Tag Archives: Romance

SIN & MISTLETOE anthology with Jade Marshall & Allison MacKenzie

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SIN & MISTLETOE anthology with Jade Marshall & Allison MacKenzie-review

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This Christmas, forget about tinsel and trees.
Get ready for dark and dirty, jealous and possessive.

In the darkness, a tempting surprise waits for you.
There will not be an exchange of gifts, only shadows waiting to claim you.

This holiday season, forget about happiness and family.
Instead, we welcome you to embrace the darkness.

Featuring stories by:
Eirca jaden
Amanda Holly
Allison MacKenzie
M Kay Noir
Jade Marshall

___

DARKEST OBSESSION by Jade Marshall

DARKEST OBSESSION by Jade Marshall is a contemporary, adult , erotic, Mafia romance novella focusing on heir to the DeLuca Mafia Dante Deluca, and physiotherapist Echo Campbell.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dante and Echo) DARKEST OBSESSION follows several years in the life of our story line couple. Dante and Echo were step-siblings following the marriage of Dante’s father to Echo’s mother but in the wake of her mother’s death, Echo became the fixation of the man in charge. Fast forward to present day, Dante DeLuca, heir to the DeLuca Crime family returns injured and broken from the Marines, coming face to face with our story line heroine but Echo withdraws from the man she once loved, a withdrawal that send Dante on a mission of discovery.

The world building follows some of the events of the past. We are witness to Dante’s indoctrination into the DeLuca Crime Family, and Echo’s loss of innocence at the hands of an evil man.

The relationship between Dante and Echo is a step-sibling relationship but the death of Echo’s mother, and Dante’s enlistment in the Marine meant Echo was no longer safe in the house she never called home. Time spent together at Echo’s cabin would find our couple reconnecting and rebuilding what was once lost. The $ex scenes are limited but impassioned.

The secondary and supporting characters include Dante’s father and current head of the DeLuca Crime family Thomas, his second in command Amos, as well as several friends of our story line heroine.

DARKEST OBSESSION is a story of betrayal, abuse, loss and love. The premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is limited but seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

______

A RED CHRISTMAS by Allison MacKenzie

A RED CHRISTMAS is the first instalment in Allison MacKenzie’s contemporary, adult, dark, erotic, Mafia romance series focusing on the head of the Volkov Crime Family August Volkov, and Ashleigh Campbell.

Told from dual first person perspectives (August and Ashleigh) covering approximately twenty-four hours, A RED CHRISTMAS follows Ashleigh Campbell, whose family is a part of the Irish Mob, as she prepares to spend the rest of her life in jail but the family’s Christmas vacation finds Ashleigh facing down the enemy who is determined to take his vengeance out on our story line heroine. Enter August Volkov, the new head of the Volkov Bratva in the wake of his sister’s murder, a murder blamed on Ashleigh Campbell. Desperate to take down the woman who killed his sister, August Volkov finds himself trapped in a cabin with our story line heroine when an avalanche buries them alive. Time spent together reveals the truth, an unsuccessful escape, and the palpable sexual attraction between our story line couple.

The relationship between Ashleigh and August is enemies to lovers. Snowbound, trapped in a cabin, our couple must come to terms with what happened and why, and in the wake of the information, August is reconsidering everything going forward. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Ashleigh’s parents Denis and Marisol Campbell; August’s parents Igor and Natasja Volkov.

A RED CHRISTMAS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance fast and furious; the characters are desperate and broken. A RED CHRISTMAS ends on a cliff hanger -you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase-review and tour

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Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase-review and tour

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

Everyone in the building loved the bake shop a lot.
Except for the guy on the top floor, who most certainly did not.
If it were up to him, there wouldn’t be a hint of Christmas in the building.

For two months out of the year, Daphne Noelle got to live her dream of owning a bakery. Her little pop-up bake shop—one that looked just like a gingerbread house—brought joy to every customer who stopped by to enjoy her sweet treats. She loved meeting people and making them smile, and being in such a festive setting every day was just the icing on the cake! For the last three years, everything had gone smoothly, but this year, there was one guy who was determined to ruin it all.

