For 100 Days / For 100 Nights by Lara Adrian- a review

For 100 Days / For 100 Nights (100 Series 1 & 2) by Lara Adrian-a review

100 Series 1 and 2

FOR 100 NIGHTS
(100 Series #2)
by Lara Adrian
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: January 16, 2017

For 100 Nights

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

About the book: Release Date January 16, 2017

Passion knows no bounds…

Avery Ross is living a dream. After struggling all of her life to make ends meet, a chance encounter with a powerful, darkly handsome man has catapulted her into a dazzling new world of penthouse luxury, elegant parties, and a wild, consuming passion with her billionaire lover, Dominic Baine. Nothing is out of his reach in business or in pleasure, yet the only woman he wants is her. Nick sweeps her to sensual heights she has never dared explore, commanding her body the same way he commands her heart. Yet Avery knows the fantasy she’s living cannot last.

With dark secrets and a dangerous enemy haunting her past, Avery must find a way to trust Nick with the truth before it destroys everything they share. But Nick is harboring secrets of his own as well. And when they come to light, Avery will be forced to decide if the love she feels for Nick is strong enough to endure a betrayal she may never be able to forgive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: FOR 100 NIGHTS is the second installment in Lara Adrian’s contemporary, adult 100 SERIES erotic, romance trilogy focusing on billionaire businessman Dominic ‘Nick’ Baine, and artist Avery Ross. FOR 100 NIGHTS should not be read as a stand alone as the story line picks up immediately upon the events of book one-FOR 100 DAYS.

Told from first person point of view (Avery Ross) FOR 100 NIGHTS continues to follow the building relationship between billionaire businessman Nick Baine and artist Avery Ross. For three months Avery kept secret her background and circumstance from the man with whom she was falling in love, and at the end of book one Dominic Baine demanded 100 nights of full access to our story line heroine in return for her dishonesty and lies. What ensues is a highly, sexualized relationship between Avery and the man whose secrets run deeper than Avery could ever have imagined. While Avery struggles to keep one step ahead of her past, the reality of Nick’s relationship with our heroine begins to unravel before her eyes.

For fans of the erotic, romance genre the 100 SERIES trilogy is a familiar trope with many similarities to another popular trilogy-the broken, billionaire alpha male with issues of trust, relationship phobic, a history with a woman who destroyed his heart, and too many secrets and a hidden agenda he hides from the story line heroine. Dominic Baine’s attraction to and need for Avery borders on the obsessive resulting in an unsettling build up between Nick and the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense, numerous and graphic.

FOR 100 NIGHTS does suffer somewhat with ‘middle book syndrome’ in that the slow build skirted many of the issues without answering all of our questions. The premise is intriguing; the romance is erotic and intense; the characters are passionate and playful.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

______________________

FOR 100 DAYS
(100 Series #1)
by Lara Adrian
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: May 2016

For 100 Days

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2016

Pleasure has a price . . .

Just when everything in my life is falling apart, I find a chance to turn it around–to step into someone else’s glittering world, if only for a little while. I become someone new, no longer the woman defined by an ugly past, but a woman freer and bolder than myself. A woman who isn’t afraid to explore every passion, even at its darkest, with a mysterious and seductive man who believes my mask is real.

Handsome and commanding, enigmatic and irresistible, billionaire Dominic Baine is an obsession I cannot afford and should not risk. He ushers me into consuming new pleasures and addicting new desires, until the line between my real life and the fantasy one I’ve stolen with him begins to blur.

I know I cannot keep my truth from him. I know my past will not stay buried forever. But before I can make it right, everything comes crashing down. I have deceived this powerful, dangerous man . . . and now there is a price to be paid.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FOR 100 DAYS is the first installment in Lara Adrian’s contemporary, adult 100 SERIES erotic, romance trilogy focusing on billionaire Dominic ‘Nick’ Baine, and struggling artist Avery Ross.

Told from first person point of view (Avery Ross) FOR 100 DAYS follows the building relationship between billionaire businessman Nick Baine, and artist/bartender Avery Ross. Avery’s life was spiraling out of control: evicted from her apartment for a condo conversion; the return of her unsold paintings from a local gallery; and the boss from h*ll that was always on Avery’s case, our heroine jumped at the opportunity to housesit for a virtual stranger. A chance meeting with businessman Dominic Baine brought everything into perspective when Nick offers Avery a night of romance that leads into something more. What ensues is Dominic Baine’s pursuit of Avery Ross, and Avery’s struggle to keep secret the past that could destroy her relationship with Nick if the truth were revealed.

