Tag Archives: romantic suspense

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

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Back in Black (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded) by Julie Ann Walker-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2023

A secret identity mixed in with forced proximity on top of red-hot chemistry? What could go wrong?

The Black Knights are back and better than ever!

FBI agent Grace Beacham is on the run. After an operation to bring down a Russian disinformation campaign goes sideways and ends in her partner’s death, the Kremlin has sent its most notorious assassin to kill her. Not knowing who to trust inside the Bureau, Grace is forced to call on the one man who might be able to save her. The one man she hasn’t been able to forget.

BKI operative Hunter Jackson walked away from Grace Beacham three years ago. And he hasn’t looked back. But when his cell phone suddenly jangles to life with Grace on the other end begging for his help, he doesn’t hesitate to ride to her rescue.

Grace is no stranger to men like Hunter. Men who are devastatingly attractive and in love with their perilous professions and no-strings-attached lifestyles. As the two of them go off-grid to uncover the truth behind what happened on her last assignment, she fears her life might not be the only thing on the line. With Hunter, her heart could be in danger too.

•••••

REVIEW:BACK IN BLACK is the first instalment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC. This is FBI agent Grace Beacham, and BKI Operative Hunter Jackson’s story line. BACK IN BLACK can be read as a stand alone. You do not have to have read the original series to understand.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Grace and Hunter, BACK IN BLACK follows in the wake of the murder of Grace Beacham’s FBI partner. While investigating a Russian disinformation campaign, Grace and her partner find themselves target of a man calling himself Orpheus, an assassin who is about to throw Grace to the wolves. As the prime suspect, Grace is desperate for help, and calls the last man she ever thought she would have to call. Enter BKI operative Hunter Jackson, former US Green Beret, and the man with whom Grace will fall in love.Three years earlier, working an assignment together, Hunter and Grace crossed a personal line, a line neither one has been able to forget. On the run, Hunter and Grace begin a dance of seduction while the team at BKI search for the truth.

Meanwhile, BKI Agent Sam Harwood needs help to track down a possible mole in the US government, and contacts the only person he knows with enough experience and capabilities to hack the people in charge. Enter Hannah Blue, his ex-girlfriend’s younger sister, and the woman whose heart Sam is about to break.

The world building takes the reader back into the world of the Black Knights Inc. A new team has been assembled as the original team members have moved on with their lives but the occasional cameo and return of a familiar name adds cohesion to the new story line arc.

The relationship between Grace and Hunter is one of friends to lovers whose previous encounter turned personal but Grace and Hunter moved on with their lives, and when Hunter offered his phone number in case of emergencies, Grace never expected to come face to face with the man who called to her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the new team of agents at BKI including secretary Eliza Meadows, Sam Harwood, and hacker Hannah Blue. Hannah and Sam’s story line is next.

BACK IN BLACK is a story of power and control, espionage and murder, second chances and loves. The fast paced, action packed premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate and powerful.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

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

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Pearl (GEM book #2) by Freya Barker-review tour

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Pearl (GEM Book #2) by Freya Barker-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2023

Operator Pearl; layered, mysterious, a protector.
She masks as delicate, analyzes, and moves stealthily.

Hot on the trail of a young accomplice in a child exploitation ring, Pearl finds herself posing as a teenager to get close. Unfortunately, joining a group of kids on a wilderness quest means stepping out of her comfort zone and into uncertainty. But with the target in her sights her focus stays razor-sharp.

The last thing she needs is the dogged journalist who’s been close on her heels catching up and rattling her cage. When he inserts himself into her investigation, she has no choice but to go along.

Thrown together in a mutual pursuit of justice, the negative energy between them sparks up in a new way.

GEM: a privately-funded organization operating independently in the search for—and the rescue and recovery of—missing and exploited children. Although, at times working in conjunction with law enforcement, GEM aims to ensure the victims receive justice…by whatever means necessary.

