Tag Archives: Sandy’s Reviews

House of Fire and Magic by Sherrilyn Kenyon-review

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House of Fire and Magic (Myths & Outlaws 1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

TAKE BACK YOUR KINGDOM

Unicorns and Dragons never mix. For centuries, they’ve been bitter enemies and their kingdoms at war. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Tanis’s beloved older brother and heir to their throne has been slain by a human who continues to flaunt her brother’s death.

To restore her family’s honor, she’s willing to make a deal with a Unicorn shapeshifter so that she can infiltrate the human kingdom and recapture what was so cruelly taken.

But Dash Coeur de Noir isn’t just any Unicorn, as the High King he’s the most hated and feared of his breed and he’s on his own mission when the Dragon, Tanis, crosses his path– to reclaim his sister’s horn that was brutally taken. In the wrong hands, that horn could destroy the fragile peace that has kept the Thirteen Kingdoms from destroying each other.

In a world built on magic, blood, and betrayal no one can trust anyone. With a bounty on their heads and assassins and enemies out to claim them both, they must somehow learn to trust each other or watch their kingdoms burn.

••••

REVIEW: HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is the first instalment in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s adult MYTHS AND OUTLAWS paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is unicorn shifter High King Dash aka Deciel Coeur de Noir, and dragon Princess Tanis Dragomir’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Tanis and Dash) HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC follows in the wake of the murder of Tanis’ brother, and Dash’s sister. Dash is the High King of the thirteen kingdoms, and is determined to exact revenge for those who took his sister’s life. Someone is collecting supernatural treasures, a trophy hunter determined to sell his wares to the highest bidder: Tanis’s brother’s head, and Dash’s sister’s horn are his most prized possessions, and in this, Tanis and Dash are determined to work together to bring the perpetrator down but the unicorns and dragons are mortal enemies, and Tanis must sacrifice her beast in an effort to get her revenge. Meanwhile, as Dash goes on the hunt for a killer, betrayal will come at a cost. Several of the thirteen kingdoms are rebelling, taking aim at our story line hero and his throne, war is inevitable, only a matter of when.

The world building is complex with numerous magical and supernatural creatures from virtually every paranormal field. Enemies will align with one another in an effort to gain control; Princess Tanis will discover that betrayal comes in every form.

The relationship between Tanis and Dash begins when our heroine captures the unicorn/man with whom she will fall in love. Tanis is desperate to locate the person responsible for killing her brother, and Dash is determined to make Tanis pay with her magic. As our couple journey towards vengeance, they can only depend upon themselves for safety and security. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are magical, enchanted, innumerable, and powerful. We are introduced to Tanis’ extended family, as well as Dash’s brother and mother. The requisite evil has many faces. Betrayal will come from within.

HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is a detailed and multi-layered story of betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, power and control, family and relationships, discrimination and speciesism, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, enchanting and entertaining with a little bit of humor and fun; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are magical, desperate and animated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn

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Then You Came Along by Samantha Lind-review

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🩷Then You Came Along by Samantha Lind-review🩷

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2024

Cameron Burgress was ready for a new start.
New city, new job, and maybe one day, a new love. She just didn’t realize how quickly that could all happen until she walked into a tattoo shop, finally ready to get the ink she’d wanted since her fiancé died, nearly four years ago.

Ethan O’Neill had everything. Until one day, he didn’t.
After an off-ice injury stripped him of his hockey career, he started over in life, pursuing his other passion—tattoos. He’d never been the kind of guy to want to settle down, but that all changed one day, when a knock-out beauty strolled into his shop and into his life.

An instant attraction and a little bit of ink is the perfect mix for two people ready for change.

*Previously published as Until You*

•••••

REVIEW:THEN YOU CAME ALONG by Samantha Lind is a stand alone, contemporary, romance novella focusing on school services coordinator Cameron ‘Cam’ Burgress, and former professional hockey player turned tattoo artist Ethan O’Neill.

