Tag Archives: new release reviews 2025

THE COWBOY OF MY DREAMS (The Murphys of Meadow Valley) by AJ Pine

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THE COWBOY OF MY DREAMS (The Murphys of Meadow Valley 3) by AJ Pine-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 11, 2025

A washed-up country music cowboy on the run, a songwriter without a song, and a double-booked ranch guesthouse with both their names on it… What could possibly go wrong?

Ash Murphy sneaks home to the family ranch to escape the scandal that follows his successful country music career everywhere. He plans to rest up, get in his fair share of work on the ranch, connect with the new horses his brothers have taken in, and lay low for as long as it takes for the newest tabloid interest to blow over.

Except when he arrives, his brother’s guest house isn’t empty; its current occupant is none other than Willow Morgan, country singer on the rise, hoping to finally finish the last song on her sophomore album―the one her label says must be a hit. But her small problem with writer’s block is nothing compared to her large problem: Ash Murphy broke her heart once before, and if she’s not careful, he just might do it again.

•••••

REVIEW: THE COWBOY OF MY DREAMS is the third instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult THE MURPHYS OF MEADOW VALLEY romance series-a spin off from the author’s Meadow Valley series. This is twenty-nine year old, country singer/song writer Ash Murphy, and rising country star Willow Morgan’s story line. THE COWBOY OF MY DREAMS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Willow is Colt Morgan’s sister (Only A Cowboy Will Do / Meadow Valley 3).

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Ash and Willow) THE COWBOY OF MY DREAMS follows the frenemies to lovers relationship between Ash and Willow. Willow is on a two month hiatus, struggling to find her writing muse, staying at the Murphy family ranch in an effort to remain behind closed doors but the arrival of Ash Murphy, a man running to escape a scandal finds our couples working together in an effort to fix both of their careers. Ash and Willow are no strangers to one another, a one-night stand while on tour, four years earlier, ended in humiliation and Willow walking away but Ash Murphy never forgot about our story line heroine, a woman who has starred in his dreams and his songs.

The world building focuses on the rekindling relationship between Ash and Willow; the look back at what happened and why; and Ash’s struggle to make everything right. Willow spent the past four years under a dark cloud, a cloud not of her making.

The relationship between Ash and Willow is one of second chances, of a sorts. Four years earlier, a one-night stand ended with Willow on the run, but Ash is determined to make amends for the humiliation and betrayal at Willow’s expense. The $ex scenes are passionate but fade to black.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorfui, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the previous story lines and series characters.

THE COWBOY OF MY DREAMS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, forgiveness and acceptance, family and love. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Holding Out for a Cowboy
Finally Found My Cowboy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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WOLF’S PROVIDENCE (The Shadowridge Peak 3) by Eve L Mitchell

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WOLF’S PROVIDENCE (The Shadowridge Peak 3) by Eve L Mitchell

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2025

Willow Harper’s world has been shattered.

The man she trusted—the shifter bound to her by fate—has done the unthinkable. Caleb Foster’s demons pushed him to the edge, and Willow paid the price.

Now Caleb has disappeared again, lost in guilt and shame. Haunted by the damage he’s caused, he’s left her alone. But Willow knows his absence won’t stop the enemies who’ve been hunting her from the shadows, their motives still a mystery.

As dark forces close in, Willow faces an impossible choice—save herself or risk everything for the man whose past threatens to consume him.

With her heart and her life hanging in the balance, she must confront a harsh truth that some wounds may never heal and some bonds may never be broken.

In a world where trust is fragile and danger is everywhere, can Willow and Caleb survive the storm ahead…and will Caleb ever forgive himself for what he’s done?