•••

REVIEW:PEARL is the second instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult GEM romantic suspense series focusing on three GEM agents and friends Opal, Pearl and Onyx. This is GEM Agent Janey ‘Pearl’ Fisher, and investigative journalist Lee Remington’s story line. PEARL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

GEM stands for Gather, Evaluate, Mobilize

Told from dual first person perspectives (Pearl and Lee) PEARL follows the search for a missing young girl with connections to a program for troubled teens called Evolution Quest .With the help of investigative journalist Lee Remington, Pearl goes undercover as a volunteer in the hopes of learning the who, how and why but Lee and Pearl are about to expose an intricate pedophile ring who target their victims at Evolution Quest. What ensues is the building relationship between Lee and Pearl, and the potential fall-out when Lee is targeted, and Pearl discovers the past never truly dies until you see if for yourself.

The world building continues to focus on GEM (Gather, Evaluate, Mobilize), a group that works independently of other organizations, searching for missing and exploited children; and CARD (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) a division of the FBI working to stop those trafficking in children. Twenty years earlier Janey and her fellow GEM agents Kate (Opal) and Raj (Onyx), were abducted from a teen youth center, help captive and abused by a madman who was believed to have died in a fire at the center but their investigations into the missing and exploited all reveal a connection to the center, and the probability the baddest of the bad survived.

The relationship between Pearl and Lee begins acrimoniously as Pearl doesn’t want a partner aka Lee along for the ride. Pearl is desperate to locate the missing girl but Lee is about to reveal he knows more about the case than she could have imagined. As Lee and Pearl begin an investigation of their own, they will find themselves a target of the people involved. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Opal and Mitch (Opal), Raj (Onyx), GEM boss Jacob Branch, as well as several struggling teens, counsellors ,parents and law enforcement. The requisite evil has many faces.

PEARL is another story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and obsession, love and understanding. The premise is dramatic, twisted and tragic; the characters are spirited, animated and stubborn; the romance is edgy and compelling.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one OPAL

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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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Texas Bodyguard: Chance (San Antonio Security 4) by Janie Crouch

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Texas Bodyguard: Chance (San Antonio Security 4) by Janie Crouch-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2023

She has secrets she prefers to keep hidden.
Too bad he’s so good at getting to the truth.

When a violent attack puts Maci Ford in the hospital, security expert Chance Patterson learns that she’s carrying his baby. Even though she ended their relationship, he’s determined to do whatever it takes to protect her and their child. But, as her stalker’s behavior escalates, Chance can’t shake the feeling that Maci is still hiding something from him…

••••

REVIEW:TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE is the fourth and final instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult SAN ANTONIO SECURITY romantic, suspense series focusing on the Patterson brothers: Luke, Brax, Weston and Chance. This is security specialist Chance Patterson, and PA Maci Ford’s story line. TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Chance and Maci) TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE follows in the weeks after a one-night stand between our story line couple. For months Chance Patterson and Maci Ford, San Antonio Security’s receptionist and PA, have been dancing around one another but a one night stand ended when Maci ghosted our story line hero, without explanation or good bye. Fast forward to present day, the team has been hired to find the person stalking a social media influencer but all does not go according to plan when the stalker turns their attention to our story line heroine. With the discovery that Maci was now carrying Chance’s child, Chance becomes guardian and protector of the mother o this child, a woman who is about to come face to face with a serial killer. What ensues is the building relationship based in forced proximity and unexpected pregnancy, and the potential fall-out as Maci may be the killer’s next victim.

The world building continues to focus on the Patterson brothers-4 young boys who met and were adopted from the child welfare system, adopted by a loving couple with no children of their own. As each brother met and fell in love with their future bride, while on the job, Chance would discover his future was within arm’s reach all of the time.

The relationship between Chance and Maci begins as employee and boss. Maci and Chance have been dancing around one another for a very long time but Maci’s past refused to let, and if discovered, Maci believed Chance and the Patterson family would want nothing to do with our story line heroine. There are no $ex scenes or implications of such.

All of the previous story line couples including Clint and Stella Patterson return, as well as the introduction of Maci’s mother Stella, and a small group of security meant to protect the social media influencer.

TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the characters are energetic and determined; romance is implied.

 

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Texas Bodyguard: Luke
Texas Bodyguard: Brax
Texas Bodygyuard:Weston

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211574.Janie_Crouch
Website: http://www.janiecrouch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiecrouch/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pmEH1X
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janiecrouch

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Alpha (Dark Water 3) by JL Drake-review tour

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Alpha (Dark Water 3) by JL Drake-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2023

Major Ty Beckett

The unthinkable has happened.
We will not stand by while one of our own is in the enemy’s grasp.