NOTE:THEN YOU CAME ALONG is the re-release of the April 2018 UNTIL YOU.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cam and Ethan) THEN YOU CAME ALONG follows the rapidly building romance and relationship between Cam and Ethan. Three and half years earlier, Cam lost her fiancé to cancer, and needing a change, Cam set off to Nashville for a new job but finding love along the way. Wanting a commemorative tattoo, Cam finds herself at Inkers Tattoo where she will meet her future in the guise of tattoo artist Ethan O’Neill. The palpable sexual attraction is immediate, and our couple begin their life-long journey together.

The world building focuses on the past, the present and the future. Cam honors the man she once loved but will step towards a future with our story line hero.

The relationship between Cam and Ethan is one of immediate attraction. A night out for drinks turns into something more, something that will blossom with their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited . We are introduced to Cam’s friend Holly, and her husband, Ethan’s friend Carson.

THEN YOU CAME ALONG is a quick read; a fast paced, novella length story of second chances, of a sorts. The premise is heart warming; the romance is impassioned; the characters are charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she can often be found with her family, traveling, reading, watching her boys on the ice, or watching her favorite professional hockey team (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.  She can be contacted by email or found on Facebook.

Keep up with Samantha Lind and subscribe to her newsletter: http://bit.ly/FDSLNL

FOLLOW: Website / Newsletter / Facebook/ Facebook Group/ Instagram/ Twitter/ Goodreads/ Amazon Author /Bookbub

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Taking What’s Ours (RBMC:Durango 5) by Nicole James-review tour

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Taking What’s Ours (RBMC:Durango 5) by Nicole James-review tour

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Add to your Goodreads TBR ➩ https://t.ly/LcIW2

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

ELAINA—
When my groom makes a fool of me at our reception, the only man to come to my defense is Dylan, his brother and best man—a man I’d only just met.

Standing in the midst of embarrassment and humiliation, with my hours-old marriage in shambles, Dylan swept into my life and made it his mission to show me the way I deserve to be treated. I’m beginning to see he really is the best man.

BAJA—
I have no clue what this beauty ever saw in my brother, but when I see how he treats her, I plan to make sure she escapes a certain life of cruelty with that bastard.

I know my brother, and apparently he’s fooled her with his good guy act. But I know better. He’s a wolf is sheep’s clothing.

Elaina knows nothing about me, other than I’m Elliott’s brother. She certainly has no clue I’m a member of the Royal Bastards MC or that my club brothers call me Baja.

I’ll protect her at all costs. She’s got my oath on that.

•••••

REVIEW:TAKING WHAT’S OURS is the fifth instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult RBMC: DURANGO CO dark, erotic, MC romance series. This is thirty-five year old, Dylan ‘Baja’ Whitmore, and Elaina’s story line. TAKING WHAT’S OURS 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 (Elaina and Baja) TAKING WHAT’S OURS follows in the aftermath of Elaina’s marriage to Dylan’s brother Elliott but betrayal, humiliation and embarrassment pull Elaina out of Elliott’s life, when she finds herself on the run with Elliott’s brother Dylan. Settling in Durango CO, Elaina discovers there is more to family than blood, more to life than a controlling fiancé. Living with Dylan, Elaina finds herself a family with the RBMC: Durango but the past refuses to let go for our story line couple, forcing both Dylan and Elaina to acknowledge the truth.

The world building focuses on Elaina’s struggle to see beyond the veil. From a controlling fiancé to a jealous rival, Elaina must come to terms with her life going forward. Baja continues to struggle with the ghosts from his past, and in this, he believes he is not worthy of love or a second chance.

The relationship between Baja and Elaina begins as a ‘rescue’ of a sorts. From friends to lovers, Baja and Elaina find themselves quickly falling but enemies and close, closer than they could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, fun and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples, and several members of the RBMC: Durango. We are introduced to Baja’s brother Elliott, as well as his parents.

TAKING WHAT’S OURS is a story of betrayal, seduction, acceptance and love. The premise is edgy and dramatic; the characters are animated ; the romance is passionate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Club Princess
Climbing the Ranks
Keeping The Throne
Enforcing the Rules

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nicole James is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who loves writing about hot alpha men who’ll do anything for the women they love! Her stories are filled with struggle, conflict and real human emotion. She is the author of the Evil Dead MC series, the Brothers Ink Tattoo series and more.

