Tag Archives: Slow Burn

Slow Burn (Redemption 7) by Jessica Prince-review tour

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Slow Burn (Redemption 7) by Jessica Prince-review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 20, 2023

When she started on the path to her new life, she never could have guessed where it would lead her.

Deva Kent spent most of her life dreaming of escaping. She hated being forced to live among the Fellowship of the Enlightened, the small community closed off from the rest of the world, and was desperate to spread her wings and discover something new. When she applied to be a nanny for a single father and his two-year-old son, the Fellowship wasn’t happy, but she knew that was her fresh start. However, she never thought she’d end up falling for the man with more baggage than he could carry and storm clouds in his eyes.

Laeth Harker’s world fell off its axis the morning a past one-night-stand showed up on his doorstep with a son he knew nothing about in tow. He barely had his own life together and didn’t know the first thing about caring for a child. But after spending most of his life screwing everything up, he was determined to do right by his own flesh and blood. He just didn’t know where to start.

When Laeth hired Deva on as his son’s nanny, she was supposed to make his life easier. But the way he felt about her was the very definition of complicated.

Their feelings might have started off at a slow burn, but once it catches, it’s hot enough to set the world on fire.

••••••

REVIEW: Never has a book title fit a story so well. Slow burn is exactly what Deva and Laeth’s story is. If you can bear through it though, you will not be disappointed. Slow Burn is the seventh installment in the Redemption series by the amazing Jessica Prince, and what a wonderful adventure it was. As always I recommend reading the series in order as you get the most out of it, but it can be read as a standalone.

Deva is desperate to make a change to the life that she hates, her family has them all wrapped up in a cult called the Fellowship of the Enlightened. Deva is ready to branch out of her sheltered, narrow life, and to finally start living the life that she wants.To start her new life she takes a job as a nanny to a little boy. Little did she know that the father that comes with that child would change her life. Laeth doesn’t know what he is doing, but when a son he never knew about needs him, and he doesn’t want to mess up little Cash. The first thing he does is hire a nanny to make his life a little easier. What a choice that was.

Deva and Laeth have one of the best slow burn love stories I have read yet. Deva’s “family” plays a big part in her choice to better her life, but no spoilers. Laeth has a darkness to him that plays really well to the bright that Deva has, and their chemistry is off the charts. Both have a past they are still coming to terms with, but both want a better future. They just didn’t know they needed each other to make their lives whole.

For those readers that love a good grumpy-sunshine romance, this one will be right up your alley. Next to Wallflowers, this book has to be one of my most favorites by JP. Five out of five stars!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bad Alibi
Crazy Beautiful
Bittersweet
Guilty Pleasure
Wallflower
Blurred Lines

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

 

Jessica Prince

Born and raised around Houston Texas, Jessica spent most of her life complaining about the heat, humidity, and all around pain in the ass weather. It was only as an adult that she quickly realized the cost of living in Houston made up for not being able to breathe when she stepped outside. That’s why God created central air, after all.

Jessica is the mother of a perfect little boy–she refuses to accept that he inherited her attitude and sarcastic nature no matter what her husband says.

In addition to being a wife and mom, she’s also a wino, a coffee addict, and an avid lover of all types of books–romances still being her all time favs. Her husband likes to claim that reading is her obsession but she just says it’s a passion…there’s a difference. Not that she’d expect a boy to understand.

Jessica has been writing since she was a little girl, but thankfully grew out of drawing her own pictures for her stories before ever publishing her first book. Because an artist she is not.

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Hot Enough to Burn/Slow Burn by Cynthia Eden-reviews

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HOT ENOUGH TO BURN/ SLOW BURN (Phoenix Fury 1 & 2) by Cynthia Eden

HOT ENOUGH TO BURN
Phoenix Fury 1
by Cynthia Eden
Re-release Date: January 20, 2022
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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

Do you believe in monsters? You should, they walk among humans every single day. Reporter Eve Bradley has known the truth about paranormals for a while, and her latest story has taken her inside the mysterious Genesis facility. It’s at Genesis that Eve first meets Subject Thirteen, Cain O’Connor. Big, gorgeous, and truly, truly HOT.

Cain is a phoenix shifter. Every time that he dies, he rises from the ashes…stronger, deadlier, and another step closer to losing his control. And what happens when a phoenix loses control? Welcome to hell on Earth.

Cain feels an instant connection with Eve, a woman who swears she wants to help him. The attraction between them burns hotter than his flames, and soon, Eve is the only link to sanity that Cain has as the world turns to fire around him.

Eve isn’t human, despite the cover she’s used for years, and she is more than capable of withstanding a little heat. But as their enemies plot to trap them, Eve and Cain will be forced to trust each other completely. Be forced to surrender to a desire that cannot be controlled, and soon, if they are not careful, it’s a desire that might just have the power to destroy them both.

If you want something too badly, if you want someone too much…you will never even see the fire coming, not until it’s too late. Be careful. You don’t want to get burned…

•••••

REVIEW: HOT ENOUGH TO BURN is the first instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult PHOENIX FURY erotic, paranormal romance series. This is phoenix Cain O’Connor, and reporter Eve Bradley’s story line.

