Wicked and Ruthless (Nash & Haisley 1) by Shayla Black-review

Wicked and Ruthless (Nash & Paisley 1: Wicked Lovers-Soldiers for Hire 9) by Shayla Black-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July

She knows love is a fairytale…until her ruthless operative ex steals her heart.

Haisley Rowe has always believed that happily-ever-afters are pretty lies. But after a scorching, year-long fling with a rugged operative, she committed the ultimate sin: falling for a man who will never love her back. Carrying her secret, she left town. Two years later she’s back, and a fateful run-in proves he alone still ignites her—body and soul.

Nash Scott disavowed marriage and babies…until Haisley blazed into his life, all fiery red hair and saucy sexiness, awakening his insatiable desire and becoming his deepest obsession. Now that she’s returned, he’ll do whatever it takes to make her his for good.

When he tackles a twisted abduction case, he discovers Haisley is embroiled, too. In a high-stakes world of vast power and unthinkable danger, they will have to repair each other’s hearts and their shattered trust before it’s too late. But as darker forces zero in, shocking secrets will be uncovered and threaten to tear them apart forever…

••••

REVIEW:WICKED AND RUTHLESS -Nash and Haisley Pt 1 is the ninth instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is social media promoter Haisley Rowe, and security specialist Nash Scott’s second chance story line.

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Haisley and Nash) using present day and memories from the past, WICKED AND RUTHLESS follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately two years earlier Haisley Rowe walked away from the man that she loves but her aunt’s death brought Haisley back to Lafayette, Louisiana where she will come face to face with the man she once loved but Haisley never expected to be working with Nash Scott after a series of abductions from the local mall pull our couple together. As Nash and Haisley begin their own investigation into the missing girls, all is not well with the people in charge.

The world building focuses on the break down of a relationship; the missing girls and a suspected human trafficking ring; and the prime suspects that may or may not be connected.

The relationship between Haisley and Nash is one of second chances. Two years earlier Haisley ran away from the man that she loved believing there was not chance for a future. Nash had no idea why Haisley ran but our heroine’s return brings a second chance for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters including the return of Nash’s brother Trees and Laila, as well as friends Charli, Gracelyn, Madison, and Nash’s boss Hunter Edgington. The requisite evil has many faces.

WICKED AND RUTHLESS is a story of power and control, madness and mayhem, family friendships, second chances and love .The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is provocative ; the characters are dynamic, and determined. WICKED AND RUTHLESS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Wicked as Sin
Wicked Ever After
Wicked as Lies
Wicked and True
Wicked as Seduction
Wicked and Forever
Wicked as Secrets
Wicked and Bare

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

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WICKED AND BARE (Matt and Madison Pt 2) by Shayla Black-review

WICKED AND BARE (Matt and Madison Pt 2) (Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire 8) by Shayla Black

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Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3SHac0a

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

He’d give his life to protect her…but he’ll demand everything from her in return.

Madison Archer-Pershing fled her murderous, soon-to-be ex-husband, running straight to operative Matt Montgomery, despite the fact he once broke her heart. Under his protection and in his arms, she can’t help but fall for him again. Then her husband discovers them together and coerces her back to his glittering, dangerous world of politics, greed, and deception. But Madison knows his deepest secrets…just like she knows he’ll try to silence her forever.

Matt knows he’s bad for good-girl Madison. He’s too rough, too commanding, but he can’t resist the woman who still owns his heart. Though he’s determined to keep her safe at any cost…he can’t protect her from his own dark desires. As she melts in his embrace, shocking revelations rock them. Peril lurks around every corner. And when he’s confronted with the most wrenching decision of his life, will he rip out his heart to save her or risk everything to claim her forever?

•••••••

REVIEW: WICKED AND BARE is the second instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary adult duet, and the eighth instalment in the author’s WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is the continuing story of thirty-three year old, security specialist Matt Montgomery, and twenty-seven year old, primary school teacher Madison Archer. WICKED AND BARE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of WICKED AS SECRETS.

NOTE: If you have not read WICKED AS SECRETS there may be spoilers in my review. Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Madison and Matt) WICKED AND BARE follows in the aftermath of our heroine’s witness to a murder, and her desperate attempts to flee the people involved. Married into a political dynasty, Madison has sold her soul to the devil but every attempt to leave is circumvented by the power elite. With the help of her former lover Matt Montgomery, Madison goes into hiding but threats against her family find Madison and Matt agreeing to a deal, a deal that would see Madison in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Matt and Madison, and the potential fall-out as Matt’s past is revealed, and Madison struggles to trust the man with whom she has fallen in love.