One of the things Tristan appreciated most about the office complex where his architecture firm was located is how upscale and elegant it was. Unfortunately, every year for eight long weeks, a holiday shop set up in the lobby, turning it into the equivalent of a traveling circus, and the bake shop booth was the worst offender. The giant gingerbread house was an eyesore and the woman running it was too cheery for his liking. This year, he was determined to do everything he could to have her and her booth removed.

When Tristan finds himself in the middle of a delicate family situation, only Daphne can help him. Now, he’ll have to beg and plead and promise to be on his best behavior while dealing with her exuberant holiday joy. But the more time he spends with her—and the more awkward situations she saves him from—he begins to realize there’s more to her than over-the-top holiday cheer. And maybe, when you’re with the right person, Christmas can mean a little bit more.

••••

REVIEW: BAKING IT MERRY by Samantha Chase is a contemporary adult, holiday romance focusing on architect Tristan Knight, and website designer / baker Daphne Noelle.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Tristan and Daphne) BAKING IT MERRY follows the enemies to lovers, fake relationship between architect Tristan Knight and baker Daphne Noelle. Every holiday season, Daphne Noelle and a group of artisans are contracted to set up a mini holiday market on the ground floor of a local office complex but this particular season Daphne finds herself the unwitting target of a holiday Grinch with the name of Tristan Knight. For some particular reason, Tristan aims his anger and attitude at our story line heroine until the day he discovers his mother is demanding Tristan take control of the holidays parties. With his tail between his legs, Tristan contracts Daphne to cater the family and business parties, a contract that that quickly evolves into something more but Tristan’s mom sees a happily ever after, and caught in a ‘compromising position’ Tristan offers up a fake relationship to appease everyone involved. As the holidays ensue, so does their relationship, a relationship that will implode with the appearance of manipulation and betrayal.

The world building focuses on the fake relationship that quickly grows into something more but Daphne struggles with the false narrative of their workplace affair, a narrative in which friendships and family will lose in the end.

The relationship between Tristan and Daphne is an enemies to frenemies to lovers, fake relationship. Tristan’s mother is desperate to see her son married and happy, and sees an opportunity to set a plan into motion, a plan that will see our couple, heart broken and lost. Tristan is quickly falling for the woman that calls to his heart but Tristan is a snob, and his earlier behavior will threaten any chance at a happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including both Tristan and Daphne’s parents, as well as Tristan’s assistant Faye, co-workers and local artisans.

BAKING IT MERRY is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is enchanting and charming; the characters are sassy and determined; the romance is subtle and seductive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley -review & giveaway

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A Legend in the Baking (Sugar Blitz 2) by Jamie Wesley -review, excerpt & giveaway

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

August Hodges was supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. Emphasis on silent. That is until his impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity goes viral, making him the hottest bachelor in town. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this perfect opportunity to help cement their place in the community. But the hiring of his best friend’s younger sister, the woman who has haunted some of his best dreams for years, was as much of a shock as his new-found fame.

Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother’s best friend the moment she met him more than a decade ago, but that teenage infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother’s request to revamp the bakery’s social media presence to take advantage of August’s newfound popularity, knowing it’s the big break her fledgling career needs. She’ll just ignore the fact that August is still August, i.e. sexier and sweeter than any man has a right to be. And that he drives her crazy with his resistance to all her ideas.

They vow to leave the past in the past. But when an explosive make-out session makes it clear their attraction burns hotter than ever, Sloane and August are forced to reconsider what it means to take a risk and chase your dreams.

As they’re both about to find out, all’s fair in love and cupcakes.

