Tag Archives: new release reviews 2024

Dishonestly Yours by Krista & Becca Ritchie -review

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Dishonestly Yours (Webs We Weave 1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2024

Phoebe Graves grew up in a family where deception and seduction are as commonplace as breathing. The Graves and her best friend Hailey’s family have been on the run their whole lives, but after a high-stakes con job goes south, Phoebe and Hailey decide to run away and start over. The small Connecticut town they settle in seems too good to be true.

The biggest flaw in their plan is Hailey’s frustratingly handsome brother, Rocky, who insists on coming with them. Living honestly isn’t in his DNA, and his past with Phoebe is downright messy. He’s everything she wants, but nothing she can have.

Phoebe worries that Rocky will tempt them back into their old ways, where lying is second nature. She doesn’t want Rocky to mess up the new life she’s begun for herself. The longer she stays in town, the more she realizes what it means to have a reputation—and what a normal life with the man she loves could look like.

••••

REVIEW:DISHONESTLY YOURS is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult WEBS WE WEAVE erotic, romance series co-authored by Krista and Becca Ritchie. DISHONESTLY YOURS focuses on twenty-four year old Phoebe Graves, her best friend Hailey Tinrock, and twenty-five year old, Brayden ‘Rocky’ Tinrock.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rocky and Phoebe) using present day and memories from the past, DISHONESTLY YOURS follows Rocky, Phoebe and Hailey as they venture to Victoria, Connecticut, in an effort to escape their pasts. The Graves and Tinrocks are a family of grifters, several generations of con men, women and children but Hailey claims she wants a new start following a con that went wrong, taking her brother Rocky, and her best friend Phoebe along for the ride but Rocky is unaware of what happened or why, and their pasts are about to land in Victoria Connecticut demanding reparations for secrets and lies.

The world building is detailed and elaborate as we are up close and personal with a life most of us know nothing about. The Graves and Tinrock children have been players in their parents’ cons, grifters from birth yet the long game does not appear to have an ending, and the everyone is tired of working for someone else.

We are introduced to Phoebe’s brothers Nova and Oliver, Rocky’s brother Trevor; rich kid Jake Waterford, as well as their mother’s Addison and Elizabeth.

DISHONESTLY YOURS is a story of secrets and lies, money and power, betrayal and vengeance, determination and desperation. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and powerful; the romance is limited ; the characters are purposeful, strong-willed and heartbreaking. DISHONESTLY YOURS ends on a cliff hanger -you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok |Goodreads

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie are identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.

To stay up to date on new releases, bonus content, and more, sign up for Krista & Becca’s Newsletter: www.kbritchie.com/newsletter

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HIGHWAY (RBMC: Jacksonville FL 3) by Kathleen Kelly -review tour

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💚HIGHWAY (RBMC: Jacksonville FL 3) by Kathleen Kelly -review tour💚

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2024

Highway and Gwen race against time to unmask their enemies while confronting the powerful attraction growing between them.

The streets of Jacksonville are ruled by the Royal Bastards MC. They ride on the edge of the law. Highway is their road captain. He’s sexy, with a possessive streak, and navigates the gritty and dangerous outlaw world alongside his brothers. But when their president, Creed, and the club are brutally attacked, chaos reigns.

Gwen, a photographer, gets caught up in the whirlwind. Wanting to be more than just a bystander, she finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of the Royal Bastards.

Bound by a shared desire for justice, Highway and Gwen work together to uncover betrayal and test the club’s deepest loyalties. As their attraction grows, will their love endure the storm of violence and uncertainty threatening to tear them apart?

Or will it be consumed by the flames of conflict that threaten to engulf them all?

••••••

REVIEW: HIGHWAY by Kathleen Kelly is a contemporary, adult , erotic, MC romance story line set in the multi-authored RBMC world. This is photographer/journalist Gwen ‘Lyric’ Fullerton, and RBMC: Jacksonville FL road captain Highway’s story line. HIGHWAY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Gwen is Lucy’s sister (REAPER 2)

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Gwen, Highway, Winchester) HIGHWAY follows photographer Gwen Fullerton as she gets up close and personal with the members of the RBMC: Jacksonville FL, using her camera to tell a story. From the outset the MC finds themselves under attack, and our heroine is caught in the middle of another war. Having worked in the Middle East as a war correspondent, Gwen believes she is capable of everything, and prepared for anything but our heroine is about to get a crash course on following the rules. Enter MC Road Captain Highway, and the man with whom Gwen will fall in love. As the RBMC: Jacksonville FL struggle to take care of their own, a possible mole is working behind the scenes, setting the MC up for a fall.

