Tag Archives: Suspense

Wolf of the Storm (Tides of Fate) et al by Delta James -reviews

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WOLF OF THE STORM (Tides of Fate 1) by Delta James

WOLF OF THE STORM
(Tides of Fate 1)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2025

She should fear me. She should run. But fate marked her as mine the moment I saw her.
Stormhaven Cove is mine to protect. The cliffs, the pack, the fragile balance between rival clans, it all rests on my shoulders. Outsiders can’t know the truth. Humans can’t glimpse the storm-bound secrets that keep us alive.
Then she arrived. Eliza Warren. Sharp eyes, sharper instincts, digging into things she doesn’t understand. I should have sent her away the moment I caught her scent. I should have wiped her memories clean and let the sea claim her questions.
But the wolf inside me doesn’t obey reason. The moment I saw her, I knew… she’s mine. My mate. The one fate chose, no matter the cost.
Now the storms are growing stronger, enemies are circling, and shadows stalk the cove. To keep her safe, I’ll have to risk everything: my pack, my secrets, even my soul.

•••••

REVIEW: WOLF OF THE STORM is the first instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult TIDES OF FATE erotic, paranormal romance series. This is alpha wolf shifter Declan MacRae, and journalist Eliza Warren’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Eliza) WOLF OF THE STORM follows in the wake of the death of Eliza’s aunt Maureen. Called to Scotland in order to handle aunt Maureen’s estate, Eliza Warren will discover she is the sole heir to her aunt’s house and contents, an inheritance that will bring Eliza up close and personal with a world she knows nothing about. Something is different about the people in Stormhaven Cove, including the man with whom Eliza will fall in love, and our heroine is about to discover her arrival in Scotland comes with a family history of watchers who live and work alongside the supernatural element.Someone is taking aim at the different paranormal species, and Eliza’s fated relationship with alpha Declan MacRae has placed a target on our story line heroine.

The world building is detailed as the reader is pulled into a fight for power. Seven ancient bloodlines have been are threatened, and in this, the bonding between Eliza and Declan has revealed a power neither expected.

The relationship between Declan and Eliza is one of immediate attraction. Upon her arrival, Declan and his wolf know immediately that Eliza is their fated mate but a war is on the horizon, and Declan refuses to place Eliza in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and supernatural secondary and supporting characters including Declan’s second in command Jax: panther shifter Rafe; dragon shifter Finn; bear shifter Greyson , tiger shifter Kian, and sea witch Moira.

WOLF OF THE STORM is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, magic and paranormal, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is action packed, detailed and dramatic; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are desperate, determined and magical.

______

PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS
(Tides of Fate 2)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2025

I’ve lived my whole life hiding what I am.

Stormhaven hides its secrets in the mist, and I’ve learned not to go looking for them.
But when people start disappearing and every whisper leads back to Rafael Vega, I can’t look away.

He’s the man who rules the docks with quiet ruthlessness; a panther shifter whose very name keeps the peace through fear. Everyone says he’s dangerous. I believe them.
What scares me more is how drawn I am to him.

I tell myself I’m just searching for the truth, but every step pulls me deeper into his shadows. Beneath the danger, I see something else, a wounded protector, hunted by enemies who want him dead.

Now the storm is rising, and I’m caught between the world I know and the man I can’t resist.
If I stay, I risk my life.
If I leave, I lose the only man who ever made me feel truly seen.

••••••

REVIEW: PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS is the second instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult TIDES OF FATE paranormal, romance series. This is panther shifter Rafael Vega, and sea witch / inn owner Moira Flynn’s story line. PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Moira and Rafael) PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS follows in the wake of a series of missing and murdered people from the Stormhaven. Banished years earlier by his father and his pride, Rafael would eventually find an unwelcome home in the port city of Stormhaven, where in our hero would run a successful criminal enterprise but when a number of locals go missing, and their bodies show signs of dark magic, Rafael demands Moira Flynn take action when the dark magic takes aim at our story line heroine. As the locals go missing, the pass returns for both Moira and Rafael, a past they cannot fight without the help of magic, and our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the search for a killer, someone who possess dark magic but Rafael never expected face the demons from his past.