•••••

REVIEW:A LEGEND IN THE BAKING is the second instalment in Jamie Wesley’s contemporary, adult SUGAR BLITZ erotic, romance series focusing on professional football players and business owners Donovan, August and Nicholas. This is San Diego Knights fullback, divorcé and co-owner of Sugar Blitz Cupcakes August Hodges, and twenty-nine year old, social media manager Sloane Dell’s story line. A LEGEND IN THE BAKING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Sloane and August) focusing on two timelines, A LEGEND IN THE BAKING follows the building relationship between our story line couple. After a rant defending femininity and masculinity goes viral, August Hodges finds himself at the mercy of the internet but when Donovan Dell’s sister is hired to help control the social media content, August Hodges finds himself facing the woman who stirs all of his urges, a woman whose heart he destroyed years ago. Enter twenty-nine year old Sloane Dell, his best friend and teammate’s younger sister. As Sloane attempts to navigate and control the online media explosion surrounding August Hodges, our couple find themselves facing another type of vitriol when Sugar Blitz Cupcakes sets about to open a second location.

The world building focuses on the past and the breakdown of a dysfunctional family unit: the incident that pushed Sloane out of August’s life, ; the fall-out and of a marriage, and a career going nowhere fast. As August’s defense of femininity goes viral, so too does his popularity with the women, and the explosion of interest in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes.

The relationship between Sloane and August is a best friend’s younger sister, unrequited love. Sloane has been in love with her brother’s best friend August for as long as she can remember but Sloane was always treated as the little sister but the heart wanted something more, and August was about to destroy any hopes for a happily ever after. Working with August brings Sloane up close and personal with the fame and fortune of a professional football player, the fame of being pulled in several directions. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and entertaining including the return of Sloane’s brother Donovan Dell, and his girlfriend Jada Townsend-Matthews, and football player and Sugar Blitz co-owner Nicholas; August’s ex wife Melinda DeJesus; August’s father Dale Hodges; football fans and angry neighbors.

A LEGEND IN THE BAKING is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is edgy and entertaining; the characters are animated and determined; the romance is spicy and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

From A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley. Copyright © 2024 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
 

 

 

