Tag Archives: The King

THE SAINT (Gentlemen Rogues 2) by Nana Malone -review tour

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THE SAINT (Gentlemen Rogues 2) by Nana Malone -review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 25, 2022

Kaya Reynolds is a distraction, a rage-inducing pain in the butt, and an absolute magnet for trouble.

But when you’re a Rogues agent, you don’t get to pick your assignments. Unfortunately, you don’t get to decline them either.

And that’s how I ended up fake engaged to the most infuriating women I’ve ever met.

The Rogues Division is a top-secret, highly-classified, “I’d tell you but I’d have to kill you” kind of organization. The kind of organization the government pretends not to love having at its disposal.

Kaya Reynolds is our latest asset. If I want to bring down the man who killed my fiancé, I’ve got to keep her safe.

Thing is, the last time I saw her, she kissed the hell out of me…because she was being chased by his goons and she needed a distraction .

But something sparked between us—something I have no business thinking about day and night. Especially when we’re only pretending to like each other.

Aren’t we?

Yes we are!

This marriage is just for show. I refuse to be tempted by my curvy assignment’s soft satin lips, dark mischievous eyes, or the way she looks at me. Even when we’re not playing our roles….

But nope,NOPE! I lost someone I loved once. And I’m not letting anybody else into my heart.

I’m not going there with the woman I’m only pretending to love. It’s all about staying in control. And I won’t let her tempt me into losing mine.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SAINT is the second full-length instalment in Nana Malone’s contemporary, adult GENTLEMEN ROGUES erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a British Special ops group of men and women known as The Rogues, who work for a group known as Oversight. This is twenty-one year old, college student Kaya Reynolds, and billionaire/Rogues agent Jasper Saint. THE SAINT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaya and Jasper) following several paths, THE SAINT follows Kaya Reynolds search for her mother. Five years earlier, Kaya’s mother got into a car, and has never been seen again. The last person to see Kaya’s mother alive is attending a charity auction, an auction Kaya is determined to attend but Kaya never expected to find herself facing off against two alpha males, both bidding for our heroine’s dinner-date attention. Jasper Saint is a member of the government secret Rogues division, and his latest assignment is to protect and follow our story line heroine but Kaya isn’t about to make things easy, as she continues to hunt for the man who last saw her mother alive, placing herself in the direct line of fire on numerous occasions. What ensues is the building romance and forbidden relationship between Kaya and Jasper, and the potential fall-out as lies of omission, secrets and betrayal push Kaya out of Jasper’s life.

Jasper Saint is about to take control of the family business -ALL SAINTS -but for one stipulation, the position is his. Jasper must be married to remain at the top, and Kaya is perfect in the face of desperation, and Jasper’s job to protect our story line heroine. All is not well with the family dynamics within the Saint family-Jasper’s father is determined to destroy anyone who gets in his way.

Kaya Reynolds hasn’t seen her mother in close to five years. Raised in foster care before attending university, Kaya is determined to track down any and all information about her beloved mother but Kaya has been targeted for who she is, and with it, Kaya and Jasper find themselves running to protect their lives. There is a mole within the secret government organization, and the team have yet to discover the who, how or why.

The relationship between Kaya and Jasper is one of immediate attraction but a meeting predicated upon a series of lies. Jasper’s has been assigned to protect and bring in our story line heroine, a woman who refuse to tow the line in the face of secrets and lies. As the relationship quickly turns into something more, Kaya will find herself on the outside looking in when Jasper pushes away the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters: Saffron and Lachlan (The Heir .5 / The King 1), Saffron’s brother Gabe Webb, and trainee Rook; Kaya’s best friend Gemma, friend Andrew, professor Xander Chase, and business tycoon Connor Phelps aka Lehman. The requisite evil has many faces. Rook’s story line is next.

THE SAINT is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is detailed and intriguing; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are determined and dangerous. THE SAINT ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Heir
The King

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestseller Nana Malone’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

Website: http://nanamaloneromance.net/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneFB

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneGR

Twitter: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneTwitter

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneAB

Instagram: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneIG

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wwz3t9

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneBB

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THE HEIR / THE KING (Gentlemen Rogues) by Nana Malone-review tour

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THE HEIR / THE KING (Gentlemen Rogues 1 & 2) by Nana Malone-review tour

THE KING
(Gentlemen Rogues 2)
by Nana Malone
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2022

What’s worse than a gorgeous one-night stand who doesn’t remember you? Having to pretend to be his wife. For work.
The Rogues Division is a top-secret, highly-classified, “I’d tell you but I’d have to kill you” kind of organization. The kind of organization the government pretends not to love having at its disposal.

