Tag Archives: new release reviews 2025

North (Pittsburgh Titans 16) by Sawyer Bennett-review

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North (Pittsburgh Titans 16) by Sawyer Bennett-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 22, 2025

New to the Pittsburgh Titans but no stranger to relentless ambition, North Paquette knows exactly how to put in the work to ensure the win. But this time, the stakes are personal because the game isn’t just on the ice.

Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.

•••••

REVIEW: NORTH is the sixteenth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PITTSBURGH TITANS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the Pittsburgh Titans professional hockey team. This is twenty-six year old, North Paquette and twenty-four year old Farren Abrams’ story line. NORTH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

NOTE: Some of the events of NORTH cross over with, and run parallel to the events of books fifteen RAFFERTY. Farren is the sister of Rafferty Abrams.

SOME BACKGROUND: A couple of years earlier, a devastating plane crashed claimed all but three members of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team including owners, coaches and staff. Rebuilding the team, owner Brienne Norcross, offered positions to one-time professional and semi-pro players. These are their stories.

Told from dual first person perspectives (North and Farren) NORTH follows in the wake of the sudden appearance of Farren Abrams at her brother’s front door. Farren is currently homeless, jobless and looking for a temporary change of direction, and her friends with benefits relationship with North Paquette is the perfect foil to push away the demons from her past. North Paquette is determined to prove to Farren what they have is so much more than an ongoing series of one-night stands but Farren struggles to trust, including the man with whom she is falling in love.

The world building follows several paths including Farren’s need to run at the first sign of something more serious. No one knows what happened in the past, and our heroine is hoping to keep her secrets close to her heart. Meanwhile North’s teammate and star hockey player Penn Navarro is slowly spiralling out of control, and when his past returns, the team is struggling to help a man who is unwilling to accept the hep given.

The relationship between North and Farren begins as a friends with benefits, but Farren wants to keep their relationship a secret, a secret in which North is struggling to go along. North suspects Farren’s brother Rafferty will not like the direction of his sister’s romance but Farren refuses to commit to anything more serious in light on the demon’s that refuse to let go. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of familiar, determined and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including Farren’s brother Rafferty, several teammates including Atlas, King, Foster, Penn Navarro, team manager Callum Derringer, as well as Farren and Rafferty’s parents.

NORTH is a story of secrets and lies, humiliation and betrayal, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy and tense; the characters ad animated and desperate; the romance is seductive and spicy.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Baden
Stone
Gage
Coen
Drake
Cannon
Hendrix
Camden
Bain
Van 2
Boone
Callum
Foster
King
Rafferty

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

 

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

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PAYING THE PRICE (RBMC: Durango CO 6) by Nicole James-review tour

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PAYING THE PRICE (RBMC: Durango CO 6) by Nicole James-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

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218647795-paying-the-price

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 22, 2025

Lizzy—
When did my life come to this?
Everything was going so right. I had a job I liked, a cute little house and a great marriage to my high school sweetheart. Matt was my everything—my firefighting hero—until tragedy struck. Now suddenly I’m a widow drowning in grief and about to lose everything.
One terrible day sent my whole world spinning.
If it wasn’t for my good friend, Kate I would have gone under. She pulled me out of my deep depression and found me a new job to take my mind off everything.

I’m thankful to her until I find out my new boss is the VP of the Royal Bastards MC.
Has she lost her frigging mind?

Darko—
When a son I didn’t know I had, is abruptly dropped in my lap, my whole world is upended. He’s a teenager, pissed at the world, and dealing with crushing grief. Suddenly I’m struggling to deal with him and my busy auto restoration business.
When I tell Utah I need someone to answer the phones and keep up with the paperwork, his ol’ lady delivers me her best friend.
I remember Lizzie. She was always the bubbly girlie-girl, so full of life. But that’s not the devastated, barely speaking woman who walks in my shop. Lizzie had the life she deserved. Now she’s destroyed. And on top of that, what does she know about working in a garage or dealing with a man like me—a member of the Royal Bastards MC?
Not to mention the fact that she’s half my age and distracting as hell.
How in the world does Kate expect us to help each other?