NOTE: HOT ENOUGH TO BURN is the re-release of the 2014 BURN FOR ME.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately ten years earlier the existence of the paranormal, the supernatural was revealed to the world. A group calling themselves GENESIS is capturing, torturing and performing unsanctioned experiments on the supernatural. These are their stories.

Told from third person perspective HOT ENOUGH TO BURN follows reporter Eve Bradley as she investigates the Genesis facility, a facility performing unsanctioned experiments on the supernatural. Eve will witness the torture and murder over and over of Subject Thirteen aka Cain O’Connor, a man whose inner beast is soothed by our story line heroine. On the run together, our couple have been targeted for their ‘magical powers’, powers when combined reveal a secret our heroine can no longer contain. Determined to take down the people responsible, Cain and Eve find themselves facing off against vampires, super charged werewolves, demons and more. What ensues is the building relationship between Eve and Cain, and the potential fall-out as lives are lost, and Cain struggles with Eve’s need to save the world.

Eve Bradley isn’t quite human but our heroine has the ability to withstand the fall-out from the man with whom she will fall in love. Hoping to reveal the atrocities taking place at the Genesis facility, Eve discovers the experiments are meant to create the ultimate supernatural, an immortal killing machine impossible to kill.Cain O’Connor has only one mission for the foreseeable future-taking down the man betraying the supernatural community but Cain never expected to come face to face with the woman that calls to heart, the woman that calms with beast within.

The relationship between Cain and Eve is one of immediate attraction but Cain fears hurting the woman with whom he will fall in love. Eve has no idea about the who and what of our story line hero but Eve is the only person capable of surviving Cain’s return to the living. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and hot, without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to vampire Ryder Duncan, werewolf Trace Frost, and scientist Dr. Richard Wyatt. Ryder’s story line is next.

HOT ENOUGH TO BURN is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power, obsession and control; love and acceptance. The premise is enchanting and intense; the romance is erotic and seductive; the characters are magical and charismatic.

 Cynthia Eden

Own a copy

_______

SLOW BURN
Phoenix Fury 2
by Cynthia Eden
Release Date: March 24, 2022
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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The king of the vampires is in hell…and he will do anything to get his freedom.

Ryder Duncan has been a prisoner at the Genesis facility for far too long. Trapped, starved, tortured—he is ready to do anything necessary in order to escape. If Genesis wants a monster, he will show his captors just how deadly he can be…

Then an angel is tossed into his cage. A beautiful angel who burns hell-hot and wrecks his world.

With one taste of Sabine Acadia’s blood, Ryder is hooked. Her taste is like no other and the flood of power he gets from her is a supernatural rush. He knows what she is—even before he is forced to watch the flames consume her. Beautiful, magical, more than a myth…Sabine is a phoenix, and when she rises, he vows that she will be his.

Thrown together in an alliance born of blood and passion, they have to trust each other.

Escape is their goal. Freedom their dream. Ryder vows to make their captors pay—in blood—even as he plans to keep Sabine at his side. He’s roamed this earth for centuries, and he’s always searched for his perfect mate. He just never expected his desire for her to burn so hot.

But that’s the thing about fire…even a slow burn will eventually consume you.

•••••••

REVIEW: SLOW BURN is the second instlament in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult PHOENIX FURY erotic, paranormal romance series. This is vampire Ryder Duncan, and phoenix Sabine Acadia’s story line. SLOW BURN can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.

NOTE: SLOW BURN is the re-release of the author’s 2014 ONE BITTEN, TWICE BURNED. Some of the event of SLOW BURN cross over with, and run parallel to book one HOT ENOUGH TO BURN.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately ten years earlier the existence of the paranormal, the supernatural was revealed to the world. A group calling themselves Genesis is capturing, torturing and performing unsanctioned experiments on the supernatural in an effort to create the perfect soldier. These are their stories.

Told from third person perspective SLOW BURN follows ancient vampire Ryder Duncan and phoenix Sabine Acadia’s escape from the group known as Genesis. Ryder Duncan is an ancient vampire, believed to be the first vampire, and as such his powers are beyond that of which anyone knows but Ryder’s blood has been used by Genesis in an effort to create the perfect soldier but the power within the blood is more than anyone can handle. Enter phoenix Sabine Acadia, a young woman who knows nothing about her powers or the existence of the supernatural but a woman who is about to find herself front and centre in the unsanctioned experiments at the Genesis complex, experiments that match Sabine and Ryder together in an effort to merge their powers. Upon their escape, Sabine is desperate to return home to her family but her returns brings chaos and death to the people she loves. What ensues is the building relationship between Sabine and Ryder, and the potential fall-out as betrayal and vengeance target our story line couple.

Sabine Acadia is an innocent, naïve to the world of the supernatural but Sabine’s past is mired in secrets and lies, and our heroine is about to discover how truly deep goes the betrayal. Ryder Duncan is the king of all vampires, and as such, he is impervious to most of the ‘usual’ things used to kill a vampire including fire and our story line heroine but one taste of Sabine’s blood, and Ryder is unable to stay away, blood that calls to our hero’s heart.

