suddenly, her tidy life is anything but constant.

Overdue for a sabbatical, Miranda takes some time to look towards the stars—only this time, she’s not looking for black holes. With her faith in science shaken, Miranda turns to a practice she’s long dismissed as preposterous: astrology.

Determined to figure out why her life has suddenly gone sideways, Miranda commits to a year of letting her horoscope guide her. Soon she’s taking on new home improvement projects, adopting a new pet, and studying what the stars have to say about her ideal love match. The intriguingly aloof artist living next door? Never. His Aries energy is all wrong. On the other hand, the charming father of her new tutoring pupil is Sagittarian perfection. Made for her…right?

As Miranda navigates life with new a perspective, she slowly discovers neither science nor the stars have all the answers. And that, when it comes to love, you sometimes just have to trust your heart.

•••••

Sandy’s Review: MIRANDA IN RETROGRADE by Lauren Layne is a contemporary, adult, romance story line focusing on thirty-one year old physics professor Dr. Miranda Reed, and artist Simon Archer.

Told from first person perspective (Miranda) MIRANDA IN RETROGRADE follow Dr. Miranda Reed in the aftermath of not making tenure, and taking a year’s sabbatical to follow her horoscope, using astrology and the signs to show her the way. Without a place to live, Miranda sets up shop in her Aunt Lillian’s house where she will meet the neighbor, artist Simon Archer, the man with whom Miranda will fall in love but along the way, Miranda continues to take advise from the stars, and her relationship with Archer is threatened by her inability to follow her heart. What ensues is the tempestuous but growing relationship between Archer and Miranda, and the potential fall-out when betrayal threatens our heroine’s future.

The world building focuses on Miranda Reed as she follows her astrological chart to the point of obsession. Everything she does bounces back to the stars, and in this, she may miss the important events and people who call to her heart.

The relationship between Miranda and Archer begins as neighbors but Miranda refuses to bend on her need to follow the signs, and narrowly mises the opportunity to fall in love. Believing she has already met the man of her future, Miranda pushes away the man with whom she is falling in love. There are no $ex scenes.

We are introduced to Miranda’s friend Daphne, and Miranda’s aunt Lillian; her brothers Brian and Jamie as well as their parents; love interest Christian Hughes, his daughter Kylee, and Archer’s ex Alyssa.

MIRANDA IN RETROGRADE is a sweet yet quiet romance; a story of hope and fears, of expectations and friendships. The premise is inviting and imaginative ; the romance is subtle; the characters are animated and sassy.

________

Barb’s Review:  Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne is a sweet standalone novel. I am a big fan of Lauren Layne, as she always has wonderful romantic stories. We meet, Dr. Miranda Reed, who is a very successful PhD astrophysics professor, and to her surprise, she is denied tenure to the university, even though all her students love her.  Miranda decides to take a sabbatical, and is encouraged by her BFF, to do something out of her comfort zone; and she chooses looking into Astrology. She decides to try and follow her horoscope rather than the logical life she has always lived. Miranda moves into her aunt’s loft, while the aunt goes away for the summer.

Miranda meets her aunt’s next-door neighbor, Archer, who is a well-known private artist, who refuses to show her his paintings, and though in time, they become friends.  Miranda slowly gets used to Archer’s grumpy ways; as learning more about her astrological suggestions, will open her up to other surprising things. Miranda and Archer have a slow-burn romance, that for the most part, was just a witty banter that led to a fun and hilarious friendship.  Miranda began to actively date Christian, as she was helping train his daughter, into learning more of astrology; but over time, she begins to know that Christian was a good friend, but no real romantic relationship. I really did like Archer and Miranda, as they had a fantastic relationship, even though both of them weren’t ready to open up to a possible relationship.  I thought that Archer had begun to have feelings for Miranda, but thought she was only interested in Christian.