The relationship between Moira and Rafael begins acrimoniously as both Rafael and Moria’s reputations precede their introduction to one another. Moira inherited her grandmother’s talents and power but hides her abilities in the face of abuse. Rumors of Rafael’s banishment comes with more questions than answers, and his criminal enterprises include many of the underworld elements. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters include the return of the previous story line supernatural characters, the brotherhood of shifters who protect Stormhaven including wolf shifter Declan, and Declan’s second in command Jax: dragon shifter Finn; bear shifter Greyson, and tiger shifter Kian. The requisite evil has many faces.

PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS is a story of power and control, betrayal and redemption, obsession and madness, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise edgy and intriguing; the romance fated; the characters are energetic and determined.

_______

MATE OF THE MOUNTAIN
(Shifters of Redwood Rise 4)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: release Date November 21, 2025

Lost to the wild. Found by fate.

Six months ago, I vanished into the mountains and never came back.
Everyone thought I was dead.

But I survived, in a shadow realm where time twists and monsters whisper my name. I returned scarred, half-feral, and carrying something dark that followed me home. Now it hunts through the ley lines, and I’m the only one who can stop it… even if it means going back and never returning.

Then Maren Rivers finds me. A wilderness photographer and nature documentary researcher, with fire in her eyes and a scent that wakes the man I thought I’d lost. My bear knows her, my mate, but the bond between us burns and breaks, as if the shadows want to claim us both.

She believes we’re stronger together. I believe I’m too broken to keep her safe.
But when the Hollow rises again, the only thing more dangerous than losing her… is letting her go.

••••••

REVIEW: MATE OF THE MOUNTAIN is the fourth instalment in Delta James’ contemporary adult SHIFTERS OF REDWOOD RISE erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the Hayes Brothers. This is marine biologist and grizzly bear shifter Jonah Hayes, and photographer Maren Rivers’ story line. MATE OF THE MOUNTAIN can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maren and Jonah) MATE OF THE MOUNTAIN focuses on the return of Jonah Hayes, who disappeared six months earlier but Jonah didn’t just disappear, our hero was pulled into the Shadow Realm where he will battle the shadows that are currently connected to the ley lines in Redwood Rise. Fast forward to present day, Jonah breaks through the barrier to come face to face with his fated mate, photographer Maren Rivers, the woman whose soul has been calling to him in the months since he disappeared. Jonah’s return to the real world brings with it the spirits from the Shadow Realm, and the grizzly guardians are going to war to protect the people and the land that they love.

The world building focuses on the magic of the land, the ley lines, and the supernatural elements that live and die in Redwood Rise. Not all is as it appears to be, and the Hayes brothers, their mates and our story line couple must come to a decision where it concerns the future and the land upon which they thrive.

The relationship between Maren and Jonah is one of fated mates: an insta-lust to love relationship that will be tested in the face of the darkest that is consuming our story line hero. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include the Hayes brothers and their mates, all of whom must work together to fight the Shadow that refuse to die.

MATE OF THE MOUNTAIN is a story of power and control, magic and mayhem, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is entertaining and encouraging; the romance is limited; the characters are determined, desperate and magical.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Mountain Storm
Roaring Heat
On Tap for the Bear

_________

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
(Mercenary Masters 6)
by Delta James

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2025

This Christmas, silence isn’t holy… it’s deadly.

This Christmas was supposed to be quiet, private suite, roaring fire, and a week where Fitz could focus on only one his beautiful submissive wife. But the Swiss Alps have other plans.

When coordinated terror attacks erupt across Europe, the luxury resort where Fitz and Jordan are staying becomes the next target. Power goes out, gunfire erupts, and armed men take control of the hotel, claiming it’s a robbery, but Fitz knows better. Professionals like these don’t risk international attention for pocket jewelry. This is a message…and Jordan is the intended recipient.

Trapped on a mountain with no backup, no way out, and dozens of innocent lives at stake, Fitz and Jordan shift from holiday mode to operational readiness in a heartbeat. He’s a former special operations commander with lethal instincts. She’s a capable operative who refuses to be sidelined. Together, they’re a force no enemy expects, or survives.

