Tag Archives: Romance

LADY EVA’S FALLEN ROGUE (The Riddle Sisters 1) by Jennifer Monroe

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RoeLADY EVA’S FALLEN ROGUE (The Riddle Sisters 1) by Jennifer Monroe-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

As the eldest daughter of one of England’s most influential families, Lady Eva Riddle has no time for love. Since the tragic accident that claimed her parents and fiancé, she has devoted herself entirely to raising her younger sisters. But when a cryptic letter surfaces regarding her parents’ past, it directs her to seek out a former Bow Street Runner, Garrett Dryden—a strikingly handsome rogue with a wicked smile and the only man who can help her uncover the truth.

Garrett Dryden, once accustomed to a life of privilege, now sells his skills to the highest bidder. Romance is the last thing on his mind; that is, until a captivating new client arrives at his door. Lady Eva is poised, breathtakingly beautiful, and a symbol of everything he despises about high society. Though he knows the mystery she seeks to unravel will lead them both into peril, Garrett reluctantly agrees to help.

As their partnership deepens, so does the undeniable attraction between them. But trust is hard-won for a disillusioned rogue, and Eva’s lingering doubts about Garrett’s shadowy past could leave her reputation—and her heart—in jeopardy. In a world where scandal can destroy even the most enduring love, will they risk everything for a chance at happiness?

The first in The Riddle Sisters series, Lady Eva’s Fallen Rogue is a Regency romance filled with endearing characters, secrets, and a love that defies all odds.

••••••••

REVIEW: A new series by an author I’ve not read before.

Lady Eva Riddle’s parents and fiancé are killed in a tragic carriage accident, and for over a year now, she’s looked after her younger siblings. One day she received a package and a letter, it advises her to talk to no one about the contents, but to seek out an ex Bow Street Runner.

Garrett Dryden is now a book binder, well that’s his cover, he’s actually private investigator (or thief catcher) down on his luck, he was once a man of wealth and title. He’s quick to judge the wealthy as they usually come across and rude and arrogant. But secretly longs to restore his good name.

He’s approached by a young woman who asks for his help in solving a case. At first he’s not really interested. But something about the case intrigues him….

Together they set off to uncover the mystery of the package and the “supposedly” accidental death of her parents and fiancée.

Both have trust issues, and it does take a little time for that trust to be earned. And even it does, then Garrett is convinced she is the last for him! But can he keep her safe from the danger that soon befalls them?

A clean/sweet romance is what I usually read when I’ve overloaded on dark/mafia and heavy topics. And this one hit the spot.

Both Garrett and Eva are really great characters, technically from the same background, until Garrett falls on hard times (do we find out why? 🤐) both are hard workers, both want answers to the puzzle that surrounds them.

A few plot twists (a few I saw coming, but one or two did surprise me.)

How will Eva take the news that her parents and fiancée were not all they seemed? And will she be able to serve justice on their behalf?

It’s the first book in a new series, and I can’t wait to see where the next one takes us. This one ends well, but leaves it open for the next book. So I’d probably advise reading in order.

If you like your romance with no smut, but with plenty of mystery, then I think you’ll like this one.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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Neutral Zone Trap (For Puck’s Sake 10) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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🏒💜Neutral Zone Trap (For Puck’s Sake 10) by Crea Reitan-review tour🏒💜

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2024

I want something true.

Torin

Hiding behind my mascot mask has always worked in my favor. As someone with social anxiety and paralyzing shyness, the ability to be out in the world without being seen is the only way I’m able to function. It also means I can long for my crush from afar without him knowing.

I’m invisible inside my costume and try to go unseen otherwise. Except that Hugo always sees me because he’s such a sweet, kind, thoughtful man. Is it any surprise that I’m completely in love with him?

What starts out as an accidental anonymous text turns into a date but there’s just one problem. Hugo thinks he’s texting a girl. What happens when he finds out that’s not the case?

Hugo

When my closest friends all pair up, I’m left as the unpartnered ninth wheel, which becomes awkward and makes me feel out of place. That’s where my new friend, Torin, comes in.

The face behind the Surry the Seal is Torin Jonah. He’s so quiet and nice, I try to always make sure to say hi to him when I see him. It’s not hard to make sure someone knows that you see them.