••••••••••

REVIEW: PAYING THE PRICE is the sixth instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult RBMC: DURANGO CO erotic, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored RBMC. This is RBMC: Durango VP John ‘ Darko’ Taylor, and thirty-two year old, Lizzy Collins’ story line. PAYING THE PRICE 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 (Darko and Lizzie) PAYING THE PRICE follows the building romance and relationship between Durango VP John ‘ Darko’ Taylor, and thirty-two year old, Lizzy Collins. Several month earlier Lizzy Collins’ life imploded when her fire-fighter husband was killed on the job. Fast forward to present day, Lizzy’s life is spiraling out of control but the with help of her best friend Kate (Enforcing the Rules #4) Lizzie finds herself on the road to recovery, working as the office manager for the RBMC owned Royal Restorations where she will meet RBMC: Durango VP John ‘Darko’ Taylor. Darko’s life has changed in recent weeks when he discovered he has a twelve year old son he knew nothing about. The death of his son’s mother finds Darko a single father, but a father who is determined to take back what he lost years before . Falling for Lizzie was never in the cards but Darko finds himself pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine, a woman who continues to struggle with the grief and heartbreak of loss.

The world building focuses on Darko’s building relationship with both Lizzie and his son Eli, a young man who has lost his mother, and is trying to settle into a new life and town. As Darko is pulled in several directions, Durango is beset with a series of break-ins, break-ins that will place our heroine in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Darko and Lizzie begins as employee and employer but Darko struggles to keep his distance from our story line heroine. Not only is Lizzie a widow but the death of her husband has placed a financial burden she never expected. With Lizzie and the RBMC as a support system, Darko’s family expands brining Eli and Lizzie into the fold. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including club president Rock and Evelyn, Rock’s son Trez and his old lady Isabella, Memphis and Lola, Utah and Kate, Baja and Elaina, as well as the introduction of Darko’s son Eli, his grandparents, and Lizzie’s former mother in law Beverly.

PAYING THE PRICE is a story of grief and loss, struggle and acceptance, friendships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and inspiring but not as dark as some MC story lines; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Club Princess
Climbing the Ranks
Keeping The Throne
Enforcing the Rules
Taking What’s Ours

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Nicole James is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who loves writing about hot alpha men who’ll do anything for the women they love! Her stories are filled with struggle, conflict and real human emotion. She is the author of the Evil Dead MC series, the Brothers Ink Tattoo series and more.

Nicole loves to hear from her readers! You can contact her via e-mail, her website contact form or on her social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornicolejames
Twitter-X: https://twitter.com/Nicole_James1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicolejames
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicole-james
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6571986.Nicole_James

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Hound Dog’s Howl (Saint’s Outlaws MC: Memphis 1) by Jamie Fritz

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Hound Dog’s Howl (Saint’s Outlaws MC: Memphis 1) by Jamie Fritz-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 April 22, 2025

On Beale Street, fame comes with a price, and the deals that Hound Dog has made have left his soul burning with vengeance.

He made a vow with a saint to never let someone be used if their dreams were on the line. To take back their city and protect the artists, the voiceless. When a frightened songbird, Melody Rae takes the stage one night, it will take a Saint to free her.

There’s something about her that awakes this Hound Dog. Something so addicting and tempting he’ll lose all control. She needs him and in the end he’ll need her more to show him a world with a love to share.

But when bodies start to drop, someone tries to pin their chapter to the crimes. It’s war, bloody and awful. The hits are too close to call and love is on the line. So this Hound Dog may have to do more than just sing. He’ll have to howl.

••••

REVIEW:HOUND DOG’S HOWL is the first instalment in Jamie Fritz’ contemporary, adult SAINT’S OUTLAWS MC: MEMPHIS erotic, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored SAINT’S OUTLAWS MC series. This is thirty-seven year old, SOMC: Memphis president Nash ‘Hound Dog’ Lane Young, and thirty year old singer Melody Rae’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hound Dog and Melody) HOUND DOG’S HOWL follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-seven year old, SOMC: Memphis president Nash ‘Hound Dog’ Lane Young, and thirty year old singer Melody Rae. Approximately ten years earlier, Nash Young aka Lane tanked his burgeoning music career when he discovered betrayal behind the scenes. Fast forward to present day , Nash, now known as Hound Dog, is the president of the SOMC: Memphis, and an attack on a young woman who’s music career had yet to take off, finds Hound Dog, taking control and proclaiming himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine. Melody Rae both sings and writes music but severe stage fright aka glossophobia forces Melody into a spiral with each attempted performance but living with Hound Dog, and under the protection of the SOMC finds Melody struggling with her own path going forward until threats against the MC target the woman with whom Hound Dog is falling in love.