The relationship between Sabine and Ryder begins as an experiment that goes horribly wrong for our story line couple. Ryder is starved of blood for months at a time, and Sabine is ripe for our hero’s lust. Sabine believes that Ryder only wants her for her blood but her memories reveal a bite that is both deadly and arousing. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Cain Connor and Eve Bradley (Hot Enough to Burn #1), scientists Richard Wyatt and Cassandra Armstrong, phoenix Dante, vampires Julia and Grayson; Sabine’s father and her brother Rhett; Rhett’s cousin Vaughn and his father Keith Adams; and Ryder’s brother Malcolm.

SLOW BURN is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, desperation and manipulation, torture and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and passionate; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are energetic and strong.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ache For You (Slow Burn #3) by JT Geissinger – Review & Excerpt Tour

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ACHE FOR YOU (Slow Burn #3) by JT Geissinger-Review and Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2018

In this fairy tale with a sexy twist, she’s a penniless San Francisco seamstress. He’s the king of Italian couture. Who’s got designs on whom?

Boutique owner Kimber DiSanto has seen better days. She’s been dumped at the altar by Prince Charmless, her business went up in flames (literally), and now she’s stuck in Florence, Italy, with an ice-queen stepmother, to try to save her late father’s failing dress shop. Only one thing could make it worse: another man in her life. The arrogant Italian fashion tycoon offering to buy her father’s shop is as rich as he is sexy, and their attraction is off the charts. But Kimber’s not about to get burned again.

Women don’t say no to Matteo Moretti—and certainly not with Kimber’s stinging precision. With all the heat and fury sparking between them, Matteo can’t resist baiting the gorgeous American. His plan? Win her over one scorching kiss at a time.

Kimber tells herself it’s all just a game. That her broken heart isn’t in danger, and that Matteo’s touch does not make her Lady Land dance with joy. But sometimes it takes the fieriest of enemies to turn a fantasy into a real-life romance

•••••••••

REVIEW: ACHE FOR YOU is the third instalment in JT Geissinger’s contemporary, adult SLOW BURN erotic, romance series. This is Italian Marchese Matteo Moretti, and boutique owner/designer Kimber DiSanto’s story line. ACHE FOR YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kimber and Matteo) ACHE FOR YOU is a Cinderella-esque / forbidden romance story line focusing on Italian Marchese Matteo Moretti, and boutique owner/designer Kimber DiSanto. Kimber DiSanto’s life is spiralling out of control: dumped at the altar, the death of her father, blindsided by a step-mother she never knew, and a fire that destroyed her designer boutique, our heroine finds herself in Florence, Italy in an effort to ensure her father’s dress shop remains a viable operation. But Kimber’s run of bad luck continues to grow when a gorgeous Italian male makes Kimber an offer she cannot refuse. Enter Marchese Matteo Moretti, Kimber’s ex step-brother, and the man with whom Kimber will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Kimber and Matteo, and the potential fall-out as Kimber struggles with issues of trust, when betrayal is but a design sketch away.

Kimber DiSanto’s father was dying and our heroine was desperate to catch a flight overseas but Kimber was bumped, and her only option was to reluctantly give her latest designs to the handsome stranger in exchange for a first class ticket to Florence, Italy. Judgemental but wary Kimber doesn’t do herself any favors as she endeavors to take control of her father’s fashion line in an effort to prevent the competition from gaining control. Matteo Moretti was drawn in by the beautiful designer from the first time they met but offering her his ticket in exchange for her designs was all kinds of betrayal for a woman he would come to love. Hoping to make things right, nothing ever goes according to plans and the fall-out threatens the woman he loves.

The relationship between Matteo and Kimber is one of immediate attraction but Kimber was in no position for a rebound romance including a romance with a man she believes is out to destroy the DiSanto family business. As Matteo attempts to seduce our story line heroine, Kimber is conflicted by rumors and warnings about the man (and family) with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text but I struggled with a perceived lack of palpable sexual energy. Matteo is the epitome of an Italian lover while Kimber is a brash, mouthy and slightly hysterical American of Italian descent.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and charismatic. We are introduced to Kimber’s best friends: fashion model Jenner, and Danielle, as well as her ex-fiance Brad Wingate; Matteo’s mother, the Marchesa Lady Moretti, and her major-domo Lorenzo, and her father’s best friend Dominic.

ACHE FOR YOU is a captivating, multi-troped story line: enemies to lover, reimagined fairy tale, left at the altar, and forbidden romance. The premise is entertaining and enjoyable; the romance is seductive and sexy; the characters are spirited and animated.

There are some issues of repetition including the use and application of the word ‘uterus’ (and derivatives) sixteen times as our heroine’s inner monologue focuses on her attraction to a man she believes is the ultimate betrayal. I am a big fan of JT Geissinger’s style of writing but I had a difficult time connecting to her latest couple.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Burn For You
Melt For You
Ache For You

NOTE:  ebook BURN FOR YOU (Slow Burn #1) is only $1.99 

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Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