Miranda in Retrograde was a fun, sweet, heartwarming and romantic story, filled with love. Archer and Miranda were great together as friends, and eventually falling in love. I did love them together.  I also liked the wonderful secondary characters, such as Aunt Lillian, her BFF Daphne, and even Christian and his daughter were very good. I loved the ending, as Miranda will find a terrific new career, and the wonderful love between her and Archer.   Miranda in Retrograde was so very well written by Lauren Layne.

 

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The Little Things (Second Hope 1) by Jessica Prince-review

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The Little Things (Second Hope 1) by Jessica Prince-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2024

I’ll admit, I made more than my fair share of stupid decisions, but all it took was an accidental felony and a teensy kitchen fire to turn my life upside down.

When my parents cut me off, selling my swanky Los Angeles apartment and shipping me off to some ranch in the middle of nowhere to teach me a lesson, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me.

Then I got to Safe Haven Ranch and met my new boss.

Zach Paulson is an older, grumpy cowboy who thinks I’m nothing more than a spoiled princess and doesn’t want me on his turf. He also happens to be drop-dead gorgeous, and can wear a faded pair of Wranglers better than any other man alive.

The dumbest thing I can do is fall into lust with the temperamental rancher. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly known for making good choices.

But I’m determined to do better this time. I want to prove to myself and everyone else that I’m more than the shallow, self-absorbed socialite I’ve been playing at for years. I have a plan. Keep my head down, do my work, and don’t make any mistakes.

The problem is, I’m not the only one with a crush, and all my defenses are useless against a man like Zach when he puts his mind to getting what he wants.

•••••

REVIEW:  Bumbadadabum! *Jumps around with Kindle*

The Second Hope series has finally arrived! When Ms. Author announced the end of her Hope Valley series, I was so upset! I love this series, and before reading The Little Things, I wholeheartedly recommend reading the Hope Valley series. TLT can be read as a standalone, it’s the first in the extended series, but this book feels more like a reintroduction to HV. The Little Things is a grumpy cowboy, small-town, age gap, slow burn romance that Jessica Prince fans are going to love.

Zach (Cord & Rory’s son) has taken over his parents ranch; perfectly named; Safe Haven. His life is simple, his ranch, his land, his family, it’s the way we likes it. Growing up the way we did and being adopted by Cord and Rory was the best thing to ever happen to him. Now, decades later; his Mom is asking him a favor, watch out for her close friend’s daughter while they send her to the ranch to learn some life lessons. He agrees without thinking, little does Zach know that one decision is going to change his life forever.

Rae (Roan & Alma’s daughter) is a spoiled princess, her parents have doted on her since the day she was born, she has enjoyed the Hollywood high society for years, never having to deal with the consequences. Not until now. After landing herself in major hot water, her parents bail her out (yet again) but this time, they are done with her lifestyle. They decided enough is enough and send her to Hope Valley and Safe Haven Ranch. Rae is a fish out of water, lost in the wide open spaces and small town vibes. Ever so slowly though, the ranch, Hope Valley and Zach become much more to her than a punishment from her parents.

I will never tire of reading this author’s books, they have a wall of melting the heart and making the reader smile. Zach and Rae, while they do have an age gap, are meant to be. Zach is rough around the edges, but soft and gooey on the inside, Rae looks like a fairy princess, but has a will of steel, these two together make one heck of a pair. The storyline is a slow burn romance, it builds in a way that makes the reader turn the pages faster and faster, the 🔥🌶️ bits are fire of course, but the meaningful moments with the characters that make the story even better. I really, really hope to see Connor and Lennix get their own stores one day.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Born and raised around Houston Texas, Jessica spent most of her life complaining about the heat, humidity, and all around pain in the ass weather. It was only as an adult that she quickly realized the cost of living in Houston made up for not being able to breathe when she stepped outside. That’s why God created central air, after all.

Jessica is the mother of a perfect little boy–she refuses to accept that he inherited her attitude and sarcastic nature no matter what her husband says.

