Tag Archives: new release reviews 2025

Midnight Wedding (Mafia Romances 1) by BB Hamel-review

Posted on by
6

Midnight Wedding (Mafia Romances 1) by BB Hamel-review

ebook only 99¢ usd: 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 March 5, 2025

My hot neighbor’s apartment is totally trashed.
I shouldn’t snoop, but his door is wide open.
Now I’m standing in his living room with a pile of cash in one hand and his underwear in the other.
And he’s pointing a gun at my head.

I’m mortified. Also, I’m trespassing. I never should’ve gone anywhere near my hot neighbor’s place.

But instead of ending up murdered or arrested, I have one of the steamiest nights of my life with a mysterious man that looks like heaven and tastes like sin.

I figure the story’s over there, at least until a pregnancy test comes back positive.

Turns out that my hot neighbor is Arsen Sarkissian, head of the Brotherhood crime syndicate.

He’s chiseled from granite, burning to the touch, and scarily obsessed when it comes to family.

So he offers me a deal: become his wife, give him the baby, and he’ll take care of my sick mother forever.

Now I’m on the wedding altar saying vows I don’t mean, all because the dangerous, beautiful killer’s making promises I’m not sure he can keep.

•••••

REVIEW:MIDNIGHT WEDDING is the first instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult, Mafia romance series of stand alone story lines. This is the new head of the Armenian Brotherhood Patron Arsen Sarkissian, and Lena’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 (Arsen and Lena) MIDNIGHT WEDDING follows in the aftermath of a one-night stand between our story line couple. Several weeks earlier, Lena walked into her neighbor’s apartment, an apartment destroyed by an unknown enemy. Accused of trespassing and theft, Lena finds herself a willing victim of Arsen Sarkissian, the new Patron of the Armenian Brotherhood but as the weeks go by, Lena will discover she is pregnant, and Arsen is determined to claim our heroine as his own. All is not well within the Armenian Brotherhood, they are at war with themselves as well as the Russians, and Lena is about to be caught in a war between family and blood when she witnesses a crime she cannot forget.

The world building follows several paths including Arsen’s rise to power following the death of his father: Lena’s need to explore and venture into places unknown; Arsen’s abnormal and damaging childhood; his unwavering trust in the woman with whom he will fall in love; and the possible betrayal by the people who have yet to swear fealty to the man in charge.

The relationship between Arsen and Lena begins as a one-night stand that will escalate when Lena discovers she is expecting Arsen’s child. Arsen is supposed to marry a nice Armenian girl but Lena is the woman that calls to his heart, a woman that is about to upset the Armenian Brotherhood order. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.

We are introduced Arsen’s brother Tegran; their aunt Sona and uncle Garen; housekeeper Maud, as well as Lena’s parents and her brother Vadim.

MIDNIGHT WEDDING is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, twisted and gritty; the romance is spicy and edgy; the characters are determine, dynamic and sassy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

DANCE OF DECEPTION (The Darkest Dance 1) by Jagger Cole-review

Posted on by
8

DANCE OF DECEPTION (The Darkest Dance 1) by Jagger Cole-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: https://bit.ly/3WxPovn

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 13, 2025

He knows what I saw. Now he owns me.
Carmine Barone is a monster no one sees but me.
A beautiful villain with a cold, black heart and a body honed for violence.
But when I stumble into a world I was never meant to see, the ruthless mafia heir becomes something else, too:
My husband.
Now, I’m trapped in a forced marriage to a man who hunts in darkness.
A man who plays games with lies and deception.
A secret predator who wants to feast on my darkest, most immoral desires.
And the only thing worse than being chased by a psychopath?
Wanting him to.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DANCE OF DECEPTION is the first instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary, adult THE DARKEST DANCE dark,erotic, organized crime series. This is the new Don Carmine Barone, and ballet dancer Lyra Ostrova’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the characters from Corrupted Hearts series, and Dark Hearts Series.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Carmine and Lyra) DANCE OF DECEPTION follows the forced marriage between Don Carmine Barone and ballet dancer Lyra Ostrova. Lyra Ostrova lives with her alcoholic mother Vera, and since the death of her father, Lyra and her mother have struggled to make ends meet. When a member of an organized crime family confronts our heroine with a threat of payment due, Lyra finds herself dancing blind for a group of men she knows nothing about but Lyra will witness a crime, and her life will no longer be her own, as she must choose between flight or fight. Married to the new Don, Carmine Barone, or face death while on the run, Lyra must come to terms with the man who will control her life.. As Lyra struggles with her new direction, the past will return, and our heroine, is once again, facing down a man who already destroyed her life and the lives of so many others.