Nicole loves to hear from her readers! You can contact her via e-mail, her website contact form or on her social media accounts.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornicolejames
Twitter-X: https://twitter.com/Nicole_James1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicolejames
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicole-james
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6571986.Nicole_James

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Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts 1) by K. Bromberg-review tour

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Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts 1) by K. Bromberg-review tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3OO01X8

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

Holden

They thought they’d managed to get rid of me once and for all. They thought I’d just forget what they did to my brother.

But I’m going to make sure that they never forget.

If only I can stop thinking about her.

Rowan

No one sees me. Behind my brother, I’m a ghost, managing the family business that he claims to run. But I’m tired of second fiddle. I’m tired of pretending. I’m going to take what’s mine.

The only problem? Well, he just came back to town.

••••

REVIEW:TWISTED KNIGHT is the first instalment in K. Bromberg’s contemporary adult TANGLED HEARTS dark, erotic, romance series. This is thirty-two year old, billionaire businessman Holden Knight, and heiress Rowan Rothschild’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Holden and Rowan) TWISTED KNIGHT follows in the aftermath of the hostile takeover of TinSpirits, the Rothschild family owned business. In the wake of her grandmother’s death, Rowan finds herself pushed to the side, as her brother slowly destroys the family business but selling to billionaire Holden Knight was something she never expected, a sale of which she never approved. Holden Knight is determined to destroy the Rothschild empire, starting with the woman with whom he is falling in love. Fifteen years earlier Holden’s life imploded, and a need for revenge is pushing our hero to destroy take down everyone involved.

The world building focuses on Holden’s long term plans for revenge; a need to take down the Rothschild empire but he never expected for fall for Rowan herself.Rowan struggles with her attraction to the man taking apart her family legacy but all is not well with the people in charge.

The relationship between Rowan and Holden is acrimonious at best. An enemies to lovers in which Holden and Rowan’s tempestuous back and forth is fraught with sexual frustration and palpable sexual attraction. Holden’s slow seduction of our story line heroine may be the catalyst that pushes Rowan over the edge. The $ex scenes are impassioned and intense.

We are introduced to Holden’s assistant Audrey; Rowan’s brother Rhett, and his best friend Chad.

TWISTED KNIGHT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, vengeance, family and obsession. The premise is dramatic, dark, and gritty; the romance is gritty and heart breaking; the characters are determined and charismatic. TWISTED KNIGHT ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

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Of Vows and Betrayal (Corrupted Dynasties)by RG Angel-review tour

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Of Vows and Betrayal (Corrupted Dynasties)by RG Angel-review tour

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 23, 2024

In a world where loyalty is rare and trust is easily broken, can love rise from the ashes of vengeance?

Javier:

Fifteen minutes. That’s all it took for my world to shatter. From the moment I said ‘I do’ to the moment her heart stopped beating, my happiness turned into a relentless nightmare. Fifteen years of meticulous planning have led to this moment—my chance for revenge against the man who destroyed my life by killing my wife. But protecting his daughter was never part of the plan, and now everything is more complicated than I ever imagined.

Ophelia:

Living under my father’s oppressive rule feels like a prison. My world is turned upside down when Javier Vargas, a brooding and enigmatic bodyguard, is assigned to protect me. Little do I know, his true mission is darker and more personal than I could ever imagine. As forbidden desires ignite and hidden truth unravel, can we overcome the tangled web of our pasts to find a future together?

••••

REVIEW:OF VOWS AND BETRAYAL is the first instalment in RG Angel’s contemporary, adult CORRUPTED DYNASTIES dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is billionaire Javier Vargas, and twenty-one year old Mafia princess Ophelia Bergotti’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 (Ophelia and Javier) OF VOWS AND BETRAYAL follows billionaire Javier Vargas as fifteen years of grief and pain culminate into a plan of action to take down the head of the Gambino family Angelo Bergotti, starting with his daughter Ophelia Bergotti. Hired to protect Ophelia, Javier begins a slow seduction of the woman with whom he will fall in love but once the truth is revealed, Javier finds himself on the outside looking in, desperate to protect our story line heroine. Lives are threatened, heart break and loss, pushing Javier out of Ophelia’s life.