Ivy and I are part of the house now, and their family is our family. Together, we will fight to get her back.

This mission nearly brings Blackstone down. We missed our mark, and now it’s
Code Red.

Though our families are prepared for the unthinkable, we will not take this lying down.

Dr. Ivy Knight

Ty and I have a good connection, until he makes a decision that sends me into a tailspin.

Regardless of my personal struggles, I know one thing is true.
The house is in disarray, and it’s up to me to keep everyone on point.

But deep inside, I’m slowly unraveling. I need to find a way to get my life back.

Shadows has a mixture of light and laughter, but there’s a level of danger that comes with living here. I just hope I’m strong enough to endure.

••••

REVIEW:ALPHA is the third instalment in JL Drake’s contemporary, adult DARK WATER romantic suspense series, a spin off series, interconnected with the author’s BLACKSTONE and BROKEN worlds. This is the continuing story of Major Ty Beckett, and psychiatrist Dr. Ivy Knight. ALPHA should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two WHISKEY, referencing numerous past missions and plot lines, as well as focusing on the embattled relationship between Lexi and Keith (ESCAPE: Blackstone series 2).

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Ty, Ivy and Eric) ALPHA follows in the aftermath of the abduction of one of their own, and the return of Major Ty Beckett to the team at Blackstone at the Shadows. Dr. Ivy Knight is working temporarily with the Blackstone Special Ops team, at one of their safehouses known as the Shadows but her relationship with Major Ty Beckett is struggling in the face of his inability to let go of the past, a past that wants something more from our story line hero. Meanwhile, a Code Red has been activated, one of their own is missing, and the team is struggling to get information on the who, why or how. The Mexican Cartel is once again taking aim at the Blackstone Operatives, abducting and threatening anyone who gets in the way.

The world building continues to focus on the previous missions, sins of the past, and a need for vengeance against the Blackstone team. I would strongly recommend reading the previous two books in the Dark Water series, and if able, reading ESCAPE (Blackstone 2) and the author’s BROKEN trilogy. Several of the events in the current timelines are as of a direct result from the events in the aforementioned books/series .

The relationship between Ivy and Ty is one of second chances, of a sort. At any given point Ty Beckett is on the run, into danger and precarious situations, often forgetting about the people he has left behind. Ivy continues to struggle with Ty’s need to save everyone else, a need that is a constant pressure to save our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and dynamic characters most of whom were introduced and played a significant role in both the BLACKSTONE series and BROKEN trilogy. The past refuses to let go; vengeance is an obsession; betrayal may come at the cost of someone’s life.

ALPHA is a complex, detailed and dramatic story of secrets and lies, power and control, obsession and vengeance, understanding and love. The premise is edgy and intense; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of mistrust; the characters are desperate and broken. ALPHA ends on a cliff hanger-there is no happily ever after at this point in the series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J.L. Drake is a bestselling author with multiple series published in several different countries. The Broken Trilogy is her best seller, and her next series, Quiet Mafia, has the same kind of homey feel sprinkled with some yummy darkness. 

She was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to southern California. Though she loves the weather in Cali, she would sell her left kidney for a good rainstorm. Jodi’s love of the seasons back home in Canada definitely put in an appearance in her books.

When she’s not writing, you can often find her sitting somewhere along the coast of Huntington Beach, reading, or at home curled up on a couch with her two children and husband, binge watching Marvel movies.  

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website / Goodreads / Facebook /  Instagram/

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BURNING STEEL / SHATTERED STONE by Kat Bammer -reviews

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BURNING STEEL / SHATTERED STONE (Moon Lake Protectors 1 & 5) by Kat Bammer

 

SHATTERED STONE
Moon Lake Protectors 5
by Kat Bammer
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic, suspense

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release August 5, 2023

He broke her heart and shattered her trust. Now this grumpy protector is back to fight for a second chance.

Twenty years as a Marine, Richard “Stone” Travers dedicated his life to service, self-discipline, and loyalty—away from her.
But now he’s back home—the new sheriff in town.

Ready to protect, serve the community, and on a mission to win back the trust of his first and only love.

