Giving The Dragon Water (Elemental Dragons 3) by Victoria Jayne

Giving The Dragon Water (Elemental Dragons 3) by Victoria Jayne

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2025

Fate happened when they were busy making other plans.

Felicity Monroe lost her dream job. So, she headed to a secluded island where she could sip tropical drinks with umbrellas in them to escape reality. A delicious piece of dragon shifter only added to the appeal.

Unfortunately, as an Ember Witch, things were never that easy—not even a vacation.

Kai Aukai’s duty was to protect Pāhaʻohuna from humans. Of course, that involved working with the local coven. When the spell casters brought in witches from the mainland who hated each other, it complicated things. If they couldn’t get along, one had to leave.

Considering he mated Felicity, she had to stay.

Felicity’s moonlit dance brought more than the dragon shifter. Betrayal threatened to sabotage their mission. They all have to work together to save Pāhaʻohuna from human exposure. If they don’t, they’ll have to relive witch trials and dragon slayings.

••••

Sandy’s Review

GIVING THE DRAGON WATER is the third instalment in Victoria Jayne’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL DRAGONS erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is dragon Kai Aukai, and Ember witch Felicity Monroe’s story line. GIVING THE DRAGON WATER 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 (Kai and Felicity) GIVING THE DRAGON WATER follows in the wake of Felicity Monroe’s arrival on Pāhaʻohuna island, an island of supernatural beings hidden from the human world. Pāhaʻohuna is struggling to keep their island a secret, and an Ember witch is needed to strengthen the wards. Meeting dragon shifter Kai Aukai finds our heroine reconsidering her future but the arrival of her estranged aunt precipitates a series of dangerous events that threaten the lives of the island inhabitants.

The world building focuses on a potential betrayal; the group known as the Coalition for Light whose aim it is to reveal the existence of the supernatural; and the power that comes with magic and madness.

The relationship between Kai and Felicity is one of fated mates but Felicity tends to waffle between awareness and obliviousness, often a little naïve to the point of exhaustion. Refusing to participate in the destruction of life, Felicity struggles with her abilities, and the demands of her kind. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including Office of Security Captain Makoa, Kilikilo coven witch Kiely, Felicity’s aunt Josephine; leader of the Ember witch coven Divina, and the return of dragons Gideon and his mate Ella, Declan and his mate Alisa.

GIVING THE DRAGON WATER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and forgiveness, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is magical, intriguing and enchanting; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.

Julie B’s 🦋 Review

Third book in the series (I read one and two, which were great 👍🏻) not really a requirement to read to enjoy this story. But I think it adds to the overall feel of the story.

Poor Felicity, losing the job she loves had her at a bit of a loose end. What better way to pick up the pieces and start again, than by going on holiday.

You would think so…..

Kai is a dragon shifter that protects the island he lives on. it’s his honour to protect and he does it fiercely. But they need to increase the protection spell, and so another witch is brought in to help….

I love the almost instant attraction the dragon side of Kai has, he wants what he wants and no one, not even Kai’s human side will stand in the way 😜

But it’s only a holiday romance? Not if fated mate rule comes into play! But can she really stay on an island that only wants you for your power!

There is also the fact another witch was brought to the island, and as it’s a family member, so we can expect rivalry and betrayal.

If you love a good shifter story with a fated mates trope, then I highly recommend this book and the series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Giving the Dragon Fire
Giving the Dragon Ice

Copies supplied for review

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Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.

She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.

When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.

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The Keeper/The Player/The Fixer by Delta James-reviews

The Keeper/The Player/The Fixer (Club Southside 5, 7, 8)by Delta James-reviews

THE KEEPER
Club Southside 5
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 20, 2023

Can they extinguish the flames of obsession before everything they hold dear is consumed by the inferno?

The stakes are high for billionaire Damon Knox when his obsessive ex-fiancée begins stalking him. He never expected his past to catch up with him in such a dangerous and sinister way. After someone close to him is seriously injured, he turns to Cerberus.

Miley Stuart, Cerberus’ best sniper is assigned Damon’s case. He is not keen on a bodyguard in general and a woman in particular, but after Miley demonstrates her abilities at the meet and greet in his Charleston office, he knows she is the one for the job. Miley is strong-willed, fiercely independent, and identifies as a submissive in the lifestyle.

Sparks fly between Damon and Miley as they clash, both harboring a need for control that threatens to unravel their budding partnership. As Damon’s ex escalates her vendetta, Miley finds herself in the crosshairs, forcing her and Damon to set aside their differences and work together. Passion simmers beneath the surface as they confront their inner demons and battle side-by-side.

In this heart-stopping tale of romance and suspense, they’ll discover just how far they’re willing to go for love and justice. Amidst the chaos, Damon and Miley find their love and trust tested to the limit.

•••••••••

REVIEW:THE KEEPER is the fifth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary, adult CLUB SOUTHSIDE erotic, BDSM romantic suspense series. This is billionaire and Dom Damon Knox, and Cerberus operative and sniper sub Miley Stuart’s story line. THE KEEPER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Damon and Miley) THE KEEPER focuses on the protection of Dom Damon Knox whose crazy ex-fiance, the daughter of Mafia Don Franco Acosta, has taken her stalking abilities to dangerous territory. Approximately eighteen months earlier, Don Damon Knox played a BDSM scene with a stranger, both wanting to keep their anonymity but Damon has never forgotten about the one that got away, a woman who ran after the scene was finished. Fast forward to present, in need of personal security, Robert Fitzwallace, head of Cerberus Security recruits sniper Miley Stuart as both protection and fake girlfriend, the woman Damon never forgot but a woman who is struggling to come to terms with her latest assignment. From the outset, Miley is determined to keep Damon Knox alive but someone is always one step ahead, threatening the lives of everyone involved. As the assignment becomes more dangerous and deadly, Damon and Miley find themselves pulled together, acting on their palpable sexual attraction to one another.

The world building focuses on the survival and protection of Damon Knox. Miley Stuart is the perfect foil, ‘acting’ as Damon’s girlfriend and sub but the acting quickly turns real, as our couple become the target of a deranged mind.

The relationship between Damon and Miley is tempestuous at best. Miley refuses to bow down to a man she doesn’t trust,. They both know her job is as protector and ‘pretend’ girlfriend but Damon is ready to make it real, demanding Miley submission at all times. The $ex scenes are erotic, spicy and provocative including scenes of BDSM.

The secondary and supporting characters include Cerberus Security leader Robert Fitzwallace, and operatives Seth,King, and Brock, as well as Mafia Don Franco Acosta and his daughter Frannie

THE KEEPER is a story of power and control, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, charismatic and animated.

 

_________

THE PLAYER
Club Southside 7
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2024

A brilliant FBI linguist and a sexy-as sin Cerberus operative go undercover as a married couple. Two players. One game. What could possibly go wrong?

Hope is a brilliant codebreaker and FBI linguist, accustomed to cracking the toughest puzzles the world has to offer. When she uncovers a dangerous criminal organization with global reach, she finds herself in over her head and turns to the only person she can trust—her ex, Royce Sanders, and his elite team at Cerberus.

Seth, is a suave Cerberus operative known for his charm and a favorite among the subs at the club. Though he’s spent recent years behind the scenes as a communications specialist, Seth can’t resist the call to protect his best friend’s ex, especially when it means going undercover with Hope as her husband.

As they dive into their roles, the line between duty and desire blurs, and the fake relationship they’re playing starts to feel all too real. The deeper they go into the criminal organization’s web, the more layers of deceit they uncover, betrayal, and secrets that test their loyalty to each other and their respective agencies.

With the fate of nations at stake, Hope and Seth must navigate a treacherous path filled with danger and deception. Will they complete their mission and protect their growing love, or will the tangled web they’ve woven around themselves unravel in the face of danger?

The Player is a pulse-pounding addition to the Club Southside series. This electrifying romantic suspense thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as Hope and Seth race against time to save the day—and discover if love can truly survive in the shadowy world of spies and seduction.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:  THE PLAYER is the seventh instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult CLUB SOUTHSIDE erotic, BDSM , romantic suspense series. This is Cerberus operative Seth Newcomb , and FBI agent Hope Pearson’s story line. THE PLAYER can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the series in order

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Seth and Hope) THE PLAYER follows FBI Agent Hope Pearson and Cerberus operative Seth Newcomb as they are tasked with infiltrating the high end, English $ex club The Citadel, ferreting out the organization known as the Obsidian Cartel but operating as a married couple in the BDSM lifestyle hides a barely veiled tempestuous relationship between Seth and Hope. Months earlier, Hope experienced the ultimate betrayal with the added injury of a perceived betrayal by the people at the top but forced to work alongside a man she partially blames for her inability to trust, Hope finds herself falling for the man who will risk his own life to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The world follows the search for clues, information and the secrets behind The Citadel, and the Obsidian Cartel but Cerberus suspects a mole within their organization, a mole who is feeding pertinent information to the people Cerberus is trying to take down. With the threats becoming a reality, Seth and Hope find themselves facing down an enemy with an unknown agenda.

The relationship between Seth and Hope is an enemies to lovers ; a fake married in the face of a dangerous undercover operation, that should they fail, would threaten the safety of mankind. Hope continues to struggle with issues of trust but Seth is determined to prove he is worthy of her love. The $ex scenes erotic and impassioned.

The secondary and supporting characters include Cerberus leader Robert Fitzwallace, operatives Sawyer and Wyatt, as well as the requisite evil involved with the Citadel and the Cartel.

THE PLAYER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and terrorism, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and intense; the second chance romance is provocative; the characters are determined and desperate.

__________

THE FIXER
(Club Southside 8)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 19, 2024

Jake Sands, a seasoned Cerberus security specialist finds his self-discipline tested when he’s assigned to protect a beautiful, green-eyed scientist.

Dr. Lyndsey Marrin, is on the cutting edge of nanotechnology research and on the brink of a discovery that could revolutionize medicine or become a weapon of unparalleled destruction. When an attempt is made on her life, Lyndsey’s world collides with Jake’s expertise in handling the most perilous assignments. Impressed by her resilience and brilliance even under threat, Jake becomes deeply invested in her safety. As they dig deeper into the dangers surrounding her research, they uncover a web of betrayal that reaches into Lyndsey’s trusted team and stretches up to the powerful and elusive businessman, Victor Lang.

With attacks escalating and a mole sabotaging their every move, Jake and Lyndsey are thrust into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. They race against time to expose Lang’s criminal syndicate before Jen’s groundbreaking work falls into the wrong hands.

Amidst the danger, an undeniable connection sparks between them. Their growing bond becomes both a strength and a liability as they navigate a treacherous path filled with hidden enemies and unforeseen challenges.

•••••

REVIEW: THE FIXER is the eight instalment in Delta James’ contemporary adult CLUB SOUTHSIDE dark, erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series. This is Cerberus Security specialist Jake Sands, and scientist Dr. Lyndsey Marrin’s story line. THE FIXER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including rope play and BDSM, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Lyndsey and Jake) THE FIXER follows in the wake of the theft of Dr. Lyndsey Marrin’s nanotech technology. Hired as Dr. Lyndsey Marrin’s security, Jake Sands finds himself in a battle with our story line heroine, a woman who is struggling with Jake’s over protective behavior. On the run, their location is compromised at every turn, suspecting a mole working on the inside, taking aim at our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on Jake’s need to keep Dr. Lyndsey Marrin alive but Lyndsey is giving as good as she gets, helping Jake and his partner Reyna at every turn.

The relationship between Lyndsey and Jake begins as an order of protection, protection of which Lyndsey is struggling to accept. As a Dom, Jake sees something different in our story line heroine but Jake doesn’t’ do relationships, even though he is falling for the woman under his care. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to fellow Cerberus security specialists : Kingston Coltrane and his wife Samantha (The Scoundrel 1), Reyna Marx, and FBI agent Daniels. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE FIXER is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and obsession. The premise is intriguing, suspenseful and engaging; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Giving the Dragon Ice by Victoria Jayne-dual review

Giving the Dragon Ice (Elemental Dragons 2) by Victoria Jayne-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2024

It could be fate or a bitter witch. Either way, someone is against them.

Alisa Roberts went to Manhattan expecting to meet the father she never knew. Finding her mate, though, that was one hell of an inconvenience. Especially when their bond cemented her curse. Destroying the witches responsible is the only way to end their spell.

When Declan Quinn answered the call of a golden dragon shifter, he rutted his way into a disaster. His new mate had a vendetta against witches. Unfortunately, his best friend happened to be quite magical.

When her fire and his ice clashed, they realized fate had a cynical sense of humor. Can the sins of the mother ever wash away? Or will Alisa and Declan pay the ultimate price?

•••••

Sandy’s Review:  GIVING THE DRAGON ICE is the second instalment in Victoria Jayne’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL DRAGONS paranormal, romance series. This is gold fire dragon shifter / bartender Alisa Roberts, and teal ice dragon shifter Declan Quinn’s story line. GIVING THE DRAGON ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Declan and Alisa) GIVING THE DRAGON ICE follows in the wake of the fated mating of our story line couple. Fated mates between dragon shifters is rare, and the gold dragon shifter is even rarer but when Alisa’s dragon goes into heat, she finds herself in the throes of passion with a dragon she doesn’t know. Enter Declan Quinn, teal dragon shifter, and the man who answers Alisa’s call to mate but all is not well in the world of the supernatural, and Alisa’s line of gold dragons has been cursed by a coven of Ember witches in the wake of a former, perceived betrayal. As Declan and Alisa journey together into the unknown, Alisa is targeted for someone else’s sins.

The world building focuses on family and dysfunctional family dynamics both within the world of the dragon shifter and powerful witches. Alisa lost her mother at an early age, and she has spent her life in hiding with her grandmother who feared a curse placed on her family line. Meanwhile, Alisa will go on the hunt for the family she never knew, only to discover they are closer than she could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Alisa and Declan begins as fated mates but Alisa wants nothing to do with a relationship predicated upon magic and DNA but fate had other plans for our story line couple, and they will have to take precautions in an effort to protect their family and futures. The $ex scenes are aggressive and impassioned.

The secondary and supporting characters include Gideon and Ella (Giving the Dragon Fire 1); Alisa’s grandmother Lilian: her father Duncan Hayes, witch Josephine; witch Felicity; and Declan’s mother Sonya.

GIVING THE DRAGON ICE is a story of power and control,betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, magical and captivating; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are desperate and enchanting.

 

Julie’s Review

I’d read the first book in this new series (Giving the dragon Fire) which I loved. So I was looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Alisa is a gold dragon and is in town to meet her father, who she has never met before.

Declan is a teal dragon. He’s also a real player, ladies flock to our MMC, and he’s loving the lifestyle. He’s also a dragon that works for Alisa’s father!

Alisa hates witches with a vengeance! Declan’s best friend is a witch! (Can you see the situation here?) I did mutter “uh oh” out loud when I read that part.

And then being together sets Alisa’s curse off! The witches that want her 💀 now have Declan in their sights too! But unfortunately now they are mated Alisa can’t walk away and save Declan.

Fated mates is a real favourite genre of mine (the whole idea of a destined soul out their that is just for you, makes me swoon 😜)

We get to catch up with Ella and Gideon (Giving the Dragon Fire) which I always like (don’t like it when previous couples just disappear!) and there was a twist that I didn’t see, but I absolutely loved.

But saying that, you don’t have to read in order to appreciate this book. You won’t really miss anything (except a cute couple) if you start here.

As with the last book, it flows really well. We have steam, humor, danger, fated mates,, and a new family, it has enough spice to keep you hooked 😜 and plenty of drama to keep you turning the pages well past your bedtime. I was totally hooked, and didn’t stop until I was done.

So, will Declan aid his new mate in her quest for vengeance against the witches? Can Alisa’s curse be broken?

Oh and be prepared to cry towards the end….

I’m looking forward to the next book. 🦋

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one GIVING THE DRAGON FIRE.

Copies supplied for review

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Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.

She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.

When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.

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SATIN EMPIRE (Rossi Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

SATIN EMPIRE (Rossi Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: April 16, 2024

I accidentally stripped at my arranged fiancee’s club.
It lasted ten seconds before he dragged me off stage.
But his possessive jealousy woke something in me…

I wasn’t born into the mafia world.
My stepfather is forcing me to marry Carlo Rossi, the gorgeous, vicious son of the powerful Rossi Famiglia.
Carlo is handsome in a way that makes my brain do stupid things, but I never wanted this life for myself.
Everyone thinks Carlo is some smiling, happy guy, except I’ve seen the ugly darkness hiding under his surface.
And he doesn’t seem interested in letting me escape now that he’s gotten his first taste.

I just might escape this nightmare of a marriage in one piece if I can resist his toxic control and intense touch.
But all Carlo really wants is me.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  SATIN EMPIRE is the fourth instlament in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult ROSSI CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-six year old capo Carlo Rossi, and twenty-one year old Alana Milano’s story line. SATIN EMPIRE 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 dual first person perspectives (Carlo and Alana) SATIN EMPIRE follows in the wake of the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Alana’s step-father has ‘sold’ Alana it the Rossi Crime Family in return for a merger and mutual support but Alana refuses to be her step-father’s pawn, and goes in search of the man to whom she will be betrothed. Carlo Rossi is a capo in the Rossi Crime Family but a man whose skills are only used to take down and clean up anyone who targets the Famiglia. An arranged marriage was never in the cards but meeting Alana Milano meant a chance at a future with family and love but as Carlo continues to be the family enforcer, our hero is hoping for something more. A war with the Russians threatens the safety of everyone concerned but our heroine will be caught in the cross-fire when she steps out on her own.

The world building focuses on the building romance and relationship between our story line couple as Carlo struggles with his place in the family. Hoping for something more, something to call his own, Carlo is looking to strike out on his own but the Russians are about to interfere with Carlo’s plans for the future.

The relationship between Carlo and Alana is an arranged Mafia marriage , a marriage of which neither Carlo nor Alana are looking forward. There is no major conflict between our story couple although our heroine’s lack of maturity may be her downfall. As the relationship grows, Alana steps up to support the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The energetic secondary and supporting characters include Carlo’s siblings, their spouses and growing families, as well as Alana’s step father Orsino Milano, her brother Niccola, and her cousin Noah. The requisite evil has many faces.

SATIN EMPIRE is a story of power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, intriguing and captivating ; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Previous reviews and reading order
Velvet Kingdom
Iron Rings
Steel Promise

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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One Kiss (Riverbend: Lighter Ones 6) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

One Kiss (Riverbend: Lighter Ones 6) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2023

A small town, best friend’s sister, age-gap, grumpy, sunshine, contemporary standalone

Confirmed bachelor—that’s what I’ve become.
Life is safe and predictable. After all, Riverbend doesn’t exactly have a roaring social life or an influx of women looking to be the wife of a farmer.
Hold on.
I’m not looking for a wife—or even a girlfriend.
When my best friend tells me that his little sister, Devan, is moving back to Riverbend to teach science, I envision the little girl with pigtails, freckles, and an annoying urge to be wherever her older brother was. Of course, that was twelve years ago when she was ten years old.
Newsflash. Devan is no longer a child.
Imagine my shock when I learn that she is the woman who disappeared after one passionate kiss—one I couldn’t get out of my head.
Once I realize Devan is my mystery woman, I can’t walk away.
The problem is that she’s my best friend’s little sister, ten years younger than me, and definitely off-limits.

•••

REVIEW:ONE KISS is the sixth instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult RIVER: LIGHTER ONE romance series set in Riverbend, Indiana. This is thirty -two year old farmer Justin Sheers , twenty-two year old teacher Devan Dunn’s story line. ONE KISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Justin and Devan) ONE KISS follows the best friends, younger sister relationship between thirty -two year old farmer Justin Sheers , twenty-two year old teacher Devan Dunn. Devan Dunn never thought she would return to Riverbend, Indiana but an offer to teach at the local school finds Devan interviewing for a teaching position. A night out with friends finds Devan in the arms of her brother’s best friend Justin but Justin has no idea as to the identity of the woman he cannot forget. Weeks will pass before Justin comes face to face with our heroine, and in the ensuing weeks, Justin will fall in love with his best friend’s younger sister. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Justin and Devan, as our couple navigate a rapidly building love, and a future together.

The world building focuses on plans for the future. Devan’s parents want to retire, and a developer has offered a large sum of money for the land but Justin is hoping to expand his family’s farm, and the developer is about to threaten his business agenda.

The relationship between Justin and Devan is a best friend’s, younger sister, insta-love romance in which Justin knows Devan is the one. Trying to circumnavigate his friendship with Devan’s brother Ricky, a friendship that may be threatened by his attraction to and growing love for our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Devan’s brother Ricky Dunn, their parents Jack and Janet; Devan’s friends Jill and Marilyn; Justin’s sister Kandace and her husband Dax (Quintessentially the One) , and their parents Bridget and Randy, as well as several townies and friends.

ONE KISS is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart warming and entertaining-the conflict is limited. The characters are real and spirited; the romance is tender and stirring.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book four QUINTESSENTIALLY THE ONE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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Kiss Me (The Donovans: Laurel Bay) by Samantha Chase-review tour

Kiss Me (The Donovans: Laurel Bay) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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

Add to Goodreadshttps://bit.ly/3V4oDMZ

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

Saying “I Do” to her boss seemed like a harmless solution to a potentially harmful problem.
But the only problem now is that she wants the marriage to be real.

When Marissa Barrett finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family, she needs help. Fast. Normally the queen of problem solving, this is one instance where she just can’t seem to find a solution on her own. All she wanted from her boss was help finding an attorney. But before she knows exactly how it’s happened, they’re standing in front of a justice of the peace.

Patrick Donovan would do anything to help Marissa. After all, she’s been helping him run his business for years. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t wildly attracted to her, but there was no way he would ever act on it. Plus, with his meddling family looking to see him settle down, the last thing he needed was any kind of romantic relationship. But when Marissa turns to him for help, suddenly he sees a way to do it that benefits them both.

One year of marriage. That was the agreement.
But everything’s negotiable, right?

•••••

REVIEW:KISS ME is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is real estate investor Patrick Donovan, and his assistant Marissa Barrett’s story line. KISS ME 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 (Patrick and Marissa) KISS ME follows the building romance and relationship between . Marissa and Patrick are friends but Marissa’s personal life is spiralling out of control, and in an effort to protect his employee and his friend, Patrick offers up a marriage of convenience, a marriage in which our couple has set an expiry date. Patrick Donovan never thought he would ever marry or fall in love but living with Marissa makes their ‘fake marriage’ seem all too real, a reality that Marissa struggles to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marissa and Patrick , and the potential fall-out as misunderstanding threatens the growing love between our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the Donovan clan, and their pushy albeit determined mother who wants to see all of her children married and happy. Marissa and Patrick’s spontaneous wedding is a bit of a black mark for the matriarch to accept; and Marissa battles between head and heart knowing their fake arrangement feels all too real.

The relationship between Marissa and Patrick is a friends to lovers; a marriage of convenience in which Patrick is hoping to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Keeping separate rooms and lives is nearly impossible, and falling for one another was ultimately in the cards. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including all of Patrick’s siblings, their significant others, as well as cousins; Patrick’s parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan. We are introduced to Marissa’s brother Daren. When the Donovan clan gets together, everything is a little frenetic and frantic.

KISS ME is a story of family, relationships, greed and addiction, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is heart breaking and engaging; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance, once again, is subtle and sweet.

 

Reading Order and previous reviews
Dare Me
Tempt Me
Save Me
Charm Me

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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CRUEL CAPTOR (Vengeful Villains 3) by Kristen Luciani-a review

CRUEL CAPTOR (Vengeful Villains 3) by Kristen Luciani-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2022

She is his wrath.
His vengeance…
I kidnapped my enemy’s sister on his wedding day,
And put my ring on her finger
As punishment for a twisted plot that killed my father.

The Malikov Bratva stole everything from me.
Now it’s time to take it all back,
And my gorgeous captive holds the key to my future.

But Tori is fierce, ruthless, and vengeful.
She fights me like a hellcat,
Always resisting her fate,
And disobeying my strict rules.

I punish her defiance at every turn,
Unable to resist making her the star of my dark and devious games.
The more she struggles,
The more powerful I become.

I ruined her life to possess her.
And I will destroy anyone who tries to take her from me.
She is my pawn.
My life.
My wife.

•••••

REVIEW: CRUEL CAPTOR is the third instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult VENGEFUL VILLAINS dark, erotic, Bratva romance series. This is twenty-five year old, Bratva princess/ romance writer Viktorya ‘Tori’ Malikov, and disgraced Bratva enforcer/heir Konstantin Romanov aka Mikhail Federov’s story line. CRUEL CAPTOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing story line throughout.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tori and Konstantin/Mikhail CRUEL CAPTOR follows in the aftermath of the collapse of the Federov Bratva empire. Mikhail Federov demands revenge, retribution and reprisal in the wake of betrayal by, and the murder of his abusive father, a murder that set into motion the downfall of the Federov empire. Seeking vengeance Mikhail, now known as Konstantin Romanov kidnaps Viktorya Malikov, with the intention of claiming our heroine as his wife but all does not go according to plan when a feisty and well-trained Tori continues to battle the man with whom she will fall in love. There are more than two families warring for control of the once powerful Federvo Bratva, pitting the Malikov crime family against everyone involved. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Tori and Konstantin, and the potential fall-out as betrayal from within sets into motion a potential war from all sides.

The relationship between Tori and Konstantin is an enemies to lovers; a forced proximity relationship in which Tori is quick to find herself falling for her sexy captor. Tori is well trained in the ability to protect herself but no training is going to protect her heart against the man with whom she will fall in love. Konstantin Romanov seeks only revenge against the family that destroyed what was left of his organization, an organization that quickly collapsed with the death of his father, and a betrayal of trust. Marrying Tori means a second chance at power and control but there is someone else waiting to assume a position at the top. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Konstantin’s brother Gregor, and their head of security Lev, as well as the return of Alek Severinov, Nik, Luka and Taras Malikov. The requisite evil is familiar.

CRUEL CAPTOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, submission and acceptance, death and destruction, power and control. The premise is dark and dramatic; the romance turbulent and hot; the characters are broken, dynamic and struggling to survive. CRUEL CAPTOR ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Twisted Tyrant
Dirty Devil

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

FOLLOW: Website / GOODREADS / FacebookTwitter / InstagramYouTube

Kristen Luciani is a self-proclaimed momtrepreneur, beauty product junkie, and USA Today bestselling romance author with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis.  As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…

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STALK THE DARKNESS (Guardians of Eternity 19) by Alexandra Ivy

STALK THE DARKNESS (Guardians of Eternity 19) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2, 2022.

Becoming a vampire nearly killed Satin. After decades in hiding to reach fighting strength, she swore never to be weak again. Instead, she flings herself into the joys of life. Like “combat practice” with Marco, the owner of the wildest club outside of Chicago. Getting a workout with the sizzling Were is the ultimate no-strings-attached pleasure. Until a chaos-strewing demon leaves Satin with an impossible, infuriating diagnosis: Vampires don’t get pregnant.

Marco prides himself on being the perfect Were—strong, savage, and barely housetrained. But with Satin gone on her mysterious quest, he’s compelled to follow. This raven-haired warrior might be his mate for all eternity. But a dark presence hovers around her. If Marco and Satin can’t solve its riddle in time, there won’t be any future to worry about . . .

•••••

REVIEW: STALK THE DARKNESS is the nineteenth full-length instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY fantasy/paranormal romance series. This is vampire Satin, and club owner/Were Marco’s story line. STALK THE DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from third person perspective STALK THE DARKNESS follows vampire Satin, as she is tasked by Styx, the Anasso (leader of the vampires) to search and rescue the gargoyle Levet’s missing Aunt Bertha but a fling with Marco, the Were club owner, leaves our heroine with the impossible, a pregnancy that finds Marco never leaving her side. As Satin and Marco go on the hunt for Aunt Bertha, something evil and dark is slowly surrounding and manifesting as our story line heroine, and pushing her to return to where her life as both a human and vampire began. What ensues is the hunt for Aunt Bertha, and the search for the truth about Satin’s past.

Meanwhile, our intrepid little gargoyle Levet and the powerful, imp-likeTroy find themselves ordered by Styx to locate Satin and Marco, as the couple are no longer on the Anasso’s magical, proverbial radar but Levet and Troy will ultimately land in the netherworld, between Earth and H*ll, and their search for an escape brings them up close and personal with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Marco and Satin begins as a frenemies with benefits as Marco club allows for fights and fraternizing, something at which both Marco and Satin excel. A were pregnancy is rare, a vampire pregnancy is rarer, a pregnancy between a vampire and were is virtually unreal, and in this, Marco is desperate to protect the woman he wants to claim as his mate, and the child she carries, within. The $ex scenes are limited but aggressive and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include the Anasso Styx, and his vampire wife Darcy; the Were King Salvator, as well as vampire Chiron; Levet’s Aunt Bertha, Levet and Troy; several supernatural and paranormal creatures, and King of the Underworld Hades.

STALK THE DARKNESS is a story of desperation and acceptance; family and relationships, magic and darkness, fate and love. The fast paced premise is entertaining and exciting; the characters are powerful and energetic; the romance is limited as the couple spends most of their time on the hunt.

Previous Reviews (this a list of books we have reviewed at The Reading Cafe. We have read most if not all of the books in the series but have not posted a review !

When Darkness Comes
Embrace the Darkness
Darkness Everlasting
Darkness Revealed
Darkness Unleashed
Beyond the Darkness
Devoured by Darkness
Taken by Darkness
Darkness Eternal
Bound by Darkness
Where Darkness Lives
Fear The Darkness
Darkness Avenged
Darkness Eternal
Hunt the Darkness
A Very Levet Christmas
When Darkness Ends
Darkness Returns
Beware the Darkness
Conquer the Darkness
Sacrifice of Darkness
Shades of Darkness
Darkness Betrayed
Slayed by Darkness
Bewitch the Darkness

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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