Tag Archives: new release reviews 2024

TELL ME LIES (Dark Bully Anthology) by Sam Crecent/Jade Marshall

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TELL ME LIES (Dark Bully Romance Anthology) with Sam Crescent/Jade Marshall-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 9, 2024

✔ Dark Romance
✔ Enemies to Lovers
✔ Bully Romance
✔ Contemporary

These twelve dark romance novellas pack the heat. Our bestselling authors showcase a variety of contemporary romances featuring bully and enemies-to-lovers themes. There may be triggers, so be warned that these aren’t your average love stories.

Blackmailed by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino
The Seal’s Obsession by Lila Fox
A Spark Without Air by D.C. Stone
Ignite by Beth D. Carter
Tutoring the Beast by Jade Marshall
Rage’s Claim by Winter Sloane
Pretty Little Deceiver by Lacee Hightower
Love/Hate Games by Sofia Aves
Confliction by Roe Valentine
The Ice Man’s Melt by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Blood Red Rose by Elyzabeth M. VaLey
What’s His Problem? by Lily Harlem

••••••••

REVIEW: TELL ME LIES is a contemporary, adult, multi-authored, dark bully romance anthology. I have read and review BLACKMAILED by Sam Crescent /Stacey Espino, and TUTORING THE BEAST by Jade Marshall

NOTE: Due to the nature of the several story line premises, there WILL BE triggers from more sensitive readers.

••••••••••

BLACKMAILED by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino

BLACKMAILED is a bully romance; an enemies to lovers relationship focusing on a high school bully turned millionaire businessman who wants the only woman he would ever love. Dalton Moore tormented Emily Sutton throughout high school leaving our heroine with issues of low self esteem but an opportunity would present to Dalton in which he would finally claim the woman he loves.

BLACKMAILED is a story of power and control , forgiveness and acceptance, blackmail and surrender. The premise is dramatic; the romance fated and focused; the characters are broken but struggling to heal.

•••••••••

TUTORING THE BEAST by Jade Marshall

TUTORING THE BEAST is the second novella in Jade Marshall’s contemporary, adult DELGADO CARTEL romance series. This is Matthias Delgado and Kaelie Carter’s story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Matthias and Kaelie) TELL ME LIES is an enemies to lovers, bully romance in which Kaelie Carter is the target and victim of extreme bullying to the point of physical and emotional abuse.Kaelie and Matthias have a past but after taking a gap year before entering college, Kaelie will come face to face with her past, and a bully who refuses to back down. The ongoing threats and physical violence against Kaelie are rarely questioned by our story line hero, and eventually he is the perpetrator of his fair share of attacks but Kaelie has a secret, and in this, she is protecting the people that she loves.

TUTORING THE BEAST is a dark, dramatic and emotional story line of abuse and power, secrets and lies, forgiveness and acceptance. The premise is gritty and raw; the characters are questionable on so many levels; the romance is virtually non-existent

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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NORTHERN TWILIGHT (The Highlands 5) by Samantha Young -review

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NORTHERN TWILIGHT (The Highlands 5) by Samantha Young -review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2024

She’s the girl he left behind. He’s the boy she tried to forget. But after seven years apart, one passionately reckless night will tie them together forever …

As teenagers, Callie Ironside and Lewis Adair were inseparable. So much so, Lewis still can’t work out where it all went horribly wrong, or why he’s spent the last seven years in London away from the love of his life.

Callie knows exactly where it all went wrong and while she tried to move on—learning pastry techniques in Paris and dating French men—returning home to Ardnoch to work in her mother’s bakery only reminds her of the future she lost with Lewis.

But when a visit to London brings them unexpectedly together, the passion, pain and animosity between them leads to a one-night stand. For Lewis, it’s the beginning of winning Callie and his life in Ardnoch back. For Callie, it’s a mistake that’s shaken up the devastating heartbreak she fought hard to forget. However, Lewis is determined to fight for her, and proves it when their night together results in more than just unresolved feelings.