With my chin held high, I go over to him, push him out of the doorway, and slam the door in his face.
The door instantly swings back open.
Shit. No lock.
“You know, hate and love aren’t so different, bella.”
He’s being philosophical now, pursing his pretty mouth and gazing at the ceiling, as if viewing the stars.
I could kill him.
“Why do you enjoy torturing me? Are you some kind of sadist?”
He ignores me, naturally, and continues his little Socratic speech. “They’re two sides of the same coin, really. Passion, obsession, sweaty palms, and a racing heart. Lost sleep.” He slides his gaze over to the cheese and salami on the dresser. “A poor appetite.”
“You want a poor appetite? I’ll give you a poor appetite. I’ll take that salami and wedge it so far down your throat you won’t be able to eat ever again.”
Amused by my fury, he smiles. “Passion,” he reminds me, smug as shit.
I look around for something to throw at him.
“Let’s call a truce.” He strolls forward, hands in his pockets.
As if I’ll feel safer that way.
“No truce. No way. And you’re the one who started this war, remember?”
He makes a face, like he’s doubtful.
“Yes, you. Wait, why am I even talking to you? You fake kissed me!”
“Did I?”
“Yes! You admitted you did!”
“Hmm. I don’t recall that.”
“So we’ll add dementia to your long list of problems.”
By now he’s trapped me at the edge of the bed, advancing so stealthily I hardly noticed it, which was probably his dastardly plan all along.
I stand my ground and flatten my hand in the center of his chest, bracing my arm so he can’t move forward. “I’m not a joke,” I say, my voice raw. “I’m not a plaything.”
“I never said you were.”
Under my palm, his heart is a jackhammer. We do the hate breathing at each other again, which apparently is becoming our thing. Then we do the hate eye fucking again, which is definitely becoming our thing.
He says softly, “You’re giving me grief about how I look at you? You should see your eyes right now.” His voice drops an octave. “So dirty, bella. So very, very dirty.”
“I’m not selling the company, no matter how much you try to sex it out of me.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “Sex it out of you?” As I watch with ragged breath, he sinks his teeth into his full lower lip. “Now that sounds interesting. Let’s discuss.”
“You’re a pig.”
“And yet you want me.”
“You’re unbelievable!”
“Yes, women have told me that before. Usually right after they come.”
I can’t even with this guy!
Then it’s like he remembers something. He looks around, frowning. “What are you doing in here?”
“What does it look like I’m doing? Trying to get rid of you!”
He looks at the wad of sheets in the corner. He looks at the freshly made bed. Then he looks back at me. The smile that breaks over his face is breathtaking.
“My darling ex-stepsister. Are you moving in?”
Very deliberately, I slide my hand up his chest until I reach his neck. Then I grasp his throat—lightly, but enough to let him know I mean it.
His skin is hot to the touch, and his throat is strong. Thick. It makes me think of other hot, thick body parts.
I officially hate myself.
He lifts his brows, obviously amused. “You have the most interesting internal conversations. Are you going to choke me?”
I growl. It sounds silly, like a kitten trying to be scary.
Matteo leans forward. My arm is still locked at the elbow, so it puts more pressure around his throat. Holding my gaze, he says softly, “Go ahead. I know you want to.”
Boy, do I. I curl my other hand around his neck so now I’ve got him good and surrounded. I feel his pulse, beating hard against my palms. It’s weirdly arousing.
Intently watching my face, he whispers, “Those eyes.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads /Pinterest / Instagram /

A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

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Melt For You (Slow Burn #2) by J.T. Geissinger-Review Tour

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MELT FOR YOU (Slow Burn #2) by J.T. Geissinger-Review tour

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Add MELT FOR YOU to GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 15, 2018

A wallflower gets seduction tips from a playboy athlete—until love changes the rules.
Socially awkward Joellen Bixby has a date every Saturday—with her cat, a pint of ice cream, and fantasies of the way-too-handsome Michael Maddox. She’d give anything to win over the unattainable CEO of her firm, but how can she when she blends in so well with her cubicle? The answer may be closer than she thinks.

Cameron McGregor is a cocky, tattooed Scottish rugby captain who just moved in next door. He’s not Jo’s type—at all—but the notorious playboy is offering to teach the wallflower everything he knows about inspiring desire. Though a lot of women have rumpled Cam’s kilt, Jo is special. Far from the ugly duckling she thinks she is, in Cam’s eyes she’s sharp, funny, and effortlessly sexy. Now, thanks to him, Jo is blooming with confidence and has the man of her dreams within reach.

Unfortunately for Cam, he’s just helped to push the woman of his dreams into the arms of another man—and now he’s in the fight of his life to keep this beauty from getting away.

•••••••••

REVIEW: MELT FOR YOU is the second instalment in J. T. Geissinger’s contemporary, adult SLOW BURN erotic, romance series. This is twenty-nine year old, Scottish rugby captain Cameron McGregor, and thirty-six year old Joellen Bixby’s story line. MELT FOR YOU can be read as a stand alone as there are no apparent connections to the previous story line.

Told from first person perspective (Joellen) MELT FOR YOU follows the acrimonious relationship between New York neighbors Scottish rugby captain Cameron McGregor and Joellen Bixby. Cameron McGregor has come to America, if only temporarily, in order to avoid a scandal back home. Sexy, athletic and an arrogant womanizer Cameron is about to come face to face with a woman whose self-esteem has been shattered; whose maturity level is questionable; whose naïvete and caustic barbs draw our hero like a moth to a flame. Joellen Bixby has spent ten years of her life pining after her boss, a married man she hopes to attract at the upcoming company party. Her self-deprecating humor and attitude gets old pretty fast, so much so that Cameron struggles with her constant put-downs and disparaging personal remarks aimed at deflecting compliments and praise. What ensues is the growing relationship between Joellen and Cameron when Cameron offers to work with Joellen as she sets out to get noticed by the company CEO.