Dorothy’s beautiful, kind and loyal—to everyone but him.
Infuriatingly sexy and too stubborn to give him even an inch.
Whenever he’s around, she hides her feeling the same way she hides her wild curls in that uptight hairdo of hers.
And he craves nothing more than to unleash her locks, and the fire she’s so carefully hiding.

But her safety is his top priority.
His professional duty.
A mission impossible—when she goes head-to-head with a local gang leader and dives right into danger.

And his self-control snaps.
Because keeping his professional distance does not include kissing her senseless.
But he’s done pretending, done keeping his distance.
She can avoid him, but she’s his to protect, whether she likes it or not.

•••••

REVIEW: SHATTERED STONE is the fifth and final instalment in Kat Bammer’s contemporary, adult MOON LAKE PROTECTORS romantic suspense series. This is former marine, Sheriff Richard ‘Stone’ Travers, and social worker Dorothy Cleaver’s story line. SHATTERED STONE 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. SHATTERED STONE is the re-release and revised version of the author’s Hero of My heart.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Dorothy and Richard) SHATTERED STONE follows the second chance romance between former marine, Sheriff Richard ‘Stone’ Travers, and social worker Dorothy Cleaver. Richard Travers and Dorothy Cleaver were childhood best friends turned boyfriend and girlfriend but twenty years earlier Richard broke Dorothy’s heart, and in the ensuing years life, love, death and war took a little bit more of everyone’s soul. Fast forward to present day, Richard is the new sheriff in Moon Lake, the small town where Dorothy has found her niche, her friends and moved on from the past . Reconnecting with Richard during a child welfare check meant dredging up the heart break of the past but Richard’s secrets are slow to reveal, secrets that will break Dorothy’s heart all over again. Meanwhile, Dorothy is about to find herself the target of a dangerous gang, a gang that doesn’t care who they hurt or kill in the process. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Dorothy and Richard, and the potential fall-out as Dorothy becomes fodder in a war on drugs.

The world building continues to focus on the Richard’s former Navy SEAL teammates, and the town in which they settle down and moved on with their lives. Richard is struggling with the demons from his past but none more so than what happened to destroy the woman he loved.

The relationship between Richard and Dorothy is a second chance relationship that was destroyed by betrayal and hurt. Richard was never able to forgive himself, and Dorothy was unable to forgive the man that she loved. In an effort to rekindle what was, Richard and Dorothy find themselves at a disadvantage when Richard’s former teammates push our story line couple together. The $ex scenes are erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble case of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have me in previous story lines. We are introduced to Dorothy’s siblings: Felicia, Grace and Edith, as well as Navy SEALs Carter ‘Midas’ Plesak, and Lucas Ford. Edith and Carter’s story can be found in the spin -off series:SECURITY OPERATIONS GROUP BRAVO.

SHATTERED STONE is a story of secrets and lies, misunderstandings and miscommunication, betrayal and heart break, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is heart breaking, emotional and dramatic; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are broken yet strong, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

_______

BURNING STEEL
(Moon Lake Protectors 1)
by Kat Bammer
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

FREE ebook Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date February 24, 2023

He will fight for a second chance, but he will burn down the world to keep her safe.

Thirteen adrenaline-fueled years as a Navy SEAL taught Peter to protect those unable to defend themselves.

He gave it his all. Now, it’s time for a new mission. To come home to Moon Lake, serve as a deputy sheriff, and settle into uneventful small town life.

And that’s exactly what he’s doing when Lisa returns to take over her family’s inn.

She’s his biggest regret. The girl who stood by him in his darkest hour. The one he pushed away. Now a beautiful woman.

Who wants nothing to do with him.

But when she finds a body. And a killer puts her in his crosshairs. None of that matters. They’re thrown into a whirlwind of passion and danger. They’re no longer fighting for just a second chance but to stay alive.

••••••

REVIEW: BURNING STEEL is the first instalment in Kat Bammer’s contemporary, adult MOON LAKE PROTECTORS romantic suspense series. This is Deputy Sheriff Peter Fisher and dive instructor Lisa Reynolds’ story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. BURNING STEEL is the re-release and revised version of the author’s Love You Still.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Peter and Lisa BURNING STEEL follows in the wake of the return of Lisa Reynold to her home town of Moon Lake. Thirteen years earlier Peter Fisher destroy Lisa Reynold’s heart, and in the ensuing years, Peter joined the US Navy SEALs, and Lisa adventured around the world teaching diving wherever she could. Fast forward to present day wherein Lisa’s father has been severely injured in a car accident, and our heroine is struggling with what happened and why but all is not well in Moon Lake, when Lisa discovers a woman’s body, that may be connected to a serial killer, and a murder that happened years before. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Peter and Lisa, and the potential fall-out as Lisa is targeted by a psychotic mind.