The relationship between Avery and Nick is one of immediate attraction; a quick building romance wherein Avery becomes the woman in Dominic’s life- a life that Avery knows little about. Dominic is a Dominant and will demand everything from our story line heroine, something she is willing to give without a second thought. Life for Avery continues to flourish; her secrets will be revealed, and Nick will become her hero when everything begins to fall apart. There is some light BDSM including spanking. The $ex scenes are numerous, intimate and intense.

FOR 100 DAYS is a story line that slowly reveals a troubling trend between our story line couple. Neither one has been completely honest, and in this the intrigue begins to build when someone reaches out regarding Avery’s past. The premise is dramatic and moving; the characters are passionate and spirited; the romance is provocative and sensual but will challenge your idea of too much, too soon. FOR 100 DAYS does not end on a cliff hanger but ends with too many questions unanswered leaving the reader wanting more.

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Reviewed by Sandy

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The Daredevil Snared/ Lord of the Privateers (The Adventurer’s Quartet 3 & 4) by Stephanie Laurens-reviews

THE DAREDEVIL SNARED / LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS ( The Adventurer’s Quartet #3 & #4) by Stephanie Laurens-reviews

The Adventurers Quarted 3 4

 

Lord of the PrivateersLORD OF THE PRIVATEERS
(The Adventurer’s Quartet #4
by Stephanie Laurens
Genre: adult, historical, romantic, adventure

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27,2016

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Revel in the action, drama, intrigue and passion as the Frobishers— with help from Wolverstone, the Cynsters and many familiar others— steer the adventure to a glorious end.

Unstoppable determination

Widely known as the lord of the privateers, Royd Frobisher expects to execute the final stage of the rescue mission his brothers have begun. What he does not expect is to be pressured into taking Isobel Carmichael—his childhood sweetheart, former handfasted bride and current business partner—with him. A force of nature, Isobel has a mission of her own: to find and bring a young cousin safely home. And along the way, she hopes to rid herself of the dreams of a life with Royd that still haunt her.

Unfinished business

Neither expects the shock that awaits them as they set sail, much less the new horizons that open before them as they embark on a full-scale rescue-assault on the compound deep in the jungle. Yet despite the support of his brothers and their ladies, Royd and Isobel discover that freeing the captives is only half the battle. To identify and convict the conspirators behind the illicit enterprise—and save England from political disaster—they must return to the ballrooms of the haut ton and hunt the villains on their home ground.

Unforgettable love

But having found each other again, having glimpsed the heaven that could yet be theirs, how much are Royd and Isobel willing to risk in the name of duty?

••••••••••

REVIEW: LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS is the fourth and final installment in Stephanie Laurens’s THE ADVENTURER’S QUARTER historical, romantic adventure series focusing on the Frobisher brothers and their search for several missing women, children and military personnel in Freetown, South Africa. This is eldest brother Captain Royd Frobisher, and his childhood sweetheart Isobel Carmichael’s story line. LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS an be read as a stand alone although I recommend reading the series in order as each installment builds upon the events of the previous story lines, and the ongoing ARC throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives including Royd and Isobel, LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS is the culmination of four story lines that followed a trail of missing and kidnapped children, women and men in Freetown, South Africa, and the realization that some very powerful people with money and connections were backing the exhumation of illegal diamonds in the mines of South Africa. With their youngest brother enslaved in the mining camp Royd, Declan and Caleb Froubisher, along with their crews embark on a journey to free the prisoners and uncover the identity of those behind the mines. Enter Isobel Carmichael, Royd’s former sweetheart, who demands passage on the journey , in search of her cousin Miss Katherine Fortescue. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Royd and Isobel; the detailed rescue mission to free the slaves; and a secret revealed that will change Royd’s relationship with the woman he has always loved.

LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS is a detailed and complex story line with a multi-layered premise with a large number of secondary and supporting characters that cross over between series and story lines. A mission to rescue loved ones finds Royd and Isobel rediscovering what once was, and what is meant to be. But freeing the captives is only part of their mission; returning home it was time to reveal the people involved. LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS is a grand finale that brings together family and friends in a multi-faceted conclusion where happily ever afters make way for future adventurers on the high seas.