••••••

REVIEW: WOLF’S PROVIDENCE is the third and final instalment in Eve L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult THE SHADOWRIDGE PEAK paranormal, romance series focusing on artist Willow Harper, and wolf shifter, Alpha of the Shadowridge Pack Caleb Foster. WOLF’S PROVIDENCE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book two WOLF’S FATE. The SHADOWRIDGE PEAK is a spin off, set in the author’s BLACKRIDGE PEAK series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Pulled towards something unknown, lone wolf Caleb Foster finds himself drawn to Whispering Pines and artist Willow Harper, a human woman but a woman who sees more than anyone could have ever imagined. Having spent ten years alone after the decimation of his pack, Caleb struggles with pack life, and interacting with society.

NOTE: If you have not read books one and two, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Willow and Caleb) WOLF’S PROVIDENCE picks up a few days after the events of book two WOLF’S FATE. Willow Harper has been injured, and Caleb Foster is missing, on the run, blaming himself for what happened and why but the bond between human and wolf is growing, and the farther apart, the more pain and suffering our couple endure. With Caleb’s returns, and Willow’s forgiveness, our couple make plans to return to Caleb’s mountain but a warning comes from the people who care. Wolves and humans can not be mates, and the past is targeting our story line couple. Caleb is desperate to protect the woman he loves but to protect Willow, Caleb must let go of the past.

The world building focuses on Caleb’s need to make amends, and his constant urge to run; Willow’s need to heal both physically and emotionally; and the push and pull of a bond that find our couple often on the verge of walking away. Willow is often a little TSTL , placing herself in the direct line of fire, and in this, Caleb struggles to protect the woman that calls to his heart. Caleb keeps himself at a distance, not trusting the people in his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Blackridge Pack Alpha Cannon and his mate Kezia; Doc, the Shaman; wolf shifter Eamon; Willow’s friend Lily Summers: co-worker Lorna; Noel , and Raymond.

WOLF’S PROVIDENCE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and obsession, The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are desperate and dynamic; the romance is limited but saying that, the constant back and forth, need to run and escape, and Caleb’s inability to accept his fate and love ,got old, very fast.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolf’s Chance
Wolf’s Fate

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Always (Follow Me 6) by Helen Hardt-a review

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Always (Follow Me 6) by Helen Hardt-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 10, 2025

Take his breath away…

Braden and Skye have an electric connection that gets stronger with every boundary and every limit they push. There’s nothing Braden won’t explore with Skye…with one exception. Only now she’s the one who’s challenging him. Because what Skye wants is the one thing Braden can’t give her. And the only way he’ll be able to keep the woman he loves is to relinquish the one thing he’s mastered above everything else: control.

•••••

REVIEW:Always by Helen Hardt is Follow Me Always but told from Braden’s point of view. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, it is HIGHLY recommended you do.

As always with this author she writes with such depth to her characters. Skye and Btaden’s story is so engaging and interesting to read, so getting to experience a little more of it from a different perspective was so perfect. Braden is a silent enigma of a man, his story with Skye throughout the books dominates the plot so much so that the reader can’t help but want more and more.

Digging into his past from his own point of view was like finding buried treasure, it’s so rare and fragile, but that just makes you want it even more. While Braden buried treasure, Skye was the one to uncover him, she pulled him out from behind a closed heart and brought him into the light. She challenged him more and more, and that was such a strong dynamic in their relationship. Now when the spicy parts hit; of course they were off the charts. Even more so when being viewed from Mr. Bossypants point of view, the man lived for Skye.

While some might consider Always to just be a retelling of the same book, I wholeheartedly disagree. Always adds depth to characters readers already know and love, and a little extra to the plot as well. Skye and Braden’s relationship survived secrets, death and major conflicts that frankly most relationships don’t and because of this readers (like myself) will always want to come back for more from this talented author.

 

Reading Order and Previous reviews

Follow Me Darkly
Follow Me Under
Darkly
Follow Me Always
Under

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sarah

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#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic fiction, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

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Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster-review tour

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Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden (The Bradens at Ridgeport 1) by Melissa Foster-review tour

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4eNzV0w

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 12, 2025

What happens in Paris, stays in Paris, right?
Oh, Pepper. If only…

Okay, I admit it.