MELT FOR YOU is a story of opposites-attract. Joellen is a wallflower, an ‘ugly duckling’ who hides behind a poor self-image, and a lack of confidence including the inability to say no when it counts. A bit of a push-over whose aggressive attitude hides years of emotional struggles Joellen wants to find love but in doing so dismisses the man who battles his attraction to a woman who is oblivious to his ministrations and growing love.

The world building follows a ‘stream of consciousness’ as the reader is pulled into the mind of a woman caught between what she thinks she wants, and what is right in front of her. Our heroine’s naïvete is compounded by her single mindedness as it involves her attraction to, and desire for the company CEO, missing the growing love of a man who is willing to give her his all. Weeks will pass and our heroine will remain oblivious so much so that she is willing to risk everything for her shot at the top.

MELT FOR YOU is an engaging and entertaining story line but the heroine’s over the top, combative and whiny personality is frustrating such that I was unable to truly enjoy all of the potential humor, and the back and forth repartee between the leading couple. Joellen’s issues of low self-esteem had been branded into her psyche by those she considered more beautiful and worthy, and her character development was questionable as Joellen continued to struggle with body image all the while focusing on her end game of falling in love with the ‘perfect’ CEO. A ‘slow burn’ romance MELT FOR YOU was a bit of a struggle but the kilted Scottish rugby player is worth the price of admission alone.

I will note that the author adds a cautionary tale at the end of the story – a warning of sorts for anyone who battles with, or knows someone who struggles with heart breaking issues of low self esteem that oft times, do not transfer, to a happily ever after.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-BURN FOR YOU.

ebook BURN FOR YOU only $1.99 for a limited time:

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Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads /Pinterest / Instagram /

A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

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Burn For You (Slow Burn #1) by J.T.Geissinger-Review Tour

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BURN FOR YOU ( Slow Burn #1) by JT Geissinger-Review Tour

Burn For You Banner

BURN FOR YOU
Slow Burn #1
by JT Geissinger
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, romance

Burn For You

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2017

The marriage is fake. But for a sassy chef and an arrogant billionaire, the sparks are real…

Jackson “The Beast” Boudreaux is rich, gorgeous, and unbelievably rude to the staff at Chef Bianca Hardwick’s New Orleans restaurant. Bianca would sooner douse herself in hot sauce than cook for Jackson again, but when he asks her to cater his fund-raiser, Bianca can’t refuse, knowing the cash will help pay her mother’s medical bills. Then Jackson makes another outrageous request: Marry me. The unconventional offer includes an enormous sum—money Bianca desperately needs, even if it does come with a contract—and a stunning ring.

The heir to a family bourbon dynasty, Jackson knows the rumors swirling around him. The truth is even darker. Still, he needs a wife to secure his inheritance, and free-spirited, sassy Bianca would play the part beautifully. Soon, though, their simple business deal evolves into an emotional intimacy he’s built walls to avoid.

As the passion heats up between them, Bianca and Jackson struggle to define which feelings are real and which are for show. Is falling for your fake fiancé the best happy ending…or a recipe for disaster?

•••••••••

REVIEW: BURN FOR YOU is the first installment in JT Geissinger’s contemporary, adult SLOW BURN erotic, romance series. This is heir to the Boudreaux Bourbon dynasty Jackson ‘The Beast’ Boudreaux, and New Orleans’ chef Bianca Hardwick’s story line. A number of the chapters begin with a series of Cajun/Creole recipes that look as yummy as our story line hero sounds.

Told from dual first person points of view (Bianca and Jackson) BURN FOR YOU follows the fake engagement between New Orleans’ chef Bianca Hardwick, and heir to the Kentucky Boudreaux Bourbon dynasty Jackson Boudreaux. Jackson is desperate: the caterer and chef he hired quit just two weeks before the fund raiser for the Wounded Warrior Project; and Jackson is about to loose access to billions of dollars unless he agrees to marry before he turns thirty-five. There is only one other option-an option Jackson refuses to acknowledge-fearing the demons from his past will continue to rear their guilt-ridden heads. Enter Bianca Hardwick, restaurant owner and chef, and the woman with whom Jackson will fall in love. What ensues is the fake but building relationship between Jackson and Bianca, and the fall out when Bianca is no longer in need of a million-dollar payout.

Bianca Hardwick works hard but her mother’s illness is costing our heroine thousands of dollars she does not have. Nearing the end of her available cash the surly but beautiful, Jackson Boudreaux makes Bianca an offer she cannot refuse-five years to play along and become Jackson’s wife in return for a one million dollar price.

The relationship between Jackson and Bianca begins acrimoniously. Jackson’s gruff exterior and lack of social manners pushes all of Bianca’s buttons and more. But Jackson hides a dark past of secrets and shame- secrets that once revealed will bring about forgiveness and acceptance from the people he cares about most. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Bianca’s employees including Pepper the hostess; sous chef Ambrosine aka Eeny; pastry chef Hoyt, Bianca’s ex-husband Trace; her ailing mother Davina Hardwick, and her mother’s ‘boyfriend’ aka the Colonel. Jackson’s circle of friends is limited to his assistant Rayford and little man Cody, but we will come face to face with his parents Brig and Clemmy Boudreaux.

