Tag Archives: romantic

DIRTY LITTLE VOW (Tyler and Bella 3) by Lisa Renee Jones

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DIRTY LITTLE VOW (The Necklace 6: Tyler and Bella 3) by Lisa Renee Jones

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 21, 2023

Tyler Hawk. A man who seems to have it all, except her. Bella. Beautiful, rebellious Bella. His employee. His best friend’s sister.

Now his father is dead and the future of the family empire depends on him taking a wife. And there is only one woman he can dare act out this charade with—and that’s her. A woman he trusts. A woman he burns for.

And suddenly, it’s not a charade at all.

But when the man who declares he will never fall in love, falls, what comes next?

Especially when an enemy wants to take the only thing that matters anymore from him.

That enemy wants Bella.

•••••

REVIEW: DIRTY LITTLE VOW is the sixth instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult THE NECKLACE romantic suspense series, and the third book in Tyler and Bella’s trilogy. DIRTY LITTLE VOW is the continuing story of attorneys thirty-four year old Tyler Hawk, and twenty-seven year old Bella Bailey. DIRTY LITTLE VOW should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two SWEET SINNER. Bella is Dash Black’s (The Necklace trilogy) half-sister.

NOTE: If you have not read BASTARD BOSS or SWEET SINNER there may be spoilers in. my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: Bella Bailey works as a contract attorney at Hawk Legal but months earlier, Tyler’s father, embittered and embroiled founder Jack Hawk murdered his girlfriend, and lost his own life in the fall-out. Fast forward three months, Tyler Hawk has yet to come to terms with the possible ramifications of what happened and why, when the reading of the will sends Tyler’s life into another unstoppable spiral. Conditions must be met, and if not, Tyler would lose everything he has accomplished including the woman he refuses to love.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tyler and Bella) DIRTY LITTLE VOW picks up after the events and cliff hanger of SWEET SINNER in which Bella is about to be used as a pawn in an effort to push Tyler Hawk into revealing the whereabouts of some important documentation. As Tyler, and Bella’s brother Dash begin a frantic search for our story line heroine, Bella must face down a man who is determined to scare her into revealing the truth. The sins of the father have come full circle, and Tyler Hawk is caught between saving the woman he loves, and searching for something he knows nothing about.

The relationship between Bella and Tyler continues to build for our couple spend most of the current story line separate, and without a means of contacting one another. For the sake of the company, and the future going forward, Tyler must prove his relationship with Bella is real, a relationship in which Tyler is hoping for a happily ever after. The limited $ex scenes are passionate.

Once again, all of the same secondary and supporting characters return including Bella’s brother Dash and his fiance Allison Wright, attorney Gavin McCloud, and fixer / ex CIA agent Dierk Jordan, as well as businessman Knox Allen, and a man of impeccable dress but questionable reputation Oliver.

DIRTY LITTLE VOW is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, hatred and perseverance, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is limited but desperate; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

What If I Never (Dash & Allie 1)
Because I Can (Dash & Allie 2)
When I Say Yes (Dash & Allie 3)
Bastard Boss (Tyler & Bella 1)
Sweet Sinner

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones writes dark, edgy fiction including the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series and the upcoming, crime thriller The Poet. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland and Bad Mom’s) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned a multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a cat that talks too much, and a Golden Retriever who is afraid of trash bags.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

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Love The Way You Spy by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Love The Way You Spy (Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits Book 1) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2023

Tasha Taggart isn’t a spy. That’s her sisters’ job. Tasha’s support role is all about keeping them alive, playing referee when they fight amongst themselves, and soothing the toughest boss in the world. Working for the CIA isn’t as glamorous as she imagined, and she’s more than a little lonely. So when she meets a charming man in a bar the night before they start their latest op, she decides to give in to temptation. The night was perfect until she discovers she’s just slept with the target of their new investigation. Her sisters will never let her hear the end of this. Even worse, she has to explain the situation to her overprotective father, who also happens to be their boss.

Dare Nash knew exactly how his week in Sydney was going to go—attending boring conferences to represent his family’s business interests and eating hotel food alone. Until he falls under the spell of a stunning and mysterious American woman. Something in Tasha’s eyes raises his body temperature every time she looks at him. She’s captivating, and he’s committed to spending every minute he can with her on this trip, even if her two friends seem awfully intense. He doesn’t trust easily, but it’s not long before he can imagine spending the rest of his life with her.