As they come to grips with impending parenthood and the mistakes they’ve both made, Callie and Lewis will not only have to decide to fight for a love that has endured so many years apart, but a mysterious adversary who seems intent on destroying the future they’re building together.

••••

REVIEW: NORTHERN TWILIGHT is the fifth instalment in Samantha Young’s contemporary, adult THE HIGHLAND erotic, romance series-spin off from the author’s ADAIR FAMILY series. This is architect Lewis Adair, and twenty-five year old pastry chef Callie Ironside’s story line. NORTHERN TWILIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lewis is the son of Thane and Regan Adair , and nephew to Lachlan and Brodan Adair: Callie is the daughter of Walker and Sloane Ironside.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lewis and Callie) NORTHERN TWILIGHT follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Childhood friends, and high school sweethearts, Lewis and Callie always thought they would be together forever but each saw something different going forward, and seven years would pass before they would meet again. Having moved to Paris to study with the best pastry chefs, Callie knew is was time to come home but she never expected to come face to face with her past. Lewis Adair was about to start his new job and new future but seeing Callie Adair, old memories returned and one night together would change their futures, forever. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between our story line couple, as they must navigate jealousy and mistrust, and the possibility of someone targeting our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the second chance relationship between Callie and Lewis. Everyone from friends to family always thought Callie and Lewis would end up together but life, misunderstanding, and pride pulled our couple apart, and an attempt to push them together would fail miserably, betraying a friendship in the process.

The relationship between Callie and Lewis is a rekindling romance. Callie and Lewis each remember something different about their breakup; about their prior relationship; and their promises for the future. Lewis thought they were too young to have promised forever while Callie had plans for both, from the start. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of familiar, friendly and engaging secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Eilidh, an expiring actress; and Callie’s sibling Morwenna and Harry; as well as Callie’s ex boyfriend Gabriel, a young man with secrets of his own.

NORTHERN TWILIGHT is a story of second chances; secrets and lies; family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and strong; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are real, determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Beyond the Thistles
Among The Heather
Through the Glen
Skies Over Caledonia

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Samantha Young is the New York Times,  USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows.  Every Little Thing, the second book in her new Hart’s Boardwalk series, will be published by Berkley in March 2017. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha’s debut YA contemporary novel The Impossible Vastness of Us was published by Harlequin TEEN in ebook & hardback June 2017. Play On is an adult contemporary romance and the first in a brand new series set in Scotland. Villain is a companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.

Samantha has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for On Dublin Street, Best Romance 2014 for Before Jamaica Lane, and Best Romance 2015 for Hero. On Dublin Street, a #1 bestseller in Germany, was the Bronze Award Winner in the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2013, Before Jamaica Lane the Gold Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2014 and Echoes of Scotland Street the Bronze Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2015.

Samantha is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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The Bodyguard and The Bombshell by Lexi Blake-review tour

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💜The Bodyguard and The Bombshell (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruit 2.5) by Lexi Blake-review & excerpt tour💜

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

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/42bpxLa

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 0224

The Bodyguard…

Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.

These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.

The Bombshell…

Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.

An explosive match…

Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.

••••

REVIEW:THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL is instalment 2.5 in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off, set in the author’s numerous Masters and Mercenaries worlds. This is bodyguard/Dom Nate Carter, and twenty-five year old Daisy O’Donnell’s story line. THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines or series is revealed where necessary. Daisy is the daughter of Liam and Avery O’Donnell (A Dom is Forever: M&M 3).

THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL is a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including Dom/sub and BDSM scenarios, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Nate and Daisy THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL follows the building relationship between Nate and Daisy when Nate assigns himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine. Daisy is a bit of a mess. Everyone considers her one disaster away from exploding but when Daisy witnesses an illegal operation, our heroine will become the target of some powerful men. Needing a new start, Nate Carter begins working for McKay-Taggart, and pushes himself into becomimg Daisy’s security but Daisy is off-limits to everyone including our story line hero, and the men at the family owned $ex club, and in this, our heroine’s self-esteem continues to plummet in the wake of continuous and ongoing rejection. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Daisy and Nate, and the potential fall-out as someone else gets caught in the cross-fire.