The world building introduces the people and places of Moon Lake including some of Peter’s former military buddies, their extended families, as well as some of the small-town mentality where everyone knows your business before you do.

The relationship between Lisa and Peter is one of second chances. Peter broke Lisa’s heart, walking away without looking back, and in the ensuing aftermath, Lisa struggled to forget the man she once loved, body and soul. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Lisa’s extended family, as well as Peter’s friends, former teammates and the local law enforcement, Sebastian ‘Blaze’ Blake & Lisa’s best friend Claire Crittenden. Blake and Claire’s story line is next in Guarded Blaze.

BURNING STEEL is a story of misunderstandings and forgiveness, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and energetic; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

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TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON (San Antonio Security 3) by Janie Crouch- review

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TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON (San Antonio Security 3) by Janie Crouch

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2023

A determined bodyguard. A fierce heiress.
And death is just a shot away…

Silent, stealthy and professional, Weston Patterson is always two steps ahead of trouble—until he’s hired to bodyguard a woman he never expected to see again. Someone won’t stop until Kayleigh Delacruz is dead. But the feisty heiress is challenging Weston to keep her close as well as safe. Will the suspicions between their different worlds lock them in an endgame impossible to survive?

••••

REVIEW: TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON is the third instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult SAN ANTONIO SECURITY romantic, suspense series focusing on the Patterson brothers: Luke, Brax, Weston and Chance. This is security specialist Weston Patterson, and heiress / photographer Kayleigh Delacruz’s story line. TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Weston and Kayleigh) TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON follows in the wake of threats against out story line heroine. Kayleigh Delacruz and Weston were childhood friends but Weston grew up in the child welfare system, and was sent to another foster home without any notice. Fast forward to present day, billionaire investor Leo Delacruz is desperate to more protection for his only daughter, and contracts with San Antonio Security but more specifically his daughter’s friend Weston Patterson. Kayleigh Delacruz is unaware of Weston’s involvement but lies by omission threaten their rebuilding friendship but at every turn, Kayleigh is pushing for her continued independence, an independence that is threatened by the target on her back. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and love between Weston and Kayleigh, and the potential fall-out as the threats against Kayleigh may come from someone she knows.

The world building continues to focus on the backstory and history of the Patterson siblings-four non-blood brothers adopted by the Patterson family, four brothers who grew up to protect the people they love. When Weston is tagged to protect our story line heroine, Weston is hoping for a second chance, a second chance at the woman he has never forgotten.

The relationship between Weston and Kayleigh is one of second chances: a rekindling friendship that was broken when Weston was sent to another foster home. Like his ‘brothers’, Weston’s earlier life was one of sorrow and pain, and the only happiness was the summer he spent with out story line heroine. There are no $ex scenes -everything is implied.

Once again, we are reintroduced to Weston’s brothers: Luke (Claire), Brax (Tessa) and Chance, as well as their parents Clinton and Sheila Patterson; Kayleigh’s father Joe Delacruz, and a host of assistants and security. The requisite evil has many faces.

TEXAS BODYGUARD : WESTON is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, second chances and love. The character driven premise is entertaining and dramatic; the romance is passionate but subtle; the character are desperate and determined.

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Texas Bodyguard: Luke
Texas Bodyguard: Brax

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211574.Janie_Crouch
Website: http://www.janiecrouch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiecrouch/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pmEH1X
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janiecrouch

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BROKEN PROMISE/ BROKEN TRUST by Nana Malone & M. Malone-review tour

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BROKEN TRUST / BROKEN PROMISE (Broken 1 & 3) by Nana Malone & M. Malone

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

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/43MvDSc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2023

I am the ghost that haunts your dreams. I am a liar, a protector … a killer… I am death.

You think you know my story, but you have no idea. My death was just the beginning. In the years since I escaped the shadow organization that owned me, my vow to protect my family is the only thing keeping me alive.