The world building continues to focus on the political fight for power and control. Madison is arm candy; a trophy wife meant to give voters the image of stability but Madison’s life is on the line every time she is trapped behind closed doors. The Pershing family is a political dynasty where the dark and dangerous secrets, if exposed, would destroy everything. Madison is caught in the middle, when threats against her own family mean bowing to the people in charge.

The relationship between Madison and Matt is one of second chances but Madison struggles with issues of trust, and Matt suspects there is more going on behind the scenes than he could have ever imagined. With the assistance of the team at EM Security Management, Matt begins to unravel the true nature of the people in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light bondage and discipline.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the numerous Wicked Lovers instalments. We are re-introduced to several members of the EM Security Management Team including Nash Scott, Ethan Garrison, Pierce ‘One Mile ‘ Walker; Madisons’ best friend Haisley; as well as Madison’s soon to be ex-husband and inlaws .

WICKED AND BARE is a story of the political elite, power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and forgiveness, betrayal and revenge. The dramatic character driven premise is haunting, tragic and edgy; the romance is provocative and emotional ; the characters are spirited, determined and destructive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wicked as Sin
Wicked Ever After
Wicked as Lies
Wicked and True
Wicked as Seduction
Wicked and Forever
Wicked as Secrets

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website Goodreads Facebook / Twitter   NEWSLETTERPINTERESTIYOUTUBE

 

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Wicked and Forever: Trees & Laila 2 by Shayla Black-review tour

Wicked and Forever: Trees & Laila 2 (Wicked and Devoted 6) by Shayla Black-review tour

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iwjx9Z

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 24, 2022

He’ll make her his again…even if he has to seduce her.

When the woman he loves is taken, Forest “Trees” Scott abandons a mission to save her from the enemy. Fearing the worst, he moves heaven and earth to find her—until he realizes Laila Torres left him of her own free will for the man who used her for six years. He’s stunned and wrecked. She played him—and he fell for it. One thing he’s not doing? Giving up. He’ll find her and he’ll make her pay…in his bed.

Laila is devastated by her tormentor’s return, but when he threatens the bodyguard she’s so foolishly fallen for, she risks everything—including her life—to protect Trees. As a mere pawn in a deadly game played by factions of a cartel, she and Trees have no future unless she can somehow destroy them. But she doesn’t count on Trees hunting her down, stripping her soul bare, and insisting in the sexiest way possible that she belongs to him and always will.

But danger awaits around every corner, and secrets abound. As Trees and Laila fight for their future, their enemies close in. Will they let go of their hurts and trust in their love before it’s too late?

•••••

REVIEW:WICKED AND FOREVER is the second instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult, erotic, romance suspense duet focusing on former elite soldier and tech Forest ‘Trees’ Scott, and Laila Torres, and the sixth instalment in the author’s Wicked and Devoted series. This is the continuing story of Trees and Laila, and should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of WICKED AS SEDUCTION. I recommended reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. Trees was first introduced in the author’s Devoted Lovers series.

NOTE: If you are a fan of Shayla Black’s Wicked Lovers, and Devoted Lovers series, you may recognize some of the characters as Wicked and Devoted crosses over with both of the aforementioned series.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: Laila Torres spent the majority of her life forced into sexual slavery by the Mexican Cartel but several months earlier our heroine and her sister Valeria were rescued by the team at EM Security, a team that included Forest ‘Trees’ Scott. The Cartel is demanding the return of Laila, her sister Valeria, and her sister’s son, and as they begin a search for our story line heroine.

Told from third person perspective WICKED AND FOREVER picks up after the events of Wicked as Seduction as the team at EM Security set into motion a plan to rescue Colonel Edgington’s daughter, a young woman currently held by the Mexican Cartel but within hours of the team’s plan implementation, Laila finds herself at the forefront of choosing between the man that she loves, and her sister who is currently in hiding. When Trees, and her sister’s lives are threatened, Laila makes a deal with the man who had previously destroyed her life, and in doing so, destroys the heart of the man with whom she is falling in love. Refusing to leave Laila in the hands of an abuser, Trees and the EM team head back to Mexico to rescue to the woman who once called to his heart. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Laila and Trees, and the potential fall-out as Laila refuses to remain under protection, placing herself in the direct line of fire at every opportunity.