When Dare discovers Tash isn’t who she seems, the dream turns into a nightmare. She isn’t the only one who deceived him, and now he’s in the crosshairs of adversaries way out of his league. He can’t trust her, but it might take Tasha and her family to save his life and uncover the truth.

•••••••

REVIEW:LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY is the first instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, romantic suspense series-a next generation series with interconnected with several of the author’s Masters and Mercenaries series. This is CIA agent, and Ian and Charlotte’s eldest daughter Tasha Taggart, and pharmaceutical heir/salesman Darren ‘Dare’ Nash’s story line. LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD (Master and Mercenaries: Reloaded) where the next generation is introduced.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Dare and Tasha LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY focuses on the next generation of McKay-Taggart / CIA Operatives. Tasha Taggart, and several of her siblings are on assignment in Australia where a biomedical conference is about to take place. Each has been appointed a mark, a target but Tasha was about to fall in love with a one-night stand. As the op began to play out, Tasha would quickly discover that the man with whom she is falling in love may have deeper connections than she could have ever imagined. Enter biomedical sales rep Dare Nash. Dare Nash has been sent to Australia at his father’s demands. Hoping to make contact with one his father’s business partners, Dare will find himself caught in a special ops take down, caught between the woman he loves, and the lies that are about to upend his life. What ensues is the building relationship between Dare and Tasha, and the fall-out when the truth is revealed, and Dare is pulled into a world he knows nothing about.

The world building is detailed and complex, with a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters. LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY reveals a little bit about the next generation of McKay-Taggart /CIA Operatives, children of the men and women we have loved throughout the numerous M&M interconnected series. With the return of Ian (Big Tag) and Charlotte Taggart, the intimate and familiar dynamics between parent and children often morphs to agent and boss.

The relationship between Tasha and Dare is one of immediate attraction but Tasha and the team are unaware of Dare’s connections or lack there of to their latest operation. As Tasha and Dare’s relationship quickly turns into something more, the truth will reveal the secrets and lies that will send Dare’s life spiralling out of control. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative with some scenes of light Dom/sub.

LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, espionage and murder, forgiveness and love. The premise is intricate, intriguing, and captivating; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are numerous, powerful , determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

 

Goodreads/ Instagram/ Bookbub / PinterestFACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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WYOMING COWBOYS by Janie Crouch and Regan Black -reviews

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WYOMING COWBOYS (Never Too Late For Love) by Janie Crouch and Regan Black -reviews

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2023

Three full later-in-life romantic suspense books…

Starts with: MARIA’S COWBOY

Maria Boyne feels like she’s living inside a country song, and not in a good way.

Everything that could possibly go wrong has… from a husband who died and left her with major debt on her tiny ranch, to a horse that’s gone missing, to feeling like she’s being watched.

At 50, she never thought this was the life she’d be living: alone, broke, and scared.

Cowboy Huck Samuels came to Sweet Pine, Wyoming to work on a friend’s ranch and start a new life. Most people assume his scars and limp are from his rodeo days.

That’s better than them knowing the truth.

When the gentle beauty at the neighboring ranch needs help with her horses, one of the few things Huck’s ever been good at, he’s more than happy to volunteer.

It doesn’t take him long to realize Maria’s string of bad luck is actually something much more sinister. And that, despite his injuries, he’s not going to let her face them alone.

It’s not too late for him to be the man he once was.

And it’s never too late for love.

••••••••

MARIA’S COWBOY

REVIEW: MARIA’S COWBOY is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense story focusing on fifty year old, widow and rancher Maria Boyne, and former rodeo rider turned ranch foreman Huck Samuels.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Huck and Maria) MARIA’S COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Huck and Maria. Five years earlier Maria’s husband died, leaving Maria deeply in debt. Having sold off the cattle and half of the land to a real estate developer, Maria finds herself at a crossroads when she is unable to get a loan to cover the rest of the costs. Meeting her neighbor’s new ranch foreman Huck Samuels gave Maria thoughts for a future but at fifty years old, Maria struggles to begin her personal life anew but all was not well when everything begins to go wrong, and Huck suspects the woman with whom he is falling in love has been targeted by someone close.

The relationship between Huck and Maria is one of immediate attraction but Huck is new in town, and Maria hasn’t dated since she lost her husband . With the ranch struggling to stay afloat, Maria battles between head and heart but the attacks against the ranch are fast and furious. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters include fellow ranchers Cole and Harvey, as well as cafe owner Lovey, and ranch hands Jed and Tyler.

