Tag Archives: romantic suspense

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💜

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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.

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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


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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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The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines 3) by Kristen Ashley-review

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The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines 3) by Kristen Ashley-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2024

Nadia Williams needs somewhere peaceful to sort through her grief after her mother is brutally murdered. She finds a cozy cabin at the side of a tranquil lake in the quaint town of Misted Pines in the Pacific Northwest.

The minute she arrives, she knows it’s perfect.

The very night of her arrival, however, someone—or something—is scratching at her window.

The next morning, she meets her one and only neighbor, Doc Riggs. He’s a rough, good-time guy who rubs Nadia wrong immediately. They clash, and neither of them are happy to be sharing their lake.

But soon, Nadia learns the lore around her cabin, and how the townsfolk are certain it’s haunted by the ghost of the man who was murdered there fifteen years before.

Riggs and Nadia are suddenly thrown into a tangled web of history, betrayal, grief, secrets, with only one thing certain.

Someone—or something—wants them off that lake.

••••

REVIEW:THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult MISTED PINES romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Misted Pines. This is single father and contractor Andrew ‘Doc’ Riggs, and primary school teacher Nadia Williams’ story line. THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary..

Told from first person perspectives (Nadia) and third person (Riggs) THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE follows Nadia Williams as she takes a leave of absence from her job, escaping the memories left behind in Chicago, Renting a cabin by the lake in Misted Pines, Nadia would come face to face with her neighbor, contractor Doc Riggs, the man with whom Nadia would fall in love but all was not well in Misted Pines, and the cabin she was renting would become the focus of ghost stories, hauntings, and a case of unsolved murders. As Nadia, Riggs, and Sheriff Harry Moran began to research the history of a family murder, Riggs would find himself embroiled in his own family squabble with the mother of his nine year old son. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Nadia and Riggs, and the potential fall-out as our couple, and the town of Misted Pines must reconsider what happened in the past and why.

The world building follows several paths; is detailed and intriguing as Misted Pines holds too many demons that have yet to let go. Add the usual small -town gossip and busybodies, as well as those who deem themselves above everyone else, and our couple must contend with secrets and gossip wherever they go.

The relationships between Nadia and Riggs begins acrimoniously as Riggs is known to throw obnoxiously loud parties. Nadia was hoping for to take time to rest, relax and reconsider her future but never expected to find herself falling for a man, and his nine year old son. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the opt, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, enthusiastic and often questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are witness to the return of Cade and Delphine (The Girl in the Mist 1), Rus Lazarus (The Girl in the Woods) as well as Sheriff Harry Moran. We are introduced to Riggs’ son Ledger, as well as Rigg’s mom Gail, and friends Storm and Viggo, Bubbles and Lucille, Rigg’s questionable ex Angelina, and several local residents of Misted Pines.

THE WOMAN BY THE LAKE is a story of secrets and lies, murder and mystery, betrayal and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The thought provoking premise is intriguing, haunting and dramatic; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are stubborn, honest and charismatic

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Girl in the Mist
The Girl in the Woods

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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FIGHTING FOR ADALYN (Redemption Harbor Security 3) by Katie Reus

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FIGHTING FOR ADALYN (Redemption Harbor Security 3) by Katie Reus-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2024

She trusted the wrong person…

And got good people killed. While Adalyn will live with that mistake forever, she finally got justice. Even if it cost more than she’d imagined. But the past has come back to haunt her—and it wants revenge. An old enemy is out to destroy everything she holds dear, starting with her sister. He’s targeting all her former haunts and connections in New Orleans, using the wildness of Mardi Gras week to commit his crimes.

