Tag Archives: romantic

Winning Bid (Highest Bidder 3) by Charlotte Byrd-review

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Winning Bid (Highest Bidder 3) by Charlotte Byrd-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 31, 2024

He ended a life to save mine. Now the walls are closing in.

They hunt us, seeking our weaknesses. I may have to sacrifice myself to save him.

I never meant to love him.

Yet now I’m enthralled, ensnared by his every word, his every look.
The way he moves, the way he undresses me with his eyes.

I can’t let go. Not when his touch sets me ablaze.

My job with his father’s worst enemy is an existential threat. I’m undercover in enemy territory and I can’t trust anyone.

If we can endure the gathering storm, our bond might save us.

Yet a betrayal whispers in the shadows, one that could shatter us for good.

••••••

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

SOME BACKGROUND: 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  Anderson West.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anderson and June) WINNING BID follows after the events and cliff hanger of book two. A body has washed up on shore, and Anderson West and June Devlin are the prime suspects having been the last people to see the dead man alive. As law enforcement close in, June and Anderson come to a decision about their future but charges are laid, and Anderson is fighting for his life.

Meanwhile, June has started working for the enemy but having been blacklisted in Boston in the wake of her relationship with our story line hero, June’s options were limited if not questionable at best. As June begins to dig deeper into her latest assignment, she will quickly discover that her job is a ruse, a means to enact revenge for someone else.

The world building continues to focus on the building and highly sexual relationship between our story line couple; on Anderson’s contentious relationship with his father; on June’s embattled relationship with her dad; and on the police investigation into the murder of the man who attacked our story line heroine.

The relationship between June and Anderson is provocative, intense and erotic. Nothing is off limits, and Anderson is desperate to permanently claim June as his own.

WINNING BID is another story of power and control, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family values, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, tragic and sensational; the romance is intoxicating; the characters are desperate, dogged and tenacious. WINNING BID ends on a happily ever after -for now.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Highest Bidder
Bidding War

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A FIERCE MAN (Appalachian STAR 7) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A FIERCE MAN (Appalachian STAR 7) (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) by Deanndra Hall- review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2024

The world needs more people who care, but does she care too much?

PRIEST
Redemption
I did my time—hard time—for a long time. I’m not an innocent man, but I paid the price. I’m working on a new, squeaky-clean résumé. After 28 years, I learned how to behave, and how to inspire others. And that’s what I do. It’s who I am. Enduring years of never-ending, horrific abuse in prison, I can safely say that I’d do anything to protect weaker individuals from danger.

AGGIE
Redemption
I’m the happiest when I’m in front of my students, changing lives and making a difference. That’s what I do and who I am. After being burned by my ex-husband, I focus my life—and heart—on my pupils, kids who truly need me.

But when an outreach project brings me face-to-face with an ex-convict, something shifts. Maybe, just maybe, my heart isn’t as shattered as I imagined. Priest seamlessly weaves his way into my world. However, a dangerous student with a vendetta threatens to sabotage our newfound connection. Suddenly, my life hangs in the balance. With the help of the Appalachian STAR team and a determined Priest, I just might be absolved of all of my fears. Can I let down my guard for this persistent, Fierce Man?

Come to the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky and get acquainted with eight of the most determined men you’ll ever meet in the Appalachian STAR series.

•••••

REVIEW: A FIERCE MAN is the seventh instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPLACHIAN STAR romantic suspense series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters originally introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-seven year old, former prison inmate Darius ‘Priest’ Fowler, and middle school teacher Augustina ‘Aggie’ Henry’s story line. A FIERCE MAN 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 WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Priest and Aggie) A FIERCE MAN follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Darius ‘Priest’ Fowler currently lives and works for Appalachian STAR search and rescue in Mallie Kentucky but having spent close to thirty years in prison, enduring abuse and hardship throughout , Darius is a changed man. Meeting teacher Aggie Henry at a middle school ‘scared straight’ presentation, Darius new Aggie would be the woman to claim his heart. A date, and an introduction to his fellow Appalachian STAR members, Aggie will become one of their own but not everyone easily accepts Darius for his history, and he is about to discover that prejudices run high especially for an African American man with a dangerous past. Aggie Henry is a determined, independent and single minded African American woman, and often chooses to place herself in the direct line of fire but an incident at school brings Aggie up close and personal with true evil, and any thoughts of personal preservation or the man that she loves become non-existent as Aggie battles with a force she is unable to stop. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Aggie and Darius, and the potential fall-out as Aggie’s actions threaten everyone involved.