As the night descends into chaos, Fitz will burn down the world to protect the woman he loves…
And Jordan will walk through fire to stand at his side.

This Christmas, silence is deadly, and survival is the only gift that matters.

•••••••

REVIEW: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT by Delta James is a contemporary, adult novella found in the author’s MERCENARY MASTERS erotic, Dom/sub romantic suspense series. This is the continuing story of Robert and Jordan James-Fitzwallace, first introduced in ALPHA DOG #2. There is a slight cross over with the author’s CLUB SOUTHSIDE and the Cerberus Security .

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fitz and Jordan) SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT follows Jordan and Fitz as they embark on a Christmas holiday in Switzerland but terrorists are targeting prominent celebrations, and our couple will find themselves in a hostage situation in which Jordan is willing to sacrifice herself to save others. The past has returned, and our heroine must come to terms with what is happening and why.

The world building covers but a couple of days in which Jordan and Fitz struggle to save dozens of innocent people, people who know nothing about reasons behind the terrorists attacks.

The relationship between Jordan and Fitz continues to be a highly sexual, Dom/sub relationship; a partnership of love and protection. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense with some scenes of spanking.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several whom were introduced in the previous story lines including operatives Sully and Sawyer.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is a fast paced story of vengeance and obsession, power and control. The character driven premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the romance is passionate; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Midnight by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Midnight by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Crossroads, Texas, is a town of second chances in this new small town romance series from Sharon Sala, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Blessings, Georgia series.

Asher Kingston is a special investigator for the Texas Attorney General’s office in Austin, TX. When he gets a call that his dad has been injured in an attempted robbery of his bar, he rounds up his two brothers and heads back to Crossroads. During visiting hours at the hospital, Nora Borden, Asher’s girlfriend from high school, runs into him and they rekindle their friendship. Nora is a high-profile computer tech with a high security clearance; Asher claims his job too unpredictable for relationships. But before long, their romance rekindles as well. Together they unravel a case long gone cold to find out what happened in the bar late that night and to clear the Kingston family name.

 

 

Review:

Midnight by Sharon Sala is the 2nd book in her Crosswoods series. The story starts off with a robbery, that involved Brenda Kingston, who was having an affair with Pete Brant.  Pete told Brenda to hide the money inside her house in the basement.  In fear, Brenda ended up killing herself, and Pete Brant was sentence to jail.  Now 21 years later, Pete Brant died in prison, and his two sons are determined to find the missing money.

Asher Kingston, who is 32 years old, is an investigator for the State Attorney General in Austin. He receives a phone call from the police that his father was shot, and in serious condition.  He learns from Pearl, who managed to find Jacob, and calls for emergency help, keeping him alive.  

Gunner Kingston, who is 27 years old, is a homicide detective in Dallas, Texas; Gunner flies’ home to help. Dylan Kingston, who is 29 years old, lives in Austin and is engaged to Angie.  Nora Borden returns home to Crossroads to sell and clean her family’s home. Asher’s girlfriend from high school, runs into him and they rekindle their love. Nora helps Asher, as well as Gunner and Dylan to help her knowledge of IT.   

The Brant boys, Everett and Freddie, are determined to find the money (1 Million) somewhere inside the basement.  Everett was the one who shot Jacob, and they tried to hide their identity, hoping Jacob would die. Gunner, Asher and Dylan are quietly trying to see who the culprits are, until they discover their identity.  All three of them decided to look in the basement, where they finally found the money.  The FBI is called, and the family helps the FBI to manage to take the money.  The local police chief will work with the Kingston boys as they will lay traps to capture Everett & Freddie.

What follows is that Jacob will recover, and he will know that Pearl was the perfect person for him.  Asher and Nora are very much in love, and she will move to Austin, after selling her family home. Dylan and Angie get married, and Gunner returns to Dallas, as he is a great detective. 