And we just got our newest recruit…Lachlan King, the sexy billionaire playboy who seduced me into one night of wild, soul-shattering, sex.
When I slipped out of his bed three months ago, I never expected to see him again. My future is set. I’m going to be a Rogues field agent. And field agents don’t date. Not to mention it’s forbidden to date each other. I’m relieved when he also pretends not to know me, so we can avoid any office awkwardness–until I realize he isn’t pretending.

Even worse luck, I’m assigned to play his lover in the field.
Okay, okay, deep breath. This mission will be easy. All I need to do is pretend to be madly in love with him and make sure neither of us die. Oh and remember this isn’t real. I’ve got to remember that. I cannot let this playboy seduce me again no matter what my belly does when he looks at me like I’m his.

Lachlan “the King,” however, has thrown himself into our undercover assignment a little too whole heartedly. He’s hell bent and determined on being as convincing as possible.

But there’s no way I’m letting him fake-husband me back into bed. I won’t fall for him this time. I won’t. Will I?

•••••

REVIEW: THE KING is the second instalment in Nana Malone’s contemporary, adult GENTLEMEN ROGUES erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a British black ops group of men and women known as Rogues, who work for a group known as Oversight. This is the continuing story of twenty-five year old, billionaire playboy turned Rogue Lachlan King, and the twenty-two year old heir to the Rogue division Saffron Abbot. THE KING should not be read as a stand alone as King and Saffron’s story begins in the introductory novella THE HEIR.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Saffron and Lachlan) THE KING picks up several weeks after the events and cliff hanger of book one THE HEIR. On the night of her twenty-second birthday, Saffron embarked on a one-night stand with a stranger, a stranger who would not remember what happened or why. Weeks later, in the halls of the Rogue mansion, Saffron would come face to face with the man she could never forget but a man who did not remember our story line heroine. Enter Lachlan King and the man with whom Saffron would fall in love. Saffron Abbott is a Rogue; a member of an elite group of black ops operators currently overseen by Saffron’s brother Gabe but Gabe refuses to allow Saffron to engage in any outside jobs, a refusal that will pit brother against sister in a need to protect the surviving Abbott family. When Gabe gets news that the people responsible for the murder of their parents may have been found, Saffron and Lachlan King are tasked with getting up close and personal with the inner circle, a task that requires our couple to act as newlywed husband and wife but all does not go according to plan as Lachlan and the team must break protocol to save one of their own. What ensues is the rekindling romance and forbidden relationship between Lachlan and Saffron, and the potential fall-out as Saffron struggles with the knowledge that respect and trust are something she has apparently never earned.

The relationship between Saffron and Lachlan begins as a one-night stand that Lachlan cannot remember. Saffron is heart broken and hurt in the wake of her attraction to the man she is now responsible to train, a man who struggles with a familiarity he cannot recall. Forbidden to engage in a relationship between Rogues, Saffron and Lachlan must keep their affair on the down low, an affair that is not as secret as they had originally thought. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my ‘romance’ story lines.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters: Saffron’s brother Gabe Webb, as well as Rogues and trainees Saint, Rookie, Robert, Maxim, and the return of Saffron’s best friend and fellow Rogue Tabatha. Saint’s story is next.

THE KING is an emotional story of betrayal and vengeance, heart break and hurt, trust and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are strong, impassioned, and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

____________

THE HEIR
(Gentlemen Rogues 1)
by Nana Malone
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

FREE -> Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 14, 2022

“Lachlan King caught naked kite surfing with Hollywood Starlet!” “Scandal Rocks King Family… Again!” “King Media Family furious with out of Control Second Son!”
Yeah, I’ve seen the headlines too.
My family is threatening to disown me if I get near another bloody scandal.
So I’m staying out of trouble. Or trying to…until I see her.
It doesn’t matter that she’s dancing with someone else. The moment our gazes meet across a crowded club, I know one thing. I have to have her. Even though, I can tell from just looking at her, she’s going to get me in trouble.

One night is all I’ll need.
Famous last words.

•••••

REVIEW:THE HEIR is the prequel novella in Nana Malone’s contemporary, adult GENTLEMEN ROGUES erotic, romantic suspense series. This is twenty-two year old Saffron Abbott, and billionaire playboy Lachlan King’s story line.

Told from dual dual first person perspectives (Lachlan and Saffron) THE HEIR focuses on the one-night stand between Saffron Abbott and Lachlan King. It’s Saffron’s twenty-second birthday, and her bestie Tabatha wants to spend the night on the town but Saffron is reluctant until she comes face to face with Lachlan King, the man with whom she will spend one glorious night but Saffron has a secret; she works for a top secret government organization, and Lachlan King is about to fall into the middle of our heroine’s mess.

