Tag Archives: romantic suspense

BRUTAL ICE (Ice Breaker: Cold Case 11) by Cynthia Eden-review

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BRUTAL ICE (Ice Breaker: Cold Case 11) by Cynthia Eden-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

He was never meant to be anyone’s savior…and then he found her.

Royal Boudreaux isn’t interested in being a hero. Quite the opposite. Darkness clings to him, and he lets that darkness out by hunting and catching the most dangerous killers who roam the streets. Everyone needs a hobby, right? During his latest hunt, Royal expects to take down his prey. He doesn’t expect to find a beautiful woman trapped in the trunk of a car.

Save the woman. Then walk away…

He intends to drop the gorgeous victim at the nearest police station and then get the hell away from her. Only walking away isn’t an option for Royal. Not this time. Because there is something about dancer Violet Murphy that calls to him. A driving, primitive pull. Royal finds that he can’t stay away from her. Scratch that–he doesn’t want to be away from Violet. What he does want? Her.

Determined, fierce, and unwilling to give in to the fear that he sees in her eyes, Violet slides right past Royal’s guard. Fragile on the outside, but with a core of steel in her soul, Violet is a fighter. But she can’t fight this battle alone.

She needs protection. Lucky for her, Royal has experience at playing bodyguard.

When Royal saved Violet, the killer escaped. Somewhere in the hot Savannah night, the killer still lurks. Royal intends to protect Violet and take out his prey. But Violet has uncovered the dark truth about Royal, and instead of being repelled, she’s determined to be at his side in order to get the justice she seeks. Being a victim again? Not on her agenda, thanks.

An unlikely alliance. A desire that can’t be contained.

Danger. Lust. Need. Desire burns brutally hot on a Savannah night. But the killer isn’t the only one closing in…because a very unexpected ghost from Royal’s own past is heading to town. Everything Royal knew about himself is about to be completely upended. Hero, monster…which one is he? With chaos reigning, there is only one certainty for Royal…protect Violet.

Save the woman. Then never, ever walk away.

Because you don’t walk away from the woman who holds your battered heart in the palm of her hand.

Author’s Royal’s hobby is dangerous, diabolical, and definitely not ordinary. But then again, he’s all of those things, too. When he discovers Violet, his entire world shifts focus. She matches him, she scares him, and…she just damn well might complete him. But in order to have a life with Violet, Royal has to first hunt down and stop the man who abducted her—and killed three other women. Lucky for Royal, he’s not hunting alone. The Ice Breakers are back. Passion, twists, and hot romance are coming your way.

••••••

REVIEW: BRUTAL ICE is the eleventh instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult ICE BREAKER: COLD CASE romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Ice Breakers, an online team of crime solvers. This is billionaire Royal Boudreaux, and ballerina Violet Murphy’s story line. BRUTAL ICE can be read as a stand alone without 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 three omniscient third person perspectives (Royal, Violet, killer) BRUTAL ICE follows Royal Boudreaux, as he hunts for a serial killer, Royal Boudreaux is a billionaire with a penchant for taking down the society’s evils but his most recent case brings him up close and personal with his future in the guise of dancer Violet Murphy. Royal found Violet locked in the trunk of an abandoned car, the woman bound and gagged as the killer’s next victim. Vowing to protect Violet with his life, Royal becomes guardian and protector of the woman he loves as he hunts for the person responsible for targeting our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Royal and Violet, and the potential fall-out as Royal becomes the prime suspect in the case he is desperate to close.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a killer. Royal Boudreaux and his ‘brother’ Beau were once street kids who were one another’s protectors and family. Royal’s need to destroy the people who take the lives of others makes him the perfect foil for law enforcement but Royal’s ability to track down the killers is often in opposition to the people in charge. When someone targets dancer Violet Murphy, Royal is determined to uncover the truth but

The relationship between Violet and Royal begins as a rescue but Royal doesn’t do relationships; is a man who keeps to himself but a man with the ability to uncover the truth. Falling for Violet was never his intention but he will protect Violet with his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Royal’s ‘brother’ Beau; Detective
Curran Barlow: stage director Micah Wright: dancer Simone; Dr. Leo Barnes, and the return of Dr. Antonia “Tony” Rossi and Aidan Warner (Touched By Ice 4), and Declan Flynn. I hope the author has future plans for Declan, and Beau.