Midnight was a terrific, intense and love story, especially with the Kingston family. I really enjoyed this story, with so much going on.  Midnight was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  Great story that held my attention throughout.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Lethal Torture (Lethal Legacy 4) by Paula Walshe-review

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Lethal Torture (Lethal Legacy 4) by Paula Walshe-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2025

ZINAIDA

My world is too dark for love. Which is exactly why Luke Macarthur is the wrong choice to protect me. But I have a leak. And that means hiring from outside. I expect him to turn down the job. I want him to turn it down. He’ll have your back. I hate how dangerously seductive I find those few words. Sooner or later, people either betray me, or become a weakness to be used against me. It’s the price I pay for being Zinaida Melikov. So why doesn’t Luke run the first time he sees what he’s dealing with? But keeping a poker face for half an hour is one thing. Living in the murky darkness of my world for months on end is quite another. There’s only one way a good man like Luke leaves my world: in a body bag, buried by forces much darker than he will ever be. Luke Macarthur might well be the killer Mak says he is, but he’s also as wholesome as apple f***ing pie. And a wholesome man has no place beside damaged goods like me.

LUKE

There’s no way I should take this job. I don’t sleep with clients. Ever. And Zinaida Melikov is the most dangerous smokeshow I’ve ever laid eyes on. But someone is definitely trying to kill her, which is the kind of mystery I can’t resist. And I need danger the way some men need to breathe. She’s a renowned psychopath. Except I know she isn’t. I saw her mask slip. It was barely a split second, the briefest loss of control. Most men wouldn’t have noticed. But I’m not most men. I’m trained to see what other men don’t. And in that moment, I saw past the dead eyes. Past the performance, the mask, and the game. I caught a glimpse of the woman who lives behind the masquerade. And now I can’t stop thinking about her.

•••••

REVIEW:: LETHAL TORTURE is the fourth instalment in Paula Walshe’s contemporary, adult LETHAL LEGACY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-nine year old, former British SAS (Special Forces) agent turned private contractor Luke Macarthur, and business woman Zinaida Melikov’s story line. LETHALTORTURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luke and Zinaida) using present day and memories from the past, LETHAL TORTURE follows in the wake of several assassination attempts against our story line heroine. Zinaida Melikov’s life has been anything but easy, and she fights to save those unable to save themselves but the latest attempt on her life forces Zinaida, a stubbornly independent and dangerous woman in her own right, to seek outside help, eventually and reluctantly contracting with former SAS agent Luke Macarthur. Luke is a man on a mission, determined to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love but an internal review reveals both a professional and personal betrayal.

The world building is, once again, dark, detailed and multi-layered as our couple, along with several members of Luke’s business partners and board members on the Mercura Crypto Platform, most of whom of are connected to the Russian Bratva or former Special Forces operatives, begin a deep dive into people associated with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Zinaida and Luke begins as a professional arrangement but from the outset Zinaida is determined to unbalance our story line hero. Zinaida owns several high end, private $ex clubs, and the elite of society depend upon our heroine to keep their secrets. Luke refuses to cross the invisible line with his client but their attraction is immediate and strong. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of thought provoking, questionable, dangerous and twisted secondary and supporting characters including the return of Roman Borovsky, and his wife Darya, Ofelia, Alexei, and Dimitry Stevanovsky. We are introduced to Makari ‘Mak’ Tereschenko; specialist Paddy; Luke’s sister Liana; as well as Zinaida’s security team(Charlie, Anatoly, Enzo), employees, survivors, and several business acquaintance, competitors, and political powers. The requisite evil has many faces.

LETHAL TORTURE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dark, edgy and dramatic-heed the trigger warnings. The characters are desperate, charismatic, determined and often tragic; the romance is spicy and passionate.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Lethal Legacy
Lethal Alliance
Lethal Abduction

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

 

 

 

Review:

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts is the third and final book in her wonderful Lost Bride Trilogy. Refresher: Sonya MacTavish inherited a magnificent, haunted manor with a heartbreaking history.  Over a period of years, seven brides came to the mansion, and seven brides died at the hands of Hester Dobbs, an evil witch spirit, who sent each of them to their deaths, in a jealous fit of rage: thereby cursing the house and all future brides.