The world building follows several paths including a search and rescue; Aggie’s aggressive and less than understanding family; and a man with a vendetta against our story line heroine.

The relationship between Darius and Aggie is one of immediate attraction but Darius struggles with his past history, and Aggie is a woman determined to take control. Aggie has accepted everything about Darius and his history but she is often single-minded in her attempts to manage that which cannot always be managed. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including many of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Aggie’s immediate family, several co-workers and embattled children at the school. The requisite evil has many faces.

A FIERCE MAN is a story of power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and consuming; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined, animated and wounded.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man
A Furious Man
A Tormented Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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Wicked and Ruthless (Nash & Haisley 1) by Shayla Black-review

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Wicked and Ruthless (Nash & Paisley 1: Wicked Lovers-Soldiers for Hire 9) by Shayla Black-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July

She knows love is a fairytale…until her ruthless operative ex steals her heart.

Haisley Rowe has always believed that happily-ever-afters are pretty lies. But after a scorching, year-long fling with a rugged operative, she committed the ultimate sin: falling for a man who will never love her back. Carrying her secret, she left town. Two years later she’s back, and a fateful run-in proves he alone still ignites her—body and soul.

Nash Scott disavowed marriage and babies…until Haisley blazed into his life, all fiery red hair and saucy sexiness, awakening his insatiable desire and becoming his deepest obsession. Now that she’s returned, he’ll do whatever it takes to make her his for good.

When he tackles a twisted abduction case, he discovers Haisley is embroiled, too. In a high-stakes world of vast power and unthinkable danger, they will have to repair each other’s hearts and their shattered trust before it’s too late. But as darker forces zero in, shocking secrets will be uncovered and threaten to tear them apart forever…

••••

REVIEW:WICKED AND RUTHLESS -Nash and Haisley Pt 1 is the ninth instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is social media promoter Haisley Rowe, and security specialist Nash Scott’s second chance story line.

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Haisley and Nash) using present day and memories from the past, WICKED AND RUTHLESS follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately two years earlier Haisley Rowe walked away from the man that she loves but her aunt’s death brought Haisley back to Lafayette, Louisiana where she will come face to face with the man she once loved but Haisley never expected to be working with Nash Scott after a series of abductions from the local mall pull our couple together. As Nash and Haisley begin their own investigation into the missing girls, all is not well with the people in charge.

The world building focuses on the break down of a relationship; the missing girls and a suspected human trafficking ring; and the prime suspects that may or may not be connected.

The relationship between Haisley and Nash is one of second chances. Two years earlier Haisley ran away from the man that she loved believing there was not chance for a future. Nash had no idea why Haisley ran but our heroine’s return brings a second chance for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters including the return of Nash’s brother Trees and Laila, as well as friends Charli, Gracelyn, Madison, and Nash’s boss Hunter Edgington. The requisite evil has many faces.

WICKED AND RUTHLESS is a story of power and control, madness and mayhem, family friendships, second chances and love .The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is provocative ; the characters are dynamic, and determined. WICKED AND RUTHLESS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

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
Wicked and Bare

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 /  NEWSLETTER I PINTEREST I YOUTUBE

 

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A Tormented Man (Appalachian STAR 6) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A Tormented Man (Appalachian STAR 6) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 14, 2024

Their joy and passion are interrupted by sheer terror …

PADDY

Restored.