THE HEIR is the introductory novella that reveals a little bit about Saffron Abbott and Lachlan King but leaves more mystery than solid fact. The premise is engaging; the characters are energetic; the $ex scenes are edgy and provocative. THE HEIR ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestseller Nana Malone’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

Website: http://nanamaloneromance.net/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneFB

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneGR

Twitter: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneTwitter

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneAB

Instagram: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneIG

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wwz3t9

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneBB

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The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R.Ward-a review

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THE KING (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R.Ward-a review

The King March 2014

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REMINDER: Read our interview with Jeff Gmerek the cover model for THE KING

RELEASE DATE: April 1,2014

J.R. Ward’s # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out… or a tortured legacy take over?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE KING is the twelfth instalment in JR Ward’s The Black Dagger Brotherhood series focusing on an elite group of vampire warriors and their King. Like most of the previous storylines JR concentrates on more than one developing relationship and story as well as the continued war with the Lessening Society (not so much) and the Glymera (vampire ruling council). This is Beth and Wrath’s continuing story as Beth enters her needing and Wrath refuses his mate’s desire for a family.

The book centres on several storylines as per Ward’s style and each may or may not overlap at some point in The King. Like all of her previous books, The King is not a stand alone novel as developing relationships and backstories continue throughout each instalment. The storyline fast forwards the series several months up to approximately one year.

Beth and Wrath: Beth wants a baby and Wrath’s continued reluctance will pit the mates against one another. Wrath’s tortured family past and the vampire’s history of birth and death are major obstacles that Wrath is unable to overcome. Beth and Wrath’s relationship will enter a difficult period, one where words will be exchanged and Wrath’s emotional stability will be questioned by the Brothers and his friends. Much of the ruling vampire history is revealed through flashbacks and memory at various storyline intervals.

Iam and Trez and Selena: This particular part of the storyline focuses on Trez’s relationship with the Chosen Selena but also on his destination as the Shadow Queen’s daughter’s consort. When an ultimatum is handed down, Trez makes a deal with the devil-one that will exact revenge for a wrong brought down on Trez but places Trez in a precarious position of losing everything and everyone that he loves. His future as the Queen’s daughter’s mate is still a question that will be addressed in the next storyline. We learn a little more about the why and the how of family betrayal against a once-beloved son.

Xcor and Layla: The continuing battle for the throne finds Xcor aligned with the Glymera and torn between his need for Layla and what he believes is his inherent right to the crown. When an offer is made that he cannot refuse Xcor loses sight of the reason he and the Band of Bastards returned-Layla is now the recipient of his desires. Xcor and Layla’s story will be difficult to accept for many readers. I do not feel the love or the attraction between the couple and I wonder how JR will redeem Xcor in the eyes of the Brothers and the reader. There was some definite drag in the story as it pertained to this couple.

Assail and Sola: Assail’s need for the human female Sola (Marisol) will pit the vampire against Caldwell’s drug lord and his minions. At the end of Lover at Last, Sola is kidnapped and her whereabouts is unknown. The reader is pulled into a nightmare where Sola fears for not only her life but her sanity and Assail fears he is too late to save the woman with whom he has fallen in love. This particular part of the novel also dragged in spots but JR is still building their story. To be honest, this particular premise feels disconnected to the main series. I am not sure of this couple’s purpose in the grand scheme of the BDB but hopefully JR Ward has something planned for this couple.

JM aka John Matthew: John’s seizures have returned with a vengeance. We all know John’s connection to Darius, Beth and the Brothers but the closer he and Beth become his seizures occur more often and more violently. Once John entered his post-trans phase his seizures were a thing of the past but the re-appearance come with flashbacks and memories that cannot be explained as post-seizure hallucinations. Will JM’s true identity finally be revealed?

The Brothers are secondary characters at this point and make a cameo appearance if only in thought or mention. In this, if you are looking for any Blay and Quinn relationship updates etc, there are none to be had. In fact, the focus of The King is The King and his struggle to retain the crown. There is little to no reconnection with most of the previous couples-Ward centres on the upcoming battles and, the building and dissecting of future storyline arcs. The world building continues with each instalment but is shying away from the ‘lessers’ and that particular series arc. There are definite moments of highs and lows; a few slow spots where you want to fast forward in the story; and others spots where you wish JR had revealed a little more information. I miss the Brotherhood banter and their one on one time with each other. JR Ward is no longer focused on the Brotherhood but on the introduction of new characters, new vampires and new directions.