BRUTAL ICE is a story of secrets and lies, obsession and madness, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, strong and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Frozen in Ice
Falling for the Ice Queen
Ice Cold Saint
Touched by Ice
Trapped in Ice
Forged From Ice
Buried Under Ice
Ice Cold Kiss
Savage Ice
Locked In Ice

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sweet Little Spies (M&M:New Recruits 3) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Sweet Little Spies (Masters & Mercenaries:New Recruits 3) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/49nFUHx

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2024

Since he was a kid, Aidan O’Donnell has known two things about the world. Tristan is his best friend, and Carys is the love of his life. Sharing her with Tristan was oddly easy. They both loved her deeply, and they never cared what anyone else thought. They were a team and everything was wonderful. Until the day it ended.

Carys Taggart has spent the last year and a half of her life living a lie. A lie Tristan forced on them all. She understands that it was meant to protect her and Aidan, but lately when Tristan says he doesn’t love her, it feels more like the truth. The wedding she’s dreamed of has been put off far longer than he promised. When he asks her and Aidan for another delay, she’s ready to move on without him.

Tristan Dean-Miles has a good plan and the best of intentions. Go undercover as a ruthless arms dealer so he can find a deadly bombmaker at the top of the agency’s wanted list. It might be taking longer than expected, but he’s so close he can taste it. Unfortunately, getting this close meant getting in way too deep. He knows he will succeed, but if he can’t convince the love of his life and his best friend that he’s worth the wait, his victory will cost him everything.

•••••

REVIEW:SWEET LITTLE SPIES is the third instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS & MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, Dom/sub romantic suspense series-a spin off-next generation series set in the author’s Master & Mercenaries worlds. This is Black Ops Agent Tristan Dean Miles, Dr. Aidan O’Donnell, and Dr. Carys Taggart’s MFM story line. SWEET LITTLE SPIES can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back stories and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout. Aidan is the son of Liam O’Donnell; Carys is the daughter of Sean Taggard and Grace Hawthorne: Tristan is the son of Jack Dean, Adam Miles and their wife Serena.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, including D/s situations, spankings and violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Carys, Tristan and Aidan SWEET LITTLE SPIES follows several intersecting pathways including the struggling relationship between Carys , Tristan and Aidan. Our trio have been best friends most of their lives, and like many of their parents and close family members have chosen to become a threesome but two years earlier Tristan Dean Miles opted to dark, undercover in the world of espionage and arms dealings, leaving a broken hearted Aidan and Carys in his wake. Fast forward to present day, Aidan and Carys have reluctantly chosen to get married without the man that they love, a man who was about to bring chaos and mayhem to the McKay-Taggart families. An invitation to a medical symposium in Montreal finds the team at McKay-Taggart facing down an enemy and a possible betrayal, and in this, the next generation have found themselves struggling in the face of madness and vengeance. What ensues is the rekindling and highly sexual relationship between Trystan, Carys and Aidan, and the potential fall-out as the events in Montreal spiral out of control due to sins of the past.

The world building is detailed, multi-layered and intricate as the large extended Taggart family of spies and mercenaries must face a madman determined to satisfy his need for revenge; and the possibility of a betrayer close to them all. As Trystan,Carys and Aidan’s relationship slowly unravels, Trystan’s two years undercover threaten Carys’ sense of trust and love for a man who broke her heart.

The relationship between Trystan, Carys and Aidan is a life-long friendship that blossomed early into something more. Trystan and Aidan both love Carys equally but Carys has a need to reevaluate the future going forward, struggling with issues of trust, fidelity, and a need to be dominated. The $ex scenes are provocative and fated.

Several couples and characters from the original Masters and Mercenaries series are accorded a heavy presence in the current timeline including Sean and Grace (The Dom Who Loved Me 1), Serena, Adam and Jacob (The Man with the Golden Cuffs 2) Liam (A Dom is Forever 3), Charlotte and Ian aka Big Tag (Love and Let Die 5). We are reintroduced to Captain Zach Reed, CSIS Agent Ben Parker, Big Tag’s twins Kala and Kenzie, their sister Tasha, Cooper, TJ, and Dr. Emmanuel Huisman.