We start hanging out all the time – having sleepovers, platonic cuddling, maybe a little throwback to teenage mutual jerking sessions in the shower amongst bros. When I tell him that I’ve been talking to this girl and I think I like her, suddenly I feel like I’m being unfaithful to him.

Now I’m not sure what to do. Date this girl or maybe see if Torin could possibly be interested in me and see what happens.

•••••

REVIEW:I absolutely loved this book. It’s my second favourite in this series.

Yes it’s a slow burn (but I’m so glad it was) is there plenty of hockey? (yes there is) do we catch up with regulars from the series? Absolutely.

Torin although part of this series, hasn’t really been seen in previous books. He’s the clubs mascot. Hidden behind a mask is just how Torin likes it. Suffering from crippling anxiety meant Torin can’t really get a job that he’s seen! So hiding gives him a wage and a sense of purpose.

Torin also has a HUGE crush on Hugo. It started also as soon as Torin spots Hugo, and when he says hi, or waves to him, it just makes his crush grow.

But Hugo is straight, and Torin wouldn’t ever put himself in a position to say hi.

Hugo is a defender, it’s his job to keep the puck away before it gets to the goal. He’s a big guy, and has been told often he’s just a “jock”, he’s been told to think before he speaks as he often offends! He loves his team mates, and he loves what he does…..

But….. Hugo is lonely! He’s watching his friends pair off and find their happy ever afters. And the puck bunnies don’t really hold any interest for him anymore. (In fact, there is a part in here that makes me 😱 and then 😢)

Torin starts the ball rolling by accidentally texting Hugo! (I’m not going to give that part away, as I did chuckle at that incident.) Hugo responds, and they start a conversation…..

Meanwhile Hugo has started coming over and saying hi to Torin, and a friendship begins…..

Hugo is socially awkward, he just says whatever he thinks or feels. (Not really the done thing, but I found it endearing) he likes the friendship that is growing between Torin and him, but he’s also looking forward to the texts he receives from his new friend. And as his feelings for both of the people, start to grow, he has to make a choice….

So what happens when Hugo goes on a date with his text “girl” and meets the man who has slowly taken over Hugo’s every waking moment?

OMG!! There is apart in here, that absolutely broke me 😢 I kept fingers, toes and everything in between crossed 🤐

The storyline is absorbing, the characters had my attention from the first word, until the last one. I just wanted this story to go on and on and on.

I like the words we get from the author in the beginning of her book, and at the end. Usually very thought provoking.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shiver
Starting Line
Lucky Shot
The Crease
Wingman Score
Coach Stare Down
Stick Lessons
The Defending Goal
Just Winging It

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

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

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

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Wicked Knight (Sins & Saints 3) by Faith Summers-review

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Wicked Knight (Sins & Saints 3) by Faith Summers-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2024

My villain, my monster, my Wicked Knight…
Never make a deal with the devil.
It will blow up in your face.
Just like fire, you will get burned.
I signed a contract that was supposed to protect me.
Then it fell into the wrong hands.
His—Dmitri Valneko aka the guy who’s forbidden to me.
He was my boy next door.
Until the family feud that tore us apart.
I knew things would get harder the moment we started college.
And they did.

At Raventhorn University, home of the Knights, one of the most powerful secret societies, Dmitri is a god.
He’s a star athlete and an unrivaled heir to the empire.
He gets whatever he wants.
Including me.
Even when we’re supposed to be off limits to each other.

I should try to fight him. Our past is too dark and ugly.
I should try be free of his terms and conditions. But he wants to consume me.
If our parents find out we’re together there will be consequences I don’t want to face.

But…
One kiss and he has me melting in the palms of his hands.
One touch and I want him to keep me forever.
And every time we meet I know I won’t say no.

But what happens when dark secrets, including our own, begin to threaten our lives?
And our forbidden love.

•••••

REVIEW: WICKED KNIGHT is the third instalment in Faith summers contemporary, new adult SINS AND SAINTS dark, erotic, Mafia bully romance set in the author’s Cruel Lies/ Cruel Promises world, as well as the author’s Raventhorn Academy and Dark Syndicate worlds. This is sophomore Dmitri Valneko, and Mackenzie Domachenkov’s story line. WICKED KNIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Raventhorn University is a prestigious and time-honored private school for the family and children of the criminal underworld. The ruling secret society of Knights controls every aspect of the university including the lives and futures of the ruling elite.