In addition to being a wife and mom, she’s also a wino, a coffee addict, and an avid lover of all types of books–romances still being her all time favs. Her husband likes to claim that reading is her obsession but she just says it’s a passion…there’s a difference. Not that she’d expect a boy to understand.

Jessica has been writing since she was a little girl, but thankfully grew out of drawing her own pictures for her stories before ever publishing her first book. Because an artist she is not.

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Big Witch Energy (Starfall Point 2) by Molly Harper-review

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Big Witch Energy (Starfall Point 2) by Molly Harper-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2024

If only true love’s kiss could break this curse…

Caroline Wilton is dying to get off Starfall Point, but if she leaves, there’s a good chance she’ll literally die. For centuries, any Wilton who ventured off the island immediately perished in some freak accident. While Caroline has begrudgingly obeyed her family’s curse, she’s never forgiven all that it has cost her. After all, her high school sweetheart left for college and never came back. Until now.

Although Dr. Ben Hoult returned to take over the med clinic, in his heart, he came back for Caroline. Practical, sensible Ben was too stubborn to believe in her curse. But when his own two teenagers meddle their way into coven business, Ben’s eyes are opened to the world of magic. He quickly learns that Caroline and her friends have the power to see ghosts—like the angry woman in eighteen-century garb occupying her family’s tavern with a menacing glare—and boy, do they need managing.

As the witches dig through old spell books for insight, they discover the angry tavern ghost as one of the island’s most sinister legends—information that could be the key to breaking the Wilton curse and giving Caroline the life she’s always wanted with the man she’s always loved.

••••

REVIEW:BIG WITCH ENERGY is the second instalment in Molly Harper’s contemporary, adult STARFALL POINT paranormal, mystery/suspense series. This is witch Caroline Wilson, and doctor/single father Ben Hoult’s story line BIG WITCH ENERGY can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Caroline and Ben) BIG WITCH ENERGY follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Caroline and Ben were childhood sweethearts but a curse threatens the Wilson family, and Caroline was unable to leave Starfall Point, sending the man that she loved towards a future with someone else. Fast forward to present day, Dr. Ben Hoult returns to his home town with his two teenaged children in tow, a return that pulls the family into a world of mayhem and magic. Dark magic is taking aim at our story line heroine, and with the help of Ben’s children Mina and Josh, Caroline will discover the truth about a family curse that goes back hundreds of years. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Caroline and Ben, and the potential fall-out as the past refuses to let go of a perceived betrayal.

The world building follows the rekindling relationship between our story line couple, and the revelations that Ben’s children discover the truth about their connection to Starfall Point

The relationship between Ben and Caroline is one of second chances. Unable to leave Starfall Point, Caroline pushed Ben Hoult out of her life but never out of her heart or mind
Ben’s return home comes with the addition of his children, and the position of Starfall Point’s new doctor, and the possbility of a new chance at a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are all implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include Caroline’s coven: Riley (Edison) and Alice; ghost mentor and house butler Plover; attorney Clark; an assortment of ghosts, as well as the introduction of Caroline’s parents Gert and Denny; brothers Will and Wally; Ben’s children Mina and Josh, and handyman Cole.

BIG WITCH ENERGY is a story of magic, betrayal and vengeance, family and forgiveness, acceptance and love . The character driven premise is enchanting and magical; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is subtle.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WITCHES GET STUFF DONE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN by SR Emonts-review

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THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN by SR Emonts

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 20, 2024

Earth, 2163. 15 years after a nuclear war, only 12 fledgling settlements of humans remain on Earth, in cities sheltered from the radioactive ashes.

Artificial life, the instigator of the war, was banished to the seven colonies. Only Doctor Wasserman and his band of Outcasts have managed to evade justice, striking at the Settlements from their hidden fortress in the forsaken wastelands, THE SANDCASTLE.

MOTHS, a special police unit that hunts Organic Hazards, are all that stand between humanity and destruction.