BURN FOR YOU has moments of heartbreak and grief; truth and acceptance; falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is engaging and encouraging; the characters are broken, colorful and intense; the romance is seductive and provocative. BURN FOR YOU looks at one man’s struggle with the past, and one woman’s battle for the future.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Burn For You teasers

See the BURN FOR YOU trailer: https://youtu.be/hpKswDZve24

About the Author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads /Pinterest / Instagram /

A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

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Just One Touch (Slow Burn #5) by Maya Banks-Review, Excerpt, Book Tour & Giveaway

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JUST ONE TOUCH (Slow Burn #5) by Maya Banks-Review, Excerpt, Book Tour & Giveaway

Just One Touch Banner

JUST ONE TOUCH
Slow Burn #5
by Maya Banks
Release Date: May 23, 2017
Genre: Adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Just One Touch

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / GOOGLE / ITUNES

About the book: Release Date May 23, 2017

#1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks continues her suspenseful and sizzling Slow Burn series with the fifth book featuring the men and women of Devereaux Security Services.

Abducted as a young girl and raised in a strict religious cult, Jenna has no connection to the outside world beyond vague flashes of memory that seem to be from another life. Memories she clings to when the cult leaders discover her extraordinary ability to heal—and punish her. Years held captive and forced to do the cult’s bidding have turned Jenna into a meek, timid woman…or so they think. In truth, she is merely biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to escape.

When a terrified young woman stumbles across Isaac’s path, Devereaux Security’s toughest recruit is intrigued by the beautiful, sheltered stranger. Jenna seems to know nothing of the world around her and refuses to tell him what danger haunts her, but Isaac will do whatever it takes to gain her trust. When it becomes clear that very powerful, dangerous people are after her, he vows to protect her at all costs… because with just one touch Issac knows he wants Jenna to be his—forever.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Just One Touch begins with Jenna running for her life and running as far away from the cult that has imprisoned her for the last twenty years. Just when she’s about to give up hope, she stumbles out of the woods and makes it to a gas station and steals away in the back of a truck heading to Houston and prays that she isn’t discovered….

Isaac stops by to grab some coffee and bagels before heading to the office. As he approaches his vehicle, he sees the door ajar with someone trying to steal it. He draws his weapon and stealthily approaches the thug trying to steal from him and demands that they turn around. Two things became evident in that moment: 1. This was no thug. 2. This woman had been through hell and was covered in bruises. Both of which kick his protective instinct into overdrive. When he tries to see if he can help this obviously terrified young woman, shots ring out and he goes into defense mode. However, his body isn’t working the way it should be, and to his horror, he knows he has been hit and he knows his time is limited. As he feels himself dying, he tries to convince the young woman to flee and save herself. She surprises him with her vehement denial of that request and says she can’t let him die because of her. Once she lays her hands on him, they both somehow know that their lives will never be the same…

Just One Touch is a great addition to the Slow Burn series. I absolutely love the premise of the entire series. The paranormal aspects, as well as the agents of Devereaux Security Services, keep me wanting more. Jenna is a likeable character and her back story will break your heart. She has been left and/or betrayed by everyone she’s ever known and finds it hard to believe in Isaac’s declarations that he’ll keep her safe. Isaac is your typical alpha who will stop at nothing to keep not only Jenna, but everyone he holds dear safe and well. Once he discovers that the cult is the absolute least of his worries, he and his DSS comrades have to call in every marker they’ve accumulated over the years to keep them all from falling into the hands of a ruthless cartel whose leader vows to have Jenna, no matter the cost. We are also privileged with the presence of all the characters that we’ve come to know since the beginning of this series. We get to know a little more about some of them, and that only whets my appetite. I think I know whose book will be next, but if I’ve learned anything from Maya Banks over the years, is that what you think you know can be an epic fail. One thing that did disappoint me a little was redundancy in relation the two main characters’ inner turmoil and having to repeatedly read the same thing. However, with that said, I LOVED THIS BOOK AND I LOVE THIS SERIES! I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment! Well done, Maya Banks! Very well done!

Copy supplied for review through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Vickie M

excerpt

“She’s mine, Dane. No one else’s. I told you I’d ask if and when I need backup or help. Until then, it’s better that none of you are associated with her or are seen anywhere near her. She risked everything to save me when I could have been no better than the assholes trying to get to her. She sealed her fate in that moment because I’m not going anywhere. I need time to hear her side and I have a feeling she’s not just going to volunteer any information about herself, so I’m also going to need time to gain her trust and I’m going to prove to her that she can trust me. I appreciate the offer. More than you know. But she isn’t a DSS client or assignment. She’s mine, and I’ll protect her with my life.”

Q & A

Tasty Q&A with Maya Banks

Describe yourself in five words or less.

Unorganized, melt-down prone, laid back, despise drama & conflict!

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

My Give A Damn is Broken

Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

A cup of crushed ice

What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

I’m a complete homebody & enjoy hanging out at home with my family every chance I get. It’s rare for me to leave my house!

What types of scenes are your most favorite to write?

I love revealing information about various characters personalities and the closeness between them through dialogue. I also always look forward to writing the dark moment as I love me some angst!

What are your favorite types of stories to read?