Reviewed by Sandy

_________________

The Daredevil EnsnaredTHE DAREDEVIL SNARED
The Adventurers Quartet #3
by Stephanie Laurens
Genre: adult, historical, romantic, adventure

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE June 28, 2016

He has something to prove

Captain Caleb Frobisher, hedonistic youngest son of a seafaring dynasty, wants to be taken seriously. Seizing the next leg of the covert mission his brothers are pursuing, he acts decisively and effectively in securing the mission’s objectives. But responsibility has taken root, and he remains in the jungle to ensure the mission’s ultimate goal.

She will risk everything

Katherine Fortescue fled a life of poverty and came to Freetown as a governess, only to be kidnapped and forced to oversee the child workforce at a mine. Guarded by well-armed, well-trained mercenaries, the captives have lost all hope of escape. Then Katherine meets a handsome man—a captain—and he brings the sweet promise of rescue.

Together they will face the future

The sadistic mercenary who runs the mine has other plans, but Caleb’s true strength lies in extracting advantage from adversity, and through the clashes that follow, he becomes the leader he was always destined to be. The sort of man Katherine can trust—with her body, with her life. With her love.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE DAREDEVIL SNARED is the third installment in Stephanie Laurens’s Regency-era historical romantic adventure series THE ADVENTURERS QUARTET focusing on the Frobisher brothers and their search for several missing women, children and military personnel in Freetown, South Africa. This is youngest brother Captain Caleb Frobisher, and governess Katherine Fortescue’s story line. THE DAREDEVIL SNARED can be read as a stand alone although I recommend reading the series in order as each installment builds upon the events of the previous story lines, and the ongoing ARC throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives THE DAREDEVIL SNARED continues the search for a number of missing children, women and British military officers in Freetown, South Africa presumed to have been kidnapped by a band of European slavers. Captain Caleb Frobisher and his men including best friend Captain Phillip Lascelle have been commissioned by the British Crown for the third leg of the search and rescue to locate the ‘mining camp’ and report back their findings but an unexpected encounter finds the Captain exposing his men to the enemy they seek. Caleb and his crew are imprisoned and forced to work the mines along with the men and women they are seeking but not before our hero is able to send off his report to the people back home. What ensues is the building relationship between Caleb and Katherine Fortescue, and the struggle to slow down the mining operation before their would-be rescuers arrive.

THE DAREDEVIL SNARED is an infinitely detailed story line with a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including men, women and children, as well as the captors and the revelation of the people in charge. The slow building story line becomes lost in the numerous, small details about mining for diamonds and the dangerous working conditions of which the prisoners have been exposed. Although their captor is not one to be crossed he does allow the prisoners some freedom and personal expression.

Liked many middle books in trilogies THE DAREDEVIL SNARED loses itself in a lack of real story line and series build up ; too much repetition, detail and focus on the mining for diamonds; and the slow building romance is more of an afterthought due to their circumstances and the potential for rescue from abroad.

THE DAREDEVIL SNARED is a story of adventure, greed, struggle and love. The premise is somewhat tedious and I lost interest very early due to the lack of any true drama or conflict. Hopefully the final installment LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS featuring eldest brother Royd Frobisher brings some much needed action and intrigue.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Blood Vow (Black Dagger Legacy #2) by J. R. Ward-a review

BLOOD VOW (Black Dagger Legacy #2) by J. R. Ward-a review

Blood Vow

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2016

The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter—and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he’s unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BLOOD VOW is the second installment in J. R. Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER LEGACY paranormal, romance series-a spin off from Ward’s number one selling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. BLOOD VOW follows two separate paths that converge and overlap throughout the story. This is BDB recruit Axe, and aristocratic female/ psychology major Elise’s storyline, as well as Mary and Rhage’s struggle to keep their small family together.

NOTE: If you have NOT read THE BEAST there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from several third person points of view BLOOD VOW looks at family, friendship, brotherhood and love. Axe, a BDB warrior in training has lost everything in his life. Alone, unmated and angry at the world Axe finds himself in need of a quick influx of cash and when an opportunity presents itself our hero ‘volunteers’ to be the personal bodyguard to a member of the glymera. Enter Elise, an aristocratic female vampire, who is struggling for her independence from an over protective father following the recent murder of a female cousin. What ensues is the back and forth developing relationship between a woman of wealth, and a man who believes he is not worthy of love, and the Legacy trainees dangerous encounter with the Lessening Society.