He thought she betrayed him and never looked back…

Rowan, veteran Marine, has hated Adalyn for getting his team killed. Until he discovers that the former CIA agent risked everything to stop the real perpetrator. Now they’re racing against the clock to stop a faceless madman determined to kill them and as many people as possible before the week is over. If they can’t figure out who he is or what his endgame is, an entire city could go up in flames—with them in it.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  FIGHTING FOR ADALYN is the third instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Redemption Harbor series. This is former CIA agent Adalyn Bonnevies, and former Marine Rowan. FIGHTING FOR ADALYN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Rowan and Adalyn, FIGHTING FOR ADALYN follows in the aftermath of the murder of Adalyn’s sister’s roommate. Years earlier, CIA agent Adalyn Bonnevies was part of a team trying to shut down a drug smuggling ring in the Middle East but everything imploded, and the only other survivor blamed our heroine for everything that went wrong. Fast forward to present day, someone is targeting Adalyn Bonnevies, and former Marine Rowan has been called in to assist the team at Redemption Harbor Security but Adalyn wants nothing to do with the man who made it clear he hated the ground upon which she walked, and our heroine struggles to accept any help from Rowan himself. As the threats against Adalyn get more personal, Rowan declares himself guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the search for a killer, and the fall-out as Rowan becomes collateral damage in a killer’s need to destroy our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the past and the present, and the possibility that someone involved in the original op has targeted our story line heroine. As the killer targets everything and everyone from Adalyn’s past, our heroine battles between head and heart, falling for a man who once declared his hatred for Adalyn Bonnevies.

The relationship between Adalyn and Rowan is a friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers relationship in which Adalyn struggles to accept Rowan’s apologies, apologies in the face of the threats against our story line heroine. From corrupt politicians and a personal need for vengeance, Adalyn is targeted for sins of the past. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several members of the original Redemption Harbor team return in secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Adalyn’s sister Fleur, as well as Redemption Harbor agent Tiago.There is something developing between Tiago and Fleur.

FIGHTING FOR ADALYN is a story of vengeance and madness, betrayal and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Fighting For Hailey
Fighting For Reese

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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Cruel Offer (The Agency 2) by Stella Gray-review tour

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💙Cruel Offer (the Agency 2) by Stella Gray-review tour💙

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

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Add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206002324-cruel-offer

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 30, 2024

I’ll make her the most desired woman in NY…but that means letting her go.

The Agency was always going to choose Piper-Lily’s husband.

Her father’s name opened doors, but he needed the money a good match could bring. Turns out, no amount of money was going to fix the Ponzi scheme he was running. Overnight, Piper-Lily went from my most anticipated client to persona non grata.

But she wasn’t willing to let her father’s mistake ruin her future. Not when she could force her way into my office and offer herself as my little project.

She’ll pretend to be my girlfriend until her value is high enough for an auction.

An auction that includes her first time.

So I’ll move the little princess into my apartment. I’ll take her out and show her off, buy her pretty things to wear.

But when I take them off of her later, I’ll have to keep reminding myself that she isn’t mine. That the lessons I offer will be used to please another man. That there’s a limit to what we can do.

No matter how much she begs for more.

••••••

REVIEW:CRUEL OFFER is the second instalment in Stella Gray’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY erotic, romance series focusing on a group of investors who own and manage The Quattour Agency, an agency that arranges high profile marriages between billionaires and young socialites. This is Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Windemere, and nineteen year old university student/dancer Piper-Lily Barclay. CRUEL OFFER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nate and Piper) CRUEL OFFER follows in the wake of the spiral and arrest of Piper’s father who was found guilty in an elaborate Ponzi scheme that left the family destitute but to Piper’s horror, her father had made an arrangement with the Quattour Agency, to sell her ‘virginity’ to the highest bidder. Desperate to protect someone she loves, Piper approaches the Agency to make a deal, a deal that will destroy her heart. What ensues is the building but contemptuous relationship and arrangement between Piper and Nate, and the fall-out when Nate pushed Piper out of his life.

The world building focuses on Nate’s abuse of power over our story line heroine. Under the guise of training Piper for her future husband, Nate takes control of Piper’s life, a control that would destroy her heart. As Piper begins to fall for Nathaniel Windemere, Nate has other plans for the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Nate and Piper begins as a contract; an arrangement in which, at the end, Piper would receive millions when Nate auctions off our story line heroine but Nate never expected to fall for our story line heroine, the woman who would find herself in the face of losing it all. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative .

The secondary and supporting characters are charismatic and dynamic. We are introduced to Piper’s parents, her best friend Chloe, as well as Nate’s parents, and his sister Eliza. Theo, Becker, and Sebastian Argos return as Nathaniel’s business partners.

CRUEL OFFER is a story of power and control, betrayal and trust, secrets and lies, forgiveness and acceptance, understanding and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken and desperate.

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one SECRET OFFER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Stella Gray is an emerging author of contemporary romance. When she is not writing, Stella loves to read, hike, knit and cuddle with her greyhound

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Man in Black (Black Knights Inc:Reloaded 3) by Julie Ann Walker

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Man in Black (Black Knights Inc:Reloaded 3) by Julie Ann Walker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2024

A story as old as time… He comes from nothing, and she was born with a silver spoon. Do opposites really attract?

The Black Knights are back and better than ever!

As the son of a felon, Fisher Wakefield is no stranger to the seedier side of life. So when Eliza Meadows, BKI’s elegant and efficient Girl Friday, finds herself the target of group of low-down, murderous thugs, he doesn’t hesitate to jump into the fray despite Eliza insisting she doesn’t need his help.

The lone survivor and only witness to the killing of U.S. senator and his family, Eliza is forced to rely on the covert operators at Black Knights Inc. to keep her safe. But she’s never been very good at letting other people solve her problems. And to make matters worse, Fisher, the bad boy from the bayou, refuses to leave her side.

As the Black Knights race to uncover who is behind the senator’s murder, they soon find out all is not as it seems. There are mysterious powers at play. And if Fisher and Eliza can’t learn to work together, they might lose everything.

••••••

REVIEW: MAN IN BLACK is the third instalment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED romantic suspense series- a spin off set in the author’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC world. This is Fisher Wakefield, and Eliza Meadows’ story line. MAN IN BLACK can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing plot, as well as Eliza and Fisher’s story begins in book one.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Fisher and Eliza MAN IN BLACK follows in the aftermath of the assassination of several members of the US government. As one of only three survivors, Eliza Meadows is under the protection of the crew at BKI (Black Knights Inc) but when the other two survivors are murdered, the FBI makes other arrangements for our story line heroine. Nothing goes according to plan when an attack at the BKI compound threatens the lives of the entire crew, forcing Eliza to face down the man who had stolen her heart. Enter BKI agent Fisher Wakefield, the man who fell in love with Eliza the first day they met. What ensues is the building but contemptuous relationship between Eliza and Fisher, and the potential fall-out as Fisher struggles with the demons from his past, pushing Eliza out of his life.

The world building follows several pathways including the attempts on the lives of the BKI members, all black ops and former black ops soldiers. Several of the original team members offer guidance and familiarity, as the new crew of members find their own happily ever afters but Fisher struggles with what was, and believes he is not capable of happiness or love.

The relationship between Eliza and Fisher struggles in the face of unrequited love. Eliza has been dating a senator’s son as Fisher watches from the sidelines as his heart is destroyed. Eliza knows her heart belongs to someone else but their animosity is pulling our couple apart. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

Once again, several original members of the BKI family return including Becky and Boss. We are introduced to FBI Agent Julia O’Toole, and the return of Britt Rollins. There is something developing between Britt and Julia. The requisite evil has many faces

MAN IN BLACK is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of ridicule and scorn; the characters are desperate, determined and broken.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Back in Black
Black Hearted

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website /   Bookbub | Instagram | Newsletter

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word.

Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper.

During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics.
“I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.”

It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion.

Now Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and… reading, of course

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

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Highest Bidder / Bidding War by Charlotte Byrd-reviews

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Highest Bidder / Bidding War (Highest Bidder 1 & 2) by Charlotte Byrd-reviews

HIGHEST BIDDER
(Highest Bidder 1)
by Charlotte Byrd
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30, 2024

The auction was an opportunity of a lifetime…or so I thought.