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

Told from dual first person perspective (Dmitri and Mackenzie) WICKED KNIGHT follows the building but forbidden relationship between Dmitri Valneko and Mackenzie Domachenkov. A few years earlier the Valneko and Domachenkov families were destroyed by the death of Dmitri’s older brother Tommy, a death blamed on someone they knew. With the family at odds, a relationship between childhood friends Dmitri and Mackenzie was strictly forbidden but Dmitri wanted Mackenzie to claim as his own. Mackenzie knew that the possibility of a future with Dmitri would be stopped before it began but the young lovers wanted something that could end their lives.Struggling to keep their relationship a secret, Dmitri and Mackenzie battled between head and heart as threats of another nature turned deadly and dark.

The world building follows several pathways including the power of the ruling secret society as it takes aim at the Domachenkov family; and places the next generation in the direct line of fire. The past is slowly revealing a truth long buried and dead, a truth that will threaten our story line heroine.

The relationship between Dmitri and Mackenzie is a friends to forbidden lovers. Dmitri’s father refuses to accept Dmitri’s relationship with Mackenzie Domachenkov, and in this, past memories slowly surface as to what happened and why. Mackenzie finds herself often on the outside looking in, pining for a man she has loved from afar. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters included the return of Lucian and Eilish, Kade and Isabelle; Aleksander Ivanov, as well as the introduction of Mackenzie’s father Adrian Domachenkov , and Dmitri’s father, chancellor of Raventhorn Maxim Valneko.

WICKED KNIGHT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional families, desperation and love. The premise is dramatic, captivating and engaging; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are broken but determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Vicious Knight
Devious Knight

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

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RUTHLESS GUARDIAN (Ruthless Heirs 1) by Sienna Cross-review tour

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RUTHLESS GUARDIAN (Ruthless Heirs 1) by Sienna Cross-review tour

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

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3XSos9q

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2024

Isabella

I’m a mafia princess, heir to the Kings’ throne.
My entire life has been spent behind the bars of a gilded cage.
Protected, admired, adored.
Controlled.
I long for freedom.
In one night, everything changes…
Enter Raffaele Ferrara, dark, broody and tormented.
And the most frighteningly gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.
My new bodyguard is all rules and restraint.
But beneath our clashes, an undeniable attraction simmers—dangerous, forbidden, irresistible.

Raffaele

Isabella Valentino is off-limits.
She’s young and naïve and most importantly, my new client.
I live by my rules; in my world, everything is about control.
That’s why I’m the best at what I do.
And rule number one: Never get involved with the principal.
But the woman is a force of nature.
Ignoring my rules and procedures, she’s intent on breaking every single one.
And my tethers of restraint grow weaker by the day.
Worse, I don’t want to fight it anymore.
Isabella Valentino is mine.

•••••

REVIEW: RUTHLESS GUARDIAN is the first instalment in Sienna Cross’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS HEIRS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty year old, former Italian Special Forces turned bodyguard Raffaele Ferrara, and twenty-two year old med student / Mafia princess Isabella Valentino’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raffaele and Isabella) RUTHLESS GUARDIAN follows in the wake of an attack against our story line heroine. When Isabella’s lifelong bodyguard was killed trying to protect her, Isabella struggled to move forward until the day her father hired a new guard, former Italian Special Forces solider Raffaele Ferrara, a man whose secrets are dangerous and dark. An opportunity for Isabella, and three month internship in Italy finds Raffaele on edge, fearing the demons from his past at every corner. Battling to keep our heroine safe in the wake of her need to defy her security, Raffaele is reluctantly falling for a woman who refuses to back down , a fall that brings with it too many memories from the past.

The world building follows in the wake of numerous attempts against Isabella’s life but Raffaele will quickly discover not everything is at it appears to be. The target area is growing, and our couple find themselves facing down a familiar foe.

The relationship between Isabella and Raffaele begins as an assignment but Isabella refuses to abide by her security detail’s demands. Always defying orders and suggestions, Isabella is often TSTL in the face of several attacks against her life. Early on in the story line, Isabelle is a manipulative, immature and often unlikable heroine, pushing Raffaele’s buttons, buttons that should never have been pressed. Falling for Isabella was never in his future but Raffaele finds himself falling for the one woman able to take him down. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and questionable secondary and supporting characters including siblings, cousins, friends, co-workers, many of whom cannot be trusted or with dubious motives.

