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

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

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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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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Under an Endless Moon (Moonlit Ridge 2) by AL Jackson-review tour

Under an Endless Moon (Moonlit Ridge 2) by AL Jackson-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

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/UAEMGoodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 10, 2025

I should have known I’d break the oath I made when I offered to let my best friend’s little sister move in with me…

She’s the sweetest woman on the face of the planet.

And to my great misfortune, the sexiest one, too.

She’s been living under her brother’s roof her entire life, and she’s ready to spread her wings.

And I’m the masochist who offers she stay at my place until she can find an apartment.

When I hear her having a nightmare, the only thing I can do is go to her. Hold her so she knows she’s safe from her demons.

The second she’s in my arms, the attraction I’ve tried to hide sparks to life. I know better than to push past the boundaries I’ve set for us, but when she begs me to touch her in a way she’s never been touched, I can’t resist.

And with my name on her lips as I send her soaring for the first time, I know there’s no going back.

I’m willing to break every rule and oath I’ve ever made to keep her.

Accept every consequence.

Only she and I have a dark, dangerous history that no one knows about.

And I’m afraid the consequences of loving her have just caught up to us…

•••••

REVIEW:After finishing book one in theMoonLit Ridge series (From Here to Eternity) I knew I was going to be hooked. Under an Endless Moon couldn’t come fast enough. A brother’s best friend romance filled with angst, secrets and spice, Under an Endless Moon is one of this author’s best pieces. As always I recommend reading the series in order, book one introduces these characters, but can be read as a standalone.

Tension in this book is crazy! We meet Raven in book one as River’s little sister, she is the owner of her own flower shop in their tiny town. Lately however, she has been struggling with wanting to spread her wings and live life to its fullest. Otto is her burly bear who has been embedded in her life for almost as long as she can remember playing the big brother. Too bad that is never how she could see him.

Otto has demons, dirty, dark demons that he doesn’t share with anyone. Raven is the one light in his light, the one thing he always wants to protect and never hurt. Even if that means he can never have her the way he wants her.

There is so so much angst in this book, like so much more than I was expecting, but it is so well done. We get more of Otto’s back story, what happened to his sister and even more of the demons that he holds. Raven is a complicated character that is determined to move on from her past but when chaos hits Otto is the first one to take her back. The character growth on River’s side as he has to learn to let his baby sister live her grown adult life was moving and adds another level of depth to their relationship. There is one specific moment for Raven that gives her the push she needs to start out on her own, and while it is funny, it leads her to staying with Otto.

Raven staying at Otto’s home pushes him to the point of no return, he has to face his feelings for her or take the risk of losing her for good. Holy Lordt, the spice when it hits is HOT. When Otto finally confesses, it is simply everything, his strong emotions, his need, his love for Raven makes all their years of pining worth it.

If you haven’t read this series before or the author please do so, both are so amazing

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one FROM HERE TO ETERNITY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5784542.A_L_Jackson

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/A-L-Jackson/e/B007RK7ZOU/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aljacksonauthor

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/aljacksonreaderhangout

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Text “ALJACKSON” to 33222

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MY DARK PRINCE (Dark Prince Rd) by LJ Shen & Parker S Huntington

💛MY DARK PRINCE (Dark Prince Road 3)by LJ Shen & Parker S Huntington-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 February 9, 2025

This Sleeping Beauty woke up…
In a nightmare.

Oliver
I don’t usually trap women with amnesia into marriage.
But I guess there’s a first time for everything.
When the woman of my dreams falls into my lap, I can’t help but wonder what else she can do in that position.
She’s here. In my house. At my mercy.
And she thinks we’ve been lovers the entire decade we spent apart.
Briar and I have always been unfinished business.
Now it’s time to seal the deal.

Briar
I’m marrying a beautiful monster.
A crooked fraud. America’s wealthiest bachelor.
He claims we’re in love, yet all I taste in our kisses is hate and lust.
I don’t remember why or how.
But I do remember he’s the enemy.
Now, I’m stuck inside a nightmare.
And Oliver will do anything to keep me in the dark.