Sleeping with the NFL quarterback who the media has dubbed Mr. Perfect might not have been the smartest move, but I’m in the City of Love, I’d had a few drinks, and was jacked up on giddy girl talk and hopeful hearts—two things I never buy into—and I threw caution to the wind.

I want to sneak out before he wakes up, but when I open my eyes, he’s already up.

In more ways than one.

Convincing the ridiculously cocky (pun intended) man that I’m not the woman he slept with last night is awkward.

Actually, he makes it impossible.

The thing is, I don’t even know who that woman was.

And now he’s determined to find out.

••••••

REVIEW: PLAYING MR. PERFECT is the first instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary,adult THE BRADENS AT RIDGEPORT erotic, romance series- a spin off from the Bradens & Montgomerys -Pleasant Hills/Oak Falls, set in the author’s interconnected Love In Bloom world. This is thirty-five year old, New York Giants quarterback Clay Braden, and thirty-year old scientist Dr. Pepper Montgomery’s story line.

Told from dual firsts person perspectives (Clay and Pepper) PLAYING MR. PERFECT focuses on the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. For months Clay Braden has lusted after Dr. Pepper Montgomery but Pepper struggles to see beyond her research and work. With the Braden and Montgomery families together in Paris France for Johnny Bad’s final tour, Clay is determined to seduce Pepper Montgomery, proving there is more to life than work but Clay’s own career is hanging in the balance when he must come to a decision about his future in football. With only a few months before training camp, an old injury continues to flare, and the constant reminders add fuel to Clay’s future decisions. Clay and Pepper’s return to America comes with the promise of nothing more but Clay is determined to claim Pepper as his own.

The world building follows the building relationship between Clay and Pepper, and Pepper’s need to push Clay out of her life. Their mutual attraction is palpable but Pepper doesn’t do relationships, preferring to spend time with her research and experiments. Clay is struggling with his attraction to a woman who refuses to accept our hero in her life, a man who wants nothing more to fall in love with Pepper Montgomery.

The relationship between Clay and Pepper is one of mutual attraction but Pepper has kept her distance, refusing to admit there is something more. Time spent together proves to Pepper that there is life outside of work. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

As per Melissa Foster’s style of writing, there is another large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are re-introduced to Pepper’s siblings, all of whom we met in the previous series ( FALLING FOR MR. BAD #11 The Bradens & Montgomerys Pleasant Hills/Oak Falls) : Kane Bad and Sable Montgomery, Flynn Montgomery and Sutton, Brindle Montgomery and Trace, brothers Noah and Axsel; Graham and Morgyn, Seth Braden, as well as Pepper’s co-workers and researchers.

PLAYING MR PERFECT is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating, enchanting and entertaining with little to no conflict ; the romance is passionate; the characters are dynamic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites….
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FROM FRIENDS TO FOREVER by Darynda Jones, J. Kenner, Susan Stoker

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FROM FRIENDS TO FOREVER (1001 Dark Nights) by Darynda Jones, J. Kenner, Shayla Black, Susan Stoker-review tour

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The sweetest love stories often bloom from friendship. From Friends to Forever is filled with heartwarming romances where bonds of friendship evolve into something deeper. Whether they’ve always known each other, or their friendship stood the test of time, these characters will find that the best love grows from the most unexpected places.

Release Date February 11, 2025

•••••••

THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON by Darynda Jones

For more information about Darynda Jones, visit:

https://darynda.com/

REVIEW: THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is instalment 13.6 and novella in Darynda Jones’ contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON paranormal, UF series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is twenty-seven year old demon tracker Quentin Rutherford, and psychic/traveller Amber Kowalski’s story line. For fans of the series, Amber and Quentin were first introduced in the earlier instalments of the Charley Davidson series. Amber is the daughter of Charley’s assistant Cookie.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amber and Quentin) THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON focuses on two of the secondary characters in the author’s Charley Davidson series. Approximately ten to twelve years have past since we were last up close and personal with our story line couple, teens who have been in love for one another for a very long time but Quentin Rutherford disappeared from Amber’s life, a disappearance that ripped out her heart, and destroyed her soul but both Quentin and Amber have psychic abilities, abilities that grew stronger, through their teen years into adulthood.