The world building follows several paths including the forbidden Dom/sub relationship between our story line couple; and the ongoing protection for and of our story line heroine. Following several attempts on her life, Daisy is brought into protection custody, protected by the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Nate and Daisy is a brother’s friend to lovers relationship; a Dom/sub partnership in which Daisy is determined to enjoy one night of her life. All of the men have been warned away from our story line heroine but Nate is determined to claim Daisy as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and colorful secondary and supporting characters including Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart and wife Charlotte; Liam and Avery O’Donnell; Daisy’s brother Aiden; Nate’s parents Brody and Stephanie Carter; Theo and Erin Taggart, and their daughter Devi Taggart, as well as several members of the McKay-Taggart team.

THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL is a fast paced story of secrets and lies, misunderstanding and heart break; family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, dynamic and engaging. The epilogue fast forwards the story line several years.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Love the Way You Spy
Live,Love, Spy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

“I was helping out a client,” she began.
“Uhm, Mr. Taggart, I would like to make it clear we didn’t hire Daisy as a private investigator.” Her bosses were here, too. Harlow and Ruby sat at the opposite end of the table, and Harlow seemed to be the one who wanted to set the record straight.
“She was supposed to answer the phones.” Ruby frowned her way.
She was going to have to soothe her bosses. Things had done what they so often did in Daisy’s life. They had gone awry.
To top things off, her brother was somewhere in the building. Aidan had been the one to drive her up, and he’d told her he needed to go talk to his newest roommate.
Nathan Carter. Big, gorgeous Nathan Carter, who’d barely known she’d existed past being his friend’s obnoxious sister.
She hadn’t seen Nate in years. Was he still stunning? He probably had a girlfriend.
“Daisy?” Her mother’s voice brought her out of her reverie. “Uncle Ian asked you a question.”
Of all the grave faces around the table, it was her aunt and uncle who broke the mold and looked highly amused.
“I asked how you went from answering the phones to taking down a drug cartel,” Uncle Ian said, his lips curling up. He leaned in like he was ready for this story.


 

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

GOODREADS/ INSTAGRAM/ BOOKBUB / PINTERESTFACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Light Em Up (Bang Brothers Hockey 5) by Kelly Jamieson-review

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Light Em Up (Bang Brothers Hockey 5) by Kelly Jamieson-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 2024

Light ’em Up by Kelly Jamieson is book 5 in the Bang Brothers Hockey series

Annie Bang

I’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games. Except one of the guys is Logan Coates—the guy who sent my brother to the hospital in a memorable game three seasons ago. I want nothing to do with him.

Logan Coates

I don’t need some tiny figure skater telling me what to do. I know how to skate. I wouldn’t be in the NHL if I didn’t. Although, I am a fourth liner. I do want more ice time. I want to make a difference on the team. But learning how to figure skate isn’t it. Especially from Annie Bang, who hates my guts. Speaking of guts…she has ’em. She’s a pint-sized badass. And that’s sexy as hell. When I’m around her, my skate blade’s not the only thing made of steel.

••••••

REVIEW:LIGHT ‘EM UP by Kelly Jamieson is the fifth instalment in the contemporary, adult, multi-authored hockey romance series focusing on the Bang siblings. This is former figure skater turned skating coach Annie Bang, and professional hockey player Logan Coates. LIGHT ‘EM UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. For followers of Kelly Jamieson, the story line is set in the author’s Bears Hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Annie and Logan) LIGHT ‘EM UP follows the forbidden relationship between Annie Bang and Logan Coates. Annie Bang is the new skating coach for the professional hockey team the New York Bears but Annie never expected to come face to face with Logan Coates, a one-night from six years earlier, and the man who almost destroyed her brother’s career.Working with each member of the team, Annie teaches strength and agility but most of the players become defensive when a figure skater threatens everything they thought they knew including our story line hero. Logan Coates’ knows his reputation precedes his introduction to Annie Bang but not everything is as it appears to be. What ensues is the building but secret relationship between Annie and Logan, and the potential fall-out when their affair is revealed.