Sonya is a descendant of the Poole family, along with Owen Poole; as she has the gift of sight, enabling her to see through the mirror, learning about the past brides and ghosts.  Sonya and her three companions (Cleo, Trey and Owen) continue to search to find the stolen wedding rings.  Sonya and Cleo look into the furniture/rooms to restore everything to its former glory; Trey and Owen also spend nights at the mansion, with both very much in love (Trey with Sonya, and Cleo with Owen). With new revelations, as well as light, laughter and love; which will bring happiness to the group; but they still need to deal with Hester’s constant evil dangerous rage.

Sonya searches all the various rooms, to find clues to her family’s past, putting pictures/photos, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. Sonya with help from Cleo, were determined to  fix up this haunted manor, with people, life and hope, once again. I loved Clover, who was great with her songs.  I adored Yoda (dog) playing with Jack; and got a kick out of Molly, always cleaning things up. I did adore all the dogs and the cat. 

The Seven Rings was an emotional ghost story, and the ties bonded them together. It was a story of good and evil, romance, heartwarming, fiction and thrilling. The Seven Rings was so very well written by Nora Roberts.   It was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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ICE COLD CHRISTMAS (Ice Breaker Cold Case 15) by Cynthia Eden

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ICE COLD CHRISTMAS (Ice Breaker Cold Case 15) by Cynthia Eden-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2025

She’s coming home for the holidays…and there’s gonna be hell to pay.

Last Christmas, Melody Mage vanished without a trace. The wealthy socialite was presumed dead by her loved ones. But on the anniversary of her disappearance, Melody appears on the doorstep of her family’s estate. Her memories are fractured, her past shrouded in fog and confusion, but she knows one thing—someone attacked her. Left her for dead. She just has to figure out who the guilty culprit is. Then she’ll make the person pay.

In other words, Melody has to solve her own cold case mystery. And she’s going to do it—no matter what it takes. No matter how many skeletons she has to drag out of her wealthy family’s closet. And no one will get in her way. Not even her father’s intense—and dangerously attractive—protégé, Victor Alexander. Victor has just taken over as the company’s new CEO. He’s driven, powerful, and he stares at her with eyes that glitter with far too much…longing?

He ripped apart the world looking for her, and the love of his life just casually knocked on the front door.

Except Melody doesn’t know that Victor had his heart carved out of his chest when she vanished. Their relationship had been secret. On the outside, he and Melody had appeared to barely tolerate each other. In private, they’d touched—and ignited. She’d been his obsession. He’d been her personal attack dog. Now she’s back, saying she’s looking for justice, and he’s going to give it to her. He will give her anything. Unfortunately, Melody has no idea that she once promised to love him forever—or that when she vanished, she was wearing the engagement ring he’d given to her.

He never stopped loving her. Too bad she believes he’s the enemy.

Victor has been working with the Ice Breakers, a cold-case solving crew, and he suspects that Melody’s attacker is someone in the family’s inner circle. He also knows that there is no way on earth he will ever let Melody vanish again. He’ll protect her, he’ll win her heart once more, and he will see to it that the person who hurt his Melody is buried in an icy grave before the new year dawns.

•••••••

REVIEW: ICE COLD CHRISTMAS is the fifteenth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult ICE BREAKER COLD CASE romantic suspense series. This is heiress Melody Mage, and CEO Victor Alexander’s story line. ICE COLD CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Melody and Victor ICE COLD CRHISTMAS follows one year after the disappearance of heiress Melody Mage. Newly engaged, and looking forward to Christmas, Melody would disappear without a trace. Fast forward one year, our heroine returns to her father’s estate, a shell of her former self, a woman whose memories are lost but for a few snippets of betrayal at the cost of her life. Victor is determined to reclaim the woman who owned his heart but first our couple must search for the truth, in the face of continuing betrayal, greed and lies.

The world building follows Victor and Melody as they begin an investigation of their own. As Melody’s memories slowly return, bits and pieces reveal a possible connection to the man whom she loves, and a betrayal by the family to whom she returned.