Yet Rookie Officer Joan Lyon cares more about finding her long lost mother than following orders, and her Training Officer, Peter Ramsey, merely wishes to run out the clock until he can retire and reunite with his family in the space colonies.

When Wasserman steals a datacore from Delphi Datacore, a company that can predict events before they occur, Joan and Peter aren’t just fighting the enemy—they’re fighting their own futures.

3 Criminals
2 Detectives
1 Mystery

•••••

REVIEW: THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN by SR Emonts is an adult, sci-fi, post apocalyptic thriller set in the year 2163, fifteen years after a nuclear war, focusing on MOTHS training officer Detective Peter Ramsey, and twenty year old rookie Joan Lyon.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective with first person thoughts and ideations, THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN follows Peter Ramsey and Joan Lyon as they are tasked with taking down the people responsible for the theft of a datacore, and the possibility of a mole working on the inside. A group of resistance fighters known as Outcasts, those who have chosen to live outside of the settlements, are determined to stop the people in control, refusing to abide by the memory wipes, memory banks, AI, cloning, robots and more but as Peter and Joan continue their search for the Outcast fortress known at the Sandcastle, the reality of what is threatens the partnership and the existence of every living soul.

THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN is a complex and multi-layered story, reminiscent of Blade Runner ™ with a little bit of I, Robot™ and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sleep™. A nuclear apocalypse has destroyed most of the planet with only a few pockets of domed, protected settlements. Technology is such that memories can be removed and stored; humans can be cloned; AI is a part of every day life, and robots do the menial labor that was once a fact of life. Those who live on the peripheral of society want changes, want control, and those in control want to keep the status quo but all is not as it appears to be, and Peter and Joan are about to discover there is more than they could have ever imagined.

I did have a few issues: the point of view changes between third person, and first person internal dialogue without notice; without breaks; and often without acknowledgement throughout most of the story. There are no italics or bold lettering to differentiate between third, and first person internal dialogue. The jumps occur within the same paragraph, and sometimes in the same sentence. I was confused at times, as some of the switch from third to first is acknowledged within the sentence or paragraph structure but the majority of the switches are never corroborated or recognized. I will be honest- I contacted the author regarding the POV jumps, and he claims it was intentional.

Overall, THE SANDCASTLE IN THE RAIN is a fascinating and thought-provoking story but the POV jumps was disconcerting and confusing.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A MONSTER IS COMING (Volkov Bratva 4) by Sam Crescent-review

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A MONSTER IS COMING (Volkov Bratva 4) by Sam Crescent-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2, 2024

All I wanted was to be free, to not be scared anymore. Was that too much to ask?

I was the unwanted bastard daughter of Finn Byrne. Many feared him and women loved him. My mother didn’t want me, but my birth kept Finn coming around.

After being used as a punching bag for most of my life, I decided to run. The first mistake I made was staying in a small town. The second mistake was falling in love with a guy I barely knew.

Peter lied to me. He manipulated me. Ivan Volkov gave him a job to do, and that was to make me fall in love with him, and get me pregnant. Well, he did all of those things, and I hate him for it, and I love him for it.

I also discovered I’m a wealthy woman. It would seem my grandmother didn’t like her son, nor any of his offspring, but she did like me. I’m the one who has control over the Byrne empire.

And I have a choice to make.

When the time comes, I can choose to leave the Volkov Bratva forever and have my freedom, or I can remain Peter’s wife. I love him, but he doesn’t know how to love me. What choice do I have?