When you serve time for a death that destroyed you, it’s hard to bounce back. My best friend was my rock, my ride or die. And sadly, his death was more than I can take.

Now, out of the slammer and trying to get my life back on track, I’m ready for something more—something new—and a friend of mine has a solution, one that may just get me out of my funk. Introducing me to a beautiful, headstrong, and intelligent woman with a penchant to submit is the lifesaver I’ve been looking for all along.

NATALIE

Restored.

I have to be careful. As a federal judge, all eyes are on me to make the right choices regarding the fate of those convicted of crimes. But when I’m off the bench, all I want is to sit back, have someone else make decisions, and let them control the narrative. Meeting an ex-convict with everything I’m looking for in and out of the bedroom wasn’t on my bucket list, but here we are. And now, I want nothing more than this man and his dominance.

The big case I’ve been hoping for brings danger, and when someone threatens my life and kidnaps me, all hands are on deck to save me. The FBI and the Appalachian STAR team are determined to find me, but there’s only one person I trust enough to rescue me—the tormented man who holds my heart.

•••••

REVIEW:A TORMENTED MAN is the sixth instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romance series, a part of the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series focusing on characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-one year Eastern District Federal Judge Natalie Anderson, and forty-four year old former inmate and Appalachian STAR Search and Rescue member Dennis ‘ Paddy’ O’Brien’s story line. A TORMENTED MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates from the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Natalie and Dennis) A TORMENTED MAN follows in the wake of the introduction between Judge Natalie Anderson, and Dennis ‘Paddy’ O’Brien. Imprisoned for nine years for the death of his business partner, Dennis O’Brien lost everything including his wife and children. Hoping for a new start, Dennis is ready to start over but his bedroom proclivities require someone special. Enter Judge Natalie Anderson, the woman with whom Dennis will fall in love. A mutual friend will introduce Natalie and Dennis, and from the outset, the attraction is immediate but Natalie has been targeted by the Mexican Cartel, and the FBI is struggling to keep our heroine safe.

The world building is detailed as the focus follows Natalie at work, and he developing relationship with our story line hero. Dennis O’Brien not only works for Appalachian STAR but he is ready to take the next step to become IG a certified EMT.

The relationship between Natalie and Dennis is one of immediate attraction ; an insta-lust to insta-love relationship in which Dennis knows Natalie is the woman to heal his soul and claim his heart but threats against Natalie brings protection from law enforcement and the FBI, protection that is caught in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the team at Appalachian STAR, their extended families and friends, as well as several characters from the interconnected Special Forces: Operation Alpha world. We are introduced to Natalie’s parents, Dennis’ parents, as well as his ex Lisa, and their children Tegan and Borden, and FBI Agent Sela. There is something developing between Bear and Sela.

A TORMENTED MAN is a story of power and control, betrayal and threats, accusations and vindication, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but serious and strong willed.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man
A Furious Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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COLD FURY (Cold Justice: Most Wanted 4)by Toni Anderson-review

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COLD FURY (Cold Justice: Most Wanted 4)by Toni Anderson-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 13, 2024

Seven years ago, Hope Harper was a star defense attorney with a great life—until she got the wrong defendant released, and he turned around and viciously slaughtered her family. Since then, the only thing Hope cares about is locking bad guys behind bars where they can’t hurt anyone else. When the killer escapes from a maximum security prison during a winter storm, Hope refuses to run and hide.

The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team is called in to protect the handful of public figures the notorious serial killer threatened. Operator Aaron Nash draws the short straw—he’ll be heading up Assistant District Attorney Hope Harper’s close protection detail.

Much to Aaron’s frustration, the cool blonde refuses to go into protective custody. As the hours and days wear on, Aaron and Hope manage a fragile truce. He begins to understand and admire the tenacious prosecutor, and the two of them begin to work together.
As the escaped serial killer’s rampage spins on, Hope knows it’s just a matter of time until he comes for her. Except something’s changed. For the first time since losing her family, she has something to live for. But is history doomed to repeat itself?