The world building focuses on the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’. Logan’s take down of Annie’s brother was an accident but the ensuing penalty, suspension, and fan negativety added more heart break to our hero’s already floundering self-esteem. Too many injuries ended Annie Bang’s figure skating career, and in an effort to prove herself worthy of being a ‘Bang’ sibling, Annie focused on getting a job in the NHL.

The relationship between Annie and Logan is one of second chances, of a sorts. A one-night stand six years earlier, and their careers going in different directions culminates in a rekindling but potentially forbidden romance. Annie is the team’s skating coach, and Logan is off limits as far as Annie is concerned . Keeping their relationship on the down-low, Annie must come to terms with betraying her entire family, a family she believes had given up on our story line heroine. Logan doesn’t want to be Annie’s dirty little secret, and finds himself struggling with his own issues of low self esteem. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to several members of the Bears team and coaching staff, as well as Logan’s parents, and Annie’s brothers, mom and dad.

LIGHT ‘EM UP is a story of secrets, family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is seductive ; the characters are charismatic and compelling.

Previous reviews in the Bears Hockey series
Must love Dogs and Hockey
You Had Me at Hockey
Talk Hockey to Me
The O Zone

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over fifty romance novels and novellas. She writes the kind of books she loves to read–sexy romance with heat, humor and emotion. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white) and shoes (high!). She also loves watching hockey. She is the author of the popular Heller Brothers Hockey series, Aces Hockey series, and the Rule of Three trilogy.

Connect with Kelly

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3oqDFet
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37x0pTe
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33MTofY
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33Njsb2
BookBub: https://bit.ly/39LQaxm
Website: https://www.kellyjamieson.com

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ENCHANTED ENOUGH (Love in Montana 7) by Kelly Elliott-review tour

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ENCHANTED ENOUGH (Love in Montana 7) by Kelly Elliott-review tour

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4aQYDw0

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 2024

Finally returning home after years in Paris, ex-model Avery Littlewood never imagined a rerouted flight plan would land her on destiny’s runway. She’s seated next to a gorgeous stranger…and as he shares his story, it’s not long before she discovers why his arresting blue eyes look so familiar. There are several reasons why Beck should be off limits—he lives in Texas; he needs a friend, not a relationship; he’s practically family—but none of that overshadows Avery’s instant attraction for the man the moment she stepped foot on that plane.

Months after his mother’s death, old love letters have given Beck Dahlstrom the courage to seek out the Shaws, the family of the long-deceased father he never knew. He can’t believe his luck when the most gorgeous creature he’s ever seen sits beside him on the plane. When he discovers she’s not only heading to the same small Montana town, but she’s close to his father’s family, it’s more like fate. There are several reasons why Avery should be off limits—she’s considerably younger; they’re from different worlds; her father might kill him just for looking at her—but every glimpse into her stunning turquoise eyes just makes him fall deeper.

Montana, the Shaw family, Avery…all of them soon have Beck enchanted enough to consider big changes. But his life in Dallas also has considerable pull, including a person…or two…unwilling to give up Beck so easily.

