Tag Archives: contemporay

Decker’s Dilemma (Knights and Dragons) by Chantal Fernando-review

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Decker’s Dilemma (Knights and Dragons 1) by Chantal Fernando-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 22, 2022

The Knights of Fury and the Wind Dragons MCs come together in New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando’s gritty new series.

Wind Dragon princess Cara and ex-cop Decker will have to cross every line to be together—including the law.

At a Turning Point

It was a typical PI gig: track down the client’s newly discovered half sister. For ex-cop Seth Decker, finding Cara Ward was the easy part. Walking away from the sexy schoolteacher is going to be a whole different story.

At a Crossroads

Cara thought she had the road ahead all mapped out—she’d be a biker’s old lady, straddling a Harley behind the man she fell for in her teens. But she’s all grown up. And while the Wind Dragons will always be family, Cara wants something more, something for herself. Decker may not be a biker, but that means his woman will always come first.

Caught in the Cross Fire

Once an MC princess, always an MC princess, though. When Cara’s connection to the Wind Dragons puts her in the line of fire from a gang out for revenge, Decker realizes the safest place for her is by his side. After all, there’s nothing he won’t do to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means crossing the line of the law he once swore to uphold.

Knights & Dragons MC

••••••

REVIEW: DECKER’S DILEMMA is the first instalment in Chantal Fernando’s KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS MC romance series-a blending of the author’s KNIGHTS OF FURY and WIND DRAGONS MC series. This is former police officer turned private investigator Seth Decker, and school teacher Cara Ward’s story line. DECKER’S DILEMMA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the original series is revealed where necessary. Several of the characters cross over from both series. Cara is best friend’s with Clover Black (Fallen Princess/Wind Dragons MC 7).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cara and Decker) DECKER’S DILEMMA follows former police officer turned PI Seth Decker as he goes in search of Cara Ward, a woman he knows very little about. His latest assignment as a PI finds Decker looking for the a client’s half sister, an assignment with personal connections to the Wind Dragons MC. Seth Decker is the former law enforcement partner of Felix Banks, whose wife Clover Black is a princess with the Wind Dragons MC, and as such Decker will be caught in the middle when everything spirals out of control. Decker witnesses Cara’s current relationship implode, and comes to the rescue of our story line heroine, who will find herself the target of a local gang, vowing vengeance for the shooting by a member of the Wind Dragons MC. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Cara and Decker, and the potential fall-out as the Wind Dragons call in reinforcements from the Knights of Fury when one of their own is threatened, and the attacks become more personal and potentially deadly.

Seth Decker doesn’t do relationships but finds himself considering a future with our story line heroine. Having just caught her long-term boyfriend with someone else, Cara never expected to fall so fast but falling for Decker was easy the longer they spent more time together. 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 secondary and supporting characters with several members from both the Knights of Fury and Wind Dragons MC including Clover Black and Felix Banks. We are introduced to Cara’s half-sister Constance Wilder, Decker’s boss and PI boss Nadia, as well as Cara’s ex boyfriend Rhett Madden, the heir apparent to the Wind Dragons MC, and the Forgotten Children aka FC gang.

DECKER’S DILEMMA is a story of betrayal and vengeance, love and friendships. The premise is engaging and dramatic; the romance is seductive and frenzied; the characters are familiar, charismatic and tenacious.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter-Review tour

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The Darkest Destiny (Lords of the Underworld/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Gena Showalter-Review tour

 

 

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Add The Darkest Destiny to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/37esXBc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2021.

Forsaken. Deathless. A monster in every way. Mostly, Brochan is determined. He craves what fate promised him—the woman who will help him conquer a heavenly kingdom. He will stop at nothing to win her.

Viola, Keeper of the demon of Narcissism, lives for a single purpose—treating herself and her pet to the best life possible. But a crazed warrior is now appearing everywhere she ventures, ruining her fun…. tempting her beyond reason and keeping her at a razor-edge of desire.

Though legions of males have attempted to win her, all have failed. Somehow, this rampaging beast is tearing down her walls, one by one, claiming he owns her heart and her very destiny. To be with him, however, she must defeat the only force strong enough to destroy her—love.