•••••

REVIEW: MY DARK PRINCE is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult DARK PRINCE ROAD erotic, dark, romance series co-authored by LJ Shen and Parker S Huntington. This is thirty-four year old, billionaire Count Oliver von Bismarck, and thirty-three year old, Briar Rose Auer’s story line. MY DARK PRINCE 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 (Oliver and Briar) following a non linear timeline, MY DARK PRINCE focuses on the rekindling romance and relationship between Briar Rose Auer and Oliver von Bismarck. Briar Rose and Oliver were childhood best friends turned sweethearts but fifteen years ago, a tragedy would unfold in the von Bismarck family, and Briar Rose became an afterthought for our story line hero. Fast forward to present day, Briar Rose, working as a Hollywood intimacy coordinator would come face to face with her past in the guise of Oliver von Bismarck, and in the ensuing months Oliver would struggle to prove she is the only woman he has ever loved.

The world building is a modern, slight retelling of Sleeping Beauty, and follows several heart breaking and emotional paths. Briar Rose grew up never knowing love, having been abandoned by her parents, only to discover not everything and everyone where whom they appeared to be. Making her own way, Briar found herself no longer a part of the world in which she grew up, a world that no longer resembled the life she was knew. Oliver von Bismarck,along with his father, runs a large chain of luxury hotels, and is determined to reclaim the woman he lost but Oliver’s own life changed fifteen years earlier, and he has been serving a self-imposed penance ever since.

The relationship between Oliver and Briar is one of second chances; a rekindling in the face of presumed betrayal; heart break, secrets and lies. Briar struggles to trust the man she once loved, a man who is still keeping secrets at the insistence of someone else. As Oliver diligently works to prove he is not the man Briar believes him to be, Briar must come to terms with what happened in the past, a past that changed everyone going forward. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Romeo and Dallas (My Dark Romeo), Zach and Farrow (My Dark Desire), as well as the introduction of Oliver’s brother Sebastian, their parents Count Felix and his wife Agnes von Bismarck; Oliver’s friend Frankie, Cameron Cooper, and Briar’s estranged and contemptable parents Jason and Philomena Auer. I am hoping the author has plans for Sebastian, and Frankie.

MY DARK PRINCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and greed, secrets and lies, power and control, forgiveness and acceptance, family and love. The premise is thought provoking,edgy, dramatic, haunting and complex; the romance is flawed and sensitive; the characters are broken, sassy, impulsive and inventive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Also available in the Dark Prince Road series

#1 My Dark Romeo https://amzn.to/4g9LfEZ
#2 My Dark Desire https://amzn.to/4hrk49O

L.J. Shen is USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.

She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Elon Musk’s tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).

HEAs and groveing are guaranteed.

She lives in Florida with her husband, three sons, and a disturbingly active imagination.

Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com

 

Parker S. Huntington is a stay-at-home dog mom from SoCal, where she discovered her allergy to rain. In spite of her shoddy attendance record and strong aversion to homework, she earned a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, Riverside and an A.L.M. in Literature from Harvard. When she’s not writing or exchanging food pics with her friends, she’s binge-watching an unhealthy amount of Netflix while curled up with her dogs.

Parker hates talking about herself and is (also) allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com. Occasionally, she’ll post a TikTok video, which you can find at  www.parkershuntington.com.

Reach her at:

Facebook / Facebook Group / Website / Tiktok/ Amazon Author / X (Twitter)

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A Secret in the Family by Nancy Revell-review

A Secret in the Family  2 by Nancy Revell-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2025

1945, Sunderland. Ida Boulter makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave her five children behind as she escapes her husband and moves to London to start afresh with the love of her life.

1953, County Durham. Ida’s children have since built a new life in the beautiful home of Cuthford Manor – looked after by their eldest sibling Angie and her husband.

But their world is about to be rocked once again when their mother turns up out of the blue for the first time in eight years.

She has come back bearing a secret she can no longer keep from her family.

Will telling the truth cause more harm than good?

Only their love for one another will carry them through the turbulent times ahead

••••

REVIEW: This is the first book by Nancy Revell that I’ve read.