•••••

REVIEW: A MONSTER IS COMING is the fourth instalment in Sam Crescent’s contemporary, adult VOLKOV BRATVA dark, erotic, Bratva romance series . This is Volkov Bratva Brigadier Peter Orlov aka Peter Shadows, and twenty-five year old, Niamh Long aka Niamh Byrne’s story line. A MONSTER IS COMING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

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

Told from several first person perspectives including Niamh and Peter, A MONSTER IS COMING follows the building but fake relationship between our story line couple. Niamh Byrne is on the run from her abusive mother and father. Niamh’s father is the head of the Byrne Irish Mob, and as such, Niamh was an unwelcome addition to the Irish family.Hiding in plain sight, Niamh working as a cafe waitress would come face to face with her future in the guise of Peter Shadows, a man ‘sent’ to protect and retrieve our story line heroine . Peter Orlov’s latest assignment as a Volkov Brigadier, finds our hero following orders, orders meant to seduce and claim our story line heroine but Niamh’s location has been compromised, and Peter is forced to watch from the sidelines as his future implodes. What ensues is the building relationship between Peter and Niamh, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed, leaving a heart broken and abused Niamh lying in its’ wake.

The world building continues to focus on the head of the Volkov Bratva, Ivan Volkov, who determined to play matchmaker for his Brigadiers and men but Ivan has a secret, and our heroine is only one of three people who know the truth.

The relationship between Peter and Niamh is predicated upon a number of lies. Neither Peter or Niamh reveal the truth about their identities or their pasts, and in this, Niamh will feel betrayed, once again, facing life without kindness or love. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.

All of the previous story line couples return in cameo appearances, as well as the head of the Volkov Bratva Ivan Volkov. We are introduced to Niamh’s father Finn Byrne, and her brother Finn Byrne jr. The requisite evil has many faces.

A MONSTER IS COMING is a story of power and control; secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, violence and abuse, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional, dark, gritty and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Second Best
A Sense of Duty
The Mistake

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Priceless (Clarity Coast 2) by Devyn Sinclair-review tour

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Priceless (Clarity Coast Omegaverse 2) by Devyn Sinclair-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 August 8, 2024

Three billionaire Alphas. A marriage of convenience. What can possibly go wrong?

Being an Omega is incredible. Being a fat Omega no one wants? Not so much.

But I don’t need to be wanted, I only need to survive. There’s five years left until I get my trust fund, and I can put my toxic, abusive, fatphobic family in my rearview mirror.

That’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it—until three Alphas offer my family a deal.

Three Alphas who are ridiculously rich, scorchingly hot, and claim they need me. For one year.

The deal: Marry them for one year to help save their company, and I walk away with my trust and my freedom. Simple. Easy. I don’t even blink before I sign on the dotted line.

I thought it was just a marriage of convenience and nothing more. I didn’t count on my husbands caring about me. Protecting me. Craving me. Seducing Me. Making me feel things I never have before.

Now a year doesn’t feel like long enough. But that’s what we agreed. One year, and we all walk away.

All good things come to an end. I just hope I can keep my heart from breaking when it does.

••••

REVIEW:Second book in this series, and I’m glad it was Ocean’s story (don’t think she would have lasted much longer without her pack!)

Living with her aunt and uncle after her parents died in a car crash, sees Ocean living an unhappy life!

Yes, she still misses her parents, especially her mother. But it’s not a happy household! They have money courtesy of her parents (and a trust that she inherits at thirty five!) but they belittle her for the slightest thing, years of being told “your fat” “no one will want you” “you will never amount to nothing” has Ocean with no confidence at all! Even her best friends can’t make her see herself other than what she’s been called! She needs to get out from under their thumbs, but unless she marries, she can’t see that happening!!

Her uncle is hosting a gala and Ocean is told to attend! Being trussed up and paraded around, has Ocean exhausted mentally and physically, just a little longer and she can escape to her room….

Being accosted and forced to dance with a man that makes her skin crawl, Ocean just wants to run and hide. That is until her rescuer sweeps in……

Micah, Everett, and Cameron want nothing to do with the man holding this gala, but they attend each year. This year they are attending in search for a bride! Their company directors are forcing their hand (apparently they aren’t giving the right signals to their customers)

Unhappy at this turn of event, the DuPont pack arrive and immediately want to go home, Micah spots a lonely figure on the balcony above and is transfixed, he needs to meet this vision….

Being rescued by the Alphas has Ocean both elated and terrified, they are saying all the right things, but she just won’t let herself believe them.