The world building focuses on murder and betrayal as Lyra struggles to overcome the demons from her past, demons that refuse to let go. Don Carmine Barone is determined to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love but Carmine will have to take down the world in which Lyra once lived.

The relationship between Lyra and Carmine is a forced marriage, predicated on witnessing a crime. Lyra is a university student, working towards a degree in psychiatry but Lyra will quickly discover the man to whom she is married is a monster, a psychopath, and the head of the Barone Crime family. Carmine Barone doesn’t do relationships, and never planned to get married, but his father’s ill health pushed Carmine to the top of the line, and in doing so, a wife is needed to complete the look. As Carmine quickly takes control of his wife, Lyra faces down more than one monster in an effort to survive. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense, and not without some issues of questionable consent.

We are introduced to the members of a group known as The Black Court, a group of self-proclaimed vigilantes who decide the rules- who lives and who dies: The Hound, The Raven, The Wolf, The Bull, The Stag: Lyra’s fellow ballet dancers including Carmine’s sister Bianca Barone Drakos (
Venomous Gods #4) , Dove Marchetti, Brooklyn, Vaughn, Milena and Madame Kuzmina, as well as Lyra’s mother Vera, and several members of Bratva and Italian crime families including Bratva Kingpin Kir Nikolayev. The requisite evil has many faces.

DANCE OF DECEPTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, murder and madness, secrets and lies, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty, dramatic and raw; the romance is limited; the characters are determined, complex and broken.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.

Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.

When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside–rain or shine.

You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com

Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd

FOLLOW: WEBSITE / Facebook / Bookfunnel Newsletter / Goodreads / Amazon Author / Instagram /

Share

OFFICE SPARKS Anthology by CD Reiss, K. Bromberg, Laurelin Paige

Posted on by
12

OFFICE SPARKS Anthology by CD Reiss, K. Bromberg, Laurelin Paige, Heather Graham-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 March 11, 2025

Romance is heating up at the office. In Office Sparks, whether it’s secret affairs, forbidden crushes, or rivals turned lovers, these workplace romances will ignite the tension between career and passion. As deadlines blur with desire, and competition gives way to connection, get ready for steamy stories where love conquers the boardroom.

Prince Roman by C.D Reiss
Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg
Falling Under You by Laurelin Paige
and
Crimson Twilight by Heather Graham

••••••••

NOTE: My review covers Prince Roman by CD Reiss: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg & Falling Under You by Laurelin Paige

PRINCE ROMAN by CD Reiss

PRINCE ROMANCE by CD Reiss is instalment 2.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult KING OF CODE erotic, romance series. This is attorney Roman Bianchi and VP of Human Resources Raven Crosby’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raven and Roman) follows the building relationship between attorney Roman Bianchi and VP of Human Resources Raven Crosby’. Raven Crosby left her previous employer at QI4 in the wake of a failed inter-company relationship. Newly employed at Neuronet as the VP of Human Resources Raven finds herself attracted to the new legal auditor, a man whose need for Raven is dangerous to both. When Raven offers one weekend only, our heroine struggles with wanting more in the wake of the company no-fraternization policy but all is not as it appears to be, and our heroine may pay the price for falling in love.

The world building focuses on the building but forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Raven has been there, done that, and refuses to get caught in another office romance but the heart was something more, and Roman is a man determined to prove she is worthy of love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several co-workers, both current and former, including Raven’s assistant Masy, former boss and ex-lover Taylor, and company co-founder Marie Siska.

PRINCE ROMAN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control,acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are determined and desperate.