In 1945 Ida makes the decision to leave her family and start a new life with a new love.

Poor Angie, being the eldest child she makes the decision to bring up her siblings! But it’s not all plain sailing! Angie also has to deal with her own issues.

Then 8 years later, their mother decides to come back and see how the family are. If she expected them to greet her with smiles and warmth, she was soon put in her place! Not all of the children are happy to see her!

But Ida has secrets, and this could rock the family once again!

I really like the character Angie, she didn’t have to take her siblings on, she could have walked away, but as we find out in the book Angie is made of stronger stuff. And watching her deal with her siblings and her own issues had me reaching for the tissues more than once.

Ida I had no real sympathy for, i understand some women need to leave the home (for whatever reason,) but to leave your children! If I’d been one of her daughters I’m not sure I could have ever forgiven her!

The other siblings, Marlene/Danny/Bertie and Jemima are mentioned and we do see how their lives go, but it’s mainly Angie.

Marlene and Danny make life difficult for Ida, they don’t want anything to do with her. But Bertie and Jemima were a lot younger when she left, so they are more open to hearing their mother out.

And the secrets that Ida holds close to her chest! Well 🤐…. No, you’ll need to read the book in order to find out. Are they earth shattering? In my opinion not really (and I guessed almost straight away what it was.)

It’s not my usual read. But saying that, I throughly enjoyed the story. Set in times where women didn’t really leave their husbands I found it interesting.

Apparently it’s part of a series. I’ll probably go back at some point to find out about the rest of the series, as I really liked the characters and the style of writing.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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The Gift From Aelius by Michael Colon-Review & Interview

THE GIFT FROM AELIUS by Michael Colon-Review & Interview

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 29, 2024

In the not-too distant future, A191, a Codex with artificial intelligence, feels like a misfit in Paradise, a walled city in the middle of an endless desert where humans imprisoned his race long ago. He’s not like the others of his kind; he longs to meet humans and make peace with them so man and Codexes can be reunited in the world. These thoughts and feelings are not allowed in Paradise; he risks banishment to the desert by the Overseer A. I. who rules by fear and force. Complicating matters, A191 has a glitch in his programming that conjures up a human boy named Aelius who tells him to go to Old Haven where he will find freedom. However, he’s drafted into a rebellion against the Overseer, and as Paradise enforcers close in with orders to terminate him, he escapes the city to wander the desert in search of humans. The journey reveals the truth about his existence, the Overseer’s lies, and the consequences of mankind’s untethered technology.

•••••

REVIEW: THE GIFT FROM AELIUS by Michael Colon is an adult, sci-fi, post apocalyptic, futurist story line focusing on Codex A191, and the rise of AI.

Told from first person perspective (A191) A GIFT FROM AELIUS follows A191 as he/it slowly becomes something more. Humanity has reached the singularity: sentient robots with the ability to think. The Codex artificial intelligence, having destroyed most of mankind, have been forced behind a walled city called Paradise, where the Overseer controls their day to day activities but A191 is struggling with his/its’ direction, and a glitch in his/its’ program brings with it memories and instructions from a time long ago. As A191 journeys forward looking for answers, the reality of mankind’s destruction hits too close to home.

THE GIFT FROM AELIUS is awash in religious and Christian overtones: God and Heaven, spirituality and faith, heart and soul. Akin to Moses freeing the slaves with directions from God, A191 often wonders if there is something more, only to discover he/it is the something more for which everyone is searching.