SWEET LITTLE SPIES is a complex, dramatic and intense story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is melodramatic and powerful; the romance is intoxicating; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic. SWEET LITTLE SPIES ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Love the Way You Spy
Live,Love, Spy
The Bodyguard and the Bombshell

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

GOODREADS/ INSTAGRAM/ BOOKBUB / PINTERESTFACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Sworn To Serve (Sworn Navy SEALS 4) by Charlee James-review

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Sworn To Serve (Sworn Navy SEALS 4) by Charlee James-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2024

Grief locked his heart. Can she hold the key?

Navy SEAL Archer “Silver” Ross has watched his teammates fall in love ignoring his twinges of envy. After a childhood tragedy, he’s only let his team close. But when he meets his teammate’s twin sister, she wakens a part of him he thought long dead. Addison Desmond is warm and adventurous and everything he never knew he wanted, and is afraid to lose, yet he resists her lure knowing her protective brother will never approve.

Addison survived a childhood in the Alaskan bush where she and her brother relied on their wits and each other to survive. Her work studying indigenous cultures continues to fascinate, but lately she’s craving stability. Meeting the sexy, brooding Asher is a revelation. The pull between them is exciting, and when she’s tasked to accompany his SEAL team on a crucial mission as an expert civilian consultant, their bond deepens.

The chemistry scorches, and Addy’s falling hard. Can she convince Asher to take a leap of faith so they can grasp the future they want?

•••••

REVIEW:SWORN TO SERVE is the fourth instalment in Charlee James’ contemporary, adult SWORN NAVY SEALS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is forty-one year old, US Navy SEAL Archer ‘Silver’ Ross, and anthropologist Addison Desmond’s story line. SWORN TO SERVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Addison is the sister of US Navy SEAL Julian ‘Joker’ Desmond (Sworn to Honor 2).

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Archer and Addison) SWORN TO SERVE follows the building relationship between Addison and Archer. Approximately six months earlier, Addison received a call that her brother’s fiancé had been injured, and left her research in Paraguay to be with her brother but Addison never expected to come face to face with her future in the guise of brother’s Navy SEAL teammate Archer ‘Silver’ Ross, a man who was struggling with the demons of his past. Six months would pass before Addison and Archer would reconnect at a mutual friend’s wedding, just hours before discovering Addison and her research team would be working with Archer’s Navy SEALs. A trip to the Amazon jungle for rescue a group of women and children would all but threaten our heroine’s life, a threat that came from an unlikely source. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Archer and Addison, and the potential fall-out as someone else is working behind the scenes, placing everyone in danger.

The world building follows several pathways including Julian and Sam’s (Sworn to Honor) road to recovery ; the journey to rescue several missing women and children, and the threats to our couple’s lives upon their return.

The relationship between Addison and Archer is one of immediate attraction but Archer continues to pull back, fearing future loss and heart break. Addison has no idea as to why Archer’s obvious attraction to her is stifled and withdrawn but working together in the Amazon jungle pushes our couple closer together. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include all of the previous story line couples, as well as Addison’s co-workers Wyatt and Dr. Marks. Archer’s SEAL team is a supportive and protective family.

SWORN TO SERVE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, greed and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is captivating and intriguing; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, charismatic and real.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Scarred Souls (TEAM Zulu 4) by Julie Weaver-review tour

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Scarred Souls (TEAM Zulu 4) by Julie Weaver-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2024

Vaughn

The macabre tattoos concealing my scars deliver a clear warning. They scream that I’m vicious, unhinged, and to stay the hell away. My venomous tongue only reinforces that message.

Which means I’m the worst guy on my black ops team to babysit a cartel princess.
Once she spills the location of her father’s hideout, my team will take him down, and she’ll be free. Adiós. Good riddance.

Except her amber eyes, sassy mouth, and sinful curves draw me in like a siren’s song. And when guarding her becomes an unhealthy obsession, it’s clear the defiant little minx is working her way under my ruined skin.

But I can’t risk letting her get close. If she touches me, I could break her.