This is it. Your time is now.
Sloane Dell beamed at Candace, her boss and the director of marketing at Organic Chemistry, who was seated across the glass desk from her. Sloane had put in the hours, the less-than-desirable assignments (which sometimes included literally scooping up dog poop) as a social media assistant at the organic pet food company for the last three years. But it was all for a good cause. The promotion to social media manager was about to be hers. Finally.
Candace’s head was bent down as she reviewed Sloane’s work file, no doubt cataloging all the metaphorical gold stars Sloane had received from colleagues over the years.
Sloane is the best! Sloane is such a team player! Sloane comes up with the best, most innovative ideas! We couldn’t survive without her!
Okay, maybe that last one wouldn’t be in there, even though it was true. She wasn’t cocky, but she loved her job and was good at it.
Sloane’s smile spread as Candace lifted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her bright pink lipstick had started to bleed in the right corner.
Concentrate, Sloane! Now’s not the time.
Candace cleared her throat and adjusted the black frames that always seemed to be slipping down her nose. “Thanks for coming to see me, Sloane. I wanted to let you know we enjoy having you here at Organic Chemistry.”
Here it came. The big promotion. Sloane’s chest swelled with hope and excitement. She was already starting to think of all the ideas she wanted to implement to further the company’s goals, the student loan payments she could increase . . .
“. . . believe you still need more experience before you can move up to the manager position.”
“Tha—” The rest of that word petered out as Candace’s words sank through Sloane’s body like a lead stone, anchoring her to the stiff leather chair.
What the fuck?
Only the self-control she’d learned to assert over herself even through the most trying of times stopped her from blurting out that way-too-real question. Instead, she went with the much more sedate, more “professional” “Excuse me? Could you repeat that, please?”
Candace sighed and pushed up her glasses again. “Yes, it’s true. We agonized over this decision, but don’t feel putting you in a position you’re not quite ready for is the right move. It can only hurt your career.”
Such bullshit. Over the past two years, she’d put in countless hours for this company, come up with several campaigns that went viral, tripling their social media followers and directly correlating to an increase in sales, only for her immediate supervisor, the assistant director, Daniel, to take the credit. She’d let him get away with it because Sloane was a team player. And now her generosity had officially blown up in her face.
What a bunch of horseshit. Cow shit. Bear shit. Whatever excretions from whatever animal you could think of.
But she had to play the game.
After all, this was corporate America, where fakeness ruled and Black women were often punished for having the unmitigated gall to be both Black and female, so she was going to smile and play the game with the sunshiney-est smile possible. It was the only way to reach her ultimate goal of receiving the promotion she most definitely deserved. “I appreciate you looking out for me.”
Candace pressed a hand to her chest, the pink shade of her polish perfectly matching her lipstick, because appearances were always important. Her beady little green eyes gave off earnest vibes. “Thank you so much for understanding that this was such a tough decision for us. We agonized, but truly think this is the best for you.”
“I quit.”
Sloane froze. Wait. Who said that? The voice sounded familiar. Wait. She, Sloane Renee Dell, had said that. Sloane’s chest filled, not with panic, as she’d initially assumed, but a sense of rightness. Damn right she quit.
Candace’s mouth had fallen open in pure shock, her eyes bugging out behind her very tasteful, yet very expensive frames.
Sloane rose as a sense of purpose surged throughout her entire body. “I deserved that promotion. You know it. I know it. Everyone in this office knows it, and I’m not going to let you gaslight me into thinking it’s my fault you didn’t offer it to me. Consider this my resignation letter. I won’t need two weeks.”
Sloane whirled and strode confidently out of the office. With laser focus, she headed to her little cube—because offices were reserved for managers and directors and the like and not little pesky assistants who apparently didn’t deserve promotions. She quickly collected the few personal items she kept on her desk—the framed photo of her mom and siblings, her lucky shamrock plushy—and headed for the elevator.
Bethany, who worked in accounting, blinked when she saw Sloane. “Where are you going, Sloane?”
“I quit!”
Perhaps she’d said that a little too loudly, because heads began popping over the top of cubicle walls like the creatures in the Whac-A-Mole arcade game. She regally nodded at them all and gave them her best Duchess Meghan wave as she glided down the hall.
Her best friend, Felicia, the admin assistant, gave her a questioning look as she passed the front desk. Sloane shook her head but didn’t stop. Later. She would explain later. If she stopped now, she’d end up screaming at the top of her lungs about the injustice of it all and wind up being escorted off the property by building security.
Reality didn’t hit her until she was behind the wheel of her Mazda. Her vision went hazy for a second as she sucked in unsteady breaths.
Oh, God. What had she done? She had bills to pay. Student loans to whittle away at. She couldn’t quit a good job without another one lined up. But she had. She pressed a shaky hand to her abdomen. That mocha latte she’d treated herself to as a midday snack and pre-promotion celebration was now curdling in her stomach with the fury of sour milk.
But if the powers-that-be didn’t have her back, did she really want to work there?
No. She. Did. Not.From A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley. Copyright © 2024 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.


 

St. Martin’s Press is graciously offering a paper copy of A LEGEND IN THE BAKING by Jamie Wesley to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

 

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10. Giveaway runs from November 19-22, 2024

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The Mirror by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Mirror by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

 

 

Review:

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the 2nd book in her The Lost Bride Trilogy. The Mirror picks up immediately after the ending of the first book, Inheritance. Sonya MacTavish, our heroine, begins to settle into her daily life with her best friend Cleo; as they both adjust to the ghosts of brides, as well as the evil murderer Hester Dobb, who murdered all 7 brides.

Trey and Sonya are even more romantic now, as their relationship become more serious.   Cleo and Owen also became a couple; especially with all four of them constantly together. The Lost Bride Manor includes many deaths, with all the brides killed on their wedding day, centuries ago.  Now in present time, Sonya is determined to find a way stop Dobbs, and find all the missing rings from each bride, to force the end of the curse.  Other than Dobbs, the other ghosts are always helpful with both Sonya and Cleo; one sings songs, someone else makes the beds, cleans the kitchen, and even a young boy ghost, loves to play with Sonya’s dog.  Dobbs was always causing temper tantrums, with slamming doors, loud noises, her evil laughter and flying objects.

Sonya will learn more about the history of each bride, especially when she gets to enter into the mirror, finding herself decades in the past, witnessing live the happy days of each bride, before it ends in tragedy at the murderous hands of Dobbs.  Sonya also got to see Dobbs ripping off each of the wedding rings from each of the brides.