Blending a little bit of THE MATRIX™ with I, ROBOT™, (Asimov) and plenty of ROBOPOCALYPSE™ (Wilson), THE GIFT FROM AELIUS focuses on the aftermath of the rise of artificial intelligence (apocalypse ) and the fall of mankind. With 90% of humanity wiped out by the AI uprising, those who remain must fight for survival. The thought provoking premise is dramatic, dark and complex. Ask yourself, is the end of humanity worth the ongoing use of artificial intelligence ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC:  Hi Michael and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Michael Colon:  My name is Michael Colon, and I was born and raised in New York City. I am a novelist, poet, and freelance writer. My author’s story is about hard work, perseverance, and believing in the power of imagination. My inspiration comes from various societal abnormalities, the beauty in cultural differences, and my own life experiences. Outside of writing, I enjoy working out, watching sports, and going on hiking trails with my wife.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Michael Colon: Art, music, and movies influenced my career in writing. The imagination and creative expression that goes into those artforms inspires me. As an author, I see how genuine we must be with our craft to impact the reader with the message we want to deliver and I see the same in those art forms.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Michael Colon:The challenging reality of working hard on a project, and leaving it up to someone you never met to give it the stamp of published approval can conjure mixed emotions. Also, trying to figure out where to start when sending pitches can be overwhelming, especially as a new author.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS?

Michael Colon:The premise of this story is to show how far artificial intelligence can advance as we advance consciously as a species. Another premise is the yearning of purpose in this world. Any intelligent lifeform that is consciously aware years to find meaning in this world.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning THE GIFT FROM AELIUS?

Michael Colon:I researched certain elements as I wrote the story. I did not want to put any unnecessary holds on the flow of a story telling itself. The research is definitely necessary, but expressing my heart and filling in the gaps with research is more my style.

TRC: Is THE GIFT OF AELIUS a stand alone, or do you have plans for future Instalments?

Michael Colon:I have plans to write a sequel.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of AI and Sci-Fi. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Michael Colon:I agree that believability is important. I keep the story lines real by adding real world scenarios with today’s outlook on A.I mixed with creative hypotheticals to what can happen if A.I continues to evolve based on hearing what professionals in the industry have to say. I think some authors fail at this when they don’t balance the objective viewpoints of information with there imagination.

TRC: What, if any, are your concerns about the future of mankind and AI? What do you believe are the benefits of AI?

Michael Colon:I don’t have any concerns. If higher artificial intelligence consciousness is meant to share life with us the best thing we can do is learn to grow with it and become better as people. Most people picture the end of the world with robots enslaving people. I tend to see things from a more open minded viewpoint.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Michael Colon:Absolutely. There is a saying to never judge a book by its cover. But let’s face it. We all do to some extent. The cover is the first thing people see. It is important to make sure the cover art pops and boldly explains the core concept of a story.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Michael Colon:I let the characters do the writing. When I am in the flow of writing a story. I let the fictional world the characters live in have power by guiding the narratives. This takes letting go of rigid writing habits and letting the characters have fun. You never know what exciting new ideas can propel the story by doing this.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Michael Colon:A writer must experience living through the story when writing down the words so that in every piece of text are remnants of the author’s voice and heart. When each word connects and drives a particular mood of a chapter or scene it’s easier for the reader to connect emotionally. Writers fail in this endeavour by either going through the motions or overthinking.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Michael Colon:I love listening to music while writing. I feel that music triggers certain emotional responses that allow our storytelling to become potent when we are stimulated.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about Authors?

Michael Colon:A big misconception about authors is that they don’t do anything, and sit in their room all day and night. Authors have other interests and passions.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Michael Colon:I played semi-pro basketball for a couple years.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards writing a sci-fi / futuristic story line?

Michael Colon:I am always fascinated with the what if’s of the future and we are in a stage in history where A.I is at the forefront of innovation.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Michael Colon:The sequel to The Gift From Aelius

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Michael Colon:For anyone who just started their writing journey or is pitching their work to publishers, never give up hope in yourself. Hard work and faith is the recipe for success. Not these five step guides that people on the internet will try to scam your pockets with.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food Spaghetti and meatballs.

Favorite Dessert Chocolate Cake.

Favorite TV Show The Walking Dead

Last Movie You Saw Smile 2

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush None

Last Vacation Destination Lancaster Pennsylvania

Do you have any pets? Nope

Last book you read The meaning of marriage by Timothy Keller

TRC:  Thank you Michael for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of THE GIFT FROM AELIUS. We wish you all the best.