They on the other hand and obsessed with Ocean…. She is their scent matched mate!! They need her like yesterday!!

So they go about making her their wife!!

It’s not an easy job. There are obstacles at almost every turning point. And Ocean is one of them! She doesn’t believe them, how could three gorgeous alphas want a fat mate?! So they make out it’s a marriage that will last a year…. Ocean will get out from under her relatives, get her trust early, and the alphas will get the board of their back.

I loved this book. I hated how Ocean was made to feel, everyone should be loved no matter their shape!

Really liked how each alpha brought something to the table.

The twists were great, I did guess one, but not the other.

Seeing Ocean’s friends were great, and I can’t wait to see what the last friend gets up to in her book.

It’s paced pretty well, slow burn until it’s not 😜 🥵

Definitely recommend for those who love the Omegaverse genre.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one ENDLESS CLARITY

copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie🦋

Social Media: Goodreads/  Amazon Author / Website/ Facebook/ Instagram / TikTok

Devyn Sinclair writes steamy Reverse Harem romances for your wildest fantasies. Every sexy story is packed with the right amount heat, hot men, and delicious happy endings.

She lives in the wilds of Montana in a small red house and a crazy orange cat. When Devyn’s not writing, she spends time outside in big sky country, continues her quest to find the best lemon pastry there is, and buys too many books. (Of course!)

If you’d like updates about Devyn’s new releases, sexy bonus content, and the occasional dessert recipe, sign up for my newsletter by copy & pasting this link into your browser: https://www.subscribepage.com/devynsinclair

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POISON’S PROMISE (Reaper’s Rejects MC:2nd Gen 4)by Elizabeth Knox

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POISON’S PROMISE (Reaper’s Rejects MC: Second Generation 4) by Elizabeth Knox-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 July 30, 2024

I never go back on my word, no matter what.

Poison

I started a new life in Montana and was fully prepared to leave closed doors shut, but something unexpected happened.

I escorted Sydney out to Three Forks for a concert with a couple of my brothers, and there he was—the man I thought I was going to marry.

Asher.

He was my first love, and man I loved him religiously. I thought we were going to ride off into the sunset together . . . but life had other plans.

I never thought I’d see Asher a couple of weeks later at the clubhouse, getting ready to collaborate with Sydney.

Our romance was dead, or at least it’s what I thought.

It was dead until the moment Asher reminded me I’d always promise to be there for him.

•••••••

REVIEW: POISON’S PROMISE is the fourth instalment in Elizabeth Knox’s contemporary adult REAPER’S REJECTS MC: SECOND GENERATION erotic, MC romance series. This is singer/songwriter Asher Gun, and MC member Polly ‘Poison’ Cozallo’s story line. POISON’S PROMISE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Poison and Asher) POISON’S PROMISE follows the rebuilding relationship between our story line couple. Polly and Asher were once in love but a night on the town with friends ends in disaster and heart break for our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day, Polly now known as Poison comes face to face with her past in the guise of Asher Gun who is on tour with Poison’s friend and fellow MC member Sydney. Poison struggles with the demons from her past; the rejection by the man whom she loved, and the truth about what happened and why. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Poison and Asher, and the potential fall-out as a dangerous enemy takes aim at the Reaper’s Rejects MC.

The world building focuses on the relationship between our story line couple. Past betrayals forces Polly out of Asher’s life, and in this, the ultimate betrayal was forced upon our story line heroine, destroying her life and her relationship with Asher Gun

The relationship between Asher and Poison is one of second chances but Poison aka Polly struggles with what happend and why, as Asher begs for a another chance.Oblivious to past events, Asher pushed Polly out of his life, and to rekindle their relationship Asher needs to confront the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Sydney and Gears, as well as Dex, Ripper and Zane, and Asher’s ex Rachel.