Sonya and Cleo were both strong and independent women; I loved their friendship, as they were always, they’re for each other.  I also loved both Trey and Owen, as they made wonderful couples, with the men both sweet and supportive. I adored the dogs that played a major part of the story, with Yoda, Mookie, Jones and Pye, Cleo’s kitten who became part of the group.   

The Mirror was another fantastic addition to this trilogy, with suspense, paranormal, romance, ghosts, supernatural, and an evil murderer. The Mirror was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  I loved the book, and cannot wait for the final book in the Lost Bride series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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THE MR. RIGHT CHECKLIST by Melissa Foster-review

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THE MR. RIGHT CHECKLIST by Melissa Foster-review

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

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/TMRC_GR

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

Dog groomer and budding marriage-proposal planner Destiny Amor believes in true love and happily ever afters. Though it’s not in the stars for her yet—honestly, who can live up to the criteria on her Mr. Right Checklist?—she wants it for others. When Destiny’s first misguided attempt at romance concierge ends in disaster, she’s ready to call it quits, until the supposed groom-to-be steps in with a proposal of his own.

Ryan “Fletch” Fletcher, a divorced-and-never-going-there-again professor, needs to get his matchmaking family off his back, and the disorganized, too-in-love-with-love proposal planner is the perfect solution. He offers to help Destiny get her business on track, if she’ll play the part of his adoring girlfriend at his brother’s wedding.

A professional situationship with her grumpy dog-grooming client? Destiny adores his pup, and she could put up with him to get her business off the ground. With any luck, she might even get that chip about love off his shoulder.

••••

REVIEW: THE MR. RIGHT CHECKLIST by Melissa Foster is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic romance story line focusing on dog groomer / marriage-proposal planner Destiny Amor, and sociology professor Ryan ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fletch and Destiny) THE MR. RIGHT CHECKLIST follows the building but fake relationship between our story line couple. Destiny Amor is the groomer for Ryan Fletcher’s dog Molly but Destiny sees nothing but a ‘grumpy Gus’ whenever Ryan enters the store but when Destiny’s inaugural marriage proposal event goes off the rails, Ryan aka Fletch offers a proposal, a fake relationship to keep his family of matchmakers off his back. Little does Fletch know but Destiny has a check-list of criteria for her own Mr. Right, and Fletch doesn’t check off too many boxes on our heroine’s list. As Fletch and Destiny’s relationship slowly builds into something more, neither one is willing to acknowledge their growing love, instead focusing on the end date, and nothing more.

The world building focuses on Destiny’s slow building marriage proposal business, and the growing relationship between our story line couple but Destiny is so fixated on her Mr. Right Check-list she doesn’t see that she has already found the man that she loves. Destiny is willing to walk away as their expiry date approaches because Fletch doesn’t check all of the boxes on her list. While Fletch struggles with a prior betrayal that refocuses his heart on something else he quickly realizes that Destiny may be his chance at love.

The relationship between Fletch and Destiny begins acrimoniously and quickly spirals down hill. In an effort to appease his family, Fletch proposes a fake relationship with our story line heroine, a relationship that will quickly turn into something more. Their sexual chemistry is real and strong. The $ex scenes are spicy intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are charismatic and fun. We are introduced to Destiny’s boss and best friend Ruby and her husband John ; Fletch’s best friend Marshall, and brothers Chuck, Jimmy and his wife Beth.

THE MR. RIGHT CHECKLIST is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, loss and grief, acceptance and love. The premise is spirited and heartwarming ; the characters are flirty and fun; the romance is seductive and fated.

Copy suppled by Netgalley

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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Sinister Intentions / Dangerous Devotion by Kat Bammer-reviews

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Sinister Intentions / Dangerous Devotion (Ruthless Rogues 3 & 4:Dangerous Intentions 1 & 2) by Kat Bammer-reviews

SINISTER INTENTIONS
Ruthless Rogues 3 & 4: Dangerous Intentions 1 & 2
by Kat Bammer
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 15, 2024

“I don’t honor the rules. I make them.”