RUTHLESS GUARDIAN is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder and obsession, dysfunctional family values, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, dark and captivating; the romance is seductive ; the characters are dynamic and charismatic but it too awhile to accept the story line heroine.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Sienna Cross was kidnapped by mobsters, saved by her super-hot step-brother, then forced into an arranged marriage with a billionaire. From there, things got really interesting… She loves to write about dark, morally-gray alpha males and the captivating women that bring them to their knees. For all the inside info, join Sienna Cross’s Heartbreakers on Facebook, like her page, and follow her on Instagram and Tiktok. She has a thing for stalkers 😉 

 

Connect with Sienna

Website | www.siennacrossbooks.com   

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Formula Fling (Race Fever 1) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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Formula Fling (Race Fever 1) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2024

Posey Evans is looking to take her career as a romance author to the next level, shifting from historical love stories to writing about the high stakes world of formula racing. Wanting to immerse herself in the sport, Posey manages to secure full access to the Crown Velocity Racing team by faking credentials as a journalist. When she’s granted unlimited face-to-face time with one of the teams’ best drivers, Posey is equal parts elated and terrified because while she’s getting exactly what she wants, she can’t afford to have her secret exposed.

Lex Hamilton lives for the thrill of being one of the fastest and most decorated race car drivers in the sport. When he’s behind the wheel, he’s focused on one thing and one thing only—earning top spot on the podium. But off the track? Let’s just say his extracurricular activities have put him on a very short leash with the team management at Crown Velocity. He’s cocky, handsome, dripping with swagger, and not super happy to have what he considers a babysitter following his every move. Lex’s unwillingness to help doesn’t deter Posey but when he uncovers her secret, they strike a deal—he won’t reveal her truth if she helps him stay out of trouble and keep his job.

While many women would swoon at his feet, Posey isn’t interested in anything more than Lex’s racing knowledge. Mostly. As the season inches closer and passions ignite, time at the track leads to time in the bed. Having agreed there is an expiration date on their arrangement, what started as an assignment has the potential to go the distance as their physical relationship builds into something deeper. But when her secret is revealed, will Lex and Posey’s relationship hit a wall, or will this fling find its way to the checkered flag?

•••••

REVIEW:FORMULA FLING is the first instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult RACE FEVER erotic, romance series focusing on Formula International (F1), a fictionalized version of motorsport racing. This is twenty-four year old race car driver Lex Hamilton, and American romance author Elizabeth ‘Posey’ Evans’ story line.

NOTE: For fans of Sawyer Bennett, there is a slight cross over with the author’s Pittsburgh Titan’s hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lex and Posey) FORMULA FLING follows in the wake of the arrival in England, of Elizabeth ‘Posey’ Evans, an American romance author posing as a sports journalist. The Crown Velocity racing team is struggling with Lex Hamilton’s image. With a bad-boy reputation, and the paparazzi photos to prove it, team principal Harley Patrick is desperate to present a united front but Lex appears to be spiraling out of control, and the arrival of Posey Evans is just what the our hero needed. Posey struggles with the lie she is using to cover the truth, a truth that is about to push Posey out of Lex’s life. As our couple’s relationship turns from professional to personal, someone else is waiting in the wings to destroy them both.

The world building is flooded with F1/ motorsport jargon, technical racing language and activity. Posey is up close and personal with the world of F1 racing, including the nightlife that so many use to end their days.

The relationship between Posey and Lex begins as an assignment. Lex is ordered to be on his best behavior, as Posey battles between head and heart knowing her lie of omission will eventually spiral out of control. As Lex slowly loses his heart to our story line heroine, Posey knows her time in England is coming to a close. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and some familiar secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to team owner Spencer Montgomery, fellow drivers Ronan Barnes,and Carlos Moreno; team principal Harley Patrick; communications manager Maeve Dornan as well as several technical members of the Crown Velocity team.

FORMULA FLING is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and retribution, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, captivating and enticing; the romance is impassioned and provocative; the characters are determined, bold and larger than life.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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

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

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

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MORETTI BROTHERS by Royal Reeds -a review

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MORETTI BROTHERS by Royal Reeds -a review

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 9,2024

Caught in a whirlwind of danger, betrayal, and forbidden desire, Harmony never imagined her life would be turned upside down when she’s kidnapped by the powerful Moretti brothers. What starts as captivity in the dangerous world of crime soon turns into something much deeper—a connection that neither she nor the brothers can deny.