••••••

REVIEW:It’s been a while since I’ve read this author (I tend only to read her lords of the underworld series) so I was excited to find out she’s written another short story in this series.

Viola has the demon Narcissism contained inside her body (many centuries ago a group of warriors were guarding Pandora’s box, they were foolish enough to open it, all the demons escaped! As punishment those guards were made to live with a demon inside of them, prisoners of the gods were also punished with the demons)

So your wondering if Viola is a warrior or an enemy of the Gods?! (Read the book and you’ll find out ?She is also the keeper of the Afterlife (you’ll find out how in the book) Viola cares for nothing except herself, (well that the definition of narcissism) until her pet fluffy enters her life. (She thinks of her pet as a child) She lives only to entertain and amuse herself and care for fluffy, by taking immortal souls.I wasn’t a big lover of this character when she was first introduced into the LOTU (lords of the underworld) but in this book my opinion changes.

Brochan doesn’t house a demon inside himself. But he certainly comes with enough of his own issues! The more I read of him, the more I felt sorry for him (and to be honest, most of the characters in this series have a pretty horrible life) he was an angel until he fell (due to Viola! And now he made it his mission to find answers, then take her head!

This pairing was just great. How they meet had me chuckling, which turned into amazement, which soon morphed into shock!

Although a short story, it packs a whole lot into it….Betrayal, laughter, suspense and a few steamy moments. I understand the character a lot more after reading her background, she’s still not one of my favourite characters, but I like her a whole lot more now. Brochan was a great character he had so much potential and excelled beyond even his own expectations.

It’s not necessary to read all the previous books in this series (15 books and a few novellas!) as this book will happily stand on its own.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

Connect with Gena:

Website| Facebook| Twitter| Instagram| Goodreads

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The Hit (Team Zulu 1) by Julie Weaver-a review

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The Hit (Team Zulu 1) by Julie Weaver-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2021

He’s her one chance for survival.
She’s his last hope for salvation.

Former member of Team Zulu, a clandestine black operations unit, Elias “Shep” Shepherd believes the only use he has nowadays is taking out human scum on home soil. After years of harrowing military deployments, the one place he finds peace is at his remote Appalachian Mountain cabin, far from civilians and the world he doesn’t fit in anymore.

When Shep accepts a Mafia contract, he doesn’t expect his mark to be a woman, or the sexiest thing in grease-stained overalls he’s ever laid eyes on. She stirs something inside Shep’s battle-hardened heart. Despite the risks, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means breaking his no visitors rule at the cabin.

Muscle car mechanic Cameron McKenzie only needs one look at the towering wall of muscle who’s abducted her to know he’s a killing machine. Too bad for him, she’s not going down without a fight. Hidden away in his isolated mountain home, Cameron is reluctant to admit Shep might not be the heartless beast she thought he was. And as their mutual trust builds, so too does an intense attraction for her unlikely savior.

If the Mafia discovers Cameron is still alive, Shep will need every one of his elite skills to keep them both safe. Although he’s no longer sure which is more dangerous—The Mob’s demand for merciless retribution, or the woman who makes him wish he was worthy of her love.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE HIT is the first full-length instalment in Julie Weaver’s contemporary, adult TEAM ZULU romantic suspense series focusing on the former members of an undrcover Black Ops Unit known as Team Zulu. This is thirty-six year old, former US Special Forces soldier Elias ‘Shep’ Shepherd, and twenty-seven year old, auto mechanic Cameron McKenzie’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Shep and Cam) THE HIT follows in the wake of a contract kill against our story line heroine. Cameron McKenzie’s brother stole from the mob, and Cameron is about to pay for her brother’s sins. Hitman Elias ‘Shep’ Shepherd, doesn’t kill woman and children, having lived through fifteen years of service in the Middle East. His latest target is Cameron McKenzie, the woman with whom Shep would fall in love. On the run together, trying to stay one step ahead of the Mafia, Shep and Cam find themselves playing house but someone ratted out our couple, and Cam finds herself facing the possibility of losing everyone she loves. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Shep and Cam, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close.