The world building focuses on Melody’s struggle with stage fright; Hound Dog’s battle to stay in control; and the potential for war with another MC when the SOMC: Memphis find themselves on the radar of local law enforcement.

The relationship between Melody and Hound Dog begins as a rescue that quickly turns into something more but Melody has a target on her back, and our heroine struggles to believe she may be the pawn in a much larger situation. Hound Dog is determined to protect our story line heroine, claiming Melody as his old lady, a claim that threatens her safety, going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the members of the Saint’s Outlaws MC: Memphis including vice president BB aka Connor, Stray, Otis, Shooter, as well as Lieutenant Howard Greene, Officer Daniels, and Melody’s best friend Sadie.The requisite evil has many faces.

HOUNG DOG’S HOWL is a story of betrayal and vengeance,power and control, secrets and threats, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is spicy ; the characters are spirited, sassy and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hera’s Lament (American Noir 3) by Shaun Griffin -review

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Hera’s Lament (American Noir 3) by Shaun Griffin -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 April 17, 2025

Faith has unleashed the vampire virus upon America. Infection guarantees death to all but the few who bond with it—the new vampires. As panic spreads the government scrambles to eliminate the mutating virus. But two men, billionaire Xavier Masters and Senator Drake, recognize its potential—both in the promise of immortality and creating a super soldier. Now they need to find the one who started it all.

Guilt ridden by what she has done, Faith vows to destroy these vampires even if it means venturing into the military controlled quarantine zones. When Faith rescues Hannah, a young girl infected by one of her creations, she becomes the target of Xavier’s deadly team of mercenaries. Aided by an enslaved vampire they close in on her trail. But another threat looms—Anastasiya, her maker, also hunts her.

As the final showdown looms, Faith must decide: is she truly a monster or the key to humanity’s survival?

•••••

REVIEW: You definitely need to read in order.

Having devoured the first two installments of Shaun Griffin’s American Noir Trilogy, I was excited to dive into “Hera’s Lament.” The stakes are higher, the characters deeper, and the world darker than ever before. From the very first page, I was pulled back into the heart of the authors chilling universe, where moral dilemmas collide with the terrifying consequences of ambition….

Faith’s journey is nothing short of harrowing. The guilt she carries for unleashing the vampire virus weighs heavily on her, and I felt every pang of her remorse as she navigated through chaos and danger. Her determination to confront her creations head-on only fueled my admiration for her, despite the monster she believes she has become. In many ways, she encapsulates the struggle between duty and conscience, and I found myself rooting for her at every turn. (Even though she’s classed as the villain!)

Xavier Masters and Senator Drake serve as formidable antagonists, embodying the allure and perils of power. Their relentless pursuit of immortality and superhuman strength made for an engaging conflict that kept me on the edge of my seat. The dynamic between these villains and Faith gave the story an electrifying tension.

The introduction of Hannah, the young girl infected by the virus, added a heart-wrenching layer to the story. Her vulnerability highlighted the stakes involved, and I appreciated how Faith’s protective instincts began to shine through her guilt. It offered a glimmer of hope amid the horror, it was a reminder of what was worth fighting for.

As I raced through the pages, the fast-paced action scenes intertwined with deeper philosophical questions about humanity’s nature kept my heart racing. The author’s skillful writing immerses you in every moment, making you feel the adrenaline, the fear, and the heartache.

The final showdown was everything I hoped for, intense, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. The author masterfully weaves threads of suspense and revelation that culminate in a breathtaking conclusion, forcing Faith to grapple with her identity and destiny.

Overall, “Hera’s Lament” exceeded my expectations.

This trilogy might have started out a little shaky, but it ended on an amazing one.

If you haven’t yet jumped in, I highly recommend grabbing all three books in order.

You won’t regret getting lost in this dark and captivating journey!