As Harmony grapples with her cousin Victor’s devastating betrayal, she’s drawn deeper into the Morettis’ dark, seductive world, where violence and power are constant companions. The brothers, Enzo and Dante, are as ruthless as they are captivating, and Harmony finds herself torn between her need for freedom and her undeniable bond with them. With their criminal empire under siege and a vengeful rival closing in, the stakes have never been higher.

But when Harmony decides to take control of her fate, one thing becomes clear—her place may not be in the world she once knew but in the arms of the men she never expected to fall for. Can she survive the dangerous world of crime and love, or will her desire to stay with Enzo and Dante put her life in even greater peril?

In this gripping, steamy tale of loyalty, passion, and danger, Harmony must choose between her past and the new life she’s willing to fight for—even if it means risking everything.

•••

REVIEW:  MORETTI BROTHERS by Royal Reeds is a stand alone, contemporary, adult erotic, menage, Mafia romance focusing on twins Enzo and Dante Moretti, and their captive twenty-three year old Harmony.

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

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Enzo, Dante, Harmony) MORETTI BROTHERS follows in the wake of a betrayal by a trusted man. Enzo and Dante are struggling with the betrayal by Victor, one of their men, and in an effort to track him down, the brothers abduct and hold hostage his cousin, a young woman he hasn’t seen in close to eight years. Enter Harmony. Harmony is an innocent in the world of Mafia and crime but her cousin’s actions have place Harmony in the direct line of fire. A prison, albeit in a gilded cage, Harmony finds herself with the brothers in Italy as they hunt down the man who betrayed them all. As Harmony struggles with her place in the mix, she will quickly discover that both Dante and Enzo want something from her, a future and a possible happily ever after.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a betrayer. Enzo and Dante trusted a man who betrayed them both but a man who was tired of watching from the sidelines without any source of control or power. Using Harmony as a source of information would prove futile as our heroine knew nothing about the cousin’s actions or his drive for power.

The relationship between Harmony and the brothers begins as an abduction but quickly turns into something more. Enzo is the first to fall for his beautiful captive but Dante isn’t far behind when he discovers his brother attraction to the woman with whom they will both fall in love. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense but our heroine is often a little TSTL, placing herself in the direct line of fire.

The secondary and supporting characters including Harmony’s cousin Victor, and his girlfriend Sophia, as well as crime lord Carter Huffman.

MORETTI BROTHERS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and desire, secrets and lies, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic, captivating and intense; the romance is passionate ; the characters are determined and aggressive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Violet Promises (Oil Dukes 1) by Marie Johnston-review

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Violet Promises (Oil Dukes 1) by Marie Johnston-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

It was supposed to be one night to feel alive after getting out of a dud of a relationship. Now I’m having a baby, and I only have the soon-to-be dad’s first name.

After my breakup, I need to find a job and place to live, but I can’t move into the house my grandma left me unless I’m married. Fortunately, the guy renting the place doesn’t know that, so I stop by and find out if he can move at the end of his lease.

Only when the door opens, it’s him. My one-night stand. I do the only reasonable thing possible. I tell him we’re going to have a baby and promptly puke over the railing of the porch. Next thing I know, I’m on his couch, and he’s demanding a paternity test.

Except he doesn’t just want the test. He wants to make sure I don’t tamper with the results. He doesn’t believe me. Apparently showing up jobless and homeless to persuade him to move doesn’t make me trustworthy. Guess I’m not the only one with a dating history that leaves me jaded.

•••••••••

REVIEW: First book in a new series, although one of the characters did appear in a previous book, (Endless Memory) and I did hold out hope that they would get a book. Then I realised it also contains a Barron, so it’s a double sided treat. (Oil Barron Series)

Evander Barron, what a grump! But as the book progresses, I understood where he was coming from. But it took a while for him to defrost towards Violet.

Violet Duke is looking for a new start after a breakup. So she’s hoping that a move to be nearer her sister will improve her chances. It also helps that she has a home in Coal, and that’s where she’s going to start her new life…..

Stipulations for inheriting the home her grandma had left her, had been to be married before she could live or sell the house. And the executor of the will is an aunt who won’t back down (I think she likes to play matchmaker.)