Saxton’s connection to the Glymera is revealed as well as the family betrayal that is emotional and heartbreaking. You have to wonder why one continues to acknowledge those who destroy your heart and your soul. Saxton’s mate will have to be strong although Saxton himself is a male of worth.

THE KING is an emotional storyline as it pertains to Beth and Wrath. When history begins to repeat itself Wrath is lost in a world of what-ifs. Will he survive without the crown? Without his mate? Without the Brothers? He is a man who has lost so much and yet has everything he has always dreamed (of).

Lassiter makes a reappearance and in true Lassiter fashion-all I can say is-The King is alive and well and living in Caldwell, New York. Every story needs a little humor to offset the dark and emotional ups and downs. I can’t wait for Lassiter’s story. It will take an amazing woman to keep up with the manically hyper Angel.

Speaking of humor Ward interjects several contemporary and humorous moments that give the storyline familiarity and a modern feel. Although in future, the moments may date the series to particular period in time e.g. Miley Cyrus, twerking etc.

Overall, THE KING is a necessary storyline that brings Wrath’s family history full circle: the Glymera reap what they sow: and a look to the future ruling King. My only hope is that JR comes back to the Brothers but it doesn’t look like anytime soon with the Shadows-Iam and Trez-getting their story next.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder

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Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder

March 25, 2014 marks the date of JR Ward’s much anticipated release of The King (Wrath and Beth’s continuing story). The Reading Cafe would like to introduce Jeffrey J. Gmerek -the cover model for The King and the re release of Dark Lover  (Feb 2014)

TRC: Hi Jeff and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on making the cover of J.R.Ward’s THE KING.

Jeff Gmerek 4We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jeff: I have had health problems growing up where I had to give up sports and focus on my heath, which is how I got into the fitness scene 7 years ago. I am a 100% Natural Fitness Model/Bodybuilder from New York. I am a Special Education Teacher. I’ve been signed with a Fitness Modeling agency in NYC for 4 years as well as a Model for Extreme Sun Capsule.

TRC: What type of daily regimen do you follow to stay in shape? Does it change based on cover shoots and job requirements?

Jeff: I wake up at 6am every morning and go to sleep at 10pm. Sleep is very important when trying to build muscle. I designed my own nutrition plan where I follow a High Protein/High Carb Diet. Email me for nutrition plans (serious inquiries only at Juniorizzy@aol.com). I am 6 foot 1 245lbs. Depending on job requirement I have to make sure that I look the part depending what type of build they want for the covers.

Jeff Gmerek 3TRC: There is always a story behind being discovered. Would you please tell us about your foray into the cover model business?

Jeff: I was discovered about 4 years ago by Silver Model Management’s CEO Adam Silver. From there everything fell right into place. I have to give a special thanks to Tony Mauro, one of the best illustrators/graphic artist around.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. What is your opinion about nude modelling?

Jeff: I have never done nude modeling nor will I ever.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surround by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Jeff: My family, friends and photographers have and always will be very supportive of me. Sometimes is it very stressful, especially when I have to travel and make sure I have everything that I need(especially my meals.)

Jeff Gmerek JR WardTRC: At The Reading Cafe we first became aware of you as a cover model for J.R.Ward’s THE KING (2014). Do you know on how many covers you have appeared? Do you remember your first cover on which your image appeared?

Archangel's Storm-Jeff GmerekJeff: I have been on 12 Book covers, several magazines in the U.S. and one of the best known magazines(Vanity) in the U.K. Last year I won the Best Male Cover of the Year which was Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Storm.

TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years with the many vampire, werewolf and fantasy storylines. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the romance cover model?

 

Jeff: That the reader gets involved and can’t put the book down, wanting more.

Reaper's Legacy-Jeff GmerekTRC: What do you feel is the most important or interesting aspect of the romance cover industry?

Jeff: To catch the reader’s eye and get their full attention.

TRC: If you could become a contestant on a reality TV program, which show would you choose and why?

Jeff: Funny your ask this question. Just the other day I got asked to be on The Bacholerette.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about yourself?

Jeff: That people judge me by my looks. I was raised very old school and am very family oriented.

Jeff Gmerek 1

 

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Jeff: I like to go in my hot tub and turn on the TV or listen to music while I am in it. During the summer I like to go up to my beach house.

 

 

 

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream

Favorite Movie: Training Day

Favorite TV Show: The Voice

Last Movie that you Saw: 42

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk

Pet Peeve: People chewing with their mouth open

Secret Celebrity Crush: Vida Guerra

TRC:  Thank you Jeffrey for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the upcoming release of THE KING and your coveted image. We wish you all the best for future covers.

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