WYOMING COWBOYS is a quick read; a fast paced story of intrigue and mystery. The premise is engaging and interesting; the characters are expressive; the romance is mostly implied.

•••••••

TERESA’S COWBOY (book 2)

REVIEW: TERESA’S COWBOY is the second story in the WYOMING COWBOYS anthology co-authored by Janie Crouch and Regan Black focusing on rancher Cole, and barista Teresa.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives TERESA’S COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Cole and Teresa. Teresa is on the run, having heard the suspected murder of someone she loves. Arriving in Sweet Pines, Wyoming Teresa never expected to settle down but an offer of a job, and the acceptance of local rancher Cole, gave Teresa a hope for a safe and happy future. When Teresa’s past comes looking for our story line heroine, the town of Sweet Pines protects one of their own but they couldn’t be everywhere all at once. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cole and Teresa, and the potential fall-out as the threats to her life and safety come to fruition.

The relationship between Cole and Teresa covers approximately a year in the life from start to the end of their story. Cole’s attraction to Teresa is immediate but Teresa doesn’t have plans to stay for long in Sweet Pines. There are no $ex scenes.

Huck and Maria return, as well as coffee shop owner Lovey Jones, and rancher Harvey, who helps in the rescue of our story line heroine.

TERESA’S COWBOY is another quick read; fast paced story of betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is exciting; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate.

•••••

CALLIE’S COWBOY (book 3)

REVIEW: CALLIE’S COWBOY is the third story line in the contemporary, adult WYOMING COWBOYS romance series co-authored by Janie Crouch and Regan Black. This is former rodeo rider turned rancher / trail guide Harvey, and registered nurse Callie.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Harvey and Callie) CALLIE’S COWBOY follows another woman, on the run, from an abusive ex. Callie’s arrival in Sweet Pines, Wyoming coincides with a tour group about to set off on horseback for a five day trip. An injury will force someone else to step aside, wherein Callie will take her place, including her identity, but the trip through the mountains is about to spiral out of control, leaving Callie and Harvey separated from the group, fearing for their lives. Once Harvey discovers Callie’s true identity, Callie’s past descends upon our couple, threatening to destroy Callie, once and for all.

The relationship between Callie and Harvey is one of immediate attraction but one predicated upon several lies. A series of accidents and encounters are about to overrun the group, as Callie must confess the truth as to why she is on the run. There are no $ex scenes.

WYOMING COWBOYS is an anthology trio wherein three former rodeo riders from Sweet Pines, Wyoming all find love with women who have been threatened or left struggling by the men in their lives. All three stories are similar in concept and premise, focusing on the insta-love relationships between the hero and heroine. A nice, sweet set of stories with limited passion, limited romance, but high on suspense and worry.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Silent Comrade (Project Morpheus 3) by Jillian David-review tour

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Silent Comrade (Project Morpheus 3) by Jillian David-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 23, 2023

The Project Morpheus series: Military romance, steamy passion, and heart-stopping suspense.

The Morpheus Squad: Ultimate soldiers who hide in plain sight, fierce protectors risking their existence for those they love … and virally-altered, ticking time bombs.

****
A military dude who thinks ‘haute’ is a temperature setting must help a flighty fashionista create the fashion show of the decade … before it becomes the world’s most explosive catwalk!

Ex-Special Forces soldier, Alfred “Red” Newman, never met a mission he couldn’t execute—with or without enhanced abilities. But protecting whirling dervish fashion student, Britt McNeill? The tough veteran will need combat pay and Excedrin. If he can’t shield her from Beau Lequire, a power-hungry CFO whose need for revenge has no limits, then Britt won’t be a pawn in Lequire’s sick game. She’ll be dead.

After battling anxiety and devastating losses in her personal life, Britt longs to make her family proud and accomplish her dream of becoming a fashion designer. Enter Red, a transfer student who can’t tell the difference between plaid and paisley, but whose unnaturally-quick reflexes … and scorching kisses … knock her off stride. When Red demands that she ditch her senior project to go into hiding? No way. The show must go on.

••••

REVIEW:Book three in this author’s Project Morpheus series, it’s not necessary to read the previous books, but it does have an ongoing story, so reading in order will give you the full picture.