I love stories that don’t feature a couple who spend the entire book apart or that focus on internal conflict. I much prefer to see the hero and heroine together on the page and to see them working together to overcome external conflict.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I absolutely love following up with characters from a previous story whether it’s including them as secondary characters in a newer book or writing a short novella that revisits them so readers can see them after the HEA

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I absolutely credit my readers with my success and my career. They

about The author

Maya BanksWEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Maya Banks is a multiple #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, Scottish historical romances. She is the author of the Breathless Trilogy, the Surrender Trilogy, the KGI novels, the Sweet series, and the Colters Legacy novels. She lives in Southeast Texas.

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With Every Breath (Slow Burn #4) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

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With Every Breath (Slow Burn #4) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

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WITH EVERY BREATH
Slow Burn #4
by Maya Banks
Release Date: August 23, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

With Every Breath

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

About the book: Release Date August 23, 2016

Eliza Cummings fought free of a monster who terrorized her when she was an innocent teenager and helped put him away for good. She took a job with Devereaux Security Services and devoted every hour to taking down the very thing she’d nearly become. No one, not even those closest to her, know her darkest, shameful secrets. But now the killer has been set free on a legal loophole and it’s only a matter of time before he comes for her. Eliza’s only choice is to run and lead the monster away from the people she loves.

Wade Sterling has always lived by his own rules, a law unto himself who answers to no one. He’s never professed to be a good man, and he’s definitely not hero material. Wade never allows anyone close enough to see the man behind the impenetrable mask—but one woman threatens his carefully leashed control. He took a bullet for her and the result was more than a piece of metal entrenched in his skin. She was under his skin and nothing he did rid himself of the woman with the courage of a warrior and who thinks nothing of putting her life before others.

But when Wade sees a panicked and haunted Eliza he knows something is very wrong, because the fool woman has never had been afraid of anything. And when she tries to run, the primal beast barely lurking beneath his deceptively polished façade erupts in a rage. She may not know it, but she belongs to him. This time, Eliza isn’t going to play the protector. She was damn well going to be the protected. And as long as Wade breathes, no one will ever hurt what is his.

Review:

With Every Breath begins with Eliza learning her worst nightmare was coming true…. The man whom she had trusted like no other, only to find out he was the devil incarnate, was being released from prison in just three short weeks. She immediately began planning how she would end him once and for all, seeking vengeance for of his victims. One thing she was sure of: she had to lead him away from those she now considered family and loved with all of her heart. Because, once he was released from prison, he would come for her. Obsession was a fickle thing……

Over the next several days, as her plan started coming together, she dreaded telling her DSS boss, Dane, that she was taking some vacation. Dane was not only her boss, but her best friend, and she knew she had to be spot on to convince him she just needed some down time to recuperate after being almost killed a couple of months before (in a previous book). What she didn’t tell Dane was that she wasn’t intending on coming back, that she intended to die right along with the devil himself. As Dane sat there listening to Eliza’s story, he told her she could take all of the time she needed and to please check in. However, as she leaves the building to set her plan in motion, Dane immediately calls the one person who seemed to care for Eliza almost much as him: Wade Sterling. Sure, Eliza acted as if she couldn’t stand Sterling, but Dane knew that Sterling would move heaven and earth to keep her safe, because, oh yeah, he’d taken a bullet for her. Eliza would be dead today if he hadn’t. Turns out that Dane didn’t believe a word she said about needing to recuperate. Thank goodness!

When Sterling approaches Eliza as she’s loading her car to leave town, she’s stunned to see him there. And, even more stunned when he acts as if he actually cares. Determined not to get distracted from her mission, she tells him to get a life and leaves. What she doesn’t know about Wade Sterling is that he’s not about to let harm come to her again. He has far reaching resources and will use everything at his disposal to ensure that she’s okay. Once he tracks her down and learns exactly what she’s running from, his feelings for her deepen even more as do hers for him. What transpires is a story that will leave you turning the pages faster and faster…..

With Every Breath is a wonderfully written addition to the Slow Burn series. I knew these two would have a scorching chemistry and Banks did not disappoint. Eliza was a great character: strong, independent, but most of all, loyal. Even though her view on her being responsible for the torture and murder of those women was skewed, I had to remember that she was 16 when it happened and it just continued to haunt her for ten long years. I’m sure I’d be a little skewed as well. Wade Sterling was even better than I thought he would be. Even though he had the same attributes as Eliza, it was his vulnerability that shone through for me. There was just something about him that grabbed my heart. The two of them together was spectacular. I’ve been a fan of Maya Banks for years, and have read everything she’s ever written. Even though this isn’t my favorite series by her, this is one of my favorite books. This is a story ultimately about finally standing up to your past so that you can face your future. If you’re looking for a romance that steams up the pages and has lots of awesome characters, along with some paranormal aspects, you will never go wrong with this series. Well done, Maya Banks! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Vickie M

About The Author

Follow Maya: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Maya BanksMy name is Maya Banks and I live in Texas with my husband and three children and our assortment of pets.