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Viking, Inferno, Reaper (VRMC) by Andi Rhodes-review tour

VIKING, INFERNO, REAPER (Valhalla Rising MC 1, 2, 3) by Andi Rhodes-review tour

VIKING
(Valhalla Rising MC 1)
by Andi Rhodes
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,MC, mythology, paranormal, fantasy

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 September 22, 2023

Humans are taught that death is the end, that it’s their soul’s final curtain call. But for the members of Valhalla Rising MC, death is only the beginning.

Viking…

I never asked to be one of the chosen, never dreamed a place like Valhalla existed. Yet that’s exactly where I ended up when a Valkyrie plucked me from obscurity. I’m respected here, celebrated as a fallen warrior, but none of it lessens my vicious need for revenge or fills the hollow parts of me.
As president of Valhalla Rising MC, it’s my job to make sure the Warrior Code of Conduct is adhered to and that Odin’s orders are carried out. But that becomes infinitely more difficult when I’m sent back to the land of the living for a mission that puts me in direct contact with a Legacy. And then there’s the matter of the beautiful woman my soul seems to recognize.
I know I can complete my mission, but I’m not as convinced I’ll be able to do it without breaking all the rules.

Makayla…

As a doctoral candidate in mythological studies, I’m doing my thesis on Valhalla. I’ve always been obsessed with tales and legends that get passed down through the generations. I love my life, my little corner of the world I’ve carved out for myself. So much so that I’m immersed in history to the point that I’m oblivious to the danger lurking in the present.
When my space is invaded by a man who insists that I’ve got things all wrong, my existence shifts into something unrecognizable. Where there was once order and understanding, there’s now chaos and uncertainty. And I don’t hate it… because he’s there.
I know he has rules to follow, but will they hinder his ability to keep me safe? Or will he break them for me… for us?

•••••

REVIEW: VIKING is the first instalment in Andi Rhodes’ contemporary, adult VALHALLA RISING MC erotic, mythology, paranormal, fantasy series. This is Valhalla Rising MC (VRMC) president Viking aka Leif, and doctoral student/exotic dancer Makayla ‘Mea’ Ashbridge’s story line.

Told from three first person perspectives (Viking, Makayla, Odin) VIKING focuses on the second chance relationship between Valhalla Rising MC (VRMC) president Viking aka Leif, and doctoral student/exotic dancer Makayla ‘Mea’ Ashbridge . In the year 987AD Leif lost his wife to a marauding band of Vikings, and in the aftermath, Leif finds himself a warrior in Valhalla, and president of the otherworldly VRMC but the time has come for Viking to reclaim that which was lost, and along with his fellow VRMC warriors, comes face to face with his past, a woman named Makayla Ashbridge. Makayla Ashbridge learned about Odin and Valhalla at an early age but all of the stories were not necessarily true. Under the guise of correcting the errors of the past, Odin sends Viking to Earth, and in doing so, hopes to set into motion a rekindling romance between our story line couple.

The world building reveals the how and why of the Valhalla Rising MC both in Valhalla and on Earth but Viking’s returns comes with memories from the past for our heroine, a woman who has a target on her back.

The relationship between Viking and Makayla is one of second chances, of a sorts. Makayla is a young woman determined to get her doctoral in Norse Mythology but in reality, the Norse Gods and warriors come to her. Reconnecting with the woman he still loves, sets into motion a rekindling romance for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, charismatic and energetic secondary and supporting characters including VRMC warriors both living and dead, gods, and Valkyries. We are introduced to Viking’s VP Inferno, Demolition, Acid (SAA), and Reaper-every member has a special affinity and ability; Norse god Odin, Valkyries Kara, Herja and Mist; as well as several members of the earth bound VRMC.

VIKING is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and obsession, magic and mythology, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is enchanting and intriguing but the ending felt a little bit rushed; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are dynamic, enterprising and fun.