And the ending? 😜

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hera’s Curse
Hera’s Scream

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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The Maverick / The Bodyguard by Delta James-reviews

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The Maverick / The Bodyguard by Delta James-reviews

The Maverick
Cowboys of Silver Spur Security 3
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,romantic suspense

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

Release Date: April 18, 2025

He broke her heart once. Now he’s the only one who can save her life.

Vanessa Ellington never thought the world of her dark, passionate novels would become her reality. A successful but reclusive romance author, she’s built walls around herself, until an obsessed reader decides she’s been writing about him. When the disturbing messages turn into real threats, Vanessa realizes she needs protection.

Hawke Turner, a former military, Silver Spur Security operative, and the man she once gave her heart to before he shattered it. Their past is tangled in fiery passion and broken trust, but when the danger closes in, Hawke refuses to let her push him away. At The Iron Spur, Vanessa is a wild, untamable brat who thrives on control games, but this is no game. And Hawke? He plays for keeps.

As the stalker escalates his twisted obsession, Hawke takes command, not just of Vanessa’s safety but of her. He’ll protect her at any cost, even if it means forcing her to submit to his rules, in and out of the club.

The predator is closing in. The stakes are life or death. And for Vanessa, surrendering to Hawke might be her only chance to survive.

••••••

REVIEW: THE MAVERICK is the third instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult COWBOYS OF SILVER SPUR SECURITY erotic, Dom /sub romantic suspense series. This is romance author Vanessa Ellington, and security operative Hawke Turner’s story line. THE MAVERICK 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Hawke and Vanessa) THE MAVERICK focuses on the protection of author Vanessa Ellington. Vanessa has a stalker, someone who has broken into her home, and left cryptic messages for our heroine to find. A call to Hawke Turner at Silver Spur Security finds Vanessa on lock down against her wishes. Hawke is desperate to protect the woman he once loved, while Vanessa continues to push all of our hero’s buttons. Hawke demands order, and Vanessa refuses the protection Hawke puts in place. As the threats against Vanessa become more personal, Hawke suspects the stalker maybe someone close.

The world building focuses on Hawke’s need to protect our story line heroine. Someone has gained access to Vanessa’s life, and her computer , and whomever it is, is determined rewrite her story.

The relationship between Hawke and Vanessa is one of second chances. Two years earlier, issues of trust and misunderstanding tore our couple apart but Vanessa has never stopped loving the man who had the ability to destroy her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text

The determined secondary and supporting characters including co-owners of Silver Spur Security Gavin Briggs, Reed Malone, Hawke Turner, and Dawson Hart, as well as Jesse Bryant. The requisite evil has several faces.

THE MAVERICK is a story of madness and obsession, power and control, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and desperate.

 Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Trail Boss
The Wrangler

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

________

The Bodyguard
Club Southside 10
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2025

She’s the woman he’s sworn to protect. He’s the man she can’t afford to need.

Mitch Langdon has one job—keep Andi Donato safe. As the headstrong woman finds herself in the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy, Mitch is tasked with shadowing her every move. But guarding Andi isn’t just a mission—it’s a test of control. Because the real threat isn’t just outside her door. It’s the fire that burns between them.

Andi doesn’t do vulnerable. She built her empire with grit and determination, proving she doesn’t need saving. But Mitch sees through the walls she’s so carefully constructed, challenging her in ways no one else ever has. He’s steady, relentless, and far too tempting.

As the danger closes in, the lines between duty and desire blur. Andi is used to fighting her own battles, but this time, walking away from Mitch might be the one fight she can’t win.

••••••

REVIEW:THE BODYGUARD is the tenth instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult CLUB SOUTHSIDE erotic, Dom/Sub romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Cerberus Security. This is security specialist Mitch Langdon,and Mayoral candidate Andi Donato’s story line. THE BODYGUARD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Mitch and Andi) THE BODYGUARD follows in the wake of threats against our story line heroine. Andi Donato is running for the position of mayor of Chicago but someone is targeting Andi, and the threats have become more dangerous and dark. Having just returned from an assignment in London, Mitch Langdon has been assigned as Andi’s bodyguard and protector but Mitch struggles to protect politicians, and Andi is about to push all of his buttons. As the team at Cerberus begins a deep dive into Andi’s campaign, someone else is targeting our story line hero.