When I’m not writing, I love to hunt and fish with my family. We all love the outdoors and go on family hunting trips every year. We also love to travel. One of our more recent trips was to Scotland, which was every bit as comical as National Lampoon’s European Vacation. You know the part about “Look kids, Big Ben, Parliament” as they went round and round the roundabouts? Yeah, that was us, only we couldn’t even get out of the airport in Glasgow without hitting three of those suckers.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of a writing career is getting to meet so many wonderful readers. There’s nothing better than dishing books with someone who loves the romance genre as much as I do. Romance readers are passionate and vocal. We love our books, love our happily ever afters, and we love to spend time talking to others about our favorites. THIS is why I love my job so much, and I’m so grateful to readers who gave ME a chance when I began my career. So thank you.

giveaway

Maya Banks’s publisher is offering an ecopy of WITH EVERY BREATH to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3.  Follow MAYA BANKS on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from August 30-September 2, 2016

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Safe at Last (Slow Burn #3) by Maya Banks-a review

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Safe at Last (Slow Burn Series #3) by Maya Banks-a review

Safe At Last

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book: Release Date June 23, 2015

They say young love doesn’t last, but a girl from the wrong side of the tracks with unique abilities and the hometown golden boy were determined to defy the odds. For Zack Covington, Anna-Grace—his “Gracie”—was the one. Until one night forever alters the course of their future, when a devastated Gracie disappears without a trace, leaving Zack to agonize over what happened to the girl he loved. As the years pass, his desperate efforts to find her uncovered nothing.

Now working for Devereaux Security, he stumbles across a painting featuring a special place only he and Gracie would know. The image is too perfectly rendered for it to be coincidence. His Gracie must be alive. When he finally tracks her down, he is shocked—and heart-broken—to discover the wounded shell of the girl he once knew and still loves. Her psychic gifts are gone, and worse, she believes he betrayed her all those years ago.

Zack has enemies, and once his weakness is discovered, Gracie becomes a target for revenge. He’ll have to save her before he can earn her trust and her love. And he vows they’ll never be torn apart again.

••••••••••••••••••

Review:

To say that Gracie has been through hell is an understatement. That one night twelve years ago was so horrid that she never thought she’d be able to pick herself up and build a life for herself. But she did. As a promising artist, she has finally gotten up the nerve to let Wade, a friend and art gallery owner host a show in her honor. It’s been a long road for her to come out of her self-imposed shell, but Wade had finally convinced her that it was time.

Zack has searched for Gracie for twelve long years. After he graduated from college, he played pro football until an injury caused him to call it quits. He just didn’t have the stomach for it without Gracie by his side. They’d had plans….big plans and it just wasn’t the same without her. He’d made enough money and invested it wisely and had taken a job with Devereaux Security. He loved his job and his co-workers. The only thing missing from his life was Grace. He had no idea if she was dead or alive, but he knew that he was only living half of a life until he found out what happened to her.

Zack and some of his teammates from DSS, Devereaux Security Systems, had to visit a client who had hired them to provide security for an event. Once they entered the art gallery, Zack spotted a picture that took him back twelve long years. A place where he and Gracie had been happy. As they were discussing the job with Wade, the front door opened and in walked Gracie. HIS Gracie. But her reaction to him was nothing like he’d expected. She was scared of him and wanted as far away from him as she could get. Once Wade tells them to leave, Zack is utterly shell shocked and devastated. His friends rally around him, of course, and vow to help him find out what’s got Gracie so scared. Be careful what you wish for….because as an old enemy pops up and causes DSS to rally the troops. And, when Zack finally finds out why Gracie left him all those years ago, God help the ones who cost him everything.

Safe at Last is Maya Banks at her best. I love this series. I love the paranormal aspect of it and I love the characters. All of them! Gracie’s story, however, is a hard one to stomach. The things that she endured at the hands of people that should have helped to protect her all those years ago will make you sick. But, to her credit, she tried to get past it and built a life for herself. A lonely life, but a life none the less. Zack was AWESOME. Yes, he’s an alpha male who will move heaven and earth to protect those he considers his, but he is also an old soul and very soft hearted when it counts.

We also get to see Ramie and Ari and their guys, Beau and Caleb, as well as the rest of DSS that we’ve gotten to know. And, the women KICK ASS!! I can’t wait to see what unfolds for the rest of the group. Safe at Last is a great addition to the Slow Burn series. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing and turning the pages, this one is for you. Well done, Maya Banks! Very well done!

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M

Series Spotlight Black and White

Keep Me Safe
Slow Burn #1
by Maya Banks
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Keep Me SafeAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of KEEP ME SAFE by Maya Banks

About the book: Release Date October 7, 2014

A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister—the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks

When Caleb Devereaux’s younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie’s vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will risk everything to protect her—including his heart. . . .

_______________

In His Keeping
Slow Burn Series – #2
by Maya Banks
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance

In His KeepingClick HERE for Vickie’s review of IN HIS KEEPING

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book:

Arial knows the rules that keep her safe. She’s been following them since she was a little girl: Do not tell. Do not show. But in a moment of terror, facing an attacker intent on taking more than just her life, Ari has no choice but to unleash the psychic powers she’s been hiding since childhood.
Now, with her abilities revealed, a bigger threat looms – something that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her parents and her secretive upbringing. But this isn’t a fight she can face on her own.

As the head of Devereaux Security, Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. But when he takes on a new client – a beautiful young woman with an extraordinary gift – Beau isn’t prepared for the extent of his attraction to her. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. No matter what it costs him personally. Even his heart and soul.

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