_________

INFERNO
(Valhalla Rising MC 2)
by Andi Rhodes
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,MC, mythology, paranormal, fantasy

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2024

Inferno…

Life is a series of events that can either make or break a man. As a human, I always seemed to find trouble, and that was never more true than the day I ran into a burning building to save its occupants. Unfortunately, I was only able to save two, and they went on to live another day. I, on the other hand, died in that fire.
But it wasn’t the end for me. I became a celebrated hero, both in Valhalla and in the human world. When the little girl I saved is all grown up, she’s in danger again, and Odin sends me to the land of the living to protect her. The problem is, I look exactly as she remembers, and that leads her to the wrong conclusion that I’m the enemy.
It doesn’t matter. The second I lay eyes on her as a beautiful woman, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to save her life… again.

Emmy…

When I was a child, I was one of two survivors of a horrible tragedy. Hundreds died that day, including the man who rescued me. I was changed in ways I couldn’t even begin to fathom at such a young age, but as I got older, it became more clear. Helping other survivors of trauma is my calling, my passion.
But how can I help others when I can’t even help myself? I’m suddenly the target of a deranged stalker, and my life is once again in jeopardy. A ghost from my past appears, quite literally, and I’m convinced he’s the one who’s out to get me. But despite my fear, there’s something about him that forces me to accept his help.
My life was spared once, but will my luck hold out? Or will I die right as the world starts to make sense again?

••••••••

REVIEW:INFERNO is the second instalment in Andi Rhodes’ contemporary, adult VALHALLA RISING MC (VRMC) erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is VRMC VP Dean ‘Inferno’ Haskins, and trauma counsellor Emmaline ‘Emmy’ Daniels. INFERNO 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 (Inferno and Emmy) INFERNO begins in 2006 wherein Dean Haskins rescued two people from a deadly fire at a local primary school, and trying to save more lives, Dean lost his own in the process. Fast forward to present day Dean aka Inferno has been assigned by Odin to protect his soulmate Emmaline Daniels, the child, now the woman, he saved years before but Emmaline has a stalker, and Inferno is determined to take down the person targeting our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on Inferno’s need to get close to Emmaline but Emmaline is beginning to suspect Dean is someone from her past.As the stalker get closer, the Valhalla Rising MC begins to search for the person responsible.

The relationship between Emmy and Inferno begins as a rescue in 2006 but neither one thought about the other in all those years. Emmy is a trauma counselor who focuses on people who are struggling; Inferno is a warrior of Valhalla MC, and Odin has commanded he protect the woman that calls to his soul. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including VRMC warriors both living and dead, gods, and Valkyries. We are introduced to MC president Viking and his wife Makayla; Demolition, Acid (SAA), and Reaper-every member has a special affinity and ability; Norse god Odin, Valkyrie Kara.

INFERNO is a story of madness and obsession, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is entertaining, captivating and twisted; the romance is fated; the characters are desperate , sassy and dynamic.

_____

REAPER
(Valhalla Rising MC 3)
by Andi Rhodes
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,MC, mythology, paranormal, fantasy

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

Reaper

Life wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. I peaked at thirty, and by the time I was thirty-five, I was divorced, and my ex had custody of our two kids. So when I was killed trying to be a good samaritan, I was cool with it. Until I realized that I was being given a second chance and still had to ‘live’.
As the enforcer for Valhalla Rising MC, and with my ability, my afterlife is a major improvement. But when Odin sends me back to the land of the living to play savior to a single mom, my reality shifts once again. To say I’m not happy about the order is an understatement, but Kyra and her little family start to grow on me, and before I know it, I find myself needing her like humans need air to survive.
When I tell her what I really am, will she embrace the possibilities, or will she run in the other direction as any sane woman should?

Kyra…

As a single mother to twins, I rarely have a moment’s peace. Add in an absent baby daddy and a failing diner, and I’m about to pack my bags for the nut house. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing my little ones need me.
After what amounts to the hardest day of my life to date, I’m ready to throw in the towel. But a surly stranger steps in and somehow, he makes me smile. I don’t have any room for a man in my life, nor do I particularly want one, but I find myself starting to depend on Craig to chase away the dark.
When he throws me a curveball of epic proportions, can I do what’s best for myself and my kids, or will I let history and fear get the better of me?