•••••

REVIEW: ENCHANTED ENOUGH is the seventh instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult LOVE IN MONTANA erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s Meet Me in Montana series. This is eighteen year old, former model Avery Littlewood, and twenty-seven year old, rancher/businessman Beck Dahlstrom’s story line. ENCHANTED ENOUGH 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 (Avery and Beck) ENCHANTED ENOUGH follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. One year earlier, Beck Dahlstrom’s mother died from cancer, and Beck is on the hunt for his father’s family, a man he never knew but Beck never expected to find his future in the guise of former model Avery Littlewood who knew something about the family of which Beck was looking. Finding more relatives than he could have ever imagined, Beck reconsidered a future in Montana but his grandfather back in Texas had given Beck an ultimatum, come home or else. Beck never expected to fall in love, and leaving Avery in Montana, threatened any future happiness for our story line couple. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Beck and Avery, and the potential fall-out as choices, decisions and changes forces Beck to see the bigger picture, and a possible future without the woman he loves.

The world building focuses on Beck’s large extended family in Montana; the mother he lost, her connections to Montana, and the business back in Texas he has known all of his life. Avery has retired from modelling, and at only eighteen years of age, with a new direction in life, Avery’s future is in Montana, with or without the man that she loves.

The relationship between Avery and Beck is one of instant attraction but Beck is unaware of Avery’s connections to the family he never knew. Avery is determined to take their friendship to the next level but Beck struggles with the age difference, and a possible end date when he has to travel back home. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, fun and familiar characters most of whom we have me in the previous story lines and original Meet Me in Montana Series.We are re-introduced to Avery’s parents Dirk and Merit Littlewood, her brother Bradly and his girlfriend Mackenzie Reeves (FOREVER ENOUGH 6)

ENCHANTED ENOUGH is an emotional story of secrets and lies, betrayal, forgiveness and acceptance. The premise is heart breaking yet satisfying; the romance is seductive; the characters are real, determined, and feisty.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Fearless Enough
Cherished Enough
Brave Enough
Daring Enough
Loved Enough
Forever Enough

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Lost Love, and Never Enough, to name a few.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, Gus, her chocolate lab, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Connect with Kelly

Website | https://www.kellyelliottauthor.com
Goodreads | https://bit.ly/34ucSHq
Amazon | https://amzn.to/2Efkcwa
Facebook | https://bit.ly/32jyBPP
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/2ElCLyG
Instagram | https://bit.ly/3lg6ERJ
Bookbub | https://bit.ly/3j3ynTA
Pinterest | https://bit.ly/34ualwY
Newsletter | https://bit.ly/32gz70W

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City Gone Askew (Brooklyn 8 Ballo Mystery 2) by Matt Cost-review

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City Gone Askew (Brooklyn 8 Ballo Mystery 2) by Matt Cost-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 31, 2024

8 discovers that a priceless Aquila—an ancient eagle Roman standard carried into battle 2,000 years ago—was stolen from Karl Vogel when he was killed. This provides ties to a secret German organization known as the Batavi. But Vogel was also involved in the eugenics movement centered in Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island, as well as being involved with the Ku Klux Klan.

As 8 peels back layers of the underbelly of 1920s Brooklyn, the more complicated and dangerous it becomes for him and those who are important to him. What is happening at Cold Spring Harbor with Herman Wall and the eugenics movement? Who are the mysterious Germans threatening 8? And what is the identity of the charismatic Grand Cyclops? 8 must race against time to uncover the truth and put a stop to the most chilling triumvirate ever conceived.

••••

REVIEW:CITY GONE ASKEW is the second instalment in Matt Cost’s historical, adult BROOKLYN 8 BALLO noir mystery, crime series set in the roaring 20s, focusing on Brooklyn PI 8 Ballo.

Told from limited omniscient third person perspective, using both historical fact and fiction, CITY GONE ASKEW is set in 1924. PI 8 Ballo has been hired by Theda Vogel, the widow of Dr. Karl Vogel, a man she claims was killed on the hunt for the elusive Aquila-the Standard of the Roman Legion. The Great War has ended: the power of the Irish and Italian mobsters is fast accelerating, and Hitler’s rise to power is claiming supporters in America in the name of Eugenics and Anti-Immigration. As 8 Ballo, and his friends including partner Asta Holm, and African American businessman Pearle Hill search for the people responsible for the murder of Theda Vogel’s husband, 8 finds himself facing down the KKK, and the ongoing practice of sterilization, eugenics and the rise of Nazism in America. 8 Ballo will be thankful for the support of Arnold Rothstein, Bugsy Siegal, Myer Lansky, and Dorothy Parker, friends in both low and high places. As racism and discrimination run rampant including Brooklyn’s law enforcement, the corruption goes higher, possibly to the top of power in the USA.