••••

REVIEW: COLD FURY is the fourth instalment in Toni Anderson’s contemporary, adult COLD JUSTICE-MOST WANTED erotic, romantic suspense series- a spin off, set in the author’s Cold Justice series. This is FBI HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) Operator Aaron Nash, and attorney Hope Harper’s story line. COLD FURY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Hope and Aaron COLD FURY follows in the wake of the escape of a serial killer. Approximately seven years earlier, defense attorney Hope Harper was successful in obtaining the release of billionaire Julius Leech, a man who would turn around and murder Hope’s husband and daughter. Fast forward to present day, Julius Leech, along with several other prisoners, has escaped in the wake of a prison transport accident, and anyone connected to Julius’ case is now a target of betrayal and revenge. At the top of the list is the now ADA Hope Harper, and the FBI has assigned a team of agents to protect our story line heroine. Enter FBI HRT Operator Aaron Nash, the man with whom Hope will fall in love but as the body count begins to amass, Julius Leech continues to control the narrative of his vengeance, pulling Hope Harper into his game of cat and mouse. What ensues is the protection of Hope Harper; the building relationship between Hope and Aaron, and the potential fall-out as secrets reveal a deeper betrayal that no one saw coming.

The world building is intricate and detailed as we are up close and personal with a killer, and a woman who is struggling with the loss of her family. Refusing to believe she is the target of Julius Leech, Hope tries and fails to decline the protection of the FBI but more so, in the face of her attraction to our story line hero.

The relationship between Hope and Aaron is trepidatious. Aaron refuses to cross the line, and Hope battles between head and heart as she continues to push away, not only Aaron, but the FBI HRT team. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters who play a significant and consequential role in the current time line including FBI agents Will Griffin, Seth Hopper, Sebastian Black, Cowboy, Livingstone and Cadell: attorney Jeff Beasley; Hope’s PA Colin Leighton; Julius Leech, his PA Blake Delaware, as well as several questionable characters surrounding Julius Leech.

COLD FURY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder,madness, and obsession, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is twisted and captivating; the romance is impassioned but subtle; the characters are determined and tenacious.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cold Silence
Cold Deceit
Cold Snap

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Toni Anderson is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, RITA® finalist, science nerd, professional tourist, dog lover, gardener, mom. Originally from a small town in England, Toni studied Marine Biology at University of Liverpool (B.Sc.) and University of St. Andrews (Ph.D.) with the intention she’d never be far from the ocean. Well, that plan backfired and she ended up in the Canadian prairies with her biology professor husband, two kids, a rescue dog, and a laid-back leopard gecko.

Toni started writing while pregnant with her first child and never stopped. Her greatest achievements are mastering the Tokyo subway, climbing Ben Lomond, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and surviving fourteen Winnipeg winters (fingers crossed). She loves to travel for research purposes and was lucky enough to visit the Strategic Information and Operations Center inside FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. in 2016, and she also got to shove another car off the road during pursuit training at the Writer’s Police Academy in Wisconsin. Watch out world!

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NEWTON (Cerberus MC 31) by Marie James -review

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NEWTON (Cerberus MC 31) by Marie James -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2024

There’s no shortage of victims in my work with the Cerberus MC.

When I first met Brielle Adair, she had just witnessed a family tragedy.

She was broken, betrayed, and terrified that her end was near.

She chose to curl up in a frightened ball in my closet, and I chose to let her stay there.

My own history told me not to force her to do anything. She had to make those decisions on her own.

In order to start healing, she had to trust me, but knowing the lifestyle she was raised in, I didn’t know if trusting her was the smart thing to do.

Does she really need our help, or is every tear and whimper a form of manipulation?

With the way I get lost in her pretty eyes, in the end, will it even matter?