In the dark, dangerous world of organized crime, Vincenzo Salvini’s name is
whispered behind hands.

And not just in the Italian mafia circles he lords over.
His reputation? Brutal, strategic, emotionless—if he singles you out, it’s game over.

It was exhilarating to outsmart him…and incredibly foolish.
I thought I hid successfully. But he found me, and his hungry eyes speak of sinister intentions.

He insists on an arranged marriage with his brother.
But here’s the kicker…my father agrees.

Salvini wants to destroy me, cage me, control me.
But he underestimates me—I’m not the naive mobster princess, he thinks.
I’m ready to break free from this life, to be independent and true to myself.

Not a mafia bride. Not a plaything of men. And definitely not Vince Salvini’s personal amusement.

••••

REVIEW: SINISTER INTENTIONS is the third instalment in Kat Bammer’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS ROGUES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series, and the first instalment in the Dangerous Intentions Duet. This is heir to the Salvini Mafia, thirty-two year old, Vincenzo ‘Vince’ Salvini, and twenty-one year old, Irish Mob princess Jemma Donnelly’s story line. Jemma was first introduced in book two TAINTED DESIRE. SINISTER INTENTIONS can be read as a stand alone with out any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Vince and Jemma) SINISTER INTENTIONS follows in the wake of the arranged engagement between Matteo Salvini, and Jemma Donnelly. Jemma and Matteo want nothing to do with the marriage arranged by Vince Salvini and Jemma’s father Craig Donnelly, and from the outset Jemma is determined to run as soon as possible but Vince Salvini sees something in Jemma that stirs within his soul. Jemma has a secret that will force Vince’s hand into marriage, a secret that threatens the stability of the Salvini Mafia. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Jemma and Vince, and the potential fall-out as someone else is taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building follows a fight for power and control. Vince Salvini is the eldest son, a man who is struggling with the demons from his past but Vince never expected to find himself attracted to the woman he arranged for his brother, a woman who continually pushes all of his buttons. Meanwhile, Vince’s father is playing games with the Russian Bratva ,and Vince is about to be caught in the crossfire; and Jemma’s secrets are about to be exposed.

The relationship between Vince and Jemma is heated and turbulent. The back and forth vitriol between our story line couple barely masks a sexual attraction that pulls Jemma into the bearing that is our story line hero. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate .

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Alex Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Fiona: Gabe Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Sophie; as well as Vince’s siblings Dante, Matteo, Hero, and Isabella, as well as their father Alfredo Salvino; Craig Donnelly, and Russian mobster Ivan Zotov.

SINISTER INTENTIONS is another story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family, relationships, and acceptance. The age-gap, enemies to lovers premise is dark, melodramatic and consuming; the characters are desperate and charismatic; the romance is limited to the palpable sexual attraction . SINISTER INTENTIONS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

________

DANGEROUS DEVOTION
(Ruthless Rogues 4: Dangerous Intentions 2)
by Kat Bammer
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 15, 2024

“I’m a lot of things, punk, but gentleman ain’t one of them.”

I should’ve heeded my dangerous mafia boss’s warning because claiming your brother’s bride as your own is anything but gentlemanly.
But here I am, on the precipice of making a life-altering…and incredibly risky choice.

Despite our tumultuous beginning, our conflicts, and the vast differences that separate us, I want Vincenzo Salvini.

All of him.
The good and the bad, the caring, and the ruthless.

His possessive gaze and seductive whispers make me forget everything that stands between us.
Make me fall in love.
But that “yes” means walking into a storm of electrifying passion, lurking danger, and a tangled web of uncertainty.

And a fake marriage–that just might cost me my life.