Once again, there is another large ensemble cast of who’s who of the famous and infamous: sports stars and writers, gangsters and speakeasies, prohibition and gambling; racism and discrimination, murder and corruption. The cast of characters is animated, and imaginative; the premise is dramatic and edgy.

CLICK HERE for Sandy’s review of book one VELMA GONE AWRY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook/

Over the years, Cost has owned a video store, a mystery bookstore, and a gym. He has also taught history and coached just about every sport imaginable.

Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.

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High Frequency (High Mountain Trackers 2G) by Freya Barker-tour

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High Frequency (High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G) by Freya Barker-review & excerpt tour


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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2024

When the rug is pulled from under Detective Sloane Eckhart, she leaves the Billings PD and returns to Libby, Montana.

Eight years ago she left with her pride and the promise of a future, but her heart was broken. On her return, there is no pride left, no prospects to speak of, but at least her heart is safely secured in the back seat.

Still, a bit of groveling, a kind offer of help, and a brand-new job with the sheriff’s office quickly gets her back on her feet.

High Meadow will always be home to Dan Blakely. Working with horses, being part of the HMT search and rescue team, and now building his own home right next door checks all his boxes. Only one thing is missing, but that dream walked out the door a long time ago.

Still, his life is good, steady…and perhaps a little boring.

That quickly changes when the rescue of a young, teenage girl, places the new sheriff’s detective squarely in his path. He’s not bored now, doing his best to keep her safe, even as their past holds them back while they fight for a future.

•••••••••

REVIEW:HIGH FREQUENCY is the first instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult HIGH MOUNTAIN TRACKERS 2G romantic suspense series, a spin off from, and set in the author’s HIGH MOUNTAIN TRACKERS and ARROW’S EDGE MC series. This is single mother, Detective Sloane Eckhart, and search and rescue specialist Dan Blakely’s story line. Dan Blakely is Lindsey Zimmerman’s half brother (EDGE OF NOWHERE 7).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dan and Sloane) HIGH FREQUENCY follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately eight years earlier Sloane walked out of Dan’s life but in the ensuing years, each remember something different about that time. Fast forward to present day wherein Sloane returns to Libby Montana as their newly hired Detective, a position that will bring her up close and personal with the man she once loved. Enter Dan Blakely. A missing teen, and the discovery of several bodies, and damage to Dan’s property finds Sloane diving head first into the investigation only to discover there may be a connection to all three, a connection that places Sloane in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Dan and Sloane, as they navigate their rekindled romance, and the possibility of a serial killer in the small town of Libby Montana.

The world building follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple, as well as the investigation into the discover of several bodies. As Sloane begins to uncover the clues, someone else targets Dan, in an act of anger and betrayal.

The relationship between Dan and Sloane is a rekindling romance. Eight years earlier Sloane walked out of Dan’s life, and Dan has no idea what happened or why. As our couple rebuild upon what was, Dan discovers not all was at it seemed. Working together, as well as journey towards their own happily ever after finds Sloane overwhelmed with everything. The $ex scenes are passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we met in original High Mountain Trackers series including Sully and Pippa. We are introduced to Sloane’s mother and step-father, as well as deputies Jason Heany and Frank Schmidt: Dan’s ex Shelby.