Rhage and Mary couldn’t be happier now that their family has grown with the addition of Bitty- the young, pre-trans female vampire whose earlier years were marked with neglect and abuse. But Rhage and Mary always knew that Bitty was not completely without blood relations and their worst fears are realized when someone answers their social media search. What ensues is Rhage and Mary’s struggle to keep strong facing the possibility of losing the little girl everyone has grown to love.

BLOOD VOW is an emotional story line that divides its’ focus between the The Black Dagger Legacy, and the original BDB characters but I felt that Mary and Rhage’s story line would have been better suited to the original series as it continues the premise started in THE BEAST. Mary and Rhage are NOT part of the Legacy and yet their emotional battle to retain the child that they love takes up a good portion of BLOOD VOW.

All of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles-Paradise, Peyton, Craeg, Novo and Boone, as well as the introduction of Ruhn who may or may not have caught the eye of the BDB’s legal counsel Saxton. Several (if not most) members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood have cameo roles throughout the story including our resident fallen angel Lassiter whose Christmas plans are left hanging in the balance.

BLOOD VOW is a remarkable story line; an engaging, creative and spirited look at one couple’s struggle to keep their family together; and one man’s desire to be accepted by the woman that he loves. The premise is dramatic and heartbreaking; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is passionate and intense. J. R. Ward’s BLOOD VOW is a revealing and intense story of family and love.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Blood Kiss
Blood Vow

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wild Poppy (Wildflower #4) by Vivian Winslow-Review

WILD POPPY (Wildflower #4) by Vivian Winslow-a review

Wild Poppy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

The daughter of a renown media mogul, Poppy Koslowski has her life turned upside down overnight when her father is indicted for a massive fraud that leads to the loss of her family’s fortune. In the wake of the scandal, Poppy moves to Paris at the behest of her aunt, the Countess Domel, who, unbeknownst to Poppy, intends to find a wealthy husband for her niece in order to ensure her future. Poppy, however, has her own dreams of finishing school and realizing her goal of becoming an award-winning journalist. When she meets Henri Olin, the passionate and seductive illegitimate son of one of France’s most powerful politicians, his political and social ideology introduces Poppy to a world very different from her own. Yet, Poppy ultimately learns that everything comes at a price, even love. After suffering a devastating loss, Poppy finds herself alone and virtually penniless, and is forced to make her way back to America to piece together the remnants of her life in New York City. There, she rediscovers her passion once again, only to be confronted with yet another life choice, one that will forever shape her destiny.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Be still my freaking aching heart VIVIAN WINSLOW! Give a reader a warning next time why don’t you hunny! I was a freaking mess of emotional goo by the end of this book and I have to say you delivered some serious “AHA” moments here. This out of all of the books I have reviewed for you is my absolute FAVE!

Wild Poppy by Vivian Winslow is a contemporary romance and the fourth book in her “Wildflowers” Series. I suppose you do not have to read the previous 3 to appreciate this book, but I will say that you will be missing out on a great experience if you do not. This book is about a character in previous books that is very influential and understanding why she is the way she is was the best part of this book for me. You can totally love the story for what it is, but you will enjoy it so much more understanding the history.

Poppy Koslowski is the daughter of a prominent couple, privileged and her direction is mapped out for her. When her father is arrested her mother and her are left with nothing and Poppy is sent away to Paris to stay with her aunt. She meets and falls in love with a man named Henri who shows her a life she never could have imagined possible. But not all is as it seems and before we know it she is desolate and alone again. Her next step in life takes her across the ocean where she is hoping to put the pieces back together and live her dream of becoming a journalist. She however is afforded an opportunity that can shape the rest of her life and she is left with a question of living for the now or for the future.

Ok so not quite the best synopsis of what this story is about, but I am not ruining any of the story for you an quite frankly I want to review something far different than mapping out how this story happened. I want to review what Vivian so wisely did here. Vivian laid out a “life lesson”, “heart vs security”, “what would you do” kind of story. So much has been thrown at Poppy in her young life. So much hurt and pain, cruel life lessons that one has to wonder how she picks herself up and carries on. How does one believe in dreams and love when one has been beaten down? This book really made me stop and think. Would I want a life of maybe’s and happiness, or of security and a colder existence? After what this strong woman went through I can only imagine how hard of a choice that is. I tell ya Vivian, I sure understand Poppy a whole heck of a lot more in the previous books now.