The world building is detailed and busy as the RBMC: Jacksonville FL prepare for a war. From the Crimson Wheelers MC, the Khan family, the Russian Bratva, and the Diablo Cartel, everyone becomes suspect but it is Gwen’s camera that will give the MC an edge in a war for control.

The relationship between Gwen and Highway begins acrimoniously as Highway battles with his attraction to our story line heroine. Highway doesn’t do relationships but something about Gwen forces Highway to become guardian and protector even though Gwen claims she can look after herself. Often TSLTL (too stupid to live) Gwen places herself in the direct line of fire at every opportunity, and in direct conflict to the MC rules. As their relationship continues to build, Highway finds himself falling for a woman who is determined to go it alone. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Crimson Wheelers MC, The Khan Family, the Diablo Cartel,and the Russian Bratva; cameo appearances from members of various RBMCs staggered throughout the multi-authored series as well as the return of VP Reaper and Lucy, Prez Creed and Devil, Fingers, Feral, Justice, SAA Winchester and Gwen’s father Dr. Fullerton. The requisite evil has many faces.

HIGHWAY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, duty and honor, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced and often frenetic premise is dramatic and captivating; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is impassioned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Creed
Reaper

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Social Media: Goodreads / Amazon Author Page/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram/ TikTok/

Kathleen Kelly is a USA Today Best Selling Author and was born in Penrith, NSW, Australia. When she was four her family moved to Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Although born in NSW she considers herself a QUEENSLANDER!!
She married her childhood sweetheart and they live in Toowoomba. Kathleen enjoys writing contemporary, romance novels with a little bit of steam. She draws her inspiration from family, friends and the people around her. She can often be found in cafes writing and observing the locals.

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ONE STRING (Lighter Ones 7) by Aleatha Romig -review tour

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💜ONE STRING (Riverbend: Lighter Ones 7) by Aleatha Romig -review tour💜

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 4, 2024

Ricky Dunn is the equivalent to a splinter under my fingernail. Romantic? Right.
He’s the older brother of my best friend, and no matter how hard either of us try, we can’t seem to avoid each other. The problem started on the night my best friend and I graduated from high school. The party was joyous, a celebration.

That night, I willingly gave Ricky a part of me—more than the kiss we told others about. Our deal was simple. No strings. Ricky kept his side of the bargain.

Years have passed. Being from the same small town and crossing paths, I haven’t noticed how handsome he’s become or the way he’s filled out. If you ask me, he hasn’t noticed me either. Until he calls.

I’m working for a finance company, one he’s now interviewing for.

“Marilyn, will you be my date for the dinner with the partners? It’s only for one date and no strings.”

The problem is my heart hasn’t kept my side of our bargain. I want at least one string. Do I agree to his proposal, or do I turn him down flat?

••••••

REVIEW: ONE STRING by Aleatha Romig is seventh instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult LIGHTER ONES erotic, romance series. This is Ricky Dunn, and financial advisor Marilyn James’ story line. ONE STRING 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 (Ricky and Marilyn) ONE STRING follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Ricky Dunn was Marilyn James’ best friend’s older brother, and the man who stirred something deep within our story line heroine. A one-night stand, followed by years of ghosting, left Marilyn struggling with her attraction to the man who destroyed her heart. Reconnecting at Ricky’s sister’s wedding, Marilyn made it clear there was no future between she and Ricky, and walked away without looking back but karma came back to bite Marilyn when Ricky, having graduated college, applied for a position at the firm for which Marilyn worked. A fake-relationship ensued in an effort to present a united front but an accident back home pulled Ricky out of Marilyn’s life leaving our heroine battling with everything that went wrong. What ensues is the enemies to friends to lovers relationship between Ricky and Marilyn, and the fall-out when Ricky pushes Marilyn out of his life, yet again.