_______

SWEET RIVALRY by K. Bromberg

SWEET RIVALRY by K. Bromberg is a stand alone, adult, contemporary erotic, romance storyline. This is Ryder Rodgers and Harper Denton’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ryder and Harper) SWEET RIVALRY is a second chance story line that follows the rekindling relationship between former college rivals-Ryder Rodgers and Harper Denton. Thirteen years earlier Ryder and Harper’s tenuous and complicated relationship was destroyed by a classroom competition that saw hour heroine moving forward without looking back. Fast forward thirteen years wherein Harper and Ryder are once again competing but in a professional capacity. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Harper and Ryder, and the battle to see who will come out on top.

Harper has always harbored feelings of lust and attraction for Ryder Rodgers but never expected her feelings to be reciprocated in any way. Their competitive nature finds the couple in a constant state of sexual awareness and energy even as they both struggle for the same job.

The relationship between Harper and Ryder is acrimonious. Harper’s attraction to Ryder keeps our heroine on the defensive with cutting remarks and a sharp-tongued retort at every turn. Ryder knows that the woman he lost years before is the same woman he desires when all is said and done. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

SWEET RIVALRY is a quick read; a novella length, stand alone second chance story line between two people whose attraction to one another has never waivered; whose need for one another will be tested during the heat of battle and competition. The premise is imaginative and stirring; the romance is fiery and spirited; the characters are passionate, colorful and energetic. SWEET RIVALRY is an engaging and hopeful tale of rivals in love and life.

________

FALLING UNDER YOU by Laurelin Paige

FALLING UNDER YOU (Fixed 4.5) by Laurelin Paige is an adult, contemporary, erotic romance novella. This is chief financial advisor at Pierce Industries Norma Anders, and PA Boyd Barrett’s story line. FALLING UNDER YOU runs parallel to the events in Laurelin’s FIXED series, and the FOUND DUET, and can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary. FALLING UNDER YOU covers approximately 2-3 years in story line time.

Told from first person point of view (Norma) FALLING UNDER YOU is an erotic story line that focuses on a forbidden romance between office colleagues-a romance predicated on Domination and submission. Norma Anders is a successful business woman; a take charge CFA for Pierce Industries, and a woman who has fallen for her boss Pierce Hudson. Enter Boyd Barrett, Norma’s PA, and the man who will take charge and dominate Norma in the bedroom and in love. What ensues is a ‘secret affair’ between Norma and Boyd- a relationship that finds our heroine submitting to a man she ‘dominates’ at work.

FALLING UNDER is a story line that crosses over between Laurelin’s FIXED trilogy, and her FOUND DUET. Norma is Gwen’s sister (Found Duet), and is in desperate need of stepping back from her life. Throughout the original series the author hints at Norma’s possible relationship with Boyd, but we are never privy to the intimate details or the nature of the D/s exchange. At times, the story line advances several months in which we do not have access to the building relationship and in this I struggled with the lack of details as to their building love-for all intents and purposes, the story focused on the D/s exchange skipping most everything else in their personal lives. The premise is entertaining and provocative; the characters are captivating and charismatic; the romance is seductive, erotic and intense. If you are a fan of Paige’s FIXED TRILOGY and the FOUND DUET, FALLING UNDER YOU should not be missed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

CD Reiss: Goodreads/ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram

K. Bromberg: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

Laurelin Paige:  Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook Fan Page

Share

Timeless (Heart’s True Desire 2) by Kathryn Amurra -review

Posted on by
13

Timeless (Heart’s True Desire 2) by Kathryn Amurra -review & excerpt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

Erin Dovetree cannot forgive her father for cheating on her mother years ago and has sworn off men altogether. That is until destiny leads her to her grandmother’s incredibly attractive and mysterious landlord.

William Abbott has lived for over a hundred years, cursed with a static and unnatural existence as punishment for his past sins. Although drawn to the lovely and intelligent Erin, he refuses to subject her to the fate that is his alone to bear.