Hope

I have a new identity, a new home, and a new peaceful life in a seaside village. All of it will come crashing down if the cartel discovers I’m still alive.

Then he sweeps into my world like a bad omen. Huge. Menacing. The Grim Reaper in the flesh. I tell myself the shiver his piercing dark eyes sends through my body is from fear, but my erratic heartbeat calls me a liar.

The worst part? He knows who I am, he knows what I’m hiding, and he’s not leaving my side until I submit to every one of his demands. In an ironic twist of fate, Grim might be the only thing standing between me and the dangerous men I’ve escaped.

He says he’s broken, that one touch of his scarred flesh will unleash a crazed beast. But I don’t believe my lethal protector would ever hurt me.

And I’ll do whatever it takes to tear down his walls and prove it.

••••••

REVIEW:SCARRED SOULS is the fourth instalment in Julie Weaver’s contemporary, adult TEAM ZULU erotic, romantic suspense series, and the first book in Vaughn and Hope’s duet. This is former US Navy/Special Ops members Vaughn Decker, and Hope Lopez’ story line. SCARRED SOULS can be read as a stand alone without 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 (Hope and Vaughn) SCARRED SOULS follows Vaughn Decker on his latest assignment in Mexico, hunting down the head of a Mexican Cartel, a man involved in human trafficking, drugs and weapons but Vaughn never expected to come face to face with a woman who has seen her own fair share of abuse and torture, a woman whose own secrets run dangerous and deep. Enter Hope Lopez, bartender and dog rehabber, and the woman with whom Vaughn will fall in love. As Vaughn struggles with his attraction to the woman whose own life is spiraling out of control, Hope’s only chance is to trust our hero, or run for her life.

The world building focuses on several pathways including the brutal history that destroyed Vaughn’s faith in humanity, and Hope’s belief in family and love. As the search for the heads of the Mexican Cartel continues, the need to stop the distribution of weapons and drugs, and the abduction of women and children is foremost on their mind. More or less on his own, Vaughn quickly discovers not all is as it appears to be, and he too must learn to trust a woman whose keeping secret a threat to them all.

The relationship between Vaughn and Hope begins acrimoniously. Hope is not whom she claims to be, and in this, Vaughn struggles with the reality of what is . In hiding from her past, Hope believes she is a target, and Vaughn may be the man to destroy her heart. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited although there are numerous tertiary side characters throughout. We are introduced to Hope’s best friend and physician Daphne, as well as the return of Brandon and Sage (The Payback #2).

SCARRED SOULS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, friendships and acceptance, tragedy and survival. The premise is haunting and captivating; the romance is spicy; the characters are desperate and determined.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Hit
The Payback
The Heist

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Julie Weaver is a RWAus Emerald Award winner and author of spicy, action-packed romantic suspense novels.
Her Team Zulu series features morally gray, ex-elite military heroes and the feisty, kick-ass heroines who challenge them.
Get your free Team Zulu Christmas novella here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hvreeguzny

Find me here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/juliewe…
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.weave…
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieWeaverA…
Website: https://www.julieweaverbooks.com/

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MERGER (Kings of the Boardroom 3) by Nana Malone-review tour

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MERGER (Kings of the Boardroom 3) by Nana Malone-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Apple /

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2024

My corporate kingdom is vulnerable right now.
This is the perfect time for the enemy to strike.

My gunshot wound doesn’t matter.
The only thing that matters is my wife.
I’m haunted by the knowledge that she could be next.

Gwyn might have come to me through a twisted game of corporate revenge. It might have started as an arranged marriage, but it’s become real.

The only thing I can do to protect her is keep her near me.

Except the danger lurks closer than I ever imagined.

•••

REVIEW: MERGER is the third instalment in Nana Malone’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF THE BOARDROOM erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on billionaire businessman Atticus Price, and algorithm developer Gwen Becker. MERGER should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the cliff hanger and events of book two ACQUISITION.