HIGH FREQUENCY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and murder, forgiveness and acceptance. The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the characters are desperate and charismatic; the romance is magnetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“What do you need me to do?” I offer.
Next thing I know, my arms open automatically when she shoves the baby at me.
“Take her.”
Ama disappears inside before my brain can come up with an objection.
Any baby experience I have began and ended with Carmi, Sully’s daughter, and Fletch’s son, Hunter, and that was twelve or thirteen years ago. It’s not that I don’t like babies, because I do, but the fact this is Sloane’s baby is making it a little awkward. Still, I settle her a little better in the crook of my arm.
Then I hear the creak of the rocking chair and Thomas’s raspy chuckle and look up. The old fart clearly thinks this is funny.
“You should see the look on your face,” he points out as he continues to rock his chair. “I’m guessing young Sloane becoming a parent was a surprise to you as well?”
“Yes,” I grumble, just as a little hand slaps against my chin and catches on the short hairs of my beard.
I drop my eyes to Sloane’s baby, who has her little face turned toward me. I don’t know who the dark hair belongs to, but those blue eyes are unmistakably her mother’s.
“Aspen. That’s her name,” Thomas shares. “Pretty little thing, ain’t she?”
She is, especially when her little mouth spreads in a wide, toothless smile.
“You look good holdin’ that baby,” he continues. “Too bad you let her momma slip away, or that wee one could’a been yours.”
Fuck. That stings.
Should’ve known the old man wouldn’t hesitate to poke his finger in the sore spot.
“I’m not the one who left.”
The bitter comment slips out before I can check it.
“No, you weren’t. You’re just the one who let her walk.”
Agitated, I get to my feet, shifting the baby to my shoulder as I start to pace the porch.
“It wasn’t that simple.”
“It never is, son. It never is.”

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

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CAGED BLISS (Bianco Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

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CAGED BLISS (Bianco Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August

I’m dancing in a cage when I first meet him.
And he’s not shy about what he wants.
Angelo Bianco is fresh out of prison and looking for revenge, while I need to get my addict sister away from her drug dealer boyfriend.
Tuns out, we have an enemy in common.
If I help Angelo take down the owner of Club Cage, he’ll put my sister through rehab and pay to finish her nursing degree.
All I have to do is risk everything for a man I barely know.
Angelo’s powerful and dangerous, and he’s not shy about watching me work. His eyes undress me, and when he pulls me into a private room to explain the plan—
I should keep my hands to myself, but it’s hard when Angelo looks so good.
He’s going to get what he wants, and nothing will stop him, except revenge isn’t enough anymore.
Angelo wants all of me, and he won’t stop until he gets it.

•••••

REVIEW: CAGED BLISS is the fourth instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult BIANCO CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series. This is youngest Bianco son Angelo, and dancer Claudia’s story line. CAGED BLISS 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 (Claudia and Angelo) CAGED BLISS follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Angelo Bianco spent the last five years in prison, and upon his release was seeking revenge against those he blames but his biggest surprise is the family owned Club Cage, once Angelo’s pride and joy. No longer in control, Angelo continues to hunt those who refused to stand by his side, never expecting to meet and fall for dancer Claudia. Claudia works at Club Cage in an effort to protect and keep an eye on her sister, a young woman who has is currently controlled by the man in charge. Falling for Angelo was never on the horizon but Claudia found herself protecting a man who was capable of protecting himself. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Claudia and Angelo, and the potential fall-out as the men who Angelo are hunting, are determined to take down our story line hero.

The world building focuses on Angelo’s hunt for the people he suspected were betrayers.Five years in prison, and everything about his previous life was in ruins, and the lack of support from his brothers left Angelo wondering where he belonged.

The relationship between Angelo and Claudia is one of immediate attraction but Angelo needs Claudia’s access to Club Cage, and Claudia is desperate for help in return. As the relationship begins to develop, Claudia wonders if their time together part of Angelo’s game. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

All of the previous couples return as well as Angelo’s mother Freddie, and the introduction of Claudia’s struggling sister Serena.

CAGED BLISS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is edgy and tragic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous Reviews
Cruel Tyrant
Stolen Sin
Brutal Power

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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