Cameron McKenzie is a feisty, sassy, no nonsense heroine who tries everything to free herself from her sexy captor. Cam has always known her brother was trouble but his latest act of defiance finds our heroine with a target on her back but when hitman for hire Elias ‘Shep’ Shepherd takes Cameron hostage, she has no idea that time spent together meant losing her heart to a killing machine. Hoping to get the woman with whom he is falling in love to safety, Shep calls in a favor, a favor that is about to expose our couple to their possible demise.

The relationship between Cameron and Shep is an enemies to lovers; a contracted hit against our story line heroine, one in which our assassin grows a conscience in the face of killing a woman who has done nothing wrong. On the run in the Appalachian mountains, Cameron and Shep’s relationship ups to the next level, but Shep knows their time together will eventually come to a close. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Cameron’s embattled brother Justin, and her boss Tom; Team Zulu members -former US Navy Seal Kane Daniels, and Brandon aka Ben. The requisite evil has many faces including Mafia boss Franky Russo. Brandon and Sage’s story line is next.

THE HIT is a story of betrayal and revenge, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, action packed premise is edgy and intense; the romance is provocative and intimate; the characters are energetic, and impassioned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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JETT (Arizona Vengeance 10) by Sawyer Bennett-Review & Giveaway

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JETT (Arizona Vengeance 10) by Sawyer Bennett-Review &Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2021

Jett Olsson isn’t looking for anything serious and she’s not looking for anything at all, so why does it seem so hard to keep it professional?

I love my life—the thrill of being on the ice as part of the Arizona Vengeance, the rush of winning, the adoration of the fans. And if that adoration means I don’t have to spend the night alone, well even better. I’m content being single and always ready to mingle.

But the day Emory Holland walks into a Vengeance team meeting my attention is caught like never before. I can tell right away she’s full of smarts and sass, and the fact that she’s hot as hell sure doesn’t hurt either. She immediately shuts down my advances, so I opt for the road less traveled—straight to the friend zone.

My approach works like a charm, and when she invites me into her bed for a no-strings, friends-with-benefits arrangement, I vow to give her everything I have. She’s been hurt before, and if I’m able to help her heal while giving her a spectacularly satisfying time *pats self on back*, then I’ll be happy.

Or at least that’s the lie I keep telling myself as the time ticks down on the final buzzer of our “relationship”. Now the real question is, can I score the winning goal in a game neither of us realized we were playing?

•••••••

REVIEW: JETT is the tenth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult ARIZONA VENGEANCE erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the professional hockey team the Arizona Vengeance. This is twenty-six year old, right-winger Jett Olsson, and the Vengeance’s Vice President of Digital Marketing and Analytics / single mother Emory Holland’s story line. JETT 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 (Jett and Emory) JETT focuses on the building romance and relationship between twenty-six year old, hockey player Jett Olsson, and the Vengeance’s Vice President of Digital Marketing and Analytics / single mother Emory Holland. Emory Holland is new to the Arizona Vengeance, and the Phoenix area but a business meeting with Jett Olsson stirs something in our story line heroine but dating a player means crossing the line. Giving in to her emotions, Emory offers Jett a friends with benefits type of arrangement, an arrangement that is about to turn into something more. What ensues is the building relationship between Emory and Jett, and the potential fall-out as Emory’s past returns wanting a second chance.

Emory Holland is a divorcee; a single mother whose ex is no longer in the picture, and as such, Emory struggles with issues of trust, as it pertains to her hearts, and that of her seven year old daughter Felicity. Emory knows Jett’s reputation off the ice is a bit of a player but Emory’s heart wants more than she could have ever thought possible. Jett Olsson never expected to fall hard for a woman, having seen his fellow teammates fall hard and fast but something about Emory draws Jett like a ‘moth to a flame’, a moth that is about to get burned when Emory’s past threatens our heroine’s well ordered life.

The relationship between Jett and Emory begins as a business arrangement; co-workers of a sort who both work for the Arizona Vengeance. Emory is unsure as to the reactions of the franchise but Jett wants nothing more than to claim Emory as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Emory’s seven year old daughter Felicity, her sister Jenna, and he ex Shane Kelly, as well as team owner Dominik Carlson, injured player Baden Oulett, defenseman Riggs Nadeau, and several members of the Arizona Vengeance.