Poppy is one of the best female characters I have read in a while. She is multi-layered and while naive (that comes with her age), she is developing into a very strong woman. I am really looking forward to the next book and I am really anxious to see what decisions are made next. Excellent story flow with some yummy scenes, and I love that we travelled the world a bit as well.

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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The Rule Maker (The Rule Breakers 2) by Jennifer Blackwood-dual review

The Rule Maker (The Rule Breakers 2) by Jennifer Blackwood-dual reviews

 

THE RULE MAKER
(The Rule Breakers #2)
by Jennifer Blackwood
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: January 16, 2017

The Rule Maker

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2017

Ten Steps to Surviving a New Job:

1. Don’t sleep with the client. It’ll get you fired. (Sounds easy enough.)

2. Don’t blink when new client turns out to be former one-night stand.

3. Don’t call same client a jerk for never texting you back.

4. Don’t believe client when he says he really, really wanted to call.

5. Remember, the client is always right—so you can’t junk punch him when he demands new design after new design.

6. Ignore accelerated heartbeat every time sexy client walks into room.

7. Definitely ignore client’s large hands. They just mean he wears big gloves.

8. Don’t let client’s charm wear you down. Be strong.

9. Whatever you do, don’t fall for the client. You’ll lose more than your job—maybe even your heart.

10. If all else fails, see rule number one again.

••••••

Erin’s Review: The Rule Maker is book two in The Rule Breaker series by Jennifer Blackwood. Zoey Reynolds is an up and coming interior designer.  When she is contacted by former client, Jason Covington, to renovate a ski lodge she has quite a bit of reservation.  The last time she did a renovation for him she ended up having a one night stand with his brother, Ryder.  The last thing she needed was to run into him again. He left her hanging after the last time, in fact – he ended up leaving her in the middle of the night – high and dry without so much as a goodbye.  So she had no desire to even see him again – ever.

But when Jason Covington requests only her, from her design firm,  to remodel his ski lodge she realizes she has no choice in the matter.  She must do the best she can and hope and pray that she doesn’t run into Ryder again.  But her hopes are soon dashed.  When Jason is unavailable he sends his brother to oversee the ski lodge remodel. The moment she sees him Zoey knows that she just doesn’t stand a chance being around Ryder Covington.  Would she risk her job for another moment in time with Ryder?  Will she be able to work along side of him, in close proximity, and still complete the job at task?

Zoey Reynolds is a determined young woman, and she is determined to move up the ranks in her design firm.  One of the five commandments at her work is “Don’t sleep with the Client.”  She has always obeyed all of the rules.  Not mixing business with pleasure.  That was until she met Ryder.  When she is around him her body does one thing while her mind does another.  She knows that it’s wrong to get close to him, he is a professional snowboarder and will be leaving soon to return to training.  She knows not to get inolved.  But Ryder isn’t someone she can forget about so easily.

Ryder Covington is a handsome, built,  professional snowboarder who is home helping his brother who was paralyzed from the waist down in a snowboarding accident.  Ryder is also home to rehab his broken leg.  Helping his brother and doing therapy he hopes to return to his snowboarding as soon as his leg is completely healed.  Always one comfortable with one night stands, his one night with Zoey was different.  He didn’t want to leave her without saying goodbye. But when he got the phone call of his brothers accident he had no choice.  He felt like a jerk for leaving without a word and he was bound and determined to make it up to her. Helping his brother get the ski lodge remodeled and working along side Zoey – he felt he was right where he was supposed to be.  But when his leg has healed enough for him to return to training – will he really go?  Will he leave the one woman who has change his life forever?

I love the relationship between Ryder and Zoey. What started out as Zoey being upset with Ryder over a previous encounter. Soon turns into a fun and flirty relationship.  I love how Ryder opened up and became an almost different person when he was around Zoey.
Zoey slowly lets down her guard and opens her heart and soul to Ryder.  And I loved how the story still follows along with Brogan and Lainey from the first Rule Breakers story.  The characters are wonderfully written and it leaves you wanting more.  I am hoping to read Jason’s story in the near future.  A fun, quick, quirky read with a beautiful, meaningful ending.

 

Sandy’s Review: THE RULE MAKER is the second installment in Jennifer Blackwood’s contemporary, adult THE RULE BREAKERS romance series. This is twenty fie year old professional snowboarder Ryder Covington , and interior designer Zoey Reynolds’s story line. THE RULE MAKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the event run parallel to the events of book one –THE RULE BOOK.