Laila Torres is a woman on a mission, a mission to protect not only her sister and young nephew but the man with whom she is falling in love but Laila is also a little TSTL (too stupid to live) as she surrenders to the man who abused her and tortured her, a surrender meant to ensure the security of the people she loves back home. Laila meant well but her plan was about to spiral out of her control. Forest ‘Trees’ Scott fell in love with Laila Torres from the moment of rescue but Trees believes Laila has betrayed both him and his team, and in this, Trees is determined to punish our heroine, a punishment followed by the destruction of their growing relationship.

The relationship between Laila and Trees struggles in the face of perceived betrayal and some major issues of trust. Laila refuses to remain behind; refuses to sit back and let everyone else do a search and rescue for a missing woman believed to be held by the Mexican Cartel but Laila, for all intents and purposes, is a civilian without military experience but a woman who knows some of the ins and outs of the Cartel.Trees struggles with Laila’s demands to be part of the rescue, a rescue that is compromised from the very start. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is, once again, a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in previous story lines including One-Mile, Colonel Caleb Edgington, and his sons Hunter Edgington, Logan Edgington, Kane Preston, Deke Trenton, Joaquin Munoz , Zyron Garrett, PA Tessa Lawrence as well as Laila’s sister Valeria, and EM Security specialist Matt Montgomery. The requisite evil has many faces.

WICKED AND FOREVER: TREES AND LAILA is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, mistrust and forgiveness, misunderstanding and love. The premise is captivating, intriguing and impassioned; the romance is heated; the characters are charismatic and strong.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one in Tree and Laila’s story WICKED AS SEDUCTION

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website Goodreads Facebook / Twitter   NEWSLETTERPINTERESTIYOUTUBE

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Wicked as Seduction: Trees & Laila #1 by Shayla Black-Review Tour

Wicked as Seduction: Trees & Laila #1 (Wicked And Devoted 5) by Shayla Black-Review Tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: March 15, 2022

He’ll protect her…even if he has to take her captive to save her.

Tech wiz and former elite soldier Forest “Trees” Scott had one mission: Rescue the woman being hunted by a vicious cartel and get her to safety. It should have been simple…but the minute he sees the wary beauty with haunted eyes, his desire for her complicates everything. So does her stubborn refusal to trust him. When Trees is forced to abduct her, she vows to hate him—even as he finds himself falling in love…

For six years, Laila Torres has known nothing but brutality at the hands of men, so when the massive stranger with the forbidding mien kidnaps her, she’s frightened—and furious. But the giant’s protective care shocks her. With every word, he proves steadfast. With every forbidden touch, he awakens the woman in her. Soon, she’s facing the terrifying realization that he’s also dangerously close to capturing her heart.

But their ruthless enemies are closing in, threatening everything Laila holds dear. When she’s forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice, will she trust Trees and their love to save her?

••••••

REVIEW:WICKED AS SEDUCTION is the first instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult WICKED AS SEDUCTION: TREES AND LAILA erotic, romantic suspense duet, and the fifth instalment in the author’s WICKED AND DEVOTED series. This is former elite soldier and tech six Forest ‘Trees’ Scott, and Laila Torres’ story line. WICKED AS SEDUCTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommended reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. Trees was first introduced in the author’s Devoted Lovers series.

NOTE: If you are a fan of Shayla Black’s Wicked Lovers, and Devoted Lovers series, you may recognize some of the characters as Wicked and Devoted crosses over with both of the aforementioned series.

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

Told from third person perspective WICKED AS SEDUCTION focuses on the building but acrimonious relationship between former elite soldier and tech wiz Forest ‘Trees’ Scott, and Laila Torres. Laila Torres spent the majority of her life forced into sexual slavery by the Mexican Cartel but several months earlier our heroine and her sister Valeria were rescued by the team at EM Security, a team that included Forest ‘Trees’ Scott. The Cartel is demanding the return of Laila, her sister Valeria, and her sister’s son, and begin a search for our story line heroine. Hoping to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Trees Scott becomes guardian and protector of Laila Torres, a woman who struggles to trust, and believes every action is a prelude to bargaining or a payment. While her sister Valeria and young child are taken into protective custody by the EM Security Team, Trees and Laila find themselves on the run, barely one step ahead of the Mexican Cartel. What ensues is the building but embattled and cautious relationship between Trees and Laila, and the potential fall-out as Laila’s inability to trust, and her need to find her sister, continue to place our heroine in the direct line of fire.