Amber Kowalski hadn’t seen Quentin for close to ten years but investigating the possible murder of a recently deceased brings Amber up close and personal with Quentin Rutherford, the boy turned man, who is much more than she could ever have imagined.

THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of vengeance and betrayal; friendship and love; second chances and hope. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are familiar and energetic. THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a welcome return to the Charley Davidson’s series, a return of which there will be so much more. Here’s hoping the author has plans for a spin-off series focusing on Amber and Quentin.

•••••••••••

MEMORIES OF YOU by J. Kenner

For more information about J. Kenner, visit:

https://www.juliekenner.com/

MEMORIES OF YOU is instalment 5.5 and novella in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SECURITY erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s numerous Stark Series . This is former US Navy SEAL turned security specialist Renly Cooper, and Nikki Fairchild-Stark’s business partner Abby Jones’ story line. MEMORIES OF YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person (Abby) and third person (Renly) points of view MEMORIES OF YOU follows the rekindling friendship and relationship between Renly Cooper and Abby Jones. Renly and Abby were childhood best friends and neighbors but a Renly’s parents’ divorce pulled Renly out of Abby’s life. A few letters here and there ended any chance of staying in touch, and our couple eventually lost contact with one another. Fast forward to present day wherein Renly Cooper, tired of working security for the Hollywood elite, finds himself contracted with Stark Security where he will reconnect with his childhood friend but all is not well in Abby’s life-a potential stalker has laid claimed to our heroine, and targets Renly in his attempts to take what doesn’t belong. What ensues is the quick rebuilding romance and relationship between Renly and Abby, and the potential fall-out as Abby finds herself facing a man whose obsession is quickly spiralling out of control.

Renly Cooper doesn’t do relationships but a one-night stand with Abby is all he is willing to offer the woman he cannot forget. Abby Jones knows that one night with Renly will never be enough but the heart wants something Renly isn’t willing to give. Pressure to prove she is worthy of Renly’s love finds Abby accepting his terms to keep him in her life but Renly has a secret, that if revealed, may affect his future going forward. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense with a single scene of voyeurism at a local $ex club.

MEMORIES OF YOU is a story of second chances; a rekindling friendship that leads to romance for one couple whose lives were torn apart years before. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and dynamic including the cameo appearances of Damien and Nikki, and the introduction of Renly’s brother Red whose story is next in RAVAGED WITH YOU.

••••••••

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black

For more information about Shayla Black, visit:

https://shaylablack.com/

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black is a contemporary adult, story line found in her MORE THAN WORDS erotic romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is businessman Hayes Elliott, and twenty-two year old, college grad Echo Hope’s story line. MORE THAN POSSESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Hayes) with two final chapters from Echo MORE THAN POSSESS YOU follows the graduation celebration of Echo Hope in Maui Hawaii. As a gift, Hayes Elliott gave his best friend Echo Hope a trip to Hawaii, a business trip for Hayes but a trip wherein Echo hopes to lose her ‘V-card’ to their mutual friend Xavian Costa but Hayes sees red as he struggles with his best friend going elsewhere, a best friend he refuses to accept as anything more. Friends for eighteen years, Hayes and Echo, along with Xavian Costa have done everything together but Hayes never expected to watch from the sidelines as his bestie lost her virginity to someone else. As Hayes does his best to foil all of Echo’s plans, our heroine must comes to terms that the man that she loves, doesn’t love her in return.

The relationship between Echo and Hayes is a friends to lovers relationship, one in which Echo has been in love with her best friend for close to eight years. Hayes Elliott never saw Echo as a woman, as a sexual being but a few days in Hawaii proves that Echo has been hiding behind baggy clothes for far too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, enthusiastic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments of the More Than Words series. We are introduced to Hayes’ Gramma Liddy, as well as Xavian’s large but well established extended family.