The world building focuses on the protection of Andi Donato, and the search for the people responsible for the threats against our story line heroine. Andi is a strong-willed woman who refuses to hide but when shots are fired, Andi knows the threats have become something more.

The relationship between Andi and Mitch begins as an assignment, one of which Andi struggles with her need for protection, and Mitch refuses to back down in the wake of the ongoing threats. Mitch is determined to help Andi deal with the anxiety and heartbreak, and as a Dom at Club Southside, Mitch introduces Andi to a new path in life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Andi’s chief of staff Maya Ramsey: Senator Rick Wexler; CAO of Cerberus Royce Sanders: and security specialist Coop McCullough.

THE BODYGUARD is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, threats and intimidation, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy and suspenseful; the romance is sassy and seductive; the characters are spirited and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Scoundrel
The Scavenger
The Sentinel
The Rookie
The Keeper
The Enforcer
The Player
The Fixer
The Sniper

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Samael (Blackwell Brothers Redemption 1) by NJ Walters-review

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Samael (Blackwell Brothers Redemption 1) by NJ Walters-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2025

Love her. Protect her. Reap her soul.

Samael Blackwell is the son of Death—and he’s officially out of chances. After centuries of reaping souls with zero regard for the rules, his father sends him to the dead-end town of Redemption. With only a few hundred bucks and the clothes on his back, Sam has one last shot to prove he can do the job right: reap with compassion, or lose everything.

It should’ve been easy. Find the soul. Finish the job. Walk away.

Then he meets Adrianne Sharp.

She’s strong, guarded, and hiding from a past that refuses to stay buried. The connection between them is instant—and impossible. Because Adrianne isn’t just anyone. She’s his assignment.

And her soul’s on the clock.

To win back his old life, all Sam has to do is watch her die. But what if the cost of redemption…is her?

He was sent to end her story. But she just might rewrite his.

••••••

REVIEW: From the moment I cracked open “Samael,” I remembered how much I loved this authors work.

The world N.J. Walters built, is a place where the line between life and death blurs, and the stakes are as high as is the emotions that drive the characters.

The story centers around Samael Blackwell, the son of Death, who finds himself in a rather precarious situation, sent to the town of Redemption to reap souls, he must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and sacrifice.

Samael is a character that tugged at my heartstrings right from the start. He’s not your typical grim reaper, oh no, he’s flawed, desperate for a second chance, and bears the weight of centuries of mistakes on his shoulders. The author does an excellent job of showing his inner turmoil and growth throughout the story. I found myself rooting for him, hoping he would find a way to reconnect with his humanity, even as he struggled with the heartbreaking task laid out before him.

Adrianne Sharp, the assignment, is equally captivating. Strong and guarded, she’s a woman with her own demons, constantly running from a past that threatens to engulf her. The chemistry between her and Samael is palpable, igniting the pages with an intensity that had me gripped. Their connection is beautifully complex, fraught with the tension of duty versus desire, which kept me on the edge of my seat, and pulling an all nighter 😜

The author excels in weaving together themes of redemption and love that challenge the characters’ understanding of life and death.

As Samael’s mission unfolds, can he really find salvation through the loss of another?

The pacing of the story was just right, allowing for moments of tension, tenderness, and reflection. I felt every high and low alongside the characters. As the plot thickened and the stakes escalated, I couldn’t put the book down. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author skillfully turned the story on its head.

Overall, “Samael” is a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice that is equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting. The characters are unforgettable, their struggles relatable, and the blend of fantasy and reality creates a story that lingers long after the last page.

If you’re in the mood for a story that tugs at your heart while immersing you in a richly crafted world, I highly recommend picking up “Samael.” It’s a journey of love, life, death, and everything in between.

Copied supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

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The Beast/The Viper (Emerald Kings 1&2) by Britney O’Neal-reviews

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The Beast / The Viper (Emerald Kings 1 & 2) by Britney O’Neal-reviews

THE BEAST
Emerald Kings 1
by Britney O’Neal
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, mafia, romance

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 October 20, 2024

Behind Every Beauty Is A Beast

Zora

When I learned of my little sister’s quick wedding in Ireland, I booked the flight to watch her walk down the aisle.