Laila Torres does not trust Forest ‘Trees’ Scott, and makes his life miserable by trying to escape at every opportunity. Laila believes it is only a matter of time before our hero demands payment for her rescue and safety, and Laila refuses to owe anyone including the man who offers up everything else. Trees Scott fell for our heroine from the moment of rescue but Laila was in no position for a romantic relationship. With the Mexican Cartel on the hunt, Laila finds herself working with EM Security, and a man she refuses to accept regardless of his promise to keep her safe.

Meanwhile, all is not well at EM Security when the team suspects a mole in their midst. From One-Mile and Trees most recent missions, information is leaked, and one of their own is suspected of betrayal and deceit.

The relationship between Laila and Trees is cautious, acerbic, emotional and intense. Laila Torres is broken, and is unable to trust our story line hero. Rumors continue to circulate about a betrayer at EM Security, and Laila begins to suspect it is the man hired to protect and hide her from the Mexican Cartel. Trees Scott struggles to prove he is trustworthy; that he is not the mole, but the only man for our story line heroine. Laila’s need to run makes her a little TSTL, as she continues to push Trees closer to the edge, an edge from which he may never return. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate, erotic and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines including One-Mile, Colonel Caleb Edgington, and his sons Hunter Edgington, Logan Edgington, Kane Preston, Deke Trenton, Joaquin Munoz , Zyron Garrett, PA Tessa Lawrence and her daughter Hallie, as well as Laila’s sister Valeria. The requisite evil has many faces.

WICKED AS SEDUCTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, coercion and blackmail, an inability to trust, family and love. The premise is captivating, gritty, and heart breaking; the romance is provocative but struggles in the face of Laila’s history of capture and abuse; the characters are broken, energetic, charismatic and lost. WICKED AS SEDUCTION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website Goodreads Facebook / Twitter   NEWSLETTERPINTERESTIYOUTUBE

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Tempted by the Billionaire by Shayla Black-Review tour

Tempted by the Billionaire (Forbidden Confessions 9) by Shayla Black-Review tour

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3qVRxBN

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 8, 2022

What price will he extract for the career of her dreams?

I’m Savannah.
I’m a recent college grad in desperate need of a job.
When Billionaire CEO Chad Force interviews me, I’m blindingly attracted to him.
But he’s older. Wiser. And notorious about going after what he wants.
That will never be me.
Except the way he’s looking at me says it might.
Just how far am I willing to go for the opportunity of a lifetime?

•••••••

REVIEW:TEMPTED BY HE BILLIONAIRE is the ninth instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult FORBIDDEN CONFESSION erotic, romance novella series. This is billionaire CEO Chad Force, and twenty-two year old, PA Savannah Blythe’s story line. TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE 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 (Savannah and Chad) TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE follows the insta lust to love relationship between billionaire CEO Chad Force, and twenty-two year old, PA Savannah Blythe. Chad Force needs an assistant, immediately, having fired his last assistant the night before but Chad is currently laid up at home, and his next applicant calls to him life a moth to a flame. Savannah Blythe is desperate for work. With no job and no place to live, Savannah almost misses the opportunity to work for billionaire Chad Force but her first day on the job finds Savannah more than a l assistant but cook, cleaner, and personal body guard. What ensues is the insta-love relationship between Chad and Savannah, as Chad offers our heroine more than she could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Chad and Savannah is one of immediate attraction but Savannah needed a job, and Chad need to trust the woman with whom he would fall in love. Hours within meeting, Savannah finds herself in bed with our story line hero, a place she is willing to spend the rest of her life. The $ex scene is 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 Chad’s senior VP of Foreign Investments Marcus Hunt, and Josh Hennessey of the Hennessey group. Marcus and Josh play a pivotal role in Savannah’s first hours with Chad Force.

TEMPTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE is a very quick read; a novella length story of insta-lust to love in which love is proclaimed within a matter of hours. The premise is short, sweet and sexy; the romance is limited to lustful gazes and hot, steamy $ex; the characters are desperate yet likeable.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website Goodreads Facebook / Twitter

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More Than Possess You by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt Tour

More Than Possess You (More Than Words 6.75/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2021

I persuaded my best friend that I should be her first…

I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.