Red (Alfred) Newman is part of a group of soldiers that were given a secret drug to enhance their abilities. Red is a former special forces tracker, so he’s ideal to track the latest pawn in Beau’s revenge on the Morpheus team! The downside to the drug, that the team were given was the fact Red can’t turn down his ability (making him a grumpy soldier)

Britt is an aspiring fashion designer, college is just the way of making her parents proud, but it’s fashion that’s her passion. She’s a smart cookie as well, she can’t put her finger on what’s not right with the new student in her fashion class, but she’s going to find out….

And we can’t forget Beau, he’s our villain in this story. I won’t give anything else away, but he’s ramping his game up to repay the group of super soldiers!

The story moves at a reasonably fast pace, Red trying to convince Britt it’s not safe at college, but he can’t tell her why! Well not until her life is on jeopardy, then all bets are off! He needs her to trust him….

There is a spark between the two main characters, and it is a slow spark. But once it’s lit, then Red sees Britt as his own, his to protect, even if she is a little stubborn at first.

A few twists and turns will keep you glued to the pages until the end.

A slow burn romance with a touch of paranormal. (It does remind me a little of Christine Feehan’s Ghost Walker series)

Highly recommended read ??

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fallen Comrade
Hidden Comrade

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?B

Award-winning and bestselling author Jillian David quickly writes then slowly edits paranormal, suspense and adventure romances. She loves to use medical situations and characters to drive drama in her books. Her favorite cell is the platelet and her least-favorite organ is the pancreas. She fully believes that curse words, when appropriately deployed during surgery, are hemostatic. Which also explains why no book of hers will ever bleed out…

 

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Protecting Rebel (Red Stone Security 21) by Katie Reus-review

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Protecting Rebel (Red Stone Security 21) by Katie Reus-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2023

They’ve been friends since they were kids…

Musical superstar Rebel doesn’t have many people in her life she trusts. The majority have always wanted something from her; fame, money, influence. She’s learned to keep her protective walls high, but it’s made having a real life impossible. Then a funeral sends her home and into the arms of her childhood friend who protected her from danger when they were young—the only man she’s ever truly wanted.

But he’s always wanted more than friendship…

Weston is stunned when Rebel shows up to his aunt’s funeral. They’ve stayed in touch over the years but he always thought she was with someone and out of his league. When he discovers she’s single, the billionaire knows it’s time to make his move. But danger strikes before he can, and keeping her safe is the only thing that matters. The threat is closer than anyone imagined, and Weston will do whatever it takes to protect the woman who stole his heart so many years ago.

•••••

REVIEW:PROTECTING REBEL is the twenty-first instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult RED STONE SECURITY romantic suspense series. This is thirty-two year old, billionaire investor/app developer Weston Davis, and musician Rebel Martinez’ story line. PROTECTING REBEL 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 third person perspectives PROTECTING REBEL follows the rekindling relationship between Weston Davis and Rebel Martinez. Weston and Rebel were childhood friends but their future careers sent them in opposite directions. Weston joined the Marines then became a successful investor while Rebel’s music star rose around the world. Rebel’s return home to Miami is met with an increase of threats, and Weston is about to take control of the woman he has always loved. Rebel has a stalker so Weston hires the team at Red Stone Security when the threats against Rebel become dangerous and dark. What ensues is the best friends to lovers relationship between Rebel and Weston, and the potential fall-out when threats against Rebel hit too close to home.

The relationship between Rebel and Weston is one of second chances, of a sort. Rebel and Weston were childhood friends but Rebel’s home life was questionable at best, and when Weston joined the Marines, Rebel went to live with the woman who had raised the man that she loved. Having always kept in contact, Rebel was surprised to discover just how often Weston kept track of her life, a life that was about to a little more complicated. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members of Rebel’s entourage and team, singers and roadies, assistants and agents, as well as a guest appearance from a couple of RSS agents.

PROTECTING REBEL is a story of jealousy and obsession, friendships and relationships, second chances and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and entertaining but there is only an outside /tentative connection to the Red Stone Security characters ; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

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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Love and Order (Legacy of the Maguires 4) by Stella Holt-review

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Love and Order (Legacy of the Maguires 4) by Stella Holt-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 14, 2023

She’s keeping secrets—and he has the answers she doesn’t know she needs.

Finn Maguire may be the baby of his close-knit family, but this former Navy SEAL has never shied away from a challenge. Now a lawyer with a plan to practice business law, he’s ready for a normal life. The coveted junior partner position is his next goal—but he’s pitted against the enigmatic woman he’s spent two years admiring from afar, and he can’t resist his desire to learn more.