As Erin pieces together the story of Will’s past and discovers the true cause of his timeless existence, she must reconsider the judgments she has made in her own life. And to have any chance at a life together, she and Will must find answers to the questions that have plagued them both.

•••••••

REVIEW:This is the second book in the Heart’s True Desire series.

I liked this one more than the first, and I loved the first one.

This is a romance book yes, but with the paranormal elements that I love.

Erin doesn’t believe in love, swearing off both romance and love after finding out about her father cheating on her mother! Throwing herself into becoming a partner in the law firm she works for, Erin puts love in a box and tries to forget about it.

William has lived a looong life! Well over one hundred years to be exact! Cursed to live a long and lonely life. So he keeps himself to himself not really interacting, what’s the point? they will only leave at some point 💀

But fate brings them together. Her grandmother lives in the building he owns. Visiting her grandmother Erin meets the handsome but elusive landlord. Sparks fly and the chemistry is there, but Erin gets the distinct impression it’s only one sided! She’s very much mistaken, Will is interested, but won’t commit! Why?

Secrets almost wreck this budding romance, how can Will open up to Erin? Can he really share his darkest secret with the woman he’s falling for? And how will Erin react? (Although she’s beginning to piece together for herself all about William!)

I really liked how the story begins, with a jewellery maker and his love for his two children, and the jewellery he makes for them.

The amulet has a part to play like it did in the last book. And that along with Will’s long life is the paranormal part in this book.

I really liked Erin’s grandmother, although her body isn’t what it use to be, her mind is still as sharp. I do think she’s instrumental in getting these two together.

Both have commitment and trust issues to work out before they can move forward.

It’s definitely a sweet almost clean romance, with a dash of angst on the side 😉

Loved it 👍🏻 and recommend you grab and read it soon

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one AMULET

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

 

 

“Erin?”
Erin jumped at the sound of Will’s voice and turned away from the dumpster she had been staring at to look at him. “Will! You scared the crap out of me!”
She tried to surreptitiously wipe the tears that had wet both her cheeks, but she knew it was obvious she’d been crying.
She cleared her throat and straightened her back. “You didn’t have to come out here. And you didn’t have to listen to my grandmother if she was the one who told you to follow me. I’m fine.”
Even to Erin’s own ears the pain and self-pity in her voice was as clear as a bell. How pathetic she was, a grown woman—an attorney at a high-priced law firm— crying next to a dumpster over getting her feelings hurt by her thoughtless father. It was a wonder Will could even bear to look at her.
Almost in response to her thoughts, Will took a few steps closer, until he was standing just inches away. “Nobody told me to follow you. I was worried about you.”
“Well, I’m fine,” she snapped. “I’m not a child. Despite how my father might speak to me. I can handle myself. I don’t need you to feel sorry for me.”
Her voice cracked, betraying her emotions, and she looked up into Will’s eyes to gauge his reaction. All she saw was kindness and genuine compassion.
“I’m sorry.” She sighed, tears welling up once again. “You were being nice, and I’m being a jerk. You should go back and eat. I’ll come inside in a minute. I just needed to calm down. I’m fine now.”
Will reached up with both hands to touch the hair that fell on either side of her face. Erin’s breath caught in her chest as his warm fingers innocently brushed the tips of her ears.
“I like your hair down,” he said in a low voice. Then he touched her lips briefly with the pad of his index finger. “And I like your lipstick. But I have to admit I like it when you wear your hair up, too, and when you’re not wearing any lipstick at all.”
“Maybe you’re just easy to please,” she whispered, feeling on the verge of passing out.
“Maybe you’re just beautiful.”


 

Kathryn Amurra is the author of sweet and sensual love stories. Her debut series, Soothsayer’s Path, is a historical romance series of standalone books set in Ancient Rome around 115 CE. Her new series, Heart’s True Desire, is a paranormal romance series of standalone books published through The Wild Rose Press. Kathryn has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and writing since grade school. Against the advice of her 12th grade English teacher, she studied Mechanical Engineering in college, then worked as an Engineer for a few years. After finding and marrying her own hero, she and her hubby went to law school together. They currently live in North Carolina with their three girls.