I’ve got to step in.

It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black is a contemporary adult, story line found in her MORE THAN WORDS erotic romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is businessman Hayes Elliott, and twenty-two year old, college grad Echo Hope’s story line. MORE THAN POSSESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Hayes) with two final chapters from Echo MORE THAN POSSESS YOU follows the graduation celebration of Echo Hope in Maui Hawaii. As a gift, Hayes Elliott gave his best friend Echo Hope a trip to Hawaii, a business trip for Hayes but a trip wherein Echo hopes to lose her ‘V-card’ to their mutual friend Xavian Costa but Hayes sees red as he struggles with his best friend going elsewhere, a best friend he refuses to accept as anything more. Friends for eighteen years, Hayes and Echo, along with Xavian Costa have done everything together but Hayes never expected to watch from the sidelines as his bestie lost her virginity to someone else. As Hayes does his best to foil all of Echo’s plans, our heroine must comes to terms that the man that she loves, doesn’t love her in return.

Meanwhile, Xavian Costa has reached a crossroads in his life. A recent graduate himself, Xavian feels alone without the support of family, having lost his mother a few years before, and never knowing the identity of his father. When a lawyer reaches out to Xavian about a possible family connection, Xavian will discover that the family he wanted is more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Echo and Hayes is a friends to lovers relationship, one in which Echo has been in love with her best friend for close to eight years. Hayes Elliott never saw Echo as a woman, as a sexual being but a few days in Hawaii proves that Echo has been hiding behind baggy clothes for far too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, enthusiastic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments of the More Than Words series. We are introduced to Hayes’ Gramma Liddy, as well as Xavian’s large but well established extended family.

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. A story of conflict, acceptance, revelations and realizations. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are energetic and animated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
More than Want You
More Than Need You
More Than Love You
More Than Crave You
More than Tempt You
More than Pleasure You
More Than Dare You
More Than Protect You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

I scowl. Echo almost sounds like… No. She can’t possibly speak from experience. Who the hell would she be in love with that I don’t know about?
Then I remember she’s “talking” with Xavian.
I freeze.
Anyone who called me a player would label Xavian Costa a man whore. She can’t have real feelings for him.
Can she?
If I confront Echo head-on about how stupid falling for Xavian is, she’ll bristle. So I try to be sneaky. “I haven’t talked to X much lately. What’s up with him?”
“Besides finals, nothing new. But he’s stoked that we’ll all be boarding the plane for Maui on Saturday. He was thrilled that, despite being an intern, he was included in the bonus trip for top performers.”
Xavian is killing it in the office. He’s got a natural gift for making money, so I’m not surprised. But she sounds almost proud of him, like a girlfriend.
“And thanks again for taking me along as your plus one. I’m so excited I bought two new bikinis!”
For Xavian to look at? The thought makes me frown even more. But I act casual.
“Of course. Hey…” I bump shoulders with her. “You’re my bestie. I had to give you a graduation trip worth remembering.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. The plane ticket alone must have cost a fortune. But I promise, I won’t keep you awake at night snoring.” She winks.
“You don’t snore, shortcake.” I’ve been camping with her about a million times, so I know. But by now, she’s usually found half a dozen activities for us to appreciate the scenery and make memories—a nature reserve, a challenging hike, a sunrise picnic on the beach—something. But we’re six days away from the biggest vacation of our lives, and not a word. “Tell me what you have planned for paradise.”
“Sun and water!” She closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, like she can already smell the ocean.
“I meant for us.”
Echo turns to me with a shrug. “I thought we’d chill. Besides, I wasn’t sure how much you’d have to work.”
“I only have two mixers all week. We’ll have tons of time for other stuff.”
“Oh. Good.”
But her voice suggests that isn’t good at all. What the hell is up? Does she have some surprise for me and doesn’t want me guessing, like Christmas before last?
“So we’ll think of some things,” I prod her. “Right?”
“Sure.”
Her easy reply should make me feel better. Instead, I’m wondering if she’s planning to enjoy paradise with someone else.
Like Xavian.
Fuck, I know I’ve been busy lately and spending a lot of my free time with Jayci—mostly because she’ll try anything in bed and could suck the brass off a doorknob—but the thought of Echo and me drifting apart fills me with something like panic.
“What do you say we have a pre-trip graduation party on Friday night? We don’t leave until two in the afternoon on Saturday, so—”
“I can’t.” Echo tears her gaze away. “I’ve got…something else.”
Like? Her vague refusal fills me with dread. “A date?”
“Not exactly.”
Shifting closer, I take her chin in my hand. “Then what? Talk to me. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Nothing. I just need to, um…take care of something before we go.”