JETT is a story of family, relationships and love; of camaraderie and friendships; second chances and moving on. The premise is thought provoking, emotional and real; the romance is provocative yet tender; the characters are sassy, determined and spirited.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bishop
Erik
Legend
Dax
Tacker
Dominik
Rafe
Wylde
Kane
Steele

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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THE WICKED AFTERMATH by Melissa Foster-Review & Giveaway Tour

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THE WICKED AFTERMATH (The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside 2) by Melissa Foster-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 9, 2021

THE WICKED AFTERMATH is an emotionally gripping story of love, loss, and hope, with a rich and entrancing happily ever after. Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun and deeply emotional, others will tear at your heartstrings and include injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them. All Wicked novels may be enjoyed as standalone romances.

When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain…

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won’t have to face it alone.

••••

REVIEW: THE WICKED AFTERMATH is the second instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult THE WICKEDS: DARK KNIGHTS AT BAYSIDE erotic,romance series focusing on the residents of Bayside Cape Cod, and the members of the Dark Knights motorcycle club. This is thirty-two year old, biker/ tattoo artist Benson ’Tank’ Wicked, and twenty-four year old waitress Leah Yates’ story line. THE WICKED AFTERMATH and The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside is a spin off from the author’s Bayside Summers, The Whiskeys, and its’ numerous franchises.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tank and Leah) THE WICKED AFTERMATH is an emotional, heart breaking and heart warming story line that focuses on loss, love, grief and recovery. Tank Wicked has lusted after Leah Yates since she started working at the family bar but Leah’s personal life was a mystery, and Tank was about to find himself in the middle of our heroine’s family tragedy. With the Wicked family taking control, ensuring Leah survived the oncoming fallout, Tank Wicked makes it his personal mission to support Leah as the days and weeks begin to spiral out of control. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Leah and Tank, as our couple navigate a minefield of grief, acceptance and loss.

As per Melissa’s style of writing, the Wicked family, the Dark Knights, and their affiliated friends and acquaintances step up and step in when one of their own needs friendships and love. Leah Yates finds herself surrounded by people who are about to become an intricate part of her support system, a system that now includes the man with whom she will fall in love.

The relationship between Leah and Tank begins after a tragic loss. Benson ‘Tank’ Wicked refuses to leave Leah alone, knowing at some points everything is about to come crashing down. Leah struggles in the face of acceptance and loss but her attraction to Tank is visceral and strong- the sexual chemistry is incredible and raw. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, and sassy secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have me in previous storylines and series. We are introduced to Junie and Rosie whose presence is a balm on the open wounds of our leading couple.

THE WICKED AFTERMATH is a story of overcoming tragic loss; a tale of family, friendships, love and understanding. The premise is strong, sensitive, and stirring; the romance is provocative and tender; the characters are flirty, wounded and inspiring. THE WICKED AFTERMATH is a wonderfully, heart warming addition to Melissa Foster’s family of stories.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one A LITTLE BIT WICKED.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews for The Whiskeys
Tru Blue
Truly Madly Whiskey
Driving Whiskey Wild
Wicked Whiskey Love
Mad About Moon
Taming My Whiskey
The Gritty Truth

Reading Order and Previous Reviews for Bayside Summers:
Bayside Desires
Bayside Passions
Bayside Heat
Bayside Escape
Bayside Romance
Bayside Fantasies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /  Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   Apple   GPlay   Paperback

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 17, 2020

Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Their stories are told in the same loving, passionate voice readers have come to adore from Melissa. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun, others will tear at your heartstrings with injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them!

In A LITTLE BIT WICKED…
What do a cocky biker and a businesswoman who has sworn off dating bad boys have in common? According to Chloe Mallery, not much.

Justin came into the Wicked family after a harsh upbringing by a thieving father. He’s gone through a lot to become a true Wicked, and he’s made them proud. Now he’s ready to show the woman he loves exactly what type of man he is. But Chloe has worked hard to move past her difficult upbringing, and she’s wary of getting involved with a man who looks like he’s walked right out of it. When tragedy strikes, will their trying pasts draw them together, or will Justin’s protective nature be too much for Chloe’s independent heart to accept?