After a bad breakup, a busy career and no time for a personal life, I went to a bougie party and auctioned myself.

The highest bidder would get one night with me.

I’ve slept with plenty of bad dates for free, why not make it worth my while?

One night with a billionaire would pay off all three years of my law school student loans. Afterwards, I could quit my thankless soul-crushing corporate job and focus my legal work on people who really need me.

Little do I know that the man who buys me is my worst enemy.

Anderson West is arrogant, obnoxious, but also incredibly easy on the eyes. He was my biggest bully growing up, and my primary rival at law school. He hates everything about me and will stop at nothing to make my life miserable.

What happens when I find out he’s the highest bidder when I’m naked in bed waiting for him?

••••

REVIEW: HIGHEST BIDDER is the first instalment in Charlotte Byrd’s contemporary, adult HIGHEST BIDDER adult, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on attorneys Anderson West, and June Devlin.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anderson and June) HIGHEST BIDDER follows the childhood enemies to friends to arranged marriage between our story line couple. Throughout most of her adult life and law school, Anderson West bullied and tormented our story line heroine for no apparent reason then he was able to and allowed. Desperate to pay off her student loans, June Devlin offers herself up in a private charity auction only to find herself ‘purchased’ by none other than our story line hero but Anderson West is facing a crisis of his own, and in a desperate attempt to ‘please his father’ offers his hand in marriage to June Devlin. All does not go according to plan as June becomes a target, threats are made forcing Anderson to come to terms with what is happening and why, and our hero is currently in over his head. What ensues it the rapidly building relationship between June and Anderson, and the potential fall-out as Anderson is about to pay for the sins of his father.

The world building is detailed and complex as the unfolding reveals secrets and lies that are about to destroy our story line hero. Anderson West is oblivious to the truth, and in this, he will come face a familiar adversary, one who is currently controlling Anderson’s life.

The relationship between June and Anderson begins as an ‘auction win’ but a win that is predicated up secrets and lies. A one-night stand results in a fake-relationship proposition, and the relationship is threatened by everyone involved. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

We are introduced to several of June’s co-workers including Callie and Garrett, as well as Anderson’s father Harold West. The requisite evil has many faces.

HIGHEST BIDDER is a story of power and control, greed and manipulation, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate and intriguing; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are desperate and dynamic. HIGHEST BIDDER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

_________________

BIDDING WAR
(Highest Bidder 2)
by Charlotte Byrd
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2024

I never expected to meet the love of my life while auctioning myself off the to the highest bidder.

Anderson West is the heir to a billion dollar fortune and I had to work my butt off for everything I have.

At school, he was my bully.

In law school, he was my rival.

In the real world, we fell in love. Hard.

Our relationship should have been a fairy tale. But his controlling father turned it into a scandalous headline.

The world is full of dangerous men and the most dangerous ones work for the Wests.

After losing my job, I have to work for his family’s biggest rival and play a dangerous game of chess.

When someone comes after me, Anderson takes his life, and I become an accomplice in covering up a murder to protect the man I love.

Is this the end of us or is it just the beginning?

••••

REVIEW: BIDDING WAR is the second instalment in Charlotte Byrd’s contemporary, adult HIGHEST BIDDER erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on attorneys Anderson West, and June Devlin. BIDDING WAR should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one HIGHEST BIDDER.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anderson and June) BIDDING WAR picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one. June Devlin has been blacklisted in Boston in the wake of her relationship with our story line hero. After her abduction, kidnapping and subsequent release, June finds herself unemployed, unemployable, and about to lose the man with whom she has fallen in love but a job offer from a most unlikely and questionable source, pulls June further down the rabbit hole. Meanwhile, Anderson West is caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place, forced to bow at the feet of his powerful father but an assignment does not go according to plan, and Anderson battles between life and death when what was to be a simple ride-along, spirals out of control. What ensues is the rebuilding but struggling relationship between June and Anderson, and the potential fall-out when sins of the past resurface, threatening their future and everything else.

BIDDING WAR is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family dynamics, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are desperate and determined. BIDDING WAR ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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