When her fiancé bolted and a wedding had to take place, I wasn’t expecting the older brother and me to be the ones saying, “I do.” But he gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Conor is everything I need and everything I don’t. Yet, I still pray sometimes that he’ll decide to give us a chance. However, that doesn’t last long when his father threatens me.

Will we stay together, or will I let his father win?

Conor

My younger brother bolting at the wedding changed the outcome of the event.

I never wanted to get married, but when my father demanded I do it to keep the family’s reputation intact, I looked to the American girl, who piqued my interest. Keeping Zora nearby isn’t a part of the plan. She will create more problems than I have time for. Falling in love with her, was a twist I never saw coming, wasn’t supposed to happen.

Will she give me a chance after I’ve pushed her away for so long? Or will she say no and leave me heartbroken?

••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEAST is the first instalment in Britney O’Neal’s contemporary, adult EMERALD KINGS dark,erotic, Irish mobsters romance series. This is twenty-six year old,heir to the O’Shea Crime Family Conor O’Shea, and twenty-two year old, American art student Zora’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Conor and Zora) THE BEAST follows in the wake of the rushed wedding between our story line couple. Zora was in Ireland, attending her younger sister Sisi’s wedding to Conor’s younger brother Caysey when the groom ran out, leaving the bride alone. Determined to save face, Conor’s father and head of the O’Shea family, Seamus O’Shea demanded a wedding, and Conor made Zora an offer she couldn’t refuse but from the outset the marriage was destined to fail when Conor pushed Zora out of his life, and our heroine struggles with severe issues of jealousy in the face of perceived betrayal meant to hurt and destroy. Others are determined to break apart our story line couple, and in this, lives are threatened, relationships are lost, and the secrets and lies will destroy them all.

The world building follows the acrimonious and dysfunctional dynamics of the O’Shea crime family. The heirs to the power refuse to comply with their father’s demands, and in this, the approach of a potential war begins the target our story line couple.

The relationship between Conor and Zora begins as an impetuous and impulsive wedding when the original groom ran out on the original bride. Having only met hours before, Conor and Zora begin their married life until suspicious circumstances, and Conor refuses to place Zora in the direct line of fire. Back and forth, up and down, their relationships struggles in the face of distrust and heartbreak but Conor is determined to claim Zora as his happily ever after. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Conor’s brothers Carrick and Caysey, as well as their controlling father Seamus O’Shea, and their mother Jeanie; Desmond, his daughter Vivian, and son Edmond; Conor’s best friend and right-hand man Benny.

THE BEAST is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are desperate and determined but the continuous lack of trust got old, really fast.

_______

THE VIPER
Emerald Kings 2
by Britney O’Neal
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 20, 2025

Butterflies Are Meant To Fly

Sisi
He broke my heart and left me drowning in the wreckage.

Carrick once held my heart in his hands—then he shattered it. Now, marrying him is the only way to save my life, but it doesn’t erase the past. The betrayal still lingers, the scars still ache, and no matter how much he swears he’s changed, I can’t forget what he did. But the more time we spend together, the more I see glimpses of the man I once loved. However, that all changes when tragedy invades the family and I no longer recognize the man standing in front of me.

Carrick
I destroyed us, and I’ve been paying for it ever since.

Guilt is a relentless shadow, a weight I carry every second of every day. I pushed Sisi away, knowing I would break her, and I did. Now, I have one last chance to make things right, and I’ll crawl through hell if that’s what it takes to earn her trust again. But love isn’t enough when you’re haunted by words you never got to say. And when the loss of someone I love strikes, I realize I might not deserve forgiveness—because some mistakes are unforgivable.

••••••

REVIEW:THE VIPER is the second instalment in Britney O’Neal’s contemporary, adult EMERALD KINGS dark,erotic, Irish mobsters, romance series. This is twenty-four year old, Carrick O’Shea, and nineteen year old, American student Sisi’s story line. THE VIPER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one as the events of THE VIPER cross over with, and run parallel to the events of book one THE BEAST.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sisi and Carrick) follows the tempestuous relationship between Carrick O’Shea, and American Sisi. Sisi is in Ireland as a foreign exchange student when she will meet the man who will change her life but Carrick struggles with his need and attraction for our heroine Sisi, and in this, Carrick will sabotage the relationship, pushing Sisi out of his life. Meanwhile, the ruling families fight for control, and the O’Shea’ s will get caught in the crossfire, once again destroying the relationship between Carrick and Sisi.