NOTE: If you have not read ACQUISITION, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Becks Corporation is struggling and in an effort to bump up the bottom line, James Becker offers up a deal to the highest bidder, a deal including marriage to one of his daughters. Atticus Price wants what the Becks Corporation has to offer .When Atticus discovers the deal comes with an arranged marriage, Atticus pushes to come out on top but the daughter offered is not the daughter he wants. Enter Gwen Becker, the woman with whom Atticus will fall in love

Told from dual first person perspectives (Atticus and Gwen) MERGER focuses on Gwen’s recovery after an attempt on her life. Atticus believes he failed his wife, and in this, begins to pulls away as he searches for the person (s) responsible including the possibility of someone he knows. As Atticus, Gwen and Micah begins a deep dive into several potential suspects, Atticus’ past finds a way to prove no one is safe is one is determined enough to get through.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a gunman; the search for the person responsible; embattled family morals and dysfunctional family dynamics, as well as Gwen and Atticus struggle to keep their marriage healthy and well.

The relationship between Atticus and Gwen is highly sexual and provocative but in the wake of the attempt on Gwen’s life, Atticus begins to pull away, fearing he has failed to protect the woman he loves. Gwen is determined to prove she is a survivor, and sets out to take back what was once hers to control. The $ex scenes are erotic and passionate.

Once again, we are reintroduced to Gwen’s sister Morgan, Atticus’ brother Micah, their father Lucian, as well as Atticus’ friend and driver Gavin, and Gwen’s best friend Lance who is struggling with his attraction to forbidden fruit. Mogan’s story line is next.

MERGER is a story of obsession, betrayal and madness, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is edgy, intriguing and impassioned; the romance is spicy, provocative and intense; the characters are determined, desperate,and animated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Takeover
Acquisition

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nana Malone

Follow: Goodreads / Website/ Amazon Author/ Bookbub/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram /

USA Today bestseller Nana Malone’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

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The Bodyguard and The Bombshell by Lexi Blake-review tour

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💜The Bodyguard and The Bombshell (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruit 2.5) by Lexi Blake-review & excerpt tour💜

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

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/42bpxLa

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 0224

The Bodyguard…

Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.

These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.

The Bombshell…

Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.

An explosive match…

Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.

••••

REVIEW:THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL is instalment 2.5 in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off, set in the author’s numerous Masters and Mercenaries worlds. This is bodyguard/Dom Nate Carter, and twenty-five year old Daisy O’Donnell’s story line. THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines or series is revealed where necessary. Daisy is the daughter of Liam and Avery O’Donnell (A Dom is Forever: M&M 3).

THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL is a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including Dom/sub and BDSM scenarios, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Nate and Daisy THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL follows the building relationship between Nate and Daisy when Nate assigns himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine. Daisy is a bit of a mess. Everyone considers her one disaster away from exploding but when Daisy witnesses an illegal operation, our heroine will become the target of some powerful men. Needing a new start, Nate Carter begins working for McKay-Taggart, and pushes himself into becomimg Daisy’s security but Daisy is off-limits to everyone including our story line hero, and the men at the family owned $ex club, and in this, our heroine’s self-esteem continues to plummet in the wake of continuous and ongoing rejection. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Daisy and Nate, and the potential fall-out as someone else gets caught in the cross-fire.

The world building follows several paths including the forbidden Dom/sub relationship between our story line couple; and the ongoing protection for and of our story line heroine. Following several attempts on her life, Daisy is brought into protection custody, protected by the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Nate and Daisy is a brother’s friend to lovers relationship; a Dom/sub partnership in which Daisy is determined to enjoy one night of her life. All of the men have been warned away from our story line heroine but Nate is determined to claim Daisy as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and colorful secondary and supporting characters including Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart and wife Charlotte; Liam and Avery O’Donnell; Daisy’s brother Aiden; Nate’s parents Brody and Stephanie Carter; Theo and Erin Taggart, and their daughter Devi Taggart, as well as several members of the McKay-Taggart team.