••••••••

Pre-order, releasing 23rd March 2022

Crazy, Wicked Love
Amazon.com / Amazon CA /  Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Kobo    Apple   GPlay   Paperback

Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds. 
 
Can you handle DWAYNE WICKED? 
He’s the ultimate player. She wants him to teach her the game in hopes of scoring his cousin. Practices heat up as roommates become teammates and rules are broken. Let the wicked fun begin…
 
No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds.
Available to pre-order from …

 

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites….
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NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

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Ending on Sunday, 27h June at 11.59pm EST

 

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A Date for the Derby by LP Dover & Heidi McLaughlin-Review tour

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A Date for the Derby by LP Dover & Heidi McLaughlin-Review tour

ebook only 99¢ USD  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 21, 2020

For Brielle Armstrong the pomp and circumstance of the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby are truly the most thrilling time of the year. Press junkets, designer gowns, everyone schmoozing her in hopes of getting in her daddy’s good graces. What’s not to love?

But this year, her heart is racing with anticipation to see Colby Hensley. As a former trainer of her family’s champion horses, his rugged sex appeal has always filled Brielle’s mind with naughty thoughts of a little barebacked fun.

Even though Colby walked away from their farm, her father Butch, would never approve of him. But what daddy doesn’t know can’t hurt him. If their secret comes out, it could cost Brielle everything. Still, what fun is life if you don’t ride it at a gallop?

Grab your riding crop, and place your bets. It’s Derby Day!

•••••••••

REVIEW:A DATE FOR THE DERBY co-authored by Heidi McLaughlin and LP Dover is a contemporary, adult, erotic novella, and the fifth stand alone story in their DATING series. This is horse trainer Colby Hensley, and Heiress Brielle Armstrong’s story line. Like the previous instalments A DATE FOR THE DERBY is a complete stand alone. You do not have to have read any of the other stories to follow along.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Colby and Brielle) A DATE FOR THE DERBY is a second chance romance between horse trainer Colby Hensley, and heiress Brielle Armstrong. Colby Hensley is in love with Brielle Armstrong but a few years earlier, while working and training horse at the Armstrong stables, Colby discovered that his boss and Brielle Armstrong’s father went behind his back on a deal for a horse. Disappointed and furious Colby called out his former employer and in doing so found himself looking for another job. Having walked away from the Armstrong stables meant walking away from the woman he loved but with the approach of the Kentucky Derby, Colby knew he would have to face Brielle Armstrong, and the hatred she continues to direct at our story line hero. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Brielle and Colby, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed, and Brielle is forced to choose between her father, and the man that she loves.

A DATE FOR THE DERBY is a fast paced, quick read that focuses on family, second chances, betrayal, misunderstanding and love. The premise is energetic, captivating and engaging; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sexy, sweet and steamy. Colby Hensley risked everything for what he believed was right, and in doing so lost his family, his friendships and the woman he loved. Once the truth is finally revealed, Colby discovers that the losses are temporary but the love is forever.

Previous Reviews

A Date for Midnight
A Date with an Admirer
A Date for Good Luck
A Date for the Hunt

Preorder book  6:

A Date to Play Fore ➜ https://amzn.to/3hmD4Hx

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/TDS1grs

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

••••••••

LP Dover: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Google+ / Amazon / Goodreads / Newsletter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.

Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.

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Bard (Talisman #3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-a review

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Bard (Talisman #3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2020

A warrior tempts a wicked goddess…

Seamus Lochlann is always up for a good time-or a battle. At least that’s how it looks to his friends and family who count on his infectious humor and lethal sword arm. Fighting the war goddesses’ rogue warriors on the dark streets of East LA to defend his best friend puts him on the radar of the lustiest goddess in the Celtic pantheon. Maeve wants to spend him in her bed-and she’ll stop at nothing to enjoy the pleasures she expects from him.

A talisman knows his fate…

Fallon Graham can’t shake the premonitions. Flashing through her mind are stories with an up-close-and-personal view of the war goddess stealing the life force of a noble warrior who fights back again and again. Her heart breaks as she watches the warrior’s desperate struggles for his dignity and a chance to die honorably on the battlefield. Never in a million years would she have predicted that dream-warrior would walk right into her office and ask for a date.