••••••••

REVIEW: NEWTON is the thirty-first instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult CERBERUS MC romantic suspense series focusing on former US Marine Beck ‘Newton’ Keller and Brielle Adair. NEWTON 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 premise throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers as the Cerberus MC ferret out and take down suspected human and sexual trafficking rings.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brielle and Beck) NEWTON follows in the wake of the escape of our story line heroine from the men who had used and abused her for most of her life. Seeking refuge, Brielle discovers she is unable to remain in Ohio, and finds herself in Texas, at a women’s shelter protected by the Cerberus MC but one year later, Brielle’s past has discovered her whereabouts, and this threatens all of the women with whom she has grown close and loved. As the Cerberus MC quickly moves and relocates all of the women and children, Brielle finds herself under the protection of Beck ‘Newton’ Keller, the man with whom she will fall in love but Brielle continues to struggle with the ever present fear of being discovered, and the truth about what she was forced to do and why. What ensues is the building but tepid relationship between Brielle and Beck, and the potential fall-out when Brielle’s past returns forcing our heroine to reject the man that she loves.

The world building continues to focus on the Cerberus MC and their duty to protect the most vulnerable; to search and rescue those missing or lost; and to recover and return those unable to defend themselves.

The relationship between Brielle and Beck is trepidatious at best. Brielle is unable to trust Beck or any other person she encounter in her life, and in this, Brielle often secludes herself from everyone else. Days will pass before Brielle is able to acknowledge the man who is desperate to protect our story line heroine but Beck knows all to well the damage cause and inflicted by the people who were meant to love and protect. 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 several members of the Cerberus MC Texas, as well as several law enforcement officials and agencies. The requisite evil has many faces.

NEWTON is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, good and evil, secrets and lies, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is emotional and dramatic-at times I could not foresee a happily ever after for our story line couple ; the romance is heart breaking; the characters are broken but determined. NEWTON also introduces the start of a new spin-off series focusing on a new charter of the Cerberus MC in Tennessee with Hemlock.

Previous reviews
Jinx
Thumper
Apollo
A Very Cerberus Christmas
Legend
Grinch
Harley
Landon
Spade
Aro
Boomer
Ugly
Bishop
Legacy
Stormy
Oracle

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m a full-time author, mother of two boys, and wife of 18+ years. Dog Mom to four great danes: Maximus, Nala, Freya, and Hagrid.

I’ve spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Currently residing in a sleepy little town in East Tennessee.

Writing is my passion, and I absolutely love being able to sit down and put all of my thoughts and emotions into my stories.

I love dogs, coffee, making handmade cards, and steamy romance novels!

Keep up with Marie James and subscribe to her newsletter.

To learn more about Marie James & her books, visit here!

Website/ FACEBOOK / Twitter / Bookbub / Instagram / Amazon Author Page / Book and Main / Goodreads / Pinterest / Youtube/ Reader Group/ NewsLetter/

 

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Fighting for Reese by Katie Reus-review

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Fighting for Reese (Redemption Harbor Security 2) by Katie Reus-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2024

She’s a grumpy security expert…

Reese doesn’t do relationships. Especially not with tall, sexy men with golden retriever energy. Nope, she prefers her men brooding and silent—with no strings attached. So when she hooks up with her gorgeous coworker after their friends’ wedding, she does what any sane woman would do. She runs.

He’s a sunshine badass…

Unfortunately for her, they’ve got to go undercover at a couples’ retreat which means one room, one bed, and a simmering heat neither of them can deny. Constantine—aka Cash to his friends—has been burned before because of his wealth. But Reese wants nothing to do with his money, which only intrigues him even more. Now that they’re sharing a room, his hot-and-cold vixen isn’t getting away from him again. But he’s got to keep them alive long enough to show that what they shared is more than a one-time thing. Something that proves more difficult when people around them start dying.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHTING FOR REESE is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin of from the author’s REDEMPTION HARBOR series. This is agents Constantine ‘Cash’ Pierce and Reese’s story line. FIGHTING FOR REESE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives FIGHTING FOR REESE follows the latest assignment for Cash and Reese. An employee is missing from the Kingston Wellness Spa, and her best friend is hoping the team at Redemption Harbor Security to uncover the truth. Going undercover as an engaged duo at a couple’s retreat, along with fellow agents US Marine Rowan and former CIA agent Adalyn, Cash and Reese quickly discover not all is well at the Kingston Wellness Spa. From dead bodies to the Albanian Mob, Cash and Reese find themselves facing the possibility of a serial killer who is intent to destroy them all.