The relationship between Victor and Melody is one of second chances. Engaged one year earlier, Melody disappeared sending Victor into a spiral. Determined to find the woman he loves, Victor never stopped searching for the truth, a truth that would destroy the a family already torn apart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, questionable and desperate secondar and supporting characters. We are introduced to Melody’s ailing father Sebastian Mage’ step brother Dario Mage, Melody’s best friend Olivia Hatcher; Ice Breaker security specialists Hunter McQueen, Calista Connors, Luis Ortega; and Detective Angus Clinton.

ICE COLD CHRISTMAS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and madness, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is action packed, dramatic and edgy; the characters are determined and dynamic ;the rekindling romance is fated and seductive.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Innocence Road by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Innocence Road by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

Description:
Detective Leanne Everhart swore she’d never go back to her hometown near Marfa, Texas—but she returns when her brother needs her, only to find a town in need too, still torn apart by a decades-old crime.

Leanne Everhart knows women have something to fear in her artsy hometown, especially so if they’re not rich, white locals. Returning to town after her father’s death, she sees the ugliest sides of an area that draws people for its severe, untamed natural landscape.

While her department faces mounting backlash over a recent wrongful conviction in the long-ago murder case of a popular local teenager—which is now unsolved—Leanne is called to a fresh crime scene at the edge of the desert. A nameless woman was found murdered, with no clues as to her identity. As Leanne digs into the crime scene evidence, she grows convinced this latest murder case is linked with the local teenager’s murder. And to multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department without leads.

Now, with conflicted loyalties and without allies, Leanne must hunt down a serial killer, one who’s been preying on local women for two decades, growing bolder and more ruthless with every strike.

 

 

 

Review:

Innocence Road by Laura Griffin is a compelling story of small-town secrets, mystery, and cold cases.  Leanne Everhart has recently moved back to her hometown and joined the police department, where she is a detective. Leanne is smart, focused, determined and hard working; always seeking justice for victims. When another victim is murdered, Leanne is determined to pursue the clues pointing to a serial killer in her own hometown; especially with a still torn apart by decades-old crime.

Leanne uncovers some information that leads her to investigate possible cold cases during a 15-year period.  Her police chief continues to refuse her trying to prove her resources; with Leanne determined to solve the case on her own. She was made lead investigator on a recent death found in the desert. Leanne digs into the crime scene’s evidence; with multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department. Leanne gets some leads back 15 years ago, and begins to see that someone in their town is a serial killer, that has been going on for years. 

Leanne gets help from Izzy, a forensic photographer.  She also gets help from Duncan from another county. She has known him since their academy days in Houston, and he continues to be her sounding board and confident. 

Innocence Road is an exciting mystery thriller, with so much tense action from start to finish.   I loved Leanne, as she was a fantastic heroine.  Innocence Road was so very well written by Laura Griffin.  She is one of my go to authors, who writes fantastic mysteries. I suggest you read Innocence Road.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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DANIIL (Royal Protectors 5) by Kat Mizera-review tour

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DANIIL (Royal Protectors 5) by Kat Mizera-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2025

My reputation as Europe’s most charming playboy suits me perfectly. As a prince, a member of Parliament, and a Royal Protector, my life is a constant balance between danger and duty.

Relationships have no place in my world. Until Courtney.

I wanted the fiery, red-haired beauty from the first moment I laid eyes on her. My sister-in-law’s military helicopter pilot friend is like no one I’ve ever met.

It only took one touch to know, once wouldn’t be enough. Then she disappeared without a word–twice.

Now she’s gone—completely off the grid—and no one has heard from her in months.

I’m called in to find her, but it takes no persuading. Because this hunt… it’s personal.

And I’m in no way prepared for the secrets she’s been keeping.

She doesn’t just dislike me—she despises everything I stand for. Everything I am.

But it doesn’t matter because I’m not a man who backs down.

Especially when the stakes are this high.