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

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More Than Protect You by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt tour

More Than Protect You (More Than Words 6.5 /1001 Dark Nights) by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2020

Can I keep the gorgeous, gun-shy single mother safe—and prove I’m the man for her?

I’m Tanner Kirk—Certified firearms instructor and mixed martial arts enthusiast. When I filed for divorce at the end of an empty marriage, all I wanted was a vacation in paradise, not another woman in my life. But how can I possibly say no to Amanda Lund, a young single mom desperate to learn self-defense? Or refuse the banked desire on the guarded beauty’s face?

I can’t.

So I seduce Mandy until we’re burning up the sheets…and soon find my heart entangled with her bruised and battered one. But when a nemesis from her past tries to destroy our future by unearthing my secret, will she understand and forgive me—or give up on us forever?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN PROTECT YOU is instalment 6.5 in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult MORE THAN WORDS erotic, romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is thirty-nine year old, certified firearms instructor and mixed martial arts enthusiast Tanner Kirk, and single mother/ PA Amanda Lund’s story line. MORE THAN PROTECT YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of MORE THAN PROTECT YOU cross over with the events and timeline of More Than Dare You #6.

SOME BACKGROUND: Throughout the years billionaire investor Barclay Reed fathered several illegitimate children with at least four women, but his latest scheme was to swindle dozens of people in an elaborate Ponzi scheme leaving them high and dry in the wake of his death. MORE THAN WORDS focuses on his children, and the people whose life he destroyed.

Told from first person perspective (Tanner Kirk) with a final chapter from Amanda, MORE THAN PROTECT YOU follows in the aftermath of an attack against our story line heroine. Amanda Lund came from a well to do family but found herself looking for a daddy figure and discovered it with her father’s friend Barclay Reed. Now a single mother of a one-year old child whose father swindled billions of dollars from unsuspecting investors Amanda finds herself a target of an unknown assailant and has fled to Hawaii in an effort to get to know her son’s extended family. To everyone’s surprise, trouble has followed Amanda to Maui, and she is in desperate need of personal protection. Enter certified firearms instructor and mixed martial arts enthusiast Tanner Kirk, a man who has just arrived in Hawaii looking for a brand new start. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Tanner and Amanda, and the potential fall-out as issues of trust push Tanner out of Amanda’s life.

The relationship between Tanner and Amanda begins as an assignment but quickly turns into something more. Tanner is in the process of divorcing his wife of ten years, and Amanda is struggling to move on from the past. When Tanner and Amanda set up house, their attraction deepens, the sexual chemistry is hot but issues of trust are about to tear them apart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is as large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the Reed siblings: Griffin Reed (More Than Need You #2), Noah Weston and Harlow Reed (More Than Love You 3), Evan Cook and Nia Wright (More Than Crave You #4), Amanda’s brother Stephen Lund (More Than Pleasure You #5.5) Trace Weston and Macey (More Than Dare You #6), as well as Amanda and Steven’s father Douglas Lund, and investor Bruce Barrett.

MORE THAN PROTECT YOU is a story of family and relationships; betrayal and trust; desperation, power, money and control. The premise is engaging ; the romance is tender and seductive; the characters are energetic and edgy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
More than Want You
More Than Need You
More Than Love You
More Than Crave You
More than Tempt You
More than Pleasure You
More Than Dare You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy



There’s nothing like Bon Jovi waking me up before five a.m. on a Sunday morning. I eye my phone, now blasting “You Give Love a Bad Name,” my soon-to-be ex-wife’s ringtone. She only ever calls when she wants something, so this ought to be interesting.
I grope the device off the nightstand and flop back to my pillow. “What, Ellie?”
“It’s Elise now.”
The day I met her, working on a ranch a hundred miles outside of Pueblo, Colorado, she was Ellie. She was a happy-go-lucky nineteen and didn’t have an uncompromising thought in her head. I took one look at her sloppy ponytail, hazel eyes, crooked smile, and very short shorts—and I fell. We got married a few years later, bought a house, and started a business together. Everything was going all right…until it wasn’t. Eight years had gone by when I looked up and realized I was married to a stranger. When she asked for a trial separation, I didn’t fight. That night, I packed a bag and walked out the door. I haven’t missed her since.
“Do you know what fucking time it is in Maui, Elise?”
“Early. I know. But since you haven’t been available during reasonable daytime hours lately, I thought I’d try this.”
So me ignoring her three phone calls yesterday wasn’t subtle enough? “What do you want?”
“Did you get the paperwork yet? I signed it. The carrier shows it was delivered to you on Friday.”
She’s itching for our divorce to be final. In truth, I’m feeling the same. We separated nearly two years ago, and finally this long road is almost over.
“Yeah.”
“And? Is that all you have to say?”
“Yeah.” Mostly because it drives her crazy. I’m not trying to antagonize her simply to be a vengeful asshole. I’m just hoping if these phone calls are painful enough she’ll stop.
She sighs like she’s grappling for patience. “Tanner Maxwell Kirk, please give me a straightforward answer once and for all. Are you going to sign the papers?”
“Yeah.” Why would I stay married to her now?
“This week?”
“You in a hurry?” I ask out of curiosity more than anything. And maybe because I want to yank her chain.
“Not that you care, but yes.”
“Why? You’re not looking to get married again, are you?”
She hesitates. “I don’t see that it’s any of your business.”
“Then I don’t see why I have to sign right away.”
“Ugh, you are the most frustrating, infuriating man! I only married you because I wanted off that damn ranch, and I didn’t know how damaging the traditional, patriarchal institution of marriage was…”
I tune out. I’ve heard this speech. She didn’t find marriage demeaning or oppressive until she decided to go back to college and took a bunch of classes that turned her thinking inside out. Fine. I never wanted to hold her back. The moment she asked, I set her free. A few months later, I even hired an attorney to make it official.

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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More Than Dare You (More Than Words) by Shayla Black-Review tour

More Than Dare You (More Than Words #6) by Shayla Black-Review & Excerpt tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 28, 2020

I dared her to spend a hot, no-strings night with me. Now I’m determined to keep her forever.

I’m Trace Weston, recently reformed womanizer. In the blink of an eye, I went from busy bachelor to full-time single dad. My life was already complicated before my sister-in-law asked me to show off my bedroom skills to her bestie, who’s wanting to experience real pleasure now that her one-and-only long-term relationship is over. Gorgeous Masey Garrett isn’t my “usual.” She’s shy, sassy, driven, and incredibly kind. Suddenly I’m falling fast…but she’s only mine for a night.

What’s a former player to do? Change the rules.

Now she’s under my roof night after night, letting me into her body and her life. Her heart? Not so much. She loves my newborn son. Me? I can’t tell. I’m pulling out all the stops to win her over, but she’s not taking me seriously. Other than passion, how can I reach her? Every attempt only pulls me deeper under her spell. Sure, I could drop an L bomb…except that once imploded my heart. But when her past collides with my desired future, can I risk everything and dare Masey to stay with me forever?

••••••••

REVIEW:  MORE THAN DARE YOU is the sixth full-length instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult MORE THAN WORDS erotic, romance series. This is boat operator and single father Trace Weston, and YouTube makeup influencer Masey Garrett’s story line. MORE THAN DARE YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Trace is Noah Weston’s brother, and Masey is Harlow Reed Weston’s best friend (More Than Love You #3).

Told from first person perspective (Trace Weston) MORE THAN DARE YOU follows the building romance and relationship between boat operator and single father Trace Weston, and YouTube makeup influencer Masey Garrett. Breaking up with her boyfriend of ten years, LA native Masey Garrett finds herself in Maui at the invite of her best friend Harlow Weston but Masey is all about discovering what she is capable of, and in this Harlow sets Masey up with her husband’s brother Trace Weston. Trace Weston, a one-time manwhore might be able to teach Masey a thing or two about $ex both in and out of the bedroom, and in this Masey becomes a challenge for Weston but Weston never expected to lose his heart to our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Masey and Trace, and the potential fall-out as Masey’s time in Hawaii comes to a close.

Five months earlier Trace Weston discovered he was a father when the baby was dropped off at his brother’s front door because the mother thought she had a one-night stand with our hero’s brother. Fast forward to present day wherein Trace’s life revolves around the love he has for his son but when his sister in-law asked for a favor, our hero never expected the favor to wind up in bed with our story line heroine. For ten years, Masey Garrett believed she was a failure in bed having never lived up to her boyfriend’s expectations but catching said boyfriend with an internet porn star left Masey heart broken and feeling like a failure in love. When Harlow offered to set Masey up with Trace Weston, Masey found herself falling for a man who could potentially break her heart.

