Tag Archives: romantic

SWEET SINNER (The Necklace Series 5) by Lisa Renee Jones-review

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SWEET SINNER (Tyler & Bella 2 / The Necklace Series 5) by Lisa Renee Jones-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2023

Bella Bailey. Tyler Hawk.

A deal sealed with far more than a kiss.

Passion. Mystery. Heartache. Betrayal. Lust. But is it love?

Hang tight for the dramatic, intensely romantic, wildly passionate continuation to the Tyler and Bella series.

••••••

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

NOTE: If you have not read BASTARD BOSS 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) SWEET SINNER follows in the wake of the discovery of the contents of Jack Hawk’s will. Tyler has twelve months to act on the terms of his father’s will or life as he knows it will come crashing down, possibly destroying the business in the process. The only woman Tyler wants in his future is our story line heroine Bella Bailey but Bella sees red when Tyler presents a contract for a marriage of convenience, a contract in which Bella believes the wrong message will be perceived. As Bella struggles back and forth between head and heart, Tyler knows Bella is the woman to claim his heart. Meanwhile Tyler’s fellow attorney Gavin McCloud is searching for an appropriate mate for our story line hero, but not all appears to be on the up and up with Gavin’s choices that are about to conflict with Tyler’s needs . What ensues is a series of misunderstandings, and misinterpretations affecting Bella Bailey’s fragile ego, and the continuation of the building but tempestuous relationship between our story line couple.

Bella Bailey is in love with Tyler Hawk but the terms of the will are too much to handle for our story line heroine. Bella believes nothing good will come from a relationship with the man who is currently her boss but Tyler is desperately struggling to keep the business and his head above the proverbial waters.

The relationship between Tyler and Bella a boss/employee, best friend’s sister, forbidden romance but Tyler has fallen in love with his best friend’s (Dash) sister, and needs a fiancé before the proverbial walls come tumbling down. As Bella continues to push Tyler at every opportunity, her mixed signals give way to desperation and hope. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

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, and the introduction of musician Becker Moses.

SWEET SINNER is a story of desperation and love, family and relationships, betrayal, secrets and lies. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and gripping but most of the story focuses on the dance of desperation between Bella and Tyler; the romance is seductive; the characters are frantic and determined. SWEET SINNER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

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)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

I caress her legs, and kiss her inner thigh, my eyes finding her eyes. “Ask me what I’m going to do to you, Bella.”

“What are you going to do to me, Tyler?”

“Lick your nipples.” My lips trail up her leg, so very close to the place I know she wants me. “Lick your clit.” She breathes out a shaky breath and I lick right where I promise I would. She pants and I retreat, hands on her knees again. “Lick every inch of you until you beg me to make you come.”
Her lashes lower. “I really thought were in rush to be inside me.”

“I might even spank you,” I say.

Her eyes open. “Tyler,” she murmurs. “I—”

“You what? I ask, easing closer to her and feathering kisses up her leg.

She tilts her head back a moment, and then grabs my arms, as if she anticipates where my attention may lead next. “I don’t know,” she whispers.

“Let me help you figure it out.” I drag my mouth to just above her sex and allow my breath to trickle over her, and holy hell, my cock is so fucking hard it hurts.

She reaches for my hair, a sexy, desperate little sound sliding from her lips, her hips lifting ever so slightly in a plea for my mouth. I give her clit a lick. A small one, a tease. She pants out my name, “Tyler, please,” and I swear I feel my name on her lips like a stroke of her tongue on my cock. Practiced control is all that saves me and the promise of her satisfaction, but I don’t give her what she wants. Not yet.

My fingers slide along her sex, and I glance up at her. “You’re wet, baby. I like it.”

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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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THE GIRL IN THE WOODS (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley-review

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THE GIRL IN THE WOODS (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley -review tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2023

This body would be the last for Zachariah Lazarus…

The Crystal Killer’s latest casualty was discovered in a sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest, Misted Pines.

His years in the FBI, and tracking the Crystal Killer, have taken their toll on Rus. He lost his marriage to the job. And the burdens he carries for the victims was crushing him.

Misted Pines has recently survived a killer’s rampage and a town scandal that made global news. The media was primed to devour a new story. So Rus already has his work cut out for him.

But it’s more.

Something is just not right with this latest victim.

As Rus works with the local sheriff to unravel the mystery, the victim’s employer, Lucinda Bonner, decides she’s going to do everything she can to help.

To help Rus find the killer. To help Rus survive the hunt. To help Rus navigate the intricate, and sometimes sordid, history of the town of Misted Pines.

And to help Rus let go of his burdens.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is the second instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult MISTED PINES romantic, suspense, series focusing on the small town of Misted Pines in the Pacific Northwest. This is FBI investigator Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus, and business woman Lucinda Bonner’s story line. THE GIRL IN THE WOODS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from third person omniscient perspective (Rus) THE GIRL IN THE WOODS focuses on the search for a serial killer nicknamed the ‘Crystal Killer’ in the wake of leaving a crystal gem in the victim’s hands. Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus has been working the Crystal Killer case for years, and a another possible victim has been found in the small town of Misted Pines but Rus isn’t positive that the new case is connected, and a possible copy-cat may have found a mark. As Rus begins to interview the people in the victim’s life, our hero will come face to face with business woman Lucinda Bonner, the victim’s boss, and sometimes mother like mentor. Rus never expected to lose his heart in Misted Pines but something about Lucinda drew Rus like a moth to a flame. As Rus and the local Sheriff’s department continue their investigation Rus suspects the killer is someone he knows, someone who is tied closely to our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Rus and Lucinda, as Rus begins to ferret out the possibilities, and the real chance there is more than one killer for their current investigation.

The relationship between Lucinda and Rus begins when Rus must interview our story line heroine. Lucinda Bonner is a single mother, a business woman whose family has lived and worked in the town of Misted Pines for over one-hundred and fifty years. Zachariah ‘Rus’ Lazarus’ family history, like Lucinda’s, is questionable at best, and we are privy to the dark and dangerous backstories of two people who wanted more than their families had offered. As Rus continued to search for the truth, our hero must come to a decision about his career going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, used only once, more for shock value and maturity rating.

We are introduced to several colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lucinda’s nine year old daughter Madden, and her father Jaegar; Rus’s adult children Acre and Sabrina, his ex Jennifer (via phone) as well as the return of former Green Beret, former FBI field agent, former profiler turned contractor and single father Cade Bohannan, his twenty-seven year old twins/private investigators Jesse and Jace Bohannan, as well as local law enforcement, gossips and the ‘coven, and questionable townies. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is an intriguing and edgy mystery/murder/thriller of obsession and madness, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the characters are strong, animated and spirited; the romance is stirring and intimate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one GIRL IN THE MIST

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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

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

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

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

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GRAVE DECEPTION (Secrets and the City) by Kathy Lockheart- review

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GRAVE DECEPTION (Secrets and the City 4) by Kathy Lockheart-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2023

My new neighbor is a scorching hot police detective—one I have a massive crush on, but I never wanted to get his attention like this: as the apparent victim of an attempted murder.

After rescuing me from the icy waters of the Chicago River, Shane begins investigating the people closest to me, and to my horror, discovers several of them have a motive to want me dead.

Worse, he firmly believes they will try again.

The more time Shane spends with me trying to unravel how I plummeted from that bridge, the more protective he becomes, and the harder we fall for each other. But I can tell Shane is hiding something from me—something that has the power to destroy our happily ever after.

All I want is to solve the case so we can put this entire nightmare behind us.

But I never imagined the shocking truth about that fateful evening… or what’s about to happen to us both…

•••••••••

REVIEW: GRAVE DECEPTION is the fourth instalment in Kath Lockheart’s contemporary, adult SECRETS AND THE CITY romantic suspense series. This is police detective Shane Hernandez, and HR representative Willow Johnson’s story line. GRAVE DECEPTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Willow) GRAVE DECEPTION follows in the wake of the rescue of Willow Johnson. Out for a late night jog, CPD Detective Shane Hernandez witnesses a woman falling off a bridge, and jumps into the icy water to rescue. Having no recollection of what happened or why, Willow Johnson discovers her rescuer is her next door neighbor, a man who refuses to leave Willow alone. Believing the police are reluctant to investigate beyond the obvious clues, Shane begins to question everyone in our heroine’s life, pointing a finger at all of the people who may or may not hold a personal grudge but as the investigation continues, a series of mysterious occurrences threaten the safety of the woman with whom Shane is falling in love. What ensues is the the building relationship between Willow and Shane, and the potential fall-out as the past refuses to let go of our story line couple.

Willow Johnson lost her father when she was a child, a loss she is unable to remember, one of which her mother and sister refuse to discuss. Shane Hernandez grew up in a family of law enforcement, front line workers, but a bullet took his father way too soon. As Shane and Willow continue to struggle with demons from the past, someone is targeting our story line couple.

The relationship between Shane and Willow begins as a rescue but Shane has lusted after his neighbor from afar, a lust that at times feels a bit stalkerish in his need to defend and protect. At the same time, someone is targeting Willow Johnson, and our heroine refuses to to accept that anyone she knows could be wishing her dead. As the list of suspects continues to grow, Willow finds herself falling for man who may not be relationship material. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting character include Willow’s ex boyfriend Ezra, her mother and sister Hayley, as well as co-workers Amelia, Emily and Tracey, police officer Rosse, and Shane’s best friend Chicago DEA agent, police officer Fallon O’Connor. The requisite evil has many faces.

GRAVE DECEPTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced premise is intriguing and interesting; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but struggling to move forward.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Deadly Illusion
Fatal Cure
Lethal Justice

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kathy Lockheart is an author of Romantic Suspense novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes of dark romance, antiheroes, and forbidden romance. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.

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THE PROTECTOR (Game of Chance 1) by Susan Stoker -a review

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THE PROTECTOR (Game of Chance 1) by Susan Stoker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2023

Riggs “Chappy” Chapman didn’t expect to be disrupted at his remote cabin in the woods. But when a stray dog arrives on his porch, he winds up finding a stray woman, too, trudging through the snowstorm in search of shelter. His military days may be behind him, but Chappy is hardwired to protect her from the storm and whatever it is she’s running from.

Carlise Edwards didn’t expect her car to break down in the Maine wilderness. All she wants is to escape whoever is stalking her back home. There’s no way anyone’s going to find her and Chappy deep in the forest, especially not in dangerous weather. But she finds it hard to mind the circumstances when the company is this stimulating.

As the snowstorm rages, Chappy and Carlise find that, despite the cold, they can generate plenty of heat of their own…but there’s more than just natural dangers lurking in the woods.

•••••

REVIEW: THE PROTECTOR is the first 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-four year old Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, and thirty year old book translator Carlise Edwards’ story line.

Told from third person perspective THE PROTECTOR follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-four year old Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, and thirty year old book translator Carlise Edwards. Three years earlier, Riggs, Callum, Kenrick and Jackson found themselves imprisoned by a group of terrorists. In between their torture and waiting for a rescue, the foursome made a pack to quit the army, and start a company of their own. Fast forward to present day, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman is looking forward to some lone time, having ventured off towards his own cabin in the backwoods of Maine, where he will encounter his future in the guise of Carlise Edwards. A snow storm has his this particular area of Maine, and Carlise, on the run from an abusive ex, had to abandon her car when an accident left her stranded and alone.Wandering in the ice and the snow, Carlise will be found by a mangey dog, and what appears to be a very sick man. Enter Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, the man with whom Carlise will fall in love. Riggs is sick; the winter flu has taken hold, and three days will pass before Riggs realizes he has probably survived with the help of the woman he found. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Riggs and Carlise, and the potential fall-out as Carlise past returns to finish the job.

Carlise Edwards has a stalker, a stalker she believes to be her abusive ex-boyfriend but with no wifi or cell service, Carlise finds herself worried for the people she left behind. Without the help of Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, Carlise probably would not have survived but their mutual attraction finds our couple professing their love within days of arrival. Riggs Chapman never expected to come face to face with another lost and wandering soul but Riggs suspected Carlise was hiding a secret, a secret that is about to threaten the life of the woman with whom Riggs is falling in love.

The relationship between Carlise and Riggs begins as a rescue but quickly turns into something more. Carlise spent three days nursing Riggs back to health, three days in which Carlise battle her attraction to a man she knew nothing about. Riggs knew immediately that Carlise is the woman that calls to his heart, and our hero is determined to claim Carlise as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Riggs fellow, formers US Special Forces teammates: Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, as well as Carlise mother; her friend Suzie, and Riggs and Carlise foundling dog ‘Baxter’. Callum Redmon’s story line is next in THE ROYAL.

THE PROTECTOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and madness, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are energetic, charismatic and charming.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A DESPERATE MAN (Appalachian STAR 1) by Deanndra Hall-review

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A DESPERATE MAN (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Appalachian STAR 1) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2023

Come Hell or high water, he’ll protect them all.

PATCH
Reinvention.
That’s what I’m doing. After losing so much, it’s time to rebuild and not look back to the life that tried to destroy me. Moving to Kentucky and building a home for rehabilitating prisoners after incarceration keeps me motivated and gives me purpose. But when I meet a courageous and strong woman on the run, I know that she needs more than just my help. And believe me, I’m going to give her the world.

PENNY
Reinvention.
I can’t live in fear and pain any longer. With an abusive ex-husband on my trail, I have to get away and start over. Rebuilding my life hundreds of miles away in Kentucky seems like the only answer to my prayers. I certainly didn’t know what I was wishing for. Meeting the rugged, determined, and handsome Patch makes me want so much more for my future. But when my past resurfaces and my life is on the line, it’s only Patch and his team of unlikely allies that I can truly count on. He’s my confidante, but is he desperate enough to save me once and for all?

•••••••

REVIEW: A DESPERATE MAN is the first instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romantic suspense series set in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series featuring characters first introduced in the books and series by Susan Stoker. This is forty-three year old, former US Army helicopter pilot Patrick ‘Patch’ Scott , and thirty-four year old, miniature model/diorama maker Penny Markley’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Patch and Penny) A DESPERATE MAN focuses on the start up of Appalachian STAR, search and rescue operation that hires former inmates from US prisons. Patrick ‘Patch’ Scott was forced into retirement when gunfire blew out the windshield of the helicopter he was flying, imbedding glass into our hero’s eye. Opening up Appalachian STAR in the mountains of Mallie, Kentucky gives Patrick Scott, and several former inmates a second chance at a life and a career but the team at Appalachian STAR are about to get their first big test when a rainstorm all but destroys most of the Kentucky Valley. Penny Markley is a divorcee, on the run from her abusive ex, hoping to restart her career as a miniature model maker but Penny never expected to come face to face with former US soldier turned business owner Patrick Scott, the man with whom Penny will fall in love. As Penny and Patrick’s relationship turns into something more, Mallie, Kentucky will face a catastrophic disaster pushing the men at Appalachian STAR into their first big test at a rescue operation. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Penny and Patrick, and the potential fall-out when Penny’s past forces our heroine on the run, once again.

The relationship between Penny and Patrick is one of immediate attraction but Patrick continues to battle between head and heart in the wake of the demise of his marriage, and his inability to visit his adult children. Career came before family, and in this Patrick fears history repeating itself, and refuses to get involved with anyone else. Penny has known the terror of an abusive relationship, barely surviving her last encounter with her ex-husband but Penny is hoping for a new start, possibly with the man that calls to her heart. 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 secondary and supporting characters including several from a number of Deanndra Hall’s Bluegrass Bravery instalments, and books by Susan Stoker. We are introduced to Miles ‘ Bear’ McMillan; Hollywood, ghost, Priest, Reboot, Paddy and Bulldog, as well as several townspeople in and around Mallie, Kentucky. Hollywood’s story is next.

A DESPERATE MAN is a story of second chances, of a sort, for two people who never expected to find love again. The fast paced premise is intriguing with a detailed look at search and rescue, and helicopter information; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are lively, captivating and real.

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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Hidden by the Doctor by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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Hidden the by Doctor (In Clear Sight 4) by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2023

Miller
Being a single father in witness protection isn’t ideal, but it’s the only option to keep the baby I technically stole safe. Staying hidden is simple until the night I beat down the door of the only doctor in town, demanding help, and I meet the woman who changes everything.
I’m danger and violence; she’s innocent and caring. I’ll corrupt her, and potentially bring the threat of the MC after me to her doorstep.
Too bad for Dr. Caradee Blacksmith, I’m too selfish to care.
Because I want her no matter the risk.

Caradee
I should be terrified of the massive stranger with tattoos covering every inch of skin and penetrating gray eyes that conjure dirty thoughts I have no right to think. But there’s a sick baby in his arms. He’s not what I expect, throwing my perfectly controlled life into a type of chaos I had no idea I needed. He’s everything I never knew I wanted, making me feel alive with every flaming touch.

But when men who look like him come to town wearing leather vests with hate and violence behind their eyes, I have to decide if this new way of living is one I’ll fight for or if I’ll turn my back on the man who showed me how amazing it is to be obsessively loved.

••••

REVIEW:HIDDEN BY THE DOCTOR is the fourth instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult, IN CLEAR SIGHT erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on Grandger Texas, and a small community of people living in the WITSEC program. This is former MC member Miller, and doctor Caradee Blacksmith’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including violence, murder and strong language, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Miller and Caradee) HIDDEN BY THE DOCTOR follows Miller in the aftermath of a massacre between rival MCs. On the order of his MC president aka his father, Miller found himself at a crossroads when he discovered he was being tested and his assignment was to kill every man, woman and child but upon his arrival, everyone was already dead, and the only survivor was an infant child, a child Miller knew he had to save. In the WITSEC program for turning evidence against his former MC and his father, Miller and baby Carlie were now in Grandger Texas, where Miller would come face to face with Dr. Caradee Blacksmith, the woman with whom Miller would fall in love. As Miller and Carlie navigated the ins and outs of their new relationship, Miller knew it was only a matter of time before his past discovered his whereabouts, threatening the woman with whom he was falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Miller and Caradee, and the potential fall-out as the Blazing Skulls MC sets their sights on our story line couple.

The relationship between Miller and Caradee is one of immediate attraction but neither one is in any position to start something new. Caradee continues to struggle with a lifetime of betrayal, and Miller needs to protect the small child he has claimed as his own but time spent together felt like the family both had been missing, a family that was about to be destroyed in an act of betrayal and vengeance. The $ex scene are intimate, erotic and aggressive but I dislike the liberal use of a certain four-letter word throughout the story.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members of the Blazing Skulls MC-the prez, Stetson and Beast). We are reintroduced to Max and Rachel (Guarded by the Officer 1), Grayson and Anne (Cherished by the Agent 2), Shade, Trap and Georgia (Saved by the Officers 3)l Caradee’s mother, baby Carlie, and Caradee’s ex fiancé Kurt.

HIDDEN BY THE DOCTOR is a story of power and control, murder and madness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is gripping and riveting; the characters are determined and energetic; the romance is seductive and provocative.

My only complaint is the whereabouts and condition of two secondary characters including Stetson and Miller’s sister Megan.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Guarded by the Marshal
Cherished by the Agent
Saved by the Officers

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

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TOUCHED BY ICE (Ice Breaker Cold Case 4) by Cynthia Eden-a review

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TOUCHED BY ICE (Ice Breaker Cold Case 4) by Cynthia Eden

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2023

Cold case. Hot romance.

Aiden Warner has power, fame, and money. What he doesn’t have? Answers. His twin brother vanished when Aiden was a teen, and the mystery has haunted Aiden for years. He will do anything, pay any price, to learn the truth. Luckily for Aiden, there is one woman out there who can help him solve the mystery from his past.

She deals with the dead.

Dr. Antonia “Tony” Rossi has a reputation—she finds the dead. She’s an expert when it comes to discovering remains and identifying the deceased. Someone has to give justice for the missing, and she’s made it her life’s work to be the voice for those who can’t speak. Tony’s a loner by nature, uncomfortable with attention, and definitely not a woman who seeks the spotlight.

He thinks he can buy her. Newsflash, he can’t.

Aiden is used to getting what he wants, and what he wants now? Antonia. He figures he can pay her to do the job, and the case will be closed but…he’s wrong. About her. About himself. From the minute he meets her, Aiden is obsessed. He expected Antonia to be brilliant, but he doesn’t expect the hot surge of desire he feels for her.

Someone will kill to keep the past buried.

But now Aiden’s attention has a killer focused on Antonia, too. Someone who will not allow her to uncover any of his dark secrets. And if he has to, he will bury Antonia so deeply that no one will ever find her again.

It’s not the past that can destroy you. It’s the present.

When Antonia is threatened, Aiden realizes that nothing matters but protecting her. For years, his heart has been locked away, but she’s brought him to life again. He will not lose her. Will he fight for her? With everything he has. Would he kill to protect her? In a heartbeat.

Together, Aiden and Antonia will hunt for the murderer who has been hiding and waiting to strike again. The dead are going to speak, and Antonia will make sure she gives them justice.

•••••

REVIEW: TOUCHED BY ICE is the fourth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult ICE BREAKER COLD CASE romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Ice Breakers, an online team of crime solvers whose goal is to solve cold cases. This is forensic anthropologist Dr. Antonia ‘Tony’ Rossi, and thirty-two year old, billionaire casino owner/businessman Aiden Warner’s storyline. TOUCHED BY ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For fans of Cynthia Eden, there is a slight cross over with the author’s Wilde Ways series.

Told from third person perspective TOUCHED BY ICE follows the building romance and relationship between forensic anthropologist Dr. Antonia ‘Tony’ Rossi, and thirty-two year old, billionaire casino owner/businessman Aiden Warner in the wake of Aiden hiring our heroine to find his twin brother. Aiden’s twin brother Austin has been missing, and presumed dead, for close to fifteen years, and Aiden has been desperate to uncover the truth. Dr. Rossi’s reputation for ‘finding’ the dead has drawn Aiden to the woman with whom he will fall in love but Tony isn’t interested in taking on any more cases until Aiden reveals he knows more about Tony than she could have ever imagined. Tony will agree to help locate Aiden’s missing brother but all does not go well when our couple are targeted the closer they get to uncovering the truth. What ensues is the building relationship between Tony and Aiden, and the potential fall-out as Tony begins to suspect everyone in Aiden’s life, including the man, himself.

Aiden Warner lost everything the day his twin brother Austin went missing but the amount of blood and destruction in the family’s cottage meant something bad had happened to his brother. As Aiden and Tony begin investigating the who, how and why, it becomes apparent that several of the locals know more than they are willing to say. The murder of a local real estate agent, and the poisoning of Tony’s dog proves that our couple have been targeted, possibly by the same person or persons responsible for killing Austin Warner.

The relationship between Aiden and Tony begins acrimoniously as Tony refuses Aiden’s attempts to convince her to help. Tony is overwhelmed in the wake of a recent discovery, and finding another young body brings up too many memories of crimes long ago but Tony knows that Aiden will never rest until his brother’s body is found, and in this Tony is hoping the truth will bring some peace to the man with whom she is falling in love. 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 Aiden’s right hand man and security specialist Smith Sanders; as well as police chief Barrett Montgomery, veterinarian Levi Russell, his assistant Sharon, and real estate agent Melanie Rodgers. We are reintroduced to Memphis Camden (Falling for the Ice Queen 2), and his brother Saint Camden (Ice Cold Saint 3). Smith Sanders story is next in TRAPPED IN ICE.

TOUCHED BY ICE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and addiction, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, action packed premise is captivating and intriguing; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Frozen in Ice
Falling for the Ice Queen
Ice Cold Saint

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Heist (Team Zulu 3) by Julie Weaver-review

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The Heist (Team Zulu 3) by Julie Weaver-review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2023

♥ A morally grey ex-navy SEAL,
♥ A heroine on the run and in need of protection, and
♥ Touch her and you die vibes.

Freya

I’ll do anything to escape the controlling monster who’s tormented me for years, even if it means putting my life at the mercy of a criminal. When Kane Daniels breaks into my gilded cage, he doesn’t realize his loot will include more than gold and diamonds—it’ll include me.

Bearded, built, and covered in tats, Kane looks like a sexy Viking warrior wrapped in biker gear, embodying every filthy fantasy I never knew I had. It’s been a long time since I could choose anything for myself, and I’m choosing him.

But the devil I fled has dangerous men hunting me, and they won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in their way. I’m tougher than I look and have faced unimaginable suffering many times in my life, but losing Kane could be the first thing to break me.

Kane

After getting out of Team Zulu, my life is exactly the way I want it. No commitments. No responsibilities. No killing. And then a brazen blond forces her way into my world, turning it upside down.

Freya Palmer is exactly the kind of trouble I should avoid, but when I learn of the nightmare she’s endured, my protective instincts kick in, and the black ops skills I never wanted to use again suddenly seem mighty useful. Because the man who hurt her badly wants her back, and I’m going to be the one to stop him.

Our arrangement is temporary. She’s living with me until she’s safe, but what if my heart wants something more permanent? How can I ask Freya to stay with me when all she dreams of is being free?

••••••

REVIEW:THE HEIST is the third instalment in Julie Weaver’s contemporary, adult TEAM ZULU erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the members of an under cover Black Ops Unit known as Team Zulu. This is thirty-two year old, former US Navy SEAL Kane Daniels, and twenty-five year old Freya Palmer’s story line. THE HEIST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Freya and Kane) THE HEIST follows in the wake of a contract to secure Kane’s brother Wyatt enough money to retire but Wyatt needs Kane’s help, help to drive the targeted and getaway car, a car that is about have a desperate and unwanted passenger. Freya Palmer has been a prisoner of French National, billionaire arms dealer Andre Matisse for close to seven years, never having anticipated the cruelty and abuse at the hands of the man who offered her family financial security but Andre’s manipulations placed Freya at a disadvantage, meant to destroy Freya’s freedom by threatening the safety of the people she loves. The break-in and robbery at Andre’s mansion gave Freya a chance at an escape but she never expected to come face to face with her future in the guise of former US Navy SEAL Kane Daniels. Keeping Freya Palmer safe means not only hiding from Andre Matisse but both the Mexican and Colombian Cartels but Team Zulu underestimated Andre’s reach, when Freya is recaptured and imprisoned by the man she is hoping to take down. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Freya and Kane, and the potential fall-out as Team Zulu warn Kane away from Freya, as Freya becomes collateral damage in a war that was never hers to begin.

Wyatt Daniels is desperate to complete one final job, a heist meant to net the team a small fortune but his brother Kane has struggled since an assignment that went horribly wrong, preferring to live his life alone, on a boat that has seen better days. Knowing he owes his brother one final favor, Kane never anticipated a volunteer hostage, a woman desperate to escape the cruelty of the man Team Zulu was sent to rob. Kane doesn’t do relationships, and Freya has plans to return to her family, so an affair based on proximity means one or the other is about to break their heart.

The relationship between Freya and Kane begins when Freya begs Kane to help her escape. Freya has been used and abused by her captor but making her escape could place her family in the direct line of fire. Kane never expected a volunteer hostage but his need to protect outweighs the direct orders of the people in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and erotic but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, although only used once, more for shock value than anything else.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters. Kane’s brother Wyatt and his wife Maggie who have issues with our story line hero-Kane has struggled since the last assignment, and prefers to remain in solitude, away from family and friends; Elias Shepherd (The Hit #1), Brandon and Sage (The Payback 2), and well as brothers Vaughn and Owen, and Freya’s sister Lena. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE HEIST is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Hit
The Payback

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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