The world building follows several intersecting paths including the lifelong friendships between Marilyn, Devan and Jill; Marilyn and Ricky’s struggle to leave their hometown of Riverbend, and Ricky’s need to apologize again, and again, and again.

The relationship between Marilyn and Ricky is one of second chances, of a sorts. Marilyn was Ricky’s little sister’s best friend, and in this their one-night stand destroyed any hopes for a happily ever after. Ricky didn’t want a relationship, and Marilyn’s self-esteem plummeted in the aftermath. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Devan and Justin, Jill and Todd, and Kandace and Dax.

ONE STRING is a story of heart break and emotions, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is impassioned and fated; the characters are charismatic and determined.

Previous Reviews

My Always One
Quintessentually the One
One Kiss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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When Kings Bend (O’Sullivan’s Brides 2) by Vi Carter-review

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When Kings Bend (O’Sullivan’s Brides 2) by Vi Carter-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Paper /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2024

Three brides have been given to me: Niamh is as delicate as the careful steps she takes, Selene is as challenging as the secrets she’s trying to unravel, and Amira who has been lost to me.

Someone has taken her and that fool does not realize that a King never forgives or forgets.

Blood debts must be paid and the collectors are knocking on doors. The Hand himself keeps the ledger and my name has been written in red.

Yet, no shadows appear at my doorstep.

He may be the Hand of the Kings, but I am Diarmuid O’Sullivan. Before this cult infiltrated Dublin, my family ruled it.

And this King always fights for his throne.

This time, I am not fighting alone. Despite my desire to keep them safe and secure, my brides have no fear of shadows.

In fact, they are determined to shine a light in every dark crevice where my enemies hide.

They don’t realize that if that light shines on me, they may not like what they see.

Some Kings are monsters.

•••

REVIEW: WHEN KINGS BEND is the second instalment in Vi Carter’s contemporary, adult THE O’SULLVAIN BRIDES dark, erotic, romance series focusing Irish Mafia King Diarmuid O’Sullivan, and his three virgin brides Selene, Naimh, and Amira. WHEN KINGS BEND should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one-WHEN KINGS RISE.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: The Kings is a cult-like organization with the ability to replace and control CEOs, Presidents and Popes, and Diarmuid is about to rise to the position he has always wanted in the face of the death of his uncle Andrew O’Sullivan but family secrets and demons are threatening from the past.

Told from four first person perspectives (Diarmuid, Selene, Naimh, Amira) WHEN KINGS BEND follows the building but struggling relationship between Diarmuid and his remaining two brides Selene and Naimh. Amira has been chosen by someone else, and in this, the trio is struggling with the truth. As Selene continues to search for any information about the ‘cult’ into which they have been thrown, Amira’s new life is anything like she could have ever imagined. Death and destruction are waiting for them all when vengeance and retribution take aim at our story line hero.

The world building continues to focus on the Diarmuid, his embittered cousin Wolf, and the three brides chosen: Selene, Naihm, and Amira. Selene has come through as the dominant and more aggressive bride, while Selene focuses on protecting someone back home. As Amira’s life begins to spiral out of control, Wolf loses his touch with sanity, threatening everyone and anything that gets in his way.

The secondary and supporting characters include Diarmuid’s brother Ronan and Lorcan, their embittered cousin Wolf; head of the Hand of Kings Victor Maddigan, as well as the appearance of Naimh’s parents, and the Amira’s mother.

WHEN KINGS BEND is another story of power and control, betrayal and retribution, secrets and lies, murder and madness, desperation and denial, family and relationships. The premise is dark, dramatic and twisted; the characters are determined, desperate and tragic; the romance is limited to acceptance but jealousy prevails. WHEN KINGS BEND ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WHEN KINGS RISE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

VI CARTER: When Vi Carter isn’t writing contemporary & dark romance books, that feature the mafia, are filled with suspense, and take you on a fast paced ride, you can find her reading her favorite authors, baking, taking photos or watching Netflix.

Married with two children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an Author.

She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge

AUTHOR LINKS

Newsletter and FREE book / Website / Facebook/Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Goodreads Pinterest

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BIKER BITCH (Hell on Heelz MC 2) by Morgan Jane Mitchell-review

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BIKER BITCH (Hell on Heelz MC 2) by Morgan Jane Mitchell-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2024

Our reputation precedes us – we’re known for riding hard and playing even harder, sometimes at the expense of men who can’t keep up.