The world building is detailed and intriguing. We are up close and personal with Cash and Reese as they journey towards coupledom while focusing on a potential killer who is desperate enough to make a mistake endangering everyone involved.

The relationship between Cash and Reese is co-workers to friends to fake lovers to lovers. Cash knows Reese is the woman that calls to his heart but Reese believes there is an end date to their fake affair. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are engaging and interesting. We are introduced to US Marine Rowan, and former CIA agent Adalyn; Spa owners Ben and Mila Kingston, as well as several guests, and law enforcement. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIGHTING FOR REESE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven, fast paced premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and captivating.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FIGHTING FOR HAILEY

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.

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The Hero (Game of Chance 3) by Susan Stoker-review

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The Hero (Game of Chance 3) by Susan Stoker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2024

Any soldier who gets out of the service with his life should be happy to leave danger behind. Though his army brothers are content running their new business in Maine, Kendric “Bob” Evans isn’t ready to give up the fight. He’s been supplementing his hours with covert rescue missions organized by the FBI. But his latest charge may be more than he bargained for.

Marlowe Kennedy is on a routine archaeology dig in Thailand when she’s arrested for drug trafficking. She has suspicions about the true culprit, but even when she’s rescued from prison, there’s nothing she can do about it without proof. Her protective bodyguard’s only objective is to keep her safe until they cross the border into friendly territory.

The best way to do that? Travel as man and wife.

After returning to Maine, as Bob and Marlowe navigate this treacherous terrain with the help of their friends, they face vengeful authorities, a vindictive frame job, and perhaps most important of all—turning their fake marriage into something real

••••

REVIEWTHE HERO is the third instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult GAME OF CHANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former US Special Forces soldiers (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-five year olds, Kendric ‘Bob’ Evans, and archaeologist Marlowe Kennedy’s story line. THE HERO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. An important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kendrick and Marlowe) THE HERO follows the rescue of our story line heroine from a Thai prison. While on an archaeological assignment in Thailand, Marlowe Kennedy would find herself framed and imprisoned for drug possession and trafficking. Without benefit of defense or help, Marlowe has given up hope until a visit from an American stranger telling her to be prepared. Enter former US Special Forces soldier Kendrick Evans, and the man with whom Marlowe will fall in love. Upon her explosive rescue, Marlowe and Kendrick find themselves on a cross continent run, wherein Marlowe will become the woman to save our hero’s life. What ensues is the quick and forced relationship between Marlowe and Kendrick, and the potential fall-out as their journey and struggles through Asia, continue back home.

The world building focuses on the betrayal of our story line heroine. Framed for a crime she did not commit, Kendrick Evans is ‘hired’ to rescue the woman with whom he would fall in love but their escape gets more dangerous, the closer to their final destination.

The relationship between Kendrick and Marlowe begins as a rescue but a potential safe haven finds our couple forced into a marriage to protect their lives. On the run now as a married couple, they will quickly discover their mutual attraction adds a further hurdle as Kendrick battles not only the elements but a fight to survive. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and impassioned secondary and supporting characters including Kendrick’s friends and former teammates, most of whom we have met in the previous instalments. April and JJ’s story line is next.

THE HERO is a story of betrayal and vengeance, greed and retribution, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The suspense filled premise is intriguing and captivating but I struggled a little bit with the sting operation meant to reveal the truth, an operation that left our heroine vulnerable. The characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is seductive .

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Protector
The Royal Game

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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