•••••

REVIEW: DANGEROUS DEVOTION is the fourth instalment in Kat Bammer’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS ROGUES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series, and the second book in the Dangerous Intentions Duet. This is heir to the Salvini Mafia, thirty-two year old, Vincenzo ‘Vince’ Salvini, and twenty-one year old, Irish Mob princess Jemma Donnelly’s continuing story. DANGEROUS DEVOTION should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of SINISTER INTENTIONS.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jemma and Vince) DANGEROUS DEVOTION picks up immediately after the events of SINISTER INTENTIONS in which our couple have been targeted, and Jemma finds herself in hiding with the man with whom she is falling in love. As Vince Salvini continues to battle for the top, Jemma focuses on the future with our story line hero but Jemma’s secrets will reveal a connection to the man whom she loves, secrets that will threaten the women in Vincenzo’s life. As Vince must come to terms with the actions of the man currently controlling the New York Mafia, the safety of his soon-to-be wife is his paramount objective. Several attacks against the Salvini household push Vince to take control, and in doing so, he finds himself facing another rival in the war for control.

The world building continues to focus on the building relationship between Jemma and Vince, a relationship that is now based on attraction and love. Someone is taking aim at our story line couple, and Vince begins to suspect there is more than one player in the game.

The relationship between Jemma and Vince is one of mutual attraction; a loving yet protective love affair in which in an effort to protect the woman he loves, Vince must claim Jemma as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive as the couple continues to fight for their lives.

Once again, the dynamic and familiar secondary and supporting characters include the return of Alex Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Fiona: Gabe Falcone, and Jemma’s sister Sophie; as well as Vince’s siblings Dante, Matteo, Hero, and Isabella; their father Alfredo Salvino; Jemma’s father Craig Donnelly, and Russian mobster Ivan Zotov. The requisite evil has many faces.

DANGEROUS DEVOTION is another story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and infatuation, acceptance and love. The premise remains dark and dramatic; the romance is impassioned; the character are desperate, determined and driven. DANGEROUS DEVOTION ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-the conflict resolution is incomplete.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Sinful Honor
Tainted Desire

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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If You Need Me (Toronto Terror 3) by Helena Hunting-review

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If You Need Me (Toronto Terror 3) by Helena Hunting-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2024

I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.

I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.
Except she hates me.

To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile.
To Hemi, I’m the menace who (accidentally) sank her bike to the bottom of the lake.

I never thought I’d be able to right my wrongs until she took the team’s PR job.
I’d hoped I was making progress, winning her over—one geriatric polka party at a time.

Until I got drunk one night and made a mistake. A very big mistake.
Now the world thinks we’re both very much in love—except Hemi is absolutely in loathe.

To save our jobs and reputations, we have to convince all our friends, family, and bosses that our fake relationship is the real deal.

I’ll do anything to protect her, especially if it means I get to be the best boyfriend Hemi never expected.

•••••

REVIEW:IF YOU NEED ME is the third instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult TORONTO TERRO erotic, hockey romance series. This is PR agent for the Toronto Terror Wilhelmina ‘Hemi’ Reddi-Grinst, and team player Dallas Bright’s story line. IF YOU NEED ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary . Dallas and Hemi were first introduced in books one and two.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hemi and Dallas) IF YOU NEED ME focuses on the enemies to lovers, fake relationship between our story line couple. Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst and Dallas Bright were childhood friends but high school proved to be difficult for Wilhelmina, having been bullied and harassed by her fellow students. Dallas Bright watched from the sidelines as the woman he loved was destroyed by those she should have called friends but a misunderstanding pushed Wilhelmina too far, and in the ensuing ten years, our heroine struggled to forget the betrayal brought about by Dallas Bright. Fast forward to present day, Dallas is a player, and Hemi is the PR director for the Toronto Terror, and their upcoming ten year high school reunion threatens any and all of Hemi’s hard fought stability. Knowing Hemi’s high school bullies would be chomping at the bit to destroy her life, Dallas makes Hemi an offer she cannot refuse. A fake relationship and engagement to prove she is worthy of love and affection but all does not go according to plan as Dallas wants something more, and Hemi struggles with his past betrayals.

The world building focuses on issues of low self esteem for both Hemi Reddi-Grinst and Dallas Bright. Dallas struggles to forgive himself for breaking our story line heroine’s heart, and Hemi battles between head and heart fearing a repeat of her entire high school career. Hemi is an assertive and often combative heroine who has spent most of her life facing down the bullies who were taking constant aim, and in this, her reputation made her a target of workplace harassment.