The world building follows Carrick’s spiral out of control. Love, loss and retribution are at the heart of Carrick’s need for vengeance but Sisi is about to pay the price for loving a man who does not want to be loved.

The relationships between Sisi and Carrick is turbulent and stormy. Betrayal came at a cost, and the entire family would suffer for the mistakes of the past. As Carrick battled between head and heart, Sisi found herself alone in the wake of the ultimate sacrifice. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Carrick’s brothers Caysey,and Conor, as well as Conor’s wife Zorra; their parents Seamus and Jeanie O’Shea, and crime family rivals Tristan and CK Kelly.

THE VIPER is a story of betrayal and vengeance,power and control, death and grief, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and heart breaking; the romance is raw and twisted; the characters are desperate and broken.

Copies supplied for reviews

Reviews by Sandy

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Volley (Rainbow Dorset University 2) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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⚽️🌴Volley (Rainbow Dorset University 2) by Crea Reitan-review tour⚽️🌴

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2025

A summer romance for one, please!

One summer. An island resort escape. Solitude to banish the demons in my past.

What begins as a chance meeting on a beach during sunset turns into the most romantic, life-changing five weeks I could ever dream up with two of the most amazing men I’ve ever met. The end of summer comes all too soon and we’re forced to part ways, though we promise to keep in touch.

Fate isn’t letting this be the end, though. The start of the new school year finds me on Alka’s soccer team. We’re not sure whether to celebrate being together again or hide our forbidden relationship.

As it turns out, the decision might not be up to us – Alka receives an anonymous email with an ultimatum – kick me off the team or they’re going to expose our relationship to the Dean.

••••••

REVIEW:When I picked up *Volley*, I thought I was in for just another summer romance. But what I discovered was so much more, it’s a heartfelt journey of love, self-discovery, and the tightrope walk between passion and peril.

Set against the backdrop of a stunning island resort, the story pulls you in from the very first page. The serene beach at sunset where Roux’s life takes an unexpected turn is vividly brought to life through the author’s story telling.

It’s there where he encountered two remarkable men who would change his perspective on love forever. Their charm and chemistry added depth to an already intoxicating summer of escapes and stolen moments.

As the weeks blurred by, what began as a light-hearted escape morphed into a life-altering experience, filled with laughter, intimacy, and a connection that he didn’t think was possible.

The author does a phenomenal job of portraying the complexity of emotions that can arise during a summer fling, ultimately leaving them with a sense of longing when the season came to an end.

Reuniting with Alka and Oscar should have been a dream come true.

However, the magic of those summer days turned into a turbulent challenge as they navigated the consequences of their rekindled connection. The duality of joy and fear that accompanied their forbidden relationship had me turning the pages on my kindle, especially when an anonymous email threatened to expose the truth.

Talk about intense!

What I loved most was how *Volley* displayed the resilience of love against external pressures. Alka’s struggle to balance his relationship with his responsibilities left me at the edge of my seat. The tension fortified the bond they all shared, but it also highlighted the struggle that they faced in maintaining secrecy.

I found myself rooting for their relationship, wishing for the world to accept the beautiful and complicated love they had created.

The author skillfully explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the weight of personal history. My heart ached for Alka, Oscar and their Ruby as they grappled with the threat of exposure and the burden of Roux’s past demons. With each page, I felt the author’s unique ability to encapsulate emotion, and her insight kept me deeply engaged throughout the story.

In conclusion, Crea Reitan’s *Volley* is not just a summer romance, but a gripping exploration of love in all its forms. Its heartwarming moments are balanced beautifully with tension and uncertainty, making it a compelling read that I won’t soon forget.

I love how this world just keeps growing… it encompasses “Van Doren’s” and “For Puck Sake” series. Things pop up that have you wanting to reread certain books. This world just makes me smile, and I hope it continues for a long time.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that captures the essence of love and the tangled paths we often tread.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one COLLIDE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

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