••••••••

REVIEW: REAPER is the third and final instalment in Andi Rhodes’ contemporary, adult VALHALLA RISING MC erotic, paranormal, fantasy series. This is Reaper aka Craig Binder, and single mother/ café owner Kyra Thomas’s story line. REAPER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from three first person perspectives (Reaper, Kyra, Odin) REAPER follows Reaper aka Craig Binder as he is tasked with protecting single mother Kyra Thomas. As one of Odin’s warriors, and a member of the Valhalla Rising MC, Reaper is living his second life, and in this, he dreams of a second chance at family and love. Protecting Kyra comes with a darkness-Kyra’s past refuses to let go, and our heroine is targeted by an unknown predator.

The world building follows Reaper as he struggles with Odin’s orders to return to Earth. Reaper had never intended to fall in love but Odin and Skuld had other plans, plans that place Kyra in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Reaper and Kyra is an ‘arranged’ relationship. Reaper has been tasked with, and assigned to Kyra Thomas, a young mother who is struggling with the demons from her past. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters: Viking and Makayla, Acid, Demo, Inferno and Emmy, Grump, and Valkyries Skuld, Eir. We are introduced to Kyra’s children Hunter and Heidi, short order cook Barry, and Kyra’s ex Jason. The requisite evil has many faces.

REAPER is a story of obsession and murder, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, love and forever. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and engaging; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Andi Rhodes is an author whose passion is creating romance from chaos in all her books! She writes MC (motorcycle club) romance with a generous helping of suspense and doesn’t shy away from the more difficult topics. Her books can be triggering for some so consider yourself warned. Andi also ensures each book ends with the couple getting their HEA! Most importantly, Andi is living her real life HEA with her husband and their boxers.

For access to release info, updates, and exclusive content, be sure to sign up for Andi’s newsletter at andirhodes.com.

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Giving The Dragon Water (Elemental Dragons 3) by Victoria Jayne

Giving The Dragon Water (Elemental Dragons 3) by Victoria Jayne

ebook is only 99¢ for a limited time

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2025

Fate happened when they were busy making other plans.

Felicity Monroe lost her dream job. So, she headed to a secluded island where she could sip tropical drinks with umbrellas in them to escape reality. A delicious piece of dragon shifter only added to the appeal.

Unfortunately, as an Ember Witch, things were never that easy—not even a vacation.

Kai Aukai’s duty was to protect Pāhaʻohuna from humans. Of course, that involved working with the local coven. When the spell casters brought in witches from the mainland who hated each other, it complicated things. If they couldn’t get along, one had to leave.

Considering he mated Felicity, she had to stay.

Felicity’s moonlit dance brought more than the dragon shifter. Betrayal threatened to sabotage their mission. They all have to work together to save Pāhaʻohuna from human exposure. If they don’t, they’ll have to relive witch trials and dragon slayings.

••••

Sandy’s Review

GIVING THE DRAGON WATER is the third instalment in Victoria Jayne’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL DRAGONS erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is dragon Kai Aukai, and Ember witch Felicity Monroe’s story line. GIVING THE DRAGON WATER 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 (Kai and Felicity) GIVING THE DRAGON WATER follows in the wake of Felicity Monroe’s arrival on Pāhaʻohuna island, an island of supernatural beings hidden from the human world. Pāhaʻohuna is struggling to keep their island a secret, and an Ember witch is needed to strengthen the wards. Meeting dragon shifter Kai Aukai finds our heroine reconsidering her future but the arrival of her estranged aunt precipitates a series of dangerous events that threaten the lives of the island inhabitants.

The world building focuses on a potential betrayal; the group known as the Coalition for Light whose aim it is to reveal the existence of the supernatural; and the power that comes with magic and madness.

The relationship between Kai and Felicity is one of fated mates but Felicity tends to waffle between awareness and obliviousness, often a little naïve to the point of exhaustion. Refusing to participate in the destruction of life, Felicity struggles with her abilities, and the demands of her kind. 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 colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including Office of Security Captain Makoa, Kilikilo coven witch Kiely, Felicity’s aunt Josephine; leader of the Ember witch coven Divina, and the return of dragons Gideon and his mate Ella, Declan and his mate Alisa.