The relationship between Hemi and Dallas is an enemies to frenemies to lovers relationship; a fake engagement meant to prove they had both moved on from the past, but the past refuses to let go for our story line couple, and Dallas and Hemi are at two different points in their rekindling relationship. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including the couples we met in the previous story lines. Family and friends, co-workers and high school bullies, all tame or threaten our couple’s growing relationship and love.

IF YOU NEED ME is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and heart-wrenching; the romance is flirtatious and inviting; the characters are determined and compelling.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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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.

 

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The Truths That Deceive by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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The Truths That Deceive (Obsidian Knights Secret Society #4) by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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Add The Truths That Deceive to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/tttdgr

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2024

My beautiful captive played the wrong hand when she tried to escape me… My latest assignment should have been easy. Find ex-hacker/rogue CIA agent Calista Price and hand her over to the US government for treason. But Calista is nothing like the desk jockey I expected. She’s a wild card, fiery, seductive, and she feeds into every one of my primal play urges.

Chasing her is addictive. Wrong. She’s young enough to be my daughter, and my mission is to capture her, not ravage her.

None of that stops me from craving her at my deepest levels. Calista infects my blood. She’s got an appetite for the same dirty, twisted games that I do. And she loves being hunted.

But time is short with my shiny new toy. She’s a target for more than just the CIA and others are closing in fast. At the end of the line, there are only two outcomes for Calista.

Prison…or death.

As we fall deeper into our dark, depraved games, I know I can’t give her up. I want all of her – body, mind, and blackened soul that matches my own.

And I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take her from me.

••••••

REVIEW:THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE is the fourth instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult OBSIDIAN KNIGHTS SECRET SOCIETY dark, erotic, romance series focusing on a secret society of billionaires and assassins. This is thirty-eight year old, former CIA operative Smith Hunt, and twenty-four year old CIA hacker Calista Hendrix’s story line. THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary . Smith Hunt is Dakota Hunt’s estranged father (The Desires That Burn).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including light Dom / sub and graphic violence, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. The author includes a list of TW in the book.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Calista and Smith) THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE focuses on the hunt and take down of our story line heroine. Calista Hendrix is on the run having uncovered some information on the dark web. The CIA believes Calista is a traitor, and Smith Hunt is tasked with bringing her home but all is not as it appears to be when the truth reveals a much darker scenario including a need for vengeance for our story line heroine.

Once again, the world building is comprehensive and intricate. Calista is keeping the truth of her ‘supposed betrayal’ in the hopes of destroying the people who destroyed her life. As Smith struggles to keep Calista under control, our heroine refuses to sit back watching the world go by. At every opportunity Calista attempts an escape, often placing both of their lives in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Calista and Smith begins as an assignment but Calista refuses to go quietly, and within hours is forcing Smith’s hand. Calista is not naïve to the in which she works and is currently under watch but she refuses to remain safe when the bad guys are always getting away. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and provocative but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word liberally throughout.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous instalments: Mercer, Orion, Malone, Black Widow and Jones, as well a number of CIA operatives and mentors who actions and roles are ambiguous and dubious.

THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, exploitation and trafficking, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, dark, dramatic and intriguing; the romance is aggressive and steamy; the characters are desperate, determined and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Secrets That Kill
The Desires That Burn
The Sins That Ruin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Website / GOODREADS / Facebook/ Twitter / Instagram/ YouTube / Bookbub/
Facebook Reader Group/

Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and suspense-filled romance. She’s addicted to kickboxing, Starburst jelly beans, and swooning over dark, broken anti-heroes. Kristen is happily married to her own real-life hero of over 20 years. In addition to penning spicy stories, she also has a part-time job as her three kids’ personal Uber driver, which she manages to successfully juggle along with her other tasks: laundry, cleaning, laundry, cooking, laundry, and caring for her adorable Boston Terrier puppy.

Mafia romance is her passion…and her poison.

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