Together, they can change the story.

A chance encounter at a mountain cabin seals their fate. The woman Seamus has searched for, the woman the gods determined to be his mate, is the only woman who’s ever turned him down. Fallon can’t believe she’s fated to the warrior Maeve has marked for herself. When the goddess strikes, they have a choice-succumb to the unholy power of the goddess or believe their love can tell a different story.

•••••••

REVIEW: BARD is the third full-length instalment in Tam DeRudder Jackson’s contemporary, adult TALISMAN paranormal, fantasy, Celtic mythology series. This is marketing promoter Fallon Graham, and twenty-six year old, security specialist Seamus Lochlann’s story line. BARD can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or book one TALISMAN for back ground and history.

SOME BACKGROUND: Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan and her sister Maeve set into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested. Morrigan is part of Celtic mythology representing the cycle of birth and death, but is also the patron of magic and revenge, prophecy and night.

Told from several third person perspectives including Seamus and Fallon BARD follows the building relationship between marketing promoter Fallon Graham, and twenty-six year old, security specialist and Celtic warrior Seamus Lochlann. Seamus Lochlann had yet to find his fated Talisman but a visit to a local sports centre found Seamus hoping the fiery auburn haired receptionist was his fated mate. A quick trip to his family cabin in the woods found Seamus face to face with Fallon Graham, when a sudden storm forced a hiking Fallon in search of a place to stay. Discovering each was the other’s fated mate, Fallon and Seamus got down to business but Fallon’s repeated dream where she watches as Seamus dies becomes the stuff of her nightmares when Maeve captures our couple and forces Fallon to watch as her beloved is sexually tortured to death. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Fallon and Seamus, and the potential fall-out as the naïve and ill-prepared Fallon, struggles with her powers, and how to help the man with whom she has fallen in love.

Fallon Graham comes from a long line of warriors and Talismans whose discriminatory attitude towards the magical Druid has affected their daughter’s Talisman training. Unaware of her true potential, Fallon battles between head and heart, and slowly loses hope when she is unable to help the man that she love. Seamus Lochlann is a carefree warrior but a warrior prepared to die to protect the lineage of warriors and Talisman. Hoping against hope that Fallon will be able to stop her dreams from become reality, Seamus will slowly succumbed to the Celtic goddess, when his mate is not strong enough to stop fate from happening.

The relationship and love between Seamus and Fallon is quick to develop. Once a warrior finds his mate, the Talisman quickly falls for the man she was chosen to protect but all is not well Graham family lineage, and Seamus may suffer when his Talisman is unable to protect the man that she loves. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the to, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous instalments: Rowan and Alyssa (Talisman #1); Shanley and Alaisdair (Prophetess 2.5); goddesses Scathach (warrior woman and martial arts teacher), Maeve and Morgan, and god Taranis. We are introduced to Fallon’s aunt Keela and Uncle Griffin; her parents Clancy and Ivori Graham; and Seamus’ sister Siobhan MacManus and her warrior Duncan, and Duncan’s sister Jennifer.

BARD is a story of family, friendships, power and magic; discrimination, pain, anger and retribution. The premise is detailed and dramatic ; the characters are animated and colorful but I struggled with our heroine who was emotionally and magically weak ; the romance is seductive and captivating.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Talisman
Warrior
Prophetess

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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CLOSE TO ME (The Callahans #1) by Monica Murphy-Review & Excerpt tour

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CLOSE TO ME (The Callahans #1) by Monica Murphy-Review & Excerpt tour

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

About the book: Release Date February 11, 2020

Asher Davis. My first crush.

My first kiss.

The boy who ripped my heart out of my chest again and again. Over and over. I let him have it every single time.

Willingly.

We are that toxic high school couple you hear about, the one you witness in the hallway avoiding each other. You laugh at them in class when they’re forced to work together, their gazes full of hatred. We are the couple you gossip about when they win homecoming prince and princess their sophomore year…

The back and forth is what kills me the most. I’m not his princess, I’m the girl he toys with when he’s bored. And he’s definitely not my prince, no matter how badly I want him to be.