The world building focuses on Javier’s need for revenge, revenge at all costs including the love of the woman he never expected but to take down Angelo Bergotti, Javier will have to destroy any and all trust he developed with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Ophelia and Javier begins as an assignment disguising Javier’s true intent to take down Ophelia’s father . From the outset their attraction to one another is palpable but Javier knows that to fall for Ophelia will only mean heart break for both. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned.

We are introduced to Javier’s best friends: Father Tiago, and computer IT wiz Derek; Ophelia’s father Angelo, cousin Fabrizio, several high ranking mobsters, as well as the Reaper aka Rafaelle Lucchesse . The requisite evil has many faces.

OF VOWS AND BETRAYAL is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, murder and retribution, family and friendships, relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dark, gritty and raw; the romance is seductive yet heart breaking; the characters are broken, desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Social Media: Goodreads/ Facebook / Instagram / Bookbub/

In addition to being an International Bestselling Author, I wear many hats – a trained lawyer, a globe-trotter, a coffee addict, and a cheese aficionado.

When I’m not immersed in lawyerly mayhem or crafting Contemporary Romance stories filled with heart, heat, and a touch of darkness, you’ll find me enjoying indoor activities in rainy (yet beautiful) Britain. These activities often include reading, indulging in TV series, and playing with my crazy puppies.

I hope my stories transport you to dreamlike worlds and bring as much joy to your heart as they bring to mine while writing them.

For the latest updates and news, join my reader group ‘R.G.’s Angels’ on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter.

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Fangs So Bright and Deadly (Mythwoven 2) by Piper J Drake-review

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Fangs So Bright and Deadly (Mythwoven 2) by Piper J Drake-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

A Kitsune, a Kumiho, a Witch, and a danger not even their combined magic is strong enough to defy.

Marie Xiao lives a double life, moonlighting as a freelance consultant in corporate Seattle even as she dedicates herself—and her powers as a witch—to chasing down objects of myth and magic before they can be used to harm humankind. She carefully guards the bridges between worlds and has never once been tempted to stray.

Until she catches the eye of a pair-bonded kitsune and kumiho and her whole world is thrown into chaos.

Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro and Joseph Choe have been hoping to cross paths with Marie since their first chance meeting at an artifact retrieval gone decidedly wrong. They may work for Marie’s enemy, but they don’t see any reason why they can’t mingle a little work and play…especially when a (literal) dead man waltzes into their impromptu reunion, raising intriguing questions about a deeper magic that may be afoot. Temporarily teaming up, the trio investigate the unusual unrest…but as loyalties begin to shift and lines blur, Kuro, Joe, and Marie may find themselves at the precipice of something none of them are prepared to face…or deny.

•••••

REVIEW:FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY is the second instalment in Piper J. Drake’s contemporary, adult MYTHWOVEN erotic, Asian mythology, romance series. This is with Marie Xiao, and Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro (Kitsune) and Joseph Choe’s (gumiho) story line. FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: The relationship between Marie, Kuro and Joe is a threesome with some same $ex situations, as well as $ex scenes involving all three characters.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Marie, Kuro, Joe) FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY follows the building relationship between Marie, Kuro and Joe. All three are in a similar business, retrieving magical artifacts and objects for elite ‘customers’ but when Joe and Kuro failed to complete an assignment for Babel, they will be hexed by a pain witch, as our heroine struggles to find an answer or a cure. Meanwhile, Marie’s latest business contract for the Darke Consortium with Socrates Industries comes with an assortment of questionable quirks including a dead man walking, a blue lotus and, an Egyptian amulet with magical powers.

The world building is complex and detailed blending Asian and Egyptian mythology ;an assortment of supernatural and paranormal creatures including witches, fae, vampires, werewolves, and fox shifters kitsune and gumiho. The author encompasses and incorporates Asian cuisine, as well as Asian traditions.