Told from dual first person points of view (Zoey and Ryder) THE RULE MAKER is a second chance (of sorts) romance between professional snowboarder Ryder Covington, and interior designer Zoey Reynolds. Months earlier Ryder and Zoey had a one-night stand wherein Ryder walker away the next morning without a backwards glance. Fast forward to present day and Zoey has been contracted to redecorate a once-glamorous ski chalet for Ryder’s brother Jason Covington-a man who has all but become a recluse since a horrific snowboard accident months before. Enter Ryder Covington-Jason’s brother-and the man who has been tasked with working alongside Zoey Reynold’s on the rehab of the former chalet. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Zoey and Ryder, and the behind the scenes negotiations that will send our couple in opposite directions.

The relationship between Zoey and Ryder is acrimonious at best. Zoey’s embarrassment over the one-night stand finds our hero trying desperately to make up for his actions months before. Working together places our couple in a precarious position leading to palpable sexual energy and brooding attraction. The $ex scenes are seductive without the over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Ryder’s brother Jason Covington-a man whose life was destroyed following a snowboarding accident that left him a former shell of his previous self. Ryder and Jason’s grandparents are the requisite evil-a couple who believe that Jason and Ryder are wasting their lives and futures on nonsense and fun. Billionaire businessman Brogan Starr, and PR specialist Lainey Taylor (The Rule Book-book 1) plays secondary and supporting roles.

THE RULE MAKER is an enjoyable, second chance story line with laughter, humor, heartbreak and romance. The premise is light-hearted with a little bit of angst and conflict; the characters are colorful and animated; the romance is sexy. I am looking forward to Jason’s story line.

 

Copy provided by Publisher

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Merry Oblivion: A Lost in Oblivion Christmas Extra by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

MERRY OBLIVION: A Lost in Oblivion Christmas Extra by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Merry Oblivion

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

RELEASE DATE: December 22, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s time to get merry, Oblivion-style, with this duet of holidays stories meant to help you get back your ho-ho-ho!

Nick & Lila

This Christmas, all Lila Crandall wants is to reclaim her yuletide joy, preferably by getting down and dirty with her husband. To accomplish her task, she’s determined to do whatever is necessary. Including dressing up as his number one fan and ambushing him after a show…

Deacon & Harper

It’s the most festive time of the year, and Harper McCoy is ready, willing and able to climb that candy cane all night long. Especially since she’s hoping to convince her oh so willing rocker husband to expand their family. And she’s not above offering him a few naughty surprises to help convince him…

••••••••••••

REVIEW: MERRY OBLIVION is a two part  adult, contemporary, erotic novella in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION  rock romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Oblivion. MERRY OBLIVION reconnects with Nick and Lila, and Deacon and Harper.

The holidays bring the band together for a Christmas Eve concert but for two couples the relationship’s struggle with finding time between raising children, and the obligations of work. MERRY OBLIVION is an intoxicating, humorous and fun installment with lighthearted but sexy banter; palpable energy; and stimulating text and imagery.

The creative and artistic team of Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott write a passionate series of tender moments and wicked desires. The authors bring together the members of Warning Sign (Found in Oblivion) for some cross-over fun, and a look at the camaraderie during the holidays season.

MERRY OBLIVION is a heartwarming look at two couples we have grown to love and adore.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Face-Off At The Altar (Assassins #9) by Toni Aleo-Review and Book Tour

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR (Assassins #9) by Toni Aleo-Review and Book Tour

Face Off at the Altar banner

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR
Assassins #9
by Toni Aleo
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey romance
Release Date: December 26, 2016

Face-Off at the Altar

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 26, 2016

Add to your GOODREADS shelf.

Markus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he’s watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he’s a mess on and off the ice.

But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won’t let Markus suffer any longer. When he arrives himself back in Nashville for a trial run on the Assassins, it feels like his life may be making a turn for the better. If only he could get Mekena to forgive him…

Mekena Preston has been hurting since fleeing Nashville following the horror of Markus’s betrayal with her sister. Now a professional photographer, Mekena finds herself in the same place at the same time with Markus to celebrate Lucy and Benji Paxton’s wedding. Neither of them has been able to move on—and they’re starting to wonder if they really want to.