The relationship between Masey and Trace is one of immediate attraction but a relationship built upon Masey’s need to ‘learn’ about $ex. Masey never expected to fall for her best friend’s brother in law believing she would return to LA to seduce her new neighbor who had captured her eye. As Trace begins his sexual seduction of our story line heroine, Masey’s insecurities reappear to take over her thoughts. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The palpable sexual attraction is apparent from their introduction.

The small cast of secondary and supporting characters include Noah and Harlow; Trace and Noah’s mother; Amanda, Nia, bodyguard Tanner Kirk, and Masey’s ex-boyfriend Thom. Tanner and Amanda’s story line is next in More Than Protect You

MORE THAN DARE YOU is a story of family, friendships, heart break and betrayal. The character driven premise is engaging and inviting; the characters are lively and sassy; the romance is sensitive, seductive and spirited. My only issue is the use of the word honey-used eighty (80) times by Trace to address our story line heroine-it’s as though he forgot her name, and used ‘honey’ as his only form of address. ‘Honey’ becomes redundant and repetitive, and a big turn-off after the first twenty or so times.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
More than Want You
More Than Need You
More Than Love You
More Than Crave You
More than Tempt You
More than Pleasure You

 

 

“Let’s just let it happen.”
“I’ve never been good at that.”
Because she’s never had the chance; Thom didn’t make it possible. I have a feeling that she’s tried to fantasize her way into the experience she wanted with her ex—and failed. Her anxiety is an unspoken ache bleeding between us. I feel her wondering… What will she do if I can’t give her what she craves? If she’s not capable of feeling real pleasure and she has to face the fact she’s been blaming her ex all this time?
And underneath her worries lies a yearning I can’t resist. Not for me specifically…but if I do everything right, is there any chance it could be? Is it at all possible she wakes up tomorrow and wants me to stay longer?
What the… Why am I thinking this shit? She’s only here for a couple of weeks while she puts her ex behind her enough to date her new neighbor. Masey and I have nothing beyond tonight. I need to remember that.
But she’s in my head and under my skin. Sure, I’m attracted. But this is…different.
It feels like more.
“I have no doubt you’re better than you think,” I finally say as I cradle her cheek and slowly slide my fingers around her nape, curling the tips along the soft column. “But let me help you. Tonight, tell me everything you think. If something I do feels good, say so. If it doesn’t, I want to hear that, too.”
She licks her lips again, and at the thought of her tongue on my skin, I feel my knees start to buckle. “You do?”
Masey breathes the question like she’s not sure whether to believe me. I do my best to give her a reassuring smile when what I really want is to strip her bare, kiss her breathless, then rake my lips all over her body and focus on the parts that will make her sigh and moan and ultimately scream.
“Yeah.”
“You won’t feel criticized?”
“Positive.”
“All right. I will.”
“Good. Last chance.”
“To back out?” She shakes her head. “No. I-I want this.”
“This?” I know what she’s getting at. I have every intention of being the most accommodating lover she’s ever imagined. But I’m going to be an absolute bastard about one thing: she can’t just want sex. I’ve hardly touched her and I already know that’s not enough for me anymore.
“I want you,” she admits softly, sending my triumph spiking. “It feels incredibly intimate to admit that. I barely know you and I already want you so much I don’t understand…”
My fingers tighten on her nape as I start to lean in. “Same, honey. I want you, too. Now stop talking so I can kiss you.”
She braces herself by clutching my shoulders. Her palms are like ghosts, barely whispering over my shirt. But her fingers dig into me, as if she can’t quite keep her anxiety and her need to herself. “Oh, god.”
“It’s going to be good, Masey. I promise.”
I have no doubt about that.
She stops breathing again. Her eyes slide shut. She tilts her face up to me. Without her heels, she’s a tiny thing. I bend closer, closer, watching her lips softly purse.
My heart chugs. My blood races through my veins, searing muscle and skin. My cock, which has been hard since we met, turns unbearably stony as I inhale her scent. The beach clings to her—salt and wind and something sweet that’s purely her.
What if I’ve been looking at the wrong kind of woman my whole life? What if everything I’ve been seeking is now right in front of me?

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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