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. A story of conflict, acceptance, revelations and realizations. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are energetic and animated.

•••••••

SECURING JANE by Susan Stoker

For more information about Susan Stoker, visit:

https://www.stokeraces.com/

SECURING JANE is the last instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult SEAL of Protection: Legacy romantic suspense series, and the latest addition in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is SEAL Admiral Storm North, and fifty-one year old, mail room civilian contractor Jane Hamilton’s story line. SECURING JANE 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 third person perspectives (Jane and Storm) SECURING JANE follows the building romance and relationship between SEAL Admiral Storm North, and fifty one year old, mail room civilian contractor Jane Hamilton. Jane Hamilton has had a ‘crush’ on Commander Storm North for as long as she can remember but one morning Storm North took an interest in our story line heroine, an interest that would find Storm up close and personal when a mail bomb, intended for Rear Admiral Creasy, blows up and injures Jane Hamilton in the process. Hoping to get closer to our story line heroine, Storm North, begins a slow seduction of the woman that is calling to his heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Storm and Jane, and the potential fall-out as Jane and Storm become collateral damage in the vendetta against Rear Admiral Creasy.

Jane Hamilton never expected to find love again, least of all at the age of fifty-one. Her first marriage had been failure, and the one positive, her daughter, struggled in the aftermath of her parent’s divorce. Storm North had been married to the job. As the commander to several teams of Navy SEALs, Storm never had time for love or marriage but now that he was no longer going on overseas missions, Storm watched from the sidelines as his men found love. Lonely, looking for his own happily ever after, Storm goes after our story line hero but almost loses her before their relationship truly begins. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the previous story line male characters play secondary and supporting characters. As Storm introduces his fellow SEAL team members to our story line heroine, Jane slowly overcomes some of her issues of low self esteem, including the negative body image and ageism.

SECURING JANE is a story of vengeance and retaliation; mystery and suspense; romance and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are mature, energetic, and enjoyable-there was never any conflict between our leading couple.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills-review tour

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The Kiss Lottery by Ilsa Madden-Mills-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 11 2025

Roses are red, violets are blue—someone in Rose has feelings for you…

Yeah, bad ones. Everly Davis didn’t leave her tight-knit hometown on the best terms. It’s been ten years, but you don’t forget heartbreak like that. Then again, the anonymous invite to the annual Kiss Lottery in Rose, Tennessee, gives Everly content for her podcast. And she has a bone to pick with that old heartbreak anyway.

Beckett Whitfield has never left Rose—and he’s never forgotten Everly. He even named the villain in his latest bestseller after her. Turns out she’s not happy about that. Nothing about their reunion is particularly happy, and after the way they left things, what did he expect?

When the Kiss Lottery pairs them together, Everly and Beckett will have to confront old feelings that never went away and the secrets they never shared. But finally telling each other everything might be exactly what they’ve needed all along.

••••

REVIEW:THE KISS LOTTERY by Ilsa Madden-Mills is an adult, contemporary, stand alone romance story line focusing on author Beckett Whitfield, and travel pod-caster Everly Davis

Told from dual first person perspectives ( Everly and Beckett) THE KISS LOTTERY focuses on the town of Rose, Tennessee’s annual Kiss Lottery . Everly Davis left Rose Tennessee ten years earlier; a high school betrayal broke not only heart but her soul, and in this, her return comes with emotional memories of the past, and another heart break from the man she once loved. An anonymous invitation to the Kiss Lottery finds Everly matched with our story line hero, a match that brings with it reconciliation but secrets from the past.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance between Everly and Beckett, high school sweethearts torn apart by betrayal, secrets and lies. Their reconnection brings with it memories from the past, a rehashing of high school antics, loves and losses. Beckett has never stopped loving the woman he pushed out of his life but life and everything it had to offer was quickly spiralling out of control.