THE BODYGUARD AND THE BOMBSHELL is a fast paced story of secrets and lies, misunderstanding and heart break; family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, dynamic and engaging. The epilogue fast forwards the story line several years.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Love the Way You Spy
Live,Love, Spy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

“I was helping out a client,” she began.
“Uhm, Mr. Taggart, I would like to make it clear we didn’t hire Daisy as a private investigator.” Her bosses were here, too. Harlow and Ruby sat at the opposite end of the table, and Harlow seemed to be the one who wanted to set the record straight.
“She was supposed to answer the phones.” Ruby frowned her way.
She was going to have to soothe her bosses. Things had done what they so often did in Daisy’s life. They had gone awry.
To top things off, her brother was somewhere in the building. Aidan had been the one to drive her up, and he’d told her he needed to go talk to his newest roommate.
Nathan Carter. Big, gorgeous Nathan Carter, who’d barely known she’d existed past being his friend’s obnoxious sister.
She hadn’t seen Nate in years. Was he still stunning? He probably had a girlfriend.
“Daisy?” Her mother’s voice brought her out of her reverie. “Uncle Ian asked you a question.”
Of all the grave faces around the table, it was her aunt and uncle who broke the mold and looked highly amused.
“I asked how you went from answering the phones to taking down a drug cartel,” Uncle Ian said, his lips curling up. He leaned in like he was ready for this story.


 

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

GOODREADS/ INSTAGRAM/ BOOKBUB / PINTERESTFACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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High Frequency (High Mountain Trackers 2G) by Freya Barker-tour

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High Frequency (High Mountain Trackers HMT 2G) by Freya Barker-review & excerpt tour


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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2024

When the rug is pulled from under Detective Sloane Eckhart, she leaves the Billings PD and returns to Libby, Montana.

Eight years ago she left with her pride and the promise of a future, but her heart was broken. On her return, there is no pride left, no prospects to speak of, but at least her heart is safely secured in the back seat.

Still, a bit of groveling, a kind offer of help, and a brand-new job with the sheriff’s office quickly gets her back on her feet.

High Meadow will always be home to Dan Blakely. Working with horses, being part of the HMT search and rescue team, and now building his own home right next door checks all his boxes. Only one thing is missing, but that dream walked out the door a long time ago.

Still, his life is good, steady…and perhaps a little boring.

That quickly changes when the rescue of a young, teenage girl, places the new sheriff’s detective squarely in his path. He’s not bored now, doing his best to keep her safe, even as their past holds them back while they fight for a future.

•••••••••

REVIEW:HIGH FREQUENCY is the first instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult HIGH MOUNTAIN TRACKERS 2G romantic suspense series, a spin off from, and set in the author’s HIGH MOUNTAIN TRACKERS and ARROW’S EDGE MC series. This is single mother, Detective Sloane Eckhart, and search and rescue specialist Dan Blakely’s story line. Dan Blakely is Lindsey Zimmerman’s half brother (EDGE OF NOWHERE 7).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dan and Sloane) HIGH FREQUENCY follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately eight years earlier Sloane walked out of Dan’s life but in the ensuing years, each remember something different about that time. Fast forward to present day wherein Sloane returns to Libby Montana as their newly hired Detective, a position that will bring her up close and personal with the man she once loved. Enter Dan Blakely. A missing teen, and the discovery of several bodies, and damage to Dan’s property finds Sloane diving head first into the investigation only to discover there may be a connection to all three, a connection that places Sloane in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Dan and Sloane, as they navigate their rekindled romance, and the possibility of a serial killer in the small town of Libby Montana.

The world building follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple, as well as the investigation into the discover of several bodies. As Sloane begins to uncover the clues, someone else targets Dan, in an act of anger and betrayal.

The relationship between Dan and Sloane is a rekindling romance. Eight years earlier Sloane walked out of Dan’s life, and Dan has no idea what happened or why. As our couple rebuild upon what was, Dan discovers not all was at it seemed. Working together, as well as journey towards their own happily ever after finds Sloane overwhelmed with everything. The $ex scenes are passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we met in original High Mountain Trackers series including Sully and Pippa. We are introduced to Sloane’s mother and step-father, as well as deputies Jason Heany and Frank Schmidt: Dan’s ex Shelby.