Hailey Adams grew up in foster care, where she learned how to avoid danger. Her intense self-discipline and vow to never let anyone make her feel vulnerable again have landed her one case away from the security of partnership at a prestigious D.C. firm. But teaming with the charming Finn tests her well-honed ability to keep people at a distance.

Finn finally breaks through Hailey’s walls just in time for her to find out he kept the biggest secret of all. Will this be a case Finn loses, or can Hailey learn to trust the first person who’s made her feel safe?

•••••

REVIEW:LOVE AND ORDER is the fourth (and final?) instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES romance series focusing on the Maguire siblings. This is former US Navy SEAL /attorney Finn Maguire, and twenty-eight year old attorney Hailey Adams’ story line. LOVE AND ORDER 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 (Hailey and Finn) LOVE AND ORDER follows the building romance and relationship between attorneys Finn Maguire and Hailey Adams. Finn Maguire and Hailey Adams are both in line to make junior partner at the firm of Baxter and Stewart but in an effort to prove who is worthy for the lone coveted position, the firm wants the duo to work together on a divorce case that will push the limits of betrayal and greed but Finn never expected to fall for his fellow attorney, a woman most considered cold and aloof, but fall he did for our story line heroine. Hailey Adams is determined to win the case and the position at Baxter and Stewart but someone is trying to sabotage behind the scenes, and Hailey is about to discover that the more time she spends with Finn Maguire, the more she is falling for the man who could break her heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Finn and Hailey, and the potential fall-out as another case for Finn begins to take on some familiar significance.

The world building continues to focus on the large and boisterous Maguire family including Finn’s siblings and their significant others. As Finn and Hailey begin to uncover some information pertaining to their case, help may come from an unexpected source, a judge with close connections to our story line hero.

The relationship between Hailey and Finn is one of co-workers; attorneys forced to work together wherein only one will be awarded a junior position at the firm. Finn Maguire is hoping for something more with our story line heroine but Hailey’s past is about to come full circle as she struggles to trust or let anyone get close. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sassy characters including all of Finn’s siblings, their parents, several lawyers and partners at Baxter and Stewart, as well as Finn’s Navy commander Admiral Maddox, and a number of Finn’s former SEAL teammates. I am hoping the author has plans for the US Navy SEALs.

LOVE AND ORDER is a story of family, friendships and relationships, secrets and regret, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating and intriguing with a couple of twists that were easily deduced; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, desperate and wonderful.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Last First Kiss
Battle of Hearts
Strictly Off Limits

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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The Royal (Game of Chance 2) by Susan Stoker-a review

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The Royal (Game of Chance 2) by Susan Stoker-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N PAPER /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2023

Former military man and member of a royal family Callum Redmon can’t deny his sense of responsibility. So when his cousin’s latest love interest claims to have a stalker, Cal reluctantly meets with the young woman and her mother. He wants to write off the situation as a complete farce—if only his feelings for another member of the household could be as easily dismissed.

Since her father’s death seventeen years ago, Juniper Rose has been at the cruel beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister. Her fantasies of escape mean leaving behind her father’s beloved home, but enough is enough: when Cal offers her a way out sooner rather than later, June takes the leap.

Cal’s home in Maine with his military brothers seems like the safest place to start fresh. But as Cal and June’s fairy-tale romance blossoms into something real, they find that the dangers stalking them may have been real all along.

••••••

REVIEW:THE ROYAL is the second 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 seven year old, Callum Redmon, and thirty-two year old, Juniper Rose’s story line. THE ROYAL 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 omniscient third person perspectives including Cal and June, THE ROYAL follows the building romance and relationship between thirty seven year old, Callum Redmon, and thirty-two year old, Juniper Rose. Callum Redmon is royalty; a prince who has chosen to live and work in America alongside his military brothers in the aftermath of his recovery from imprisonment and torture in the Middle East. At the request of his second cousin Carl, Cal has reluctantly agreed to work security for a young woman who claims to have a stalker but Cal begins to suspect this assignment is nothing but a ruse. Meeting house servant Juniper ‘June’ Rose gave Cal pause when he discovered June was a virtual slave of her step-mother and step-sisters, and within hours of arrival, Cal devises an exit plan for both him and the woman with whom he would fall in love. All is not well in the Rose household, and June is about to discover that ‘running’ away only places an even large target on her back. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cal and June, and the potential fall-out as June comes face to face with her own stalker, and Cal struggles with the demons from the past.

The world building focuses on the imprisonment, torture and recovery for our story line hero. Callum Redmon, a prince by birth, was made to suffer by his captors for who he was, and what he represented. Scarred and slow to reintegrate into society, Cal struggles with his attraction and need for our story line heroine, battling between head and heart knowing he is no longer the man he had once been. As Cal and June dance around one another, June must prove Cal is worthy of both happiness and love, and a future together.

The relationship between Cal and June is one of immediate attraction but June struggles with issues of low self-esteem and poor body image; and Cal’s scars are a reminder of what was and what will never be. Saving June means taking out heroine away from the only family she has left but it also means protecting our heroine from the same people meant to do harm. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Cal’s former military teammates and co-workers, as well as their significant others. We are introduced to June’s step-mother Elaine, and her step-sister Carla Green, and several members of a seniors home who become a second family, and protector for our story line heroine.

THE ROYAL is a Cinderella-esque story of betrayal and jealousy, power and control, abuse and neglect, freedom, acceptance and forgiveness, healing and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is provocative and steamy; the characters are broken but struggling to heal.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE PROTECTOR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lethal Reprisal (Crimson Point Protectors 8) by Kaylea Cross-review

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Lethal Reprisal (Crimson Point Protectors 8) by Kaylea Cross-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2023

•She thought he was dead.

Marley Abrams is no stranger to heartbreak, but her world was ripped apart when she got a call telling her the man she loved was dead. She’s mourned him ever since, struggling to pick up the pieces and make a new life for herself. Until one night when an unexpected threat hits too close to home…and he suddenly walks through her door, very much alive.

Now he’s back…and something deadly has followed him.

Warwick James has been living a half-life since nearly dying in an explosion on an op sixteen months ago. In the aftermath he was forced to make the impossible decision to let Marley believe he was dead in order to protect her. Because danger is stalking him. He can feel it, even if he can’t prove it, and the gaps in his memory make it impossible to put the pieces together. He tried to keep his distance, but when the danger stalking him threatens her, he can’t stay in the shadows any longer. Now forced to go on the run together, he’ll do whatever it takes to win her back—but first he’ll have to keep them both alive.

•••••

REVIEW: LETHAL REPRISAL is the eighth and final instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT PROTECTORS erotic, romantic, military suspense series. This is former British SAS soldier Warwick James, and nursing home worker Marley Abrams’ story line. LETHAL REPRISAL 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 Marley and Warwick LETHAL REPRISAL follows sixteen months after the disappearance and supposed death of our story line hero. Warwick James had met Marley Abram’s while vacationing in the Bahamas but a call to duty meant saying good bye to the woman with whom he was falling in love. A botched mission, and a call to Marley Abrams that Warwick had died meant Warwick had to time to ferret out the truth. Fast forward to present day, Warwick is desperate to reunite with the woman he loves but Marley is struggling with Warwick’s secrets and lies, lies that left Marley battling grief for over a year. All is not well upon Warwick’s return, and our couple find themselves a target of an unknown foe. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Marley and Warwick, and the potential fall-out as more than one killer has taken aim at Warwick James.

The world building continues to focus on the small community of Crimson Point where the Crimson Point security find themselves always on alert, always in the middle of a take down, assassination attempt, or a kidnapping and attempted murder of someone they love. Lethal Reprisal introduces some of the next characters who will be up close and personal with their own stories including Marley’s extended family of half siblings.

The relationship between Marley and Warwick is a second chance relationship; a rekindling romance destroyed by the supposed death of Warwick James but a death that someone is desperate to ensure. Warwick’s life was destroyed the day his last assignment went all to h*ll but someone else was in charge, and Warwick believes he was meant to die. Warwick has never stopped loving our story line heroine but Marley Abrams is struggling the face of secrets and lies. 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 coloful secondary and supporting characters many of whom will be featured in the author’s new spin off series-CRIMSON POINT SECURITY. We are introduced to MI6 Agent Teagan Kim, as well as Marley’s half-brothers Decker, Gavin, and Tristan, as well as the return of Walker and Ivy (Fatal Fallout 5).

LETHAL REPRISAL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, espionage and deception, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character drive premise is intriguing, captivating and suspenseful; the romance is tender and intoxicating; the characters are spirited, determined and impassioned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Falling Hard
Cornered
Sudden Impact
Unsanctioned
Protective Impulse
Final Shot
Fatal Fallout

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

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