••••

REVIEW: DANIIL is the fifth and final instalment in Kat Mizera’s contemporary, adult ROYAL PROTECTORS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is thirty-eight year old, Royal Protector Prince Daniil Gustaffson, and thirty-four year old, military helicopter pilot turned bodyguard Courtney Grimshaw. DANIIL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. For followers of Kat Mizera, there is a slight crossover with one of her hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Daniil and Courtney) DANIIL follows Daniil’s search for the woman who stole his heart. Approximately fifteen months earlier, Courtney resigned her position as a personal security guard for the royal family in Limaj , returning to America to restart her life but with her resignation Courtney stole more than Daniil’s heart, she stole a piece of the man he knew nothing about. Fast forward to present day, Daniil is determined to uncover the truth, and Daniil’s arrival in Las Vegas brings with it more surprises than he could have ever imagined. Convincing Courtney to return to Limaj for an extended holiday means a second chance to make things right but all is not going according to plan when the country’s enemies take aim at our story line couple.

The world building focuses mainly upon the up and down, back and forth between our story line couple. Courtney has issues of trust, and refuses to come second place to everyone else including the man with whom she will fall in love but Courtney knows that to survive everything that is coming their way, she may have to give up the one thing she never thought she would have.

The relationship between Courtney and Daniil is one of second chances; a rekindling romance in which Courtney struggles to trust, and fears the fall-out of political turmoil. As a Royal Protector and a member of the Royal family, Daniil will always place the safety of the crown before everyone else, and in this Courtney is no longer willing to place herself in the direct line of fire for everyone else. Daniil is determined to claim Courtney as his own but proving she is safe will come at a cost. The $ex scenes are provocative and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we met in previous story lines. We are introduced to Courtney’s half-brother Landon, as well as Daniil’s ex Jesper.

DANIIL is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is captivating; the characters are energetic and determined. DANIIL introduces a new spin off series-SHADOW SECURITY owned and operated by our story line couple.

Reading Order and previous reviews

Sandor
Xander
Axel
The Reading Cafe

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kat Mizera was born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of Wanderlust. She’s lived from coast to coast, and everywhere in between, but home is wherever her family is. A devoted mom and wife to her wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat loves to travel the globe with her adventurous, hockey loving family. Greece is at the top of that list. She hopes to one day retire there, spending her days writing books on the beach.

Kat is former freelance sports writer who now writes steamy hockey romance about her favorite fictional teams, the Las Vegas Sidewinders and the Lauderdale Knights. The library of novels she’s penned also include sexy contemporary stories about baseball stars, alpha sex club owners, bodyguards, rock stars, and royalty. Regardless of genre, her books about bad boys with hearts of gold will steal your breath, rock your world and melt your heart.

To find out about Kat Mizera’s  upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here!

For more information on Kat Mizera and her books visit: https://katmizera.com/

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The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White – a Review

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The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White – a Review

 

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Description:

People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans. Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.

Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak. 

That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets.  And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest.  Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. .

 

 

 

Review:

The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White is the 3rd book in her Royal Street series. Nola Trenholm is renovating her new home in New Orleans, with vengeful ghosts, psychic gifts, unsolved murders; with her business partner and reluctant psychic, Beau Ryan. We meet a few new characters and get to know some old characters a bit better, with each of them playing major parts in the story, adding charm & humor to the story.

There continued to be a mystery surrounding Beau’s family, and Nola’s determination to discover the truths behind the Esplanade house.  Nola and her friend Jolene investigate a mystery involving ghostly spirits that are under renovation. The supernatural elements lead to an old murder case involving the death of Adele, with ghosts and psychics that gives us suspense and hints of danger.

I loved some of the wonderful characters, such as Sarah, who was only 13 years old, with her ability to see and hear ghosts; she was a fantastic addition, helping Nola reveal what the ghosts are telling her.  I also loved Nola’s best friend, Jolene. She too was a fun and awesome character, helping to cook for others, and helping Nola dress good.  I did like Beau, though somewhere they will eventually find a way for them to discover their real feelings.

The Lady on Esplanade is a story that is packed with tension, humor, intrigue, and suspense. What follows is the mystery as well why the ghosts continue to haunt the house on Esplanade; with Beau helping to rescue Nola.

The Lady on Esplanade was so very well written by Karen White, which was an excellent story, with a fabulous heroine in Nola. There was so much history in New Orleans, with ghosts, mystery, suspense and historical homes. Karen White once again gives us a fabulous addition to this series, and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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