A one night stand that ends up being more! Violet is pregnant, and needs a place to stay. Can you imagine her surprise to find the lodger she needs to leave is none other than the man she slept with!

Think this is a definite “he falls first” book.

I love the way this author brings her characters to life. And the world they inhabit is just great. Described beautifully, you can almost imagine being there.

Can trust come? Or will Evander always distrust Violet? She lied about wanting the house, so why should he trust her?

Can they really coparent? Or will they raise the child separately?

And when doubt raises its ugly head, will they be able to get past it? Or will Violet push away the only man that has truly understood and loved her?

“You’re my world. You’re my beautiful wildflower.”

“Ever since I saw you at the bar that night, I knew you were special.”

“She was mine. I just had to convince her.”

So the rest of the Duke’s will hopefully get a book. And fingers crossed it’s Alder next 🤞

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

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Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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Forsaken Oath (Avalon Falls 2) by Penelope Black-review tour

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Forsaken Oath (Avalon Falls 2) by Penelope Black-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2024

Beau Carter: kingpin, blue-eyed playboy from across town, and the only man I’ve ever shared my secrets with.

And now, my fiercest competition.

I never planned on racing in the Gauntlet, but with my sisters depending on me, winning this tournament is the only way to keep our heads above water. I work for a crew that trades in secrets, and Beau runs the underground races that keep this town alive. We both play on the edge of the law, but getting involved with him? It’s more than dangerous—it’s forbidden.

Five races. Five chances to cross the finish line before him. Five steps closer to the money that could change our lives. But with each race, the stakes get higher and so does the danger. Sabotage, threats, and accidents are piling up, and it’s clear someone doesn’t want me to cross that finish line.

Every race brings me closer to victory—and closer to Beau. But as the final race closes in, I realize not only is my life on the line, but so is my heart.

•••••

REVIEW:FOSAKEN OATH is the second instalment in Penelope Black’s contemporary, adult AVALON FALLS erotic, small town romance series. This race-track owner/businessman Beau Carter, and Eloise Hawthorne’s story line. FORSAKEN OATH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Eloise and Beau) FORSAKEN OATH follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Eloise Hawthorne is raising her two younger sisters in the face of their mother’s neglect but living and staying in the town with a less than stellar reputation finds our heroine on the fringes of illegal activity. IN the hopes of earning more money, Eloise enters the illegal underground race circuit known as The Gauntlet where she will find herself a target. Enter Beau Carter, the man with whom Eloise will fall in love. Beau comes from money, and his family represent the haves to the have-nots, running the underground Gauntlet but Beau never expected to face off against Eloise Hawthorne, a woman whose secrets run dangerous and deep. With threats and attacks against Eloise compounding , Beau goes on the offensive to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The world building follows several intersecting paths all focusing on the questionable world and people of the Seven Pines. Hoping to make a better life for her sisters, Eloise straddles the line of legality, and in this, finds herself in a precarious situation. Independent and determined, Eloise struggles to go it alone, in the face of threats and targeted desperation.

The relationship between Eloise and Beau is one of mutual attraction but neither one is aware of the other’s family or pasts. Eloise keeps her previous life close to her heart but the past refuses to let, forcing Eloise to take steps to protect the people she loves including our story line hero. Beau Carter is quickly falling for the woman whose secrets are about to be exposed, secrets that threaten her safety and life. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the return of Beau’s sister Coralie and her boyfriend Jagger (Broken Pact 1); Jagger’s MC brother Hawke who may or may not have an interest in Margot Hawthorne; Beau’s brother Graham who hacking abilities are questionable ; and their parents Hazel and Lucas; Eloise’s sisters Margot and Vivie, and their mother Darla Hawthorne; Eloise’s best friend Nathan Thomas, and garage owner and leader of the Seven Pines Crew Levi Walker.

FORSAKEN OATH is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, madness and mayhem, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic, intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic .

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BROKEN PACT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Penelope Black is a romance author who's obsessed with collecting book boyfriends and the women who bring them to their knees.

With a loving husband, two kids, and a mischievous Labradoodle by her side, she
resides in the heartland. Fueling her creativity, she revels in over-the-top action movies
and indulges in iced chai lattes often. Her sunny backyard serves as a sanctuary for
reading and writing, where she immerses herself in fictional worlds that feel real.
Known for her electrifying narratives, Penelope weaves vibrant prose, unforgettable characters, and heart-pounding twists.

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