HIGH FREQUENCY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and murder, forgiveness and acceptance. The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the characters are desperate and charismatic; the romance is magnetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“What do you need me to do?” I offer.
Next thing I know, my arms open automatically when she shoves the baby at me.
“Take her.”
Ama disappears inside before my brain can come up with an objection.
Any baby experience I have began and ended with Carmi, Sully’s daughter, and Fletch’s son, Hunter, and that was twelve or thirteen years ago. It’s not that I don’t like babies, because I do, but the fact this is Sloane’s baby is making it a little awkward. Still, I settle her a little better in the crook of my arm.
Then I hear the creak of the rocking chair and Thomas’s raspy chuckle and look up. The old fart clearly thinks this is funny.
“You should see the look on your face,” he points out as he continues to rock his chair. “I’m guessing young Sloane becoming a parent was a surprise to you as well?”
“Yes,” I grumble, just as a little hand slaps against my chin and catches on the short hairs of my beard.
I drop my eyes to Sloane’s baby, who has her little face turned toward me. I don’t know who the dark hair belongs to, but those blue eyes are unmistakably her mother’s.
“Aspen. That’s her name,” Thomas shares. “Pretty little thing, ain’t she?”
She is, especially when her little mouth spreads in a wide, toothless smile.
“You look good holdin’ that baby,” he continues. “Too bad you let her momma slip away, or that wee one could’a been yours.”
Fuck. That stings.
Should’ve known the old man wouldn’t hesitate to poke his finger in the sore spot.
“I’m not the one who left.”
The bitter comment slips out before I can check it.
“No, you weren’t. You’re just the one who let her walk.”
Agitated, I get to my feet, shifting the baby to my shoulder as I start to pace the porch.
“It wasn’t that simple.”
“It never is, son. It never is.”

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

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THE LUMBERJACK (Game of Chance 4) by Susan Stoker-review

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THE LUMBERJACK (Game of Chance 4) by Susan Stoker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2024

A game of chance during a horrific POW experience decided the future for Jackson “JJ” Justice and his teammates. Years later, they’re well settled into their lumberjack business in small-town Maine. And for nearly as long, JJ’s been pining for April, the woman largely responsible for growing their business, but insecurities keep him at arm’s length from the sexy receptionist.

April Hoffman loves her job…and her boss. She’s unsure where JJ’s head is at, but for her part, she knows exactly why she’s not revealed her feelings. Not only does she have one failed relationship under her belt, she’s also several years older than JJ. Why would a man so brutally hot settle for someone almost past her prime?

After a car accident nearly takes April’s life, leaving her with temporary amnesia, they both understand what they almost lost. The floodgates are open, their feelings exposed…but it may be too little, too late.

An enemy from JJ’s past has come calling, putting not only his future happiness on the line, but the lives of several people he holds dear—starting with April.

••••••

REVIEW: THE LUMBERJACK is the fourth and final instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult GAME OF CHANCE romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former US Special Forces soldiers and former POWs (Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman) who own and operate a tree service, search and rescue, Appalachian Trail maintenance company called Jack’s Lumber. This is thirty-nine year old Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, and forty-six year old, office manager April Hoffman’s story line. THE LUMBERJACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over using a number of characters from several of Susan Stoker’s interconnected series.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Jack and April) THE LUMBERJACK follows in the aftermath of a car accident that sent our heroine to the hospital. Struggling with severe headaches and the after affects of the accident, April temporarily moves in with her boss Jackson Justice, the man with whom April will fall in love but someone is taking aim at the close knit group of former US Special Forces soldiers, and the women they love will pay the price. What ensues is the building relationship between Jack and April, and the potential fall-out as the women fall victim to a man demanding revenge for sins of the past.

The world building follows several paths including the building relationship between our story line couple. Jackson Justice has lusted after April Hoffman for as long as he can remember but Jack’s attitude often left April confused, and in this, April is willing to walk away to allow Jack to reconsider his choices going forward but the past is about to take aim at the women involved with Jackson and his friends, threatening the lives of everyone, a threat meant to kill them all.

The relationship between Jack and April is a friends to lovers in which Jack declares himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine. An accident that may have been anything but finds Jack declaring his love for the woman in his life, a woman who will pay the price for another man’s sins. 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 fantastic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples, as well as several search and rescue members, former soldiers, and assassins from the author’s interconnected series.

THE LUMBERJACK is a story of obsession, vengeance and madness, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic, edgy and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and professional.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Protector
The Royal Game
The Hero

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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