The relationship between Beckett and Everly is a second chance romance. Beckett is determined to reclaim everything he lost, and Everly is struggling to make sense of the past. The lone $ex scene is intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. As with all small towns, there is the local gossip, mean girl, busy bodies, family and old friendships,

THE KISS LOTTERY is a story of secrets and lies, friendships and forgiveness, acceptance and love. The quick paced premise is endearing, entertaining and captivating; the romance is fated; the characters are fun, sassy and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Fourteen of her Eighteen novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Not My Romeo #1; The Revenge Pact #1; Dear Ava, Fake Fiancée, I Dare You, and I Promise You #2; I Hate You #5; Not My Match, I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females.

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A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross-dual review

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A Rebel Without Claws (Southern Charm 1) by Juliette Cross-dual review

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After yet another bar fight and arrest, bad boy Ronan Reed leaves Texas to live with his Uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Since werewolf cage fighting isn’t illegal in Louisiana, Ronan makes big plans to lead his own team in the ring. But when he sets eyes on sweet Celine Cruz, his whole world stops and she becomes a tantalizing distraction he doesn’t need.

As an Aura witch, Celine always wants to help heal the broken. She knows all too well what it’s like to battle anxiety, and so she’s dedicated her life to helping those in need. But the second she meets Ronan, she knows she’s in trouble. He’s everything her close knit family would hate: a werewolf with a hot temper and a sinful grin to match, who runs with a dangerous crowd. So why can’t she stay away?

Ronan thinks she’s a good girl. Little does he know, all Celine wants is to do wicked things with the bad boy werewolf, who revels in breaking all her rules. But as their forbidden romance becomes too tempting to resist, Ronan notices that the wolves are circling…and they’re coming after his mate.

••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult SOUTHERN CHARM erotic, paranormal, romance series , a spin off , set in the author’s STAY A SPELL world. This is twenty-seven year old, MMA fighter/ mechanic/ werewolf Ronan Reed, and aura witch Celine Cruz’s story line.
 
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ronan and Celine) A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS follows the building romance and relationship between werewolf Ronan Reed, and aura witch Celine Cruz. Fifteen years earlier, following the death of his mother, Ronan found himself juggling between family members as his temper and grief refused to back down. Having moved to Louisiana, living with his uncle Shane, Ronan forges forward with a new MMA team, fellow shifters and friends who have his back but meeting Celine Cruz pushes Ronan out of his comfort zone, and the fact that Celine is his fated mate, makes the threats against our story line heroine, all the more dangerous. With an over protective father, and two brothers taking aim at the man whom she love, Celine finds herself falling for a wolf who is in a battle for his life.
 
The world building focuses on grief and loss; fated mates and acceptance; betrayal and obsession. Werewolf cage fighting is an outlet for Ronan as his struggles with his wolf, an outlet that now threatens the woman he loves.
 
The relationship between Ronan and Celine is one of fated mates: immediate attraction and palpable sexual energy but Celine knows that her family may struggle to accept the man that she loves, a wolf who knows Celine is his heart and soul. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
 
We are introduced to Ronan’s uncle Shane; his MMA teammates  Zack and Bowie: Celine’s cousins vampire Morgan and Samara; brothers Diego and Joaquin; their parents Evie and Mateo Cruz .The requisite evil has many faces.
 
A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS is a story of loss, family acceptance and love. The fast paced,character driven premise is exciting and entertaining; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are magical and determined.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross is the first book in her new Southern Charm series. This series is a spinoff with the new generation of the Stay a Spell characters that we have come to love, returning to New Orleans.  We meet Ronan Reed, our hero, who left his home in Texas to live with his Uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Ronan makes plans to set up his own werewolf underground cage fighting team, which is legal in New Orleans.      

Ronan quickly meets Celine Cruz, an Aura witch, whom he immediately knew she was his fated mate. He is warned by friends to stay away from her, because of her scary family, such as father, brother, uncles.   

Celine is the daughter of Evie and Mateo (Stay a Spell), and it was fun seeing both of them, playing a part in Celine’s life.  Celine is a child therapist who does art therapy for supernatural kids, as she always wants to help others.  Celine also finds herself very attracted to Ronan, and in a short time the chemistry between escalates.  Celine learns from Ronan that he has not shifted in wolf form since he was 12-year-old, due to the death of his mother.  He ends up going to a therapist, that will help him deal with his past traumas, as well as being able to eventually release his wolf.