The relationship between Marie, and Joe and Kuro begins as friends. Marie had previously met Joe and Kuro on a prior assignment but the cursed duo found themselves falling for our story line heroine. Joe and Kuro were a couple, whose attraction to Marie was mutual but the hex added limitations to their relationship. The $ex scenes are provocative and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large assortment of supernatural creatures including Rensho, a talking scroll. We are reintroduced to Thomas the werewolf, PA Duncan, winged Fae-Ashke , Punch (kinaree bird), Bennett, and Asamoah.

FANGS SO BRIGHT AND DEADLY is a story of power and control, magic and mayhem, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate and multi-layered; the romance is seductive; the characters are magical and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s reviews of book one WINGS ONCE CURSED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.

Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads | Youtube

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The Fouls We Make (Braysen U 3) by Brooke O’Brien-review

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🏈The Fouls We Make (Braysen U 3) by Brooke O’Brien-review🏈

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2024

I’ve sworn off dating football players. After my last relationship ended disastrously, I’ve given up on love entirely.

Determined to start over fresh, somewhere far from Rixton, Tennessee, I impulsively transfer to Braysen University. The Carver twins were like brothers to me growing up. So, when they offer me a place to live until a dorm room frees up, I accept.

Reed Hendrix is as irresistible as he is off-limits. Sleeping in the room next to him could complicate things. Not only because my brother warned Reed to stay away from me but also because falling for him would break my own rule.

Yet it’s unnerving how quickly I find myself giving in to my feelings for him. Before I know it, we’re stealing glances and sneaking around, dangerously toeing the line between flirting and fooling around.

The more I unravel at the hands of Reed, the harder it is to resist falling for him. When my past catches up with me, it’s more than my heart on the line.

They say some rules are meant to be broken.

When secrets are revealed, I can only hope my heart isn’t left broken too.

••••

REVIEW:THE FOULS WE MAKE is the third instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult BRAYSEN U erotic, football romance series. This is college football player Reed Hendrix, and fellow student Tatum Pierce’s story line. THE FOULS WE MAKE 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 lie premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tatum and Reed) THE FOULS WE MAKE follows in the wake of Tatum Pierce’s arrival at Braysen University. Tatum Pierce has secrets, secrets that keep her up at night, threatening to break her hard fought need to remain under the radar. Meeting Braysen U football player Reed Hendrix threatens all hopes of not breaking her no-relationship policy until she discovers Reed will be one of her new roommates at Braysen U but all is not well in Tatum’s life; the past has followed and found our story line heroine, and the threats have become dangerous and real.With the help of Reed Hendrix, Tatum is hoping to move forward without always having to look back.

The world building follows two intersecting paths: the building romance and relationship between our story line couple, and the past that continues to threaten our story line heroine. Always trying to keep a low profile, the past has tracked Tatum Pierce, and her nightmare is about to begin anew.

The relationship between Tatum and Reed is a close proximity, friends to lovers,immediate and strong sexual attraction. Needing a place to live, Tatum finds refuse with her brother’s best friends at Braysen U, friends that are all members of the university football team. Under the protection of our story line hero, Tatum finds herself beginning to relax until the past discovers the who, where and why. Falling for Reed is easy, but protecting her heart is more difficult and dangerous. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Colter and Ava (The Games We Win 1) Beckham and Hallyn (The Rivals We Hate 1), Hayes and Everly (The Plays We Fake 2), as well as the introduction of Tatum’s brother Talon Pierce and his friend Wren, Colter’s sister Wyatt, Zane and Knox. The author has plans for a ‘hockey’ romance series featuring Tatum’s brother Talon.

THE FOULS WE MAKE is another story of betrayal and obsession, secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating, haunting and intriguing; the romance is spicy and spirited; the characters are determined, clever and realistic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Rivals We Hate
The Plays We Fake

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult and contemporary romances.

She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

If Brooke’s not writing or reading, she’s probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookeo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbrookeo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien

Website: https://www.authorbrookeobrien.com

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BRUTAL ICE (Ice Breaker: Cold Case 11) by Cynthia Eden-review

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BRUTAL ICE (Ice Breaker: Cold Case 11) by Cynthia Eden-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

He was never meant to be anyone’s savior…and then he found her.