Until I meet her.

Too bad I need the monster to protect her from the demons of her past.

Too bad she’s not that innocent.

•••••••

REVIEW: BROKEN PROMISE is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult BROKEN erotic romance suspense series co-authored by M. Malone and Nana Malone. This is former assassin/former FBI agent turned security specialist Rafe DeMarco, and Diana Renquist-Vandergraff’s story line. BROKEN PROMISE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading book one BROKEN TRUST for back story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Diana and Rafe) BROKEN PROMISE follows the building relationship between Rafe DeMarco and Diana Rehnquist, a relationship predicated upon a number of lies. Ten years earlier Diana lost everything, and blames Rafe DeMarco for it all. Having set a plan into motion to destroy our story line hero, Diana lies about who she is, in an effort to get up close and personal with Rafe DeMarco but Diana never expected to fall in love. As Diana and Rafe’s relationship becomes more serious, Diana begins to execute her plan only to come face to face with people intending to destroy them all. What ensues is the building relationship between Rafe and Diana, and the potential fall-out as the past collides with the present; secrets and lies are revealed; and Rafe finds himself in an impossible situation when he discovers the truth about the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The world building continues to focus on past assignments and contracts, and the vengeance wreaked by those who have been betrayed. Rafe DeMarco is no longer an assassin for hire or an agent with the FBI but he is unable to let go of the past when the past continues to haunt his days and nights.

The relationship between Diana and Rafe is predicated upon a lie. Diana needs revenge for sins of the past but the sins may not be Rafe’s alone. Never expecting to fall in love, Diana struggles between head and heart knowing her time with Rafe is nothing more than a mission to take down the man she blames for her broken heart. Rafe, for all intents and purposes, is easily manipulated by our story line heroine, and finds himself at a disadvantage on more than one occasion. The $ex scenes are numerous, provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters most of whom play a role, past and present in our hero’s life. We are reintroduced to the team at Blake Security: Noah and Lucia, Jonas, Oskar, Ian and JJ, as well as Interpol Agent Emelie Durand.

BROKEN PROMISE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, family, friendships, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed and intriguing; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book two BROKEN TIES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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BROKEN TRUST
(The Broken Series 1)
by M. Malone & Nana Malone
Genre:adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release January 24, 2023

I’m what some people call the bogeyman. Most people have the good sense to be afraid of me. Unfortunately, my best friend’s little sister is NOT most people.

She’s not afraid of me at all. But she should be. She doesn’t know the secrets I’m hiding.

Look, Lucia Demarco is a handful. She’s stubborn, gorgeous, a magnet for trouble, and sets my blood on fire.

Ignore that last part. I can’t have her. I promised my best friend on his deathbed that I’d always take care of her. And I have…never you mind about the thoughts that plague me at night

The point is, she’s been poking her head where it doesn’t belong and now some idiots are about to find out why they call me the reaper.

I hear former hitmen make the best bodyguards. True story!

I’ll keep my word and keep Lucia safe. And I absolutely refuse to give in to her sunny smile or sharp wit.

I can be strong. Or will I risk just one taste?

•••••

REVIEW: BROKEN TRUST is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult BROKEN erotic, romantic suspense series co-authored by M. Malone and Nana Malone. This is security specialist Noah Blake, and twenty year old fashion designer Lucia DeMarco’s story line.

NOTE: BROKEN TRUST is a revised and expanded story line originally released in the Shameless Series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Noah and Lucia) BROKEN TRUST follows the building but tempestuous relationship between security specialist Noah Blake, and twenty year old fashion designer Lucia DeMarco. Six years earlier Lucia’s brother and Noah’s best friend Rafe DeMarco was gunned down on assignment, and in the ensuing years Noah has vowed to protect Lucia with his life but all is not as it appears to be, and Lucia will find herself the target of an assassin, and a pawn between the past and the present. What ensues is the building relationship between Noah and Lucia, and the potential fall-out as a contract targeting Lucia reveals a past shrouded in betrayal and deceit.

The world building is detailed and complex focusing on secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, Dark Ops, secret organizations, government spies, double crossing, double agents, and triple threats. There are code names, undercover operatives, IT specialists, and international systems of espionage and threats. There is a blurry line between right and wrong.