Email – kathrynamurra@gmail.com

Website – https://www.kathrynamurra.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kathrynamurra/

Twitter – https://x.com/AmurraKathryn

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20280375.Kathryn_Amurra

Share

BLOOD SKYE (Skye Druids 6) by Donna Grant-review

Posted on by
12

BLOOD SKYE (Skye Druids 6) by Donna Grant-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 11, 2025

The only choice is surrender.

In my world, magic and danger go hand-in-hand. It has from my earliest memory. Magic was currency, and if you have it, you have power. I was shaped by some of the most influential Druids into a lethal weapon. Their weapon.

Until the night they betray me—and I wind up in the hands of my enemy.

He’s nothing but a job for me. To him, I’m the key to finding his father. Too bad I know nothing.

But right now, he’s the only thing keeping me alive, so I’ll do whatever it takes. Yet, if we’re going to survive, it means doing it together.

I’ve never allowed myself to care, to feel. To hope. He shows me a world that was always just out of reach, one I was never meant to be a part of—and a love that burns bright enough to scorch the earth.

Together, we will bring an empire to its knees.

••••••

REVIEW:BLOOD SKYE is the sixth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal, romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s numerous interconnected series. This is Druids Carlyle and Devon aka Song’s storyline. BLOOD SKYE should not be read as a stand alone as each successive instalment builds upon the previous stories. I recommend reading DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) appear as secondary characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids on the Isle of Skye.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Carlyle and Song, BLOOD SKYE focuses on the search for Carlyle’s father, and Song’s sister. As a member of the Skye Druids, Carlyle and the others have been targeted by the London Druids, a group desperate to take control back on the Isle of Skye but hoping to gather information, Carlyle and his best friend Finn find themselves confronted by a woman named Devon, who has led the London Druids to Carlyle’s front door. On the run together, Carlyle and Devon find themselves struggling to comprehend the world in which they live, a world that is beginning to crumble as someone else is determined to take control but all is not as it appears to be when Carlyle and Devon aka Song, must come to terms with the reality of what and whom they discover, a reality that reinforces the betrayal and vengeance by the people they once loved.

The world building is , once again complex, and follows several pathways including the building but tempestuous relationship between our story line couple. Devon struggles to trust the man with whom she is falling in love, and Carlyle finds himself at a disadvantage when Devon begins her final journey alone. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, magical and powerful secondary and supporting characters from several of the interconnected series: Druids, Reapers, Esther The TruthSeeker and Henry the JusticeBringer, Elodie and Scott, Edie Rhona and Balladyn; Krisi, Callum, and Finn. The requisite evil has many faces.

BLOOD SKYE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, family, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is detailed, intricate and dramatic; the characters are desperate and determined; the romance is limited and subtle. BLOOD SKYE ends on a multi-layered cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye
Heart of Glass
Endless Skye
Still of the Night

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share

IF YOU LOVE ME (Toronto Terror 4) by Helena Hunting-review

Posted on by
14

🩷IF YOU LOVE ME (Toronto Terror 4) by Helena Hunting-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 March 13, 2025

Two nights with her ruined me for all other women, but I never got the chance to make her mine.
I’m the pinnacle of control. I protect the net, my team, and my daughter.
It’s my final season and I can’t afford any distractions.
Except our new assistant coach just walked in.
And I would know her face anywhere.
She’s the one I dream about.
That weekend, I was just a man—not the legend, the dad, the mentor.
I didn’t care that I was a decade older.
For the first time in my life, I was ready to risk everything if it meant having her.
Until I woke up to an empty bed and no note.
Three years of wishing I knew how to find her, now she’s my new boss.
I can be patient.
But for her—I want to break all the rules.