Royal Boudreaux isn’t interested in being a hero. Quite the opposite. Darkness clings to him, and he lets that darkness out by hunting and catching the most dangerous killers who roam the streets. Everyone needs a hobby, right? During his latest hunt, Royal expects to take down his prey. He doesn’t expect to find a beautiful woman trapped in the trunk of a car.

Save the woman. Then walk away…

He intends to drop the gorgeous victim at the nearest police station and then get the hell away from her. Only walking away isn’t an option for Royal. Not this time. Because there is something about dancer Violet Murphy that calls to him. A driving, primitive pull. Royal finds that he can’t stay away from her. Scratch that–he doesn’t want to be away from Violet. What he does want? Her.

Determined, fierce, and unwilling to give in to the fear that he sees in her eyes, Violet slides right past Royal’s guard. Fragile on the outside, but with a core of steel in her soul, Violet is a fighter. But she can’t fight this battle alone.

She needs protection. Lucky for her, Royal has experience at playing bodyguard.

When Royal saved Violet, the killer escaped. Somewhere in the hot Savannah night, the killer still lurks. Royal intends to protect Violet and take out his prey. But Violet has uncovered the dark truth about Royal, and instead of being repelled, she’s determined to be at his side in order to get the justice she seeks. Being a victim again? Not on her agenda, thanks.

An unlikely alliance. A desire that can’t be contained.

Danger. Lust. Need. Desire burns brutally hot on a Savannah night. But the killer isn’t the only one closing in…because a very unexpected ghost from Royal’s own past is heading to town. Everything Royal knew about himself is about to be completely upended. Hero, monster…which one is he? With chaos reigning, there is only one certainty for Royal…protect Violet.

Save the woman. Then never, ever walk away.

Because you don’t walk away from the woman who holds your battered heart in the palm of her hand.

Author’s Royal’s hobby is dangerous, diabolical, and definitely not ordinary. But then again, he’s all of those things, too. When he discovers Violet, his entire world shifts focus. She matches him, she scares him, and…she just damn well might complete him. But in order to have a life with Violet, Royal has to first hunt down and stop the man who abducted her—and killed three other women. Lucky for Royal, he’s not hunting alone. The Ice Breakers are back. Passion, twists, and hot romance are coming your way.

••••••

REVIEW: BRUTAL ICE is the eleventh 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. This is billionaire Royal Boudreaux, and ballerina Violet Murphy’s story line. BRUTAL ICE 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 three omniscient third person perspectives (Royal, Violet, killer) BRUTAL ICE follows Royal Boudreaux, as he hunts for a serial killer, Royal Boudreaux is a billionaire with a penchant for taking down the society’s evils but his most recent case brings him up close and personal with his future in the guise of dancer Violet Murphy. Royal found Violet locked in the trunk of an abandoned car, the woman bound and gagged as the killer’s next victim. Vowing to protect Violet with his life, Royal becomes guardian and protector of the woman he loves as he hunts for the person responsible for targeting our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Royal and Violet, and the potential fall-out as Royal becomes the prime suspect in the case he is desperate to close.

The world building focuses on the hunt for a killer. Royal Boudreaux and his ‘brother’ Beau were once street kids who were one another’s protectors and family. Royal’s need to destroy the people who take the lives of others makes him the perfect foil for law enforcement but Royal’s ability to track down the killers is often in opposition to the people in charge. When someone targets dancer Violet Murphy, Royal is determined to uncover the truth but

The relationship between Violet and Royal begins as a rescue but Royal doesn’t do relationships; is a man who keeps to himself but a man with the ability to uncover the truth. Falling for Violet was never his intention but he will protect Violet with his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Royal’s ‘brother’ Beau; Detective
Curran Barlow: stage director Micah Wright: dancer Simone; Dr. Leo Barnes, and the return of Dr. Antonia “Tony” Rossi and Aidan Warner (Touched By Ice 4), and Declan Flynn. I hope the author has future plans for Declan, and Beau.

BRUTAL ICE is a story of secrets and lies, obsession and madness, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, strong and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Frozen in Ice
Falling for the Ice Queen
Ice Cold Saint
Touched by Ice
Trapped in Ice
Forged From Ice
Buried Under Ice
Ice Cold Kiss
Savage Ice
Locked In Ice

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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