They’re headed for a face-off at the altar unless they can confront their past and unearth the truth about what really happened on that fateful night.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR is the ninth installment in Toni Aleo’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the professional hockey team the Nashville Assassins. This is Assassin’s rookie twenty five year old Markus Reeves, and twenty year old photographer Mekenna Preston’s story line. FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I caution new readers to the series that many of the previous couples featured in the series, and from the Bellevue Bullies series (e.g. Sinclair family and siblings) play secondary and supporting roles, and some of the history and backstory are mentioned throughout.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mekenna and Markus) FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR focuses on the rekindling romance between Markus Reeves, and Mekenna Preston-a romance and love destroyed by betrayal and lies. Approximately two years earlier Mekenna walked in on her then-boyfriend Markus Reeves, in bed with her sister Skylar. With her heart destroyed, Mekenna moves to Florida in the hopes of starting anew. Fast forward to present day Mekenna is contracted to photograph Lucy and Benji Paxton’s wedding (Rushing The Goal #8) knowing that the man who broke her heart would be front and center in the wedding action. What ensues is the rebuilding of a friendship and relationship that was all but destroyed by lies, deceit, and betrayal; and Markus’s rise from the Assassin’s farm team to rookie star in the NHL.

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR looks at friendships, fractured family dynamics from jealous siblings, drug abuse, and racism; as well as a second chance for two people who never stopped loving one another. There is plenty of humor, heartbreak and tears; frustration and resolution; and a wonderful back and forth banter between siblings, couples and friends. Mekenna’s pain and anger towards Markus bleeds heavily into the story line premise but new revelations open Mekenna and Markus’s eyes to the truth about what happened years before beginning the healing process for our story line couple.

FACE-OFF AT THE ALTAR is dramatic and intense; humorous and fun; heartbreaking, tragic and fated. There is plenty of history between our story line couple; demons from the past that must be addressed, and demons from the present that will continue to haunt far into the future. Toni Aleo ASSASSINS series is has a little of everything for the sport romance lover in all of us.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Face Off at the Altar teaser

Excerpt

“You are, by far, the most patient man I know.”
Baylor grimaced as she took Dawson from Markus’s outstretched hands. He smiled as Dawson looked at him innocently. He knew the little guy didn’t mean to puke all over him and he wasn’t upset, but he was trying to figure out a way to get to the house and shower before he had to talk to Mekena. He highly doubted that baby puke would be an aphrodisiac. Maybe it would be? Huh.
He wasn’t going to try, though.
As Baylor cuddled Dawson against her, Markus waved her off. “It’s no big deal. He’s a baby.”
She smiled shyly. “Yes, but Ashlyn pooped on you too.”
He grinned as he shrugged, trying not to laugh. It was a tough rehearsal for Dawson, Ashlyn, and Markus. Puke and poop were big-time stars during the hour of watching the Sinclairs and Grace Justice try to put together a wedding. He wasn’t sure what was funnier, Jace glaring as Jordie walked with Avery, or Ashlyn farting and then realizing she had just shit all over him. It was a toss-up, but then Dawson decided to puke down the front of his shirt, and he figured he was now a substitute for a baby rag. “I volunteered.”
“Still, we’re really sorry,” Avery said, holding Ashlyn close as she rocked her back and forth. “I understand if you don’t want to watch her ever again.”
“Nonsense,” he said, laughing as he tucked his hands into his pockets and looked around. He spotted Mekena at the front of the altar, taking pictures of random things. He wasn’t sure if she was done, but maybe he could slip away. “How much longer until y’all are done?”
“We’re done, but Lucy and Benji have some pre-wedding pictures they’re having done with Angie.”
“So Mekena isn’t done?”
Avery smiled. “Nope, she’s got a bit.”
“Can you pass a message for me?”
“Sure.”
“Let her know that I went back to the cabin to shower and clean up?”
“Yeah, of course. I’ll tell Jace to tell her since I’m taking Ashlyn to bed.”
“Cool, thanks,” he said, kissing her cheek and then Baylor’s, before rubbing Dawson’s head. “I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
Before he could get far, though, Baylor smiled. “Thanks again.”
“Anytime. I mean that.”
Avery smiled. “Thanks.”
“Also, good luck,” Baylor added.
Flashing them both a big grin, he nodded. “I need it.”
Heading out the back, he made it back to the cabin quickly. When he entered, though, Mr. Right was sitting on the windowsill howling. “Whoa, man. What’s up?”
Meoooooowwwwwwww, he wailed, with his mouth wide open as his hair stood on end.
“