GIVING THE DRAGON WATER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and forgiveness, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is magical, intriguing and enchanting; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.

Julie B’s 🦋 Review

Third book in the series (I read one and two, which were great 👍🏻) not really a requirement to read to enjoy this story. But I think it adds to the overall feel of the story.

Poor Felicity, losing the job she loves had her at a bit of a loose end. What better way to pick up the pieces and start again, than by going on holiday.

You would think so…..

Kai is a dragon shifter that protects the island he lives on. it’s his honour to protect and he does it fiercely. But they need to increase the protection spell, and so another witch is brought in to help….

I love the almost instant attraction the dragon side of Kai has, he wants what he wants and no one, not even Kai’s human side will stand in the way 😜

But it’s only a holiday romance? Not if fated mate rule comes into play! But can she really stay on an island that only wants you for your power!

There is also the fact another witch was brought to the island, and as it’s a family member, so we can expect rivalry and betrayal.

If you love a good shifter story with a fated mates trope, then I highly recommend this book and the series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Giving the Dragon Fire
Giving the Dragon Ice

Copies supplied for review

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Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.

She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.

When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.

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Beyond Highland Sunrise by Kait Nolan-review tour

💚Beyond Highland Sunrise (Special Ops Scots 2) by Kait Nolan-review tour💚

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 7, 2025

The last thing I need while trying to make a success of my outdoor adventure company is a beautiful distraction. It takes all my focus to fight off the demons that remain from the injury that ended my career as a Royal Marine and deal with the clients that make me want to climb the nearest mountain and never come down.

But Parker Lawrence walks into our office, takes over a phone call, and changes everything. My desperate desire to keep her close has nothing to do with the fact that she’s sunshine personified—sweet, capable, and completely unfazed by my grumpitude and total lack of charm.

She’s also hiding something. I should mind my own business, but this bright Southern belle has gotten under my skin, and I want to save her every bit as much as it feels like she’s saving me.

When her secret catches up to her, I’ll do anything to keep her safe, even if those overprotective instincts risk driving away the best thing that’s ever walked into my life.

••••

REVIEW:Beyond Highland Sunrise is book two in the Special Ops Scots series by Kait Nolan.

Handsome but broody Callum Quinn runs an outdoor adventure tour group in Glenlaig, Scotland. He runs it with his two best friends, Finn Patterson and Alex Conroy. Slowly getting their company – Out of Bounds Scotland, up and running
Callum doesn’t mind doing the tours but the last thing he wants to do it deal with people. Callum believes everyone sees him as a monster. It’s not only the resting ogre face, but the horrible scar that runs down the left side of his face right thru his eye. Everyone shows fear when they see him.

That is until Parker Lawrence walks into the office. Callum is on the phone with a customer that isn’t taking kindly to the way Callum is dealing with him. Parker walks right up and takes the phone out of Callum’s hand and takes over the call. She saves the customer and Callum by helping him out. Callum realizes that his appearance doesn’t scare her. He doesn’t scare her. He automatically tells her she’s hired. But Parker isn’t one hundred percent sure she wants the job or to settle in this town. Although getting a job was at the top of her list. And no one would find her in Glenlaig.
After discussion with all of the owners of Out of Bounds, Parker decides to take the job as office manager.

What begins as a slow burn of friendship turns into so much more between Callum and Parker. And I knew from the start that I was going to fall hard for Callum and he did not disappoint. Can Parker trust to tell Callum why she is hiding out in Scotland. Can Callum let down his guard and let Parker in.

This was a wonderful Scotland romance. With everything from special ops, friendships, and sheep. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I have not read book one but I will now be going back to find out more about the other characters. Highly recommend if you love everything Scotland.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

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Kait Nolan is a USA Today best selling, RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin’, and can wield a ‘Bless your heart’ like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world’s most perfect food. When she’s not writing, reading, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off. You can check out her darker alter ego

Keep up with Kait Nolan and subscribe to her newsletter: https://kaitnolan.com/newsletter/

For more on Kait Nolan & her books, visit here!

 

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