POISON’S PROMISE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, forgiveness and acceptance, family and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating; the romance is heart breaking ; the characters are determined and controlled.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Sydney’s Battle
Reaper’s Redemption
Bama’s Babe

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bananapants by Penny Reid-review tour

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🍌 Bananapants by Penny Reid-review tour 🍌

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 2024

Estranged childhood friends unexpectedly reunite under bizarre circumstances and bicker their way to love in this bonkers romantic comedy.

Ava Archer misses her best childhood friend most especially during the month of April. Ask any tax attorney, it’s a lonely, grueling time of year. Luckily, Ava has just received a surprising and delectably absurd offer from her posh doppelgänger at work. She must pretend to be the aforementioned posh co-worker for one night at an extremely fancy party; a party so fancy, there exists absolutely no chance anyone will recognize her or suspect her ruse…

Desmond (Des) Sullivan is a thief. And not the heart-of-gold kind. He’s the steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-also-rich-so-he-can-get-paid kind. He does, however, have one firm rule never steal what the target can’t afford to lose. After a brutal falling out with his father, Desmond hasn’t returned to Chicago in over ten years. But when a good friend is swindled and something priceless is stolen, Desmond must return home, both as himself and his thieving alter ego. Infiltrate a dangerous secret society of the world’s most elite billionaires while leveraging his estranged father’s resources and not blowing his cover? Sure. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be a problem if Ava Archer hadn’t just walked into the room, wearing a ridiculous wig, speaking with a preposterous accent, and pretending (badly) to be someone she’s not.

Bananapants is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy filled with hijinks and shenanigans. It can be read as a standalone, but the parents of the main characters will be familiar to anyone who has read the Knitting in the City series.

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REVIEW:BANANAPANTS by Penny Reid is a contemporary, adult, erotic, next generation, romance story line set in the author’s KNITTING IN THE CITY series. This is twenty-five year old tax attorney Ava Archer, daughter of Fiona and Greg Archer (Ninja at First Sight/ Happily Ever Ninja) , and contractor Desmond ‘Des’ Sullivan, son of Quinn and Janie (Neanderthal Seeks Human 1) story line. BANANAPANTS can be read as a stand alone-you do not have to have read the original series.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ava and Des) BANANAPANTS focuses on the second chance relationship and friendship between our story line couple. Des Sullivan and Ava Archer were childhood best friends but at the age of fifteen Des disappeared from Ava’s life leaving a heart broken and angry young woman in the wake. Fast forward to present day, Ava comes face to face with the past, the man that she loves, a man whose demons ride very close to the surface. Desmond Sullivan has returned to Chicago, and an assignment that will bring him up close and personal with the woman whose heart he broke but Desmond struggles to keep control, and in this, he must protect Ava Archer from herself, his latest assignment, and his own demons that threaten to destroy them all.

The world building follows several paths including the fall-out of mental illness, and the affects of everyone who has ever been touched by a man unable to accept himself. From family and friendships, lives have been affected and upset but none more so than those caught in the spiral of depression, mania and madness.

The relationship between Des and Ava is a best friends to frenemies to friends to lovers relationship. Ten years of not knowing what happened to the boy she once loved found Ava struggling with his reappearance in her life but all is not as is appear to be, and Ava will be caught in the cross-fire of Des’ latest job. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several cameos from characters found in the author’s KNITTING IN THE CITY series as well as Des’ parents Quinn and Janie, Ava’s parents Fiona and Greg, and Ava’s sister Grace.

BANANAPANTS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, love and loss, mental illness and acceptance, forgiveness and understanding. The author pulls the reader into a thought-provoking, emotional, heart breaking and often times raw; look at mental impairment, struggle and recognition. The characters are charismatic but haunted; the romance is sensitive and spirited. I will add the author/book sites list Bananapants as a romantic comedy but I would suggest going in with a open mind and aware of some dark topics involving mental illness.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Penny Reid is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Please feel free to drop her a line. She’d be happy to hijack your thoughts! You can find her on her blog or email her: pennreid at gmail dot com

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