Plunge into the raw, uncharted territories of cross-club romance in the biker world. After the historic truce between the Seville Slayers and Hell on Heelz MC the road is rife with new possibilities and dangerous liaisons.

I’m Tank, known as the notorious biker bitch of Hell on Heelz MC. My life’s been one hell of a ride, escaping abuse to become as tough as the steel I straddle. Swore off love. It’s just another road to pain. Then comes Boiler, Slayers’ enforcer. Ex-military, single dad, and carrying a storm of secrets as dark as mine. Our truce brought us together, revealing we’re not so different. He thinks he can tear down my walls, but I’m not one to yield easily, not even to a man who mirrors the battles I’ve fought inside.

Boiler here, Seville Slayers’ muscle, with scars from the past and a kid to raise alone. Life taught me to fight quietly, keep my demons under wraps. Then I met Tank, the embodiment of rebellion and resilience. She’s got her own scars, hiding behind that biker bitch facade. Our unexpected connection, born from a fragile peace, stirs something in me, a need to reach her, and not just in the bedroom. I aim to share the load of our haunted pasts. She’s wary, used to standing solo against the world, but I’m determined. Can I prove to her that together we can face anything, even the ghosts we’ve been running from?

••••

REVIEW: BIKER BITCH is the second instalment in Morgan Jane Mitchell’s contemporary, adult HELL OF HEELZ MC erotic, MC romance series, a spin off from the author’s Asphalt Gods MC. . This is Seville Slayers’ enforcer / former soldier, and single father Tom ‘Boiler’ Parker, and Hell of Heelz MC enforcer and pet shop supply owner Vanessa ‘Tank’ Monroe’s story line. BIKER BITCH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tank and Boiler) BIKER BITCH follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Several years earlier Vanessa ‘Tank’ Monroe saved the life of Tom ‘Boiler’ Parker but at the time their two clubs were at war, and all was forgotten in the aftermath. Fast forward to present day, The Slayers and the Hell on Heelz MCs have signed a tentative peace, and Boiler is determined to claim the woman that calls to his heart. Tank wants nothing to do with a relationship having suffered at the hands of every man in her life but something about Boiler draws Tank like a moth to a flame, a flame that is going to burn. As Tank and Boiler’s relationship builds into something more Tank’s past returns demanding everything, including his right to destroy our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the sins of the past: Tank’s ex refuses to let go, and Boiler’s past insists on returning time and time again but all is not well when Tank’s past demands more, and our heroine will pay the price.

The relationship between Tank and Boiler is an enemies to frenemies to lovers but Tank doesn’t do relationships, and in this, our heroine is afraid of getting hurt. Bearing the emotional scars of past abuse, Tank is willing to go it alone than have to face the pain over again. Boiler is determined to claim Tank as his own but first he must get past the ice that has frozen her heart. The $ex scenes are numerous and impassioned.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and over the top secondary and supporting characters including several members from the Seville Slayers, and the all women Hell on Heelz MCs. We are introduced to Tank’s ex Jeff, and Boiler’s son Max.

BIKER BITCH is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and abuse, power and control, determination and damnation. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are determined and dangerous.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BIKER BRAT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow USA Today Bestselling Author Morgan Jane Mitchell: http://www.facebook.com/themorganjane

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Find all my books ➜ www.morganjanemitchell.com

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SAPPHIRE SCARS (The Jewelry Box 3) by Pepper Winters -review tour

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SAPPHIRE SCARS (The Jewelry Box 3) by Pepper Winters -review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2024

“I thought I was strong enough to survive this awful nightmare. I did my best to take back my power and refused to let my heart fall. Only problem is…my heart is an idiot.”

It only took one droplet of blood to forever change me.
Her blood.
The taste of it. The heat of it.
I swallowed her down and devoured her.
For a while, it was enough.
My monster was content. I believed I’d found where I belonged.
But now…that droplet is no longer enough.
I want rivers of it. Oceans of it.
I want the world dripping in red, and I honestly don’t know who I’m hunting anymore.
Her?
Me?
Them?
One thing’s for certain, someone is going to die today.
I just hope it won’t be me.