Our senior year and we’re months away from never having to see each other again when disaster strikes—and brings us closer together. All it takes is one touch, and I’m burning for Ash. Hotter than I ever have.

But will that burn turn into a devastating fire? Or can we actually make it work this time?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CLOSE TO ME is the first instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, young adult THE CALLAHANS romance series focusing on the Callahan siblings-a spin off from the author’s ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND series. This is high school students Asher Davis, and Autumn Callahan’s story line.

Told from several first person perspectives including Asher and Autumn CLOSE TO ME covers four to five years in the life of high school students Asher Davis, and Autumn Callahan. Autumn Callahan is the eldest child and daughter of former NFL quarterback Drew Callahan and his wife Fable, and as such finds herself often on the outside looking in but her four year, love/hate relationship with high school quarterback Asher Davis pulls our heroine into the vortex that is about to suck Asher Davis into the depths of h*ll. When trouble at home finds Asher living with Coach Callahan, his relationship with Autumn is stepped up to the next level, no longer a love/hate relationship but a teenaged love affair wherein Asher’s past is determined to destroy them all. What ensues is the building friendship, relationship and romance between Asher and Autumn, and the potential fall-out as Asher’s home-life, and previous relationships affect everything going forward.

The relationship between Asher and Autumn begins acrimoniously as Asher’s attempts to befriend Autumn are met with derision and scorn. Autumn struggles to accept everything that Asher represents without ever truly understanding the totality of the darkness that controls his world. As Autumn and Asher dance around one another throughout their entire high school career, Asher’s life begins to implode leaving our hero a shell of his former self. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic cast of characters include Drew and Fable Callahan (One Week Girlfriend series), as well as their children Jake, Ava and Beck; Autumn’s friend Kaya; several high school students, mean girls and wanna-bes. Jake’s story is next in Falling For Her.

CLOSE TO ME is a story of family, dysfunction, betrayal, secrets and lies; of one boy’s struggle to survive against the odds; of one girl’s need to love a boy who believes he is not worthy of love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is passionate; the characters are charismatic, broken, struggling but strong.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Do friends give each other hugs? The friends I have do. Sometimes.”
“There is no way I’m hugging you.” I roll my eyes.
“A truce hug then? Come on.” He lets go of the door handle and faces me fully, stretching his arms out in invitation. “I’ll leave you alone after this, okay? I promise.”
I’m not sure if he’s the type who keeps his promises. I’m guessing no.
This could be the last time I hug him. This entire encounter has been weird. Confusing. We’re a mess. We would never work, and us going ’round and ’round in circles tonight just proves that.
So what’s the harm in getting one last hug from Ash? It’s just a hug. A brief moment of bodily contact and then I’ll send him away. He won’t bug me again. He’ll get over his so-called feelings for me. He’ll give his heart to someone else or even better, he’ll discover he actually has one, and he’ll forget all about me. He’ll give it to someone else, and he’ll finally leave me alone forever.
Why does that thought make me feel so empty inside?
Deciding it’s do or die time, I walk right into his hug, my arms sliding around his waist, my head resting on his chest. I can feel the steady thump-thump of his heartbeat and I close my eyes when his arms come around me. Slowly. Enfolding me into his body so that we’re snug tight.
He holds me with a desperation, almost as if he’s afraid to let me go, and when I lift my head, tilting it back so I can stare into his eyes, I find he’s already watching me.
“Friends don’t make each other feel like this,” he says, his voice a gravelly whisper.
The hairs on the back of my neck rise. “Feel like what?”
“Like you could be my everything.”
My shoulders sag. “Ash—”
“Stop talking.” He presses two fingers to my lips, silencing me. When he’s seemingly assured I won’t speak, he lightens the pressure, gently caressing my lips. Back and forth. Making me tingle.
Making me want him to do more than touch my mouth.
I want him to kiss me.
“You have the sexiest lips,” he murmurs, and the blush returns, setting my face on fire. No one has referred to me as sexy before. “What we’re doing is fucking crazy. You know this right, Callahan?”
I ignore his question. “How could I be your everything when you told me you don’t know how to feel?”
“The only time I seem to feel is when…” He presses his fingers into the corner of my mouth, so gentle, I could almost think he never actually touched me. “I’m with you.”

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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