I really loved how Ronan and Celine fell in love, especially being fated mates. They made such a great couple, with both always there for each other, as well as being supportive.  I got a kick out of Ronan’s experience his first Savoie family dinner. It was great to see many of our favorite characters from Stay a Spell.  It was nice seeing Mateo and Evie (Celine’s parents), and loved when Evie would always keep him in his place. During the werewolf cage fighting, things became intense, and when Celine was in danger, Ronan’s wolf finally came out to save her.

A Rebel Without Claws was a wonderful start to this new series, in the same world as Stay a Spell; with witches, werewolves and vampires.  I really loved Ronan and Celine together, as they were the perfect fated mates. If you were a fan of Stay a Spell, you really need to read this new Southern Charm series.

 

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

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BOUND TO A MONSTER (Zeitsev Bratva 6) by BB Hamel -review

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BOUND TO A MONSTER (Zeitsev Bratva 6) by BB Hamel -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2025

I showed a gorgeous stranger my fencing form…
And humiliated myself in the process.
Now he wants a private demonstration.

All I need is one night of sin before I walk down the aisle with my arranged husband. Just one night to feel like I have control of my life.

Which is how I give myself to a gorgeous, built-like-heaven stranger after an extremely mortifying accidental stabbing.

But it turns out, we both have secrets.

My drunken mistake is none other than Lev Federov, the man I’m supposed to marry.

He’s terrifyingly hot with a black hole where his empathy’s supposed to be, but somehow that only makes him more attractive.

Too bad he hates my guts and wants nothing to do with our marriage.

Now my stupid mistake is turning into a total nightmare as my wedding day approaches and I get one more wicked

A positive pregnancy test.

How am I supposed to tell a man who clearly loathes me that he’s the father of my child?

•••••

REVIEW: BOUND TO A MONSTER is the sixth instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult, ZEITSEV Bratva dark, erotic, Bratva romance story series . This is Lev Federov, and Carmela ‘Carmie’ Marino’s story line. BOUND TO A MONSTER 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 (Carmie and Lev) BOUND TO A MONSTER follows the arranged marriage between Lev Federov, and Carmela ‘Carmie’ Marino’. In an effort to secure more power for the Marino Crime Family, Carmie is forced into marriage to a man she doesn’t know, so a one-night stand is Carmie’s last hurrah before becoming a pawn in the criminal underworld. Lev Federov is the second in command of the Federov family but his father Oleg Federov is losing control, and his people are starting to rebel. Forced into marriage to secure his position, Lev will come face to face with his one-night stand, the woman he will marry, the woman who is now pregnant with his child. As Lev and Carmie dance the proverbial dance between love and hate, the Federov family will suffer a loss, and Lev finds himself on the precipice of power or losing everything to an assassin’s bullet.

The world building focuses on the betrayal and vengeance. The Federov family has lost control of the people upon whom they depend, and Lev refuses to back down when double crossers and betrayers refuse to give up power but Lev goes too far, and the Zietsev Pakhan issues an ultimatum that pushes our couple to places unknown.

The relationship between Carmie and Lev is an arranged marriage but one in which our couple have met before. A one-night stand results in an unplanned pregnancy, and Carmie struggles to like the man who is intent on destroying her heart. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are family and energetic-We are reintroduced to Valentin Zietsev (Under Control); Lev’s sister Natalya and her husband Alexander (Claimed by Desire); Carmie’s brothers Daniel and Luca; several of Carmie’s girlfriends (Gia, Frannie, Sofie); Lev’s father Oleg Federov. The requisite evil has many faces.

BOUND TO A MONSTER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the characters are powerful and strong; the romance is fated and impassioned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Twilight Mask
Midnight Beast
Sunrise Malice
Under Control
Claimed by Desire

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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