•••••

REVIEW: IF YOU LOVE ME is the fourth instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult TORONTO TERROR erotic, hockey romance series. This is forty year old Toronto Terror goalie Roman Hammerstein, and twenty-nine year old, assistant coach Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Forrester. IF YOU LOVE ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Roman Hammerstein is Aurora Hammerstein’s father (IF YOU WANT ME #2).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lexi and Roman) IF YOU LOVE ME follows the second chance relationship between forty year old Toronto Terror goalie Roman Hammerstein, and twenty-nine year old, assistant coach Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Forrester. Approximately three years earlier, following a one-night stand, Lexi Forrester ghosted Roman Hammerstein, never to be seen again. Fast forward to present day, Lexi is the new assistant coach with the Toronto Terror, and Roman Hammerstein’s new boss but everything has changed since their last night together, and Roman is determined to claim Lexi as his own. Lexi Forrester is now the guardian of her two younger half-sisters, in the wake of their mother’s death but Lexi struggles with her attraction to Roman, an attraction that is about to threaten her job. With only months until his retirement, Roman is willing to walk away for the love of the woman that controls his heart.

The world building focuses on the rebuilding relationship between our story line couple; Lexi’s struggle to raise her younger siblings, and the threat to her career from someone who is determined to steal her job. As the team rallies around Lexi and Roman, the media is intent to take down one of the first female coaches.

The relationship between Roman and Lexi is one of second chances; one weekend wasn’t enough for Roman Hammerstein but Lexi’s future with the team is threatened if their romance gets out. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters including most of the Toronto Terror players and coaches. We are reintroduced to Roman’s daughter Aurora Hammerstein, and her boyfriend, Toronto Terror hockey player Hollis Hendrix; attorney Ashish Palaniappa, as well as PR manager Willy, Hemi, Dred; Lexi’s sisters Fee and Callie, and Lexi’s father.

IF YOU LOVE ME is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, family and relationships, friendships and love. The premise is encouraging and inspiring ; the characters are animated, sassy and desperate; the romance is spicy and spirited.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
If You Hate Me
If You Want Me
If You Need Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

FOLLOW: NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.
Share

HEARTBREAKER (Game Breakers 2) by Kat Mizera & Elise Faber-review

Posted on by
12

HEARTBREAKER (Game Breakers 2) by Kat Mizera & Elise Faber-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 10, 2025

She was just supposed to be a one-night stand…

But then she became my world.

Once, I was the lead guitarist of the hit rock band, Midnight Sun. Then a tragic accident took everything from me. I can no longer play guitar, my wife left me, and the future I worked so hard for is slipping away.

All I am now is a grumpy, infamous, former rockstar.

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’m not in the market for a woman, especially not Jade Cantrell—who’s as beautiful and talented as she is sweet.

Then the media pounces on a story about the two of us, and suddenly we’re zipping off to a mountain retreat and writing an album together.

I can’t keep it strictly business—no matter how hard I try.

And the more I get to know her, the more I know I don’t have any hope of keeping her out of my heart.

One night will never be enough.

I’m going to keep her forever.

🎸Snowed in
🎸Forced Proximity
🎸One night stand
🎸Reclusive hero
🎸Country singer + her rock star
🎸Friends to lovers
🎸Starting over
🎸Protective MMC
🎸Grumpy/Sunshine
🎸Found Family

••••••

REVIEW: HEARTBREAKER is the second instalment in the contemporary adult GAME BREAKERS erotic, romance series co-authored by Kat Mizera and Elise Faber. This is former rock guitarist turned music writer Royal Ewing , and country music star Jade Cantrell’s story line. HEARTBREAKER 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 (Royal and Jade) HEARTBREAKER follows in the wake of a one-night stand between Royal Ewing and country music star Jade Cantrell. A few years earlier, rock guitarist Royal Ewing lost the use of his right hand as a result of a car accident, and in the ensuing time, Royal began his music writing career. With his song up for an award via the voice of country singer Jade Cantrell, Royal struggles to face the paparazzi and fans, until a rescue by the woman in question. Enter Jade Cantrell. A one-night stand ends with Royal ghosting our story line heroine followed by a betrayal for Jade Cantrell but another chance meeting at Banks Christianson’s hockey game, finds our couple pushed together in an effort to write a new album for our story line heroine. A successful snowy weekend of writing,followed by another betrayal force Jade to reconsider her future going forward, including the possibility of a relationship with our story line hero but Royal Ewing is about to get blindsided, taking his frustrations out on the woman he loves.

The world building follows several paths including Royal Ewing’s struggle to move on from the past, knowing his former band mates went on without him. As Royal found purpose in writing, Jade finds herself facing down more betrayal at the hands of the people paid to protect her back.

The relationship between Royal and Jade is one of immediate attraction. Royal struggles with the loss of his music career, and battle between head and heart believing he is unworthy of love or a second chance. Meanwhile Jade must come to terms with a personal betrayal, and in doing so, the pain of heartbreak sends Jade into a spiral going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I am not a fan of a certain four-letter word.

The secondary and supporting characters are interesting and energetic. Royal’s sister Briar, and her daughter Frankie. We are reintroduced to Royal’s best friends: security specialist Dash, hockey player Banks Christianson, Atlas; music producer Rico Galagos, publicist Farrah Henley. Dash’s story is next.

HEARTBREAKER is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and exciting ; the romance is fated and captivating; the characters are charismatic and dynamic. HEARTBREAKER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

KAT MIZERA

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kat Mizera was born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of Wanderlust. She’s lived from coast to coast, and everywhere in between, but home is wherever her family is. A devoted mom and wife to her wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat loves to travel the globe with her adventurous, hockey loving family. Greece is at the top of that list. She hopes to one day retire there, spending her days writing books on the beach.

Kat is former freelance sports writer who now writes steamy hockey romance about her favorite fictional teams, the Las Vegas Sidewinders and the Lauderdale Knights. The library of novels she’s penned also include sexy contemporary stories about baseball stars, alpha sex club owners, bodyguards, rock stars, and royalty. Regardless of genre, her books about bad boys with hearts of gold will steal your breath, rock your world and melt your heart.

To find out about Kat Mizera’s  upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here!

For more information on Kat Mizera and her books visit: https://katmizera.com/

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter (X)/ Facebook/ Amazon Author / Instagram

____

ELISE FABER

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys.

She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elisefaberauthor@gmail.com

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook/ Instagram/ Goodreads/ Pinterest

Share

The Unexpected Duke (Soldiers to Heirs 1) by Julia Justiss-review

Posted on by
14

The Unexpected Duke (Soldiers to Heirs 1) by Julia Justiss-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 February 25, 2025

Escape to 1830s England when the worlds of a soldier turned duke and Cinderella are about to collide!

A duke

In sudden need of a duchess!

When Lieutenant Hartley returns home, it’s to become—reluctantly, he might add—the new Duke of Fenniston. If he’s to thrive in the ton, he must call on the help of widow Claire Hambledon, sister of the previous duchess, to guide him into society and help him find a wife!

Penniless and with a young son, Claire is well aware that she’s totally unsuitable for a duke. But she’s also completely unable to ignore the ripples of desire every time she’s near dashing Hart… Or the temptation to start a forbidden affair!

••••••

REVIEW:Set in a period where love matches weren’t as common as arranged marriages, this one tries to do both! But with this author it’s never that simple 😉

Becoming the new Duke of Fenniston was never on the cards for Hartley, he’s more than happy fighting the French, but that’s not to be! So he has to take his fight home and find himself a wife! Luckily he can call upon Claire Hambledon to help him become a gentleman in today’s society and if he’s lucky then a wife as well.

Claire is a widow and knows all to well about fitting into society, when called upon to help the next Dike take his place in society she’s not keen at first. But seeing Hart has her thinking all kinds of things! But she knows it can’t happen, so she helps him look for a suitable wife.

Oooh a forbidden affair 😜 we like the sound of that.

I love this authors work. Her attention to detail, her descriptions of both the characters.

I really liked Claire, all she wants is to be loved for herself. She’s a pretty strong character and speaks her mind when needed.

Hart took a little longer to warm up to, he didn’t want the position of Duke, he certainly didn’t want a wife!

As Hart and Claire work together to find him a wife, unwanted feelings get in the way! Can they both ignore how they feel and get on with the task in hand? Or will they give into temptation and have the ending they both deserve?

Another highly recommended read if you like your historical romance with just a little bit of angst.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

Share