The relationship between Noah and Lucia is a best friend’s sister relationship in which said best friend is dead and gone. Noah has promised to protect the woman he has always loved, a woman who begins to suspect there is more to her brother’s death than she is acutely aware. At every turn Noah hopes to be one-step ahead of our story line heroine but someone else is targeting Lucia, and there is more than one player in the game. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, strategic and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Noah’s team at Blake Security: Jonas, IT specialist Matthias and Oskar; Noah’s former handler Ian, as well as Lucia’s best friend and designer Jessica JJ Jones, and Lucia’s Nonna DeMarco. JJ and Jonas’ story line is next.

BROKEN TRUST is a story of secrets and lies, espionage, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating, twisted and elaborate; the characters are numerous, dynamic and spirited; the romance is seductive, tender and consuming.

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.

M. Malone

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M. Malone is a RITA® Award winner and a NYT & USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.

Since starting her indie publishing journey in 2011,  she has sold over a million books and her titles have hit the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times. 

She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.

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WICKED AND BARE (Matt and Madison Pt 2) by Shayla Black-review

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WICKED AND BARE (Matt and Madison Pt 2) (Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire 8) by Shayla Black

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

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3SHac0a

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

He’d give his life to protect her…but he’ll demand everything from her in return.

Madison Archer-Pershing fled her murderous, soon-to-be ex-husband, running straight to operative Matt Montgomery, despite the fact he once broke her heart. Under his protection and in his arms, she can’t help but fall for him again. Then her husband discovers them together and coerces her back to his glittering, dangerous world of politics, greed, and deception. But Madison knows his deepest secrets…just like she knows he’ll try to silence her forever.

Matt knows he’s bad for good-girl Madison. He’s too rough, too commanding, but he can’t resist the woman who still owns his heart. Though he’s determined to keep her safe at any cost…he can’t protect her from his own dark desires. As she melts in his embrace, shocking revelations rock them. Peril lurks around every corner. And when he’s confronted with the most wrenching decision of his life, will he rip out his heart to save her or risk everything to claim her forever?

•••••••

REVIEW: WICKED AND BARE is the second instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary adult duet, and the eighth instalment in the author’s WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is the continuing story of thirty-three year old, security specialist Matt Montgomery, and twenty-seven year old, primary school teacher Madison Archer. WICKED AND BARE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of WICKED AS SECRETS.

NOTE: If you have not read WICKED AS SECRETS there may be spoilers in my review. Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Madison and Matt) WICKED AND BARE follows in the aftermath of our heroine’s witness to a murder, and her desperate attempts to flee the people involved. Married into a political dynasty, Madison has sold her soul to the devil but every attempt to leave is circumvented by the power elite. With the help of her former lover Matt Montgomery, Madison goes into hiding but threats against her family find Madison and Matt agreeing to a deal, a deal that would see Madison in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Matt and Madison, and the potential fall-out as Matt’s past is revealed, and Madison struggles to trust the man with whom she has fallen in love.

The world building continues to focus on the political fight for power and control. Madison is arm candy; a trophy wife meant to give voters the image of stability but Madison’s life is on the line every time she is trapped behind closed doors. The Pershing family is a political dynasty where the dark and dangerous secrets, if exposed, would destroy everything. Madison is caught in the middle, when threats against her own family mean bowing to the people in charge.

The relationship between Madison and Matt is one of second chances but Madison struggles with issues of trust, and Matt suspects there is more going on behind the scenes than he could have ever imagined. With the assistance of the team at EM Security Management, Matt begins to unravel the true nature of the people in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light bondage and discipline.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the numerous Wicked Lovers instalments. We are re-introduced to several members of the EM Security Management Team including Nash Scott, Ethan Garrison, Pierce ‘One Mile ‘ Walker; Madisons’ best friend Haisley; as well as Madison’s soon to be ex-husband and inlaws .

WICKED AND BARE is a story of the political elite, power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and forgiveness, betrayal and revenge. The dramatic character driven premise is haunting, tragic and edgy; the romance is provocative and emotional ; the characters are spirited, determined and destructive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wicked as Sin
Wicked Ever After
Wicked as Lies
Wicked and True
Wicked as Seduction
Wicked and Forever
Wicked as Secrets

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter  I  NEWSLETTERI I PINTERESTIYOUTUBE

 

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