•••••••

REVIEW:  SAPPHIRE SCARS is the third instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult THE JEWELRY BOX dark, erotic, series focusing on twenty-nine year old, Henri Mercer-Ward, and Ilyana Sharma. SAPPHIRE SCARS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book two EMERALD BRUISES. Henri Ward is the half-brother to Q Mercer (Monsters in the Dark).

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

SOME BACKGROUND: A desperate need to know about the family history, and acceptance by his brother Q, Henri Mercer-Ward is tasked with infiltrating a human trafficking ring known as The Jewelry Box but Henri must first seduce a potential jewel, a woman to be trained, to be broken, to be claimed as his own.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Henri and Ilyana) SAPPHIRE SCARS continues to focus on the deranged, dangerous and dark proclivities of a man named Master Victor, and his harem of slaves called The Jewelry Box. Henri Mercer -Ward had hoped to uncover the truth, and shut down Victor’s sickening actions in the $ex trade but Henri’s claiming and need for Ilyana Sharma has pulled Henri into a world he once thought he wanted but discovered he no longer needs. As Victor continues with his sadistic rituals and hunts, the slaves make plans, plans that will be discovered, threatening the lives of everyone concerned.

The world building continues to be dramatic and dark, darker with each consecutive instalment. Victor’s games become more sadistic, pulling Henri into the abyss . The games are darker, more dangerous, and often fatal. The slaves have plans to end it all.

SAPPHIRE SCARS is raw, gritty, tragic and sensational. No one is safe; many of the guests have become unwilling participants in a game where someone is meant to die. SAPPHIRE SCARS ends on a cliff-hanger, you have been warned.

Once again, heed the triggers warnings-they are numerous, dark and intense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5The Mercer Curse
1 Ruby Tears
2 Emerald Bruises

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 Apple Books bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Romance Thriller.

Pepper currently has close to 40 books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists almost 40 times, is a self-confessed hermit, yoga convert, has a house rabbit, six horses, and a long suffering husband.

To learn more about Pepper please visit: www.pepperwinters.com where she regularly posts videos of behind the scenes writing, horses, books, and more.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads / Amazon Author / Instagram / Bookbub / Verve

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Ciao Bella (The Rise of the De Langes 1) by Rachel Van Dyken

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🤎Ciao Bella (The Rise of the De Langes 1) by Rachel Van Dyken-review tour🤎

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2024

The Five Families thought the war was over.
They have no idea, I’m the very beginning.

I kidnapped her to prove a point—at knife point, it seemed sharper that way.
See what I did there?

I used the perfect virginal daughter from one of the most powerful Families in the Cosa Nostra to fix the broken pieces, knowing that in the process—I’d spread hers for the world to see.
I would embarrass her, shame her, use her, but I would never touch her… my one and only vow to her father in exchange for his allegiance.

The flowers at our wedding would be extravagant—people would watch it like a celebration, she’d live it as her funeral.
Call me twisted, but I thrive off her hate, I wouldn’t know what to do if I had her heart—I’m not good with pretty things I’m capable of breaking.

I’ll use every single person I can to restore order… to bring about the peace that my Family deserves.
But something sinister lurks in the darkness.
In the end, it may not be just my Family I save but theirs as well.

They say the past comes back to haunt you—that history repeats itself.
Bet they never saw this coming.

After all, when one Family falls—another will rise.

Ciao Bella.
The Rise of the De Langes

•••••

REVIEW: CIAO BELLA is the first instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult THE RISE OF THE DE LANGES dark, Mafia romance series, a spin off from the author’s MAFIA ROYALS series, set in the EAGLE ELITE world. This is twenty-one year old Ivan De Langes, and twenty year old Bella Abandonato’s story line. For background and cohesion, I recommend some knowledge of the Abandonato family via the Eagle Elite series as many of the current events are as of a direct result of the original series.Bella is the daughter of Nixon Abandonato; Ivan is believed to be the sole surviving member of the De Langes family.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Ivan, Bella, King) CIAO BELLA follows the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Ivan De Langes, in the wake of the murder of his entire family, was placed under the guardianship of the Abandonato family but Ivan is about to reign holy h*ll, and Bella is about to be the pawn in a dangerous game of winner takes all.

The world building follows several intersecting paths including the life-long animosity between our story line couple. Forced to work out their differences with violence, Ivan and Bella find themselves forced into a marriage in an effort to protect our story line heroine but behind the scenes, the secrets are dark, and the lies will bring heart break for everyone concerned.

The relationship between Bella and Ivan is an enemies to frenemies to married couple to lovers but Bella struggles with what is happening and why, suspecting there is more to the story than she could have ever imagined. Ivan, as the sole surviving member of the De Langes crime family is about to come into his dues, and with it, a target has been aimed at our story line couple. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and dangerous secondary and supporting characters including many of the couples from the author’s Eagle Elite series, and the Mafia Royals series.

CIAO BELLA is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the romance struggles in the face of prior issues; the characters are determined, broken and charismatic.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

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VICIOUS KNIGHT (Sins and Saints 1 ) by Faith Summers-review

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VICIOUS KNIGHT (Sins and Saints 1 ) by Faith Summers-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 19, 2024

My villain, my monster, my vicious Knight…

I’m supposed to be a secret.
No one can know my true identity.
Or that I’m a dead girl walking.
But I caught the attention of the one guy my parents warned me to stay away from.

Thorne Ivanov reigns supreme at Raventhorn University, home of the Knights, one of the most powerful secret societies in the world.

An heir to its leader, Thorne is as devastatingly handsome as the dark villains in movies you’re not supposed to like—but you do.

Thorne is a twisted, devious savage.

I knew better than to fall into his trap and become his latest obsession. But my world turns upside down when he uncovers my secret and decides to blackmail me.

In exchange for his silence, I belong to him.

His fascination soon becomes my nightmare.
Our arrangement dragged us into a labyrinth of dark secrets we were never meant to discover.
Then we find ourselves fighting for our lives.

•••••••

REVIEW: VICIOUS KNIGHT is the first instalment in Faith Summers’ contemporary, new adult SINS AND SAINTS dark, erotic, Mafia bully romance set in the author’s Cruel Lies/ Cruel Promises world, as well as the author’s Raventhorn Academy and Dark Syndicate worlds. This is Bratva heir/ Knight legacy Thorn Ivanov, and Ivy ‘Annika Bershov’ Yegorov’s story line. VICIOUS KNIGHT can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading CRUEL LIES/ CRUEL PROMISES Duet. VICIOUS KNIGHT takes places shortly after the events of the aforementioned duet.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Thorn and Ivy) VICIOUS KNIGHT follows eighteen year old Ivy Yegorov’s first year at Raventhorn University, a school for the legacy children of the secret society of Knights but Ivy is hiding in plain sight, she is not whom she claims to be, and as the step-daughter of a Legacy Knight, her position is questionable on many levels. Warned to stay clear of anyone with the Ivanov name, Ivy struggles with her attraction to twenty year old Thorn Ivanov, in the wake of Thorn’s need to blackmail and control. Thorn is determined to claim Ivy as his own but when their pasts collide, Thorn is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and prove that betrayal has come at a cost to everyone involved.

The world building follows several paths including the numerous betrayals and deceptions of and by the previous generations. Along with Ivy and Thorn, many of their current classmates and friends have also felt the wrath of those who continue to control the families and the school.

The relationship between Ivy and Thorn begins as enemies to friends to lovers, a bully romance in the face of secrets and lies, and the innocence of one young woman caught between the truth and the past. The $ex scenes are provocative and aggressive, and not without some questions of consent or coercion.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful and dangerous secondary and supporting characters including Thorn’s cousin Caspian Ivanov, and Willow Raventhorn, (Cruel Lies Duet), Lucian and Eilish, Kade and as well as Ivy’s mother and step father, and Thorn’s controlling father Aleksander Ivanov, mean girl Tiffany Vasilyev, and Ivy’s friends Isabelle and Mackenzie. The requisite evil has many faces. Kade and Isabelle’s story line is next.

VICIOUS KNIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, murder and retribution, power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense but there is a definite ‘YA’ young adult feel to the story line with the mean girls and controlling/ oblivious adults; the romance is forced but eventually passionate and loving; the characters are broken , determined and embattled.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cruel Lies
Cruel Promises

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

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