Tag Archives: Sandy’s Review

Giving the Dragon Ice by Victoria Jayne-dual review

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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

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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

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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

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

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Add to Goodreads: https://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

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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

 

 

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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

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

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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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Power Play by Amelia Wilde-review tour

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Power Play by Amelia Wilde-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2022.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a playboy wants a one-night stand… No strings attached.

Gabriel Hill dates someone new every night. Glamorous parties and smoke-filled clubs. He has no interest in the prim little baker. Until he finds out she’s connected to his family’s downfall.

He wants information. Revenge. And worst of all, he wants Elise Bettencourt in his bed. Again and again and again.

There’s no future between them.

A woman who’s fought to build a new life for herself.

And the man who will bring it all down.

••••

REVIEW:POWER PLAY is the first instalment in Amelia Wilde’s contemporary, adult, dark, romance series focusing on businessman Gabriel Hill, and twenty year old bakery owner Elise Bettencourt. POWER PLAY is a spin off from , and set in the author’s WEALTH Trilogy. POWER PLAY can be read as a stand alone but for backstory and history, I recommend reading the WEALTH trilogy. Gabriel Hill is the older brother of Mason Hill (Wealth).

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabriel and Elise) POWER PLAY focuses on Gabriel Hill’s hunger for revenge. Approximately fourteen years earlier Gabriel, along with his siblings Mason, Jameson and Remy lost everything the night their parents were murdered in a house fire, and Gabriel is determined to seek revenge against the people he believes responsible for their deaths. A group of elite and questionable businessman, known as the Consortium, a group in which his father was a member, is Gabriel’s target but Gabriel needs an ‘in’ and using Elise Bettencourt, the daughter of the man in charge, is his first step in destroying them all. Gabriel Hill despises Elise Bettencourt for her family connections but Gabriel has no idea as to the extent of Elise’s knowledge about what happened or why. What ensues is the tempestuous and emotional relationship between Elise and Gabriel, and the fall-out as heart break and denial force Elise to take a stand against everyone involved.

Gabriel Hill raised his younger siblings in the wake of the murder of their mother and father, a murder that left the family struggling to survive but Gabriel has been planning his revenge for close to fifteen years, and in this, Gabriel’s only focus is retribution and reprisal, at any cost. Using Elise Bettencourt meant opening the window to his past, a past that is dark and not meant for public consumption. Elise Bettencourt walked away from everything at eighteen years old but beneath the pretty façade of a wealthy and happy family, Elise knew the truth including the ugliness of what was and what will never be. Working with Gabriel Hill to take down her father means getting revenge for herself, as well.

The relationship between Gabriel and Elise is turbulent and combative. Gabriel doesn’t care who he hurts in his need for revenge, and Elise is a pawn to get what he wants. Falling for Elise was never his intention; telling her about his past meant revealing a truth that was distressing and hard; pushing Elise further adds to his pain and need for revenge. Elise Bettencourt found herself falling for a man whose needs she would never be able to control but opening her heart meant opening to a man who was about to destroy her in the process. The $ex scenes are intimate and aggressive.

We are introduced to Elise’s sisters Catherine and Lydia, and their parents; Gabriel’s siblings Mason and his wife Charlotte (WEALTH), Jameson, and Remy; Jacob Chambers, as well as several members of The Consortium.

POWER PLAY is a story of betrayal, power and control, secrets and lies, murder and vengeance, heart break and passion. The premise is captivating and enthralling; the characters are broken, determined and charismatic; the romance is cruel, intense and contentious. POWER PLAY ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned. Gabriel and Elise’s story continues in BAD INFLUENCE.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

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A SENSE OF DANGER by Jennifer Estep-Dual Review & Giveaway

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A SENSE OF DANGER (Section 47 #1) by Jennifer Estep-Dual Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2021

A SPY . . .

My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m an analyst for Section 47, a secret government agency that tracks terrorists, criminals, and other paramortal bad guys who want to unleash their abilities on an unsuspecting mortal world. I have a magical form of synesthesia that senses danger and uncovers lies—making me a stealthy operative.

I’m trudging through another day when one of Section’s cleaners—assassins—takes an interest in me. I don’t need my synesthesia to realize that he is extremely dangerous and that he will do anything to achieve his goals—even if it means putting me in the line of fire.

. . . AND AN ASSASSIN

I’m Desmond Percy, one of Section 47’s most lethal cleaners. I’m also a man on a mission, and I need Charlotte Locke’s skills to help me keep a promise, settle a score, and kill some extremely bad people.

Charlotte might not like me, but we’re stuck together until my mission is over. Still, the more time we spend together, the more I’m drawn to her. But at Section 47, you never know who you can trust—or who might want you dead.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review

A SENSE OF DANGER is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult SECTION 47 paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on paramortal analyst / diner waitress for Section 47 Charlotte Locke, and assassin/cleaner Desmond Percy.

SOME BACKGROUND: Paramortals make up approximately one percent of the world’s population, and most have hidden their magic from the ‘mortal’ world. Section 47 is a paramortal spy organization whose mission was to gather intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks but found themselves tracking those who use magic to commit their crimes.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlotte and Desmond) A SENSE OF DANGER focuses on the take down of a paramortal bio-terrorist, and the search for a mole within Section 47. Charlotte Locke is a legacy member at Section 47, meaning her father, and grandmother were previously employed by Section 47. As an analyst Charlotte has the ability to read patterns and numbers and sense danger but as a human lie detector Charlotte knows when someone may or may not be telling the truth. Upon the death of her boss, Charlotte is reassigned as a liason, working with the Section’s latest arrival, cleaner and assassin Desmond Percy, whose own father continues to make a name for himself at Section 47. Desmond is on the hunt for a paramortal bio-terrorist but his every move is met with counter terrorism and resistance such that his last mission left him struggling to survive. With the help of Charlotte Locke, Desmond is hunting down the person responsible but struggles to trust the woman with whom he is falling in love as Charlotte’s secrets run dangerous and dark. What ensues is the set up and take down of a mole within the Section 47 organization, and the potential fall-out as Desmond believes Charlotte has been compromised but Charlotte has bigger plans when all is revealed.

Jennifer Estep introduces a number of players in the world of Section 47 including some of the backstory and history of Charlotte’s legacy connections, and Desmond’s father General Jethro Percy. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters giving the series a familiarity not unlike the author’s Elemental Assassin. We are introduced to cleaner supervisor Gia Chan, and ‘secretary’ Evelyn Hawkes, former Section 47 spy Gabriel Chase, as well as charmer Miriam Lancaster, charmer supervisor Trevor Donnelly, Russian paramortal Adrian Anatoly, and CEO and founder of Hyde Engineering Henrika Hyde.

A SENSE OF DANGER is a fast paced, intriguing, action packed story of betrayal and vengeance, power and magic, obsession, murder, greed and excess. The premise is captivating and compelling; the characters are energetic and enterprising; the romance is seductive and passionate.

___________

Barb’s Review:

A Sense of Danger by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Section 47 series.  I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a new series, and after reading the first book, I can’t wait for more. 

Secret 47 is a secret government agency that handles paranormal, terrorists, criminals, and have magical abilities.  Their job is to gather information to prevent attacks, casualties, as well as to protect the mortal world; especially against those who create dangerous weapons.  

Charlotte Locke, our heroine, is an analyst, who is very good at her job analyzing various reports and files to find mistakes, patterns, and anything that looks like threats.  Charlotte also has some magical abilities, such as having synesthesia ability to sense danger and detect lies. Charlotte followed her grandmother and father who were Section 47 employees, and she is considered a legacy employee, since her family (now deceased) were former employees.  Charlotte has been providing information to her superiors about an evil and dangerous woman (Henrika Hyde), who is building and selling horrific weapons to the enemy.

Desmond Percy, our hero, is a Section 47 Assassin (cleaners), who is considered one of the best and lethal. Desmond is also a legacy employee, as his father is a powerful member and very much in charge of Section 47. Desmond has returned to headquarters in Washington, DC for a special assignment, but also determined to find the person responsible for killing his teammates from his last assignment. 

When Charlotte is having lunch, she sees a strange man sit at her table, but she totally ignores him, and he eventually walks away. Charlotte is very much in debt, due to her father death and loss of money, and takes a night time second job as a waitress. After closing, she heads home only to be accosted by 4 assassins who are out to kill her; she is attacked, but out of nowhere, another powerful assassin manages to kill the attackers, and he takes her to her home, and uses his energy magic to heal her injuries.  Of course, her savior is Desmond, who has galvanist abilities, which uses energy around him to prevent attacks, as well as heal. 

Charlotte wakes up healed, and in a short time will learn that Desmond was the one who saved her, and despite her original dislike of him, she will soon be placed on his team to work together; especially since she is the one who knows everything about the enemy.   Their job is to find Henrika Hyde, and stop her from selling her weapons, as well as find the terrorist who was behind the attack on Desmond’s team.

What follows is an exciting, action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Charlotte was a great heroine, as she not only smart, savvy, but unbeknownst to others, lethal with a weapon, since she learned from her father.  I also liked Desmond, as he was not only a sexy hunk, but also very confident with his ability.   It took time for them to trust each other, but the chemistry between them was hot; which was a slow burn romance.

Charlotte stepped up to find a traitor within Section 47, even if it put her own life in danger.  The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with a few surprises along the way. Since she took it upon herself to expose the traitor, her relationship with Desmond suffered, as he thought she betrayed him.  I will not tell too much more, as it would be spoilers, but it was a wild satisfying ending.

A Sense of Danger is another wonderful new intriguing urban fantasy series that is very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Charlotte and Desmond, and look forward to more on them in future books.   I suggest you read A Sense of Danger, as I fully enjoyed it.


Copies supplied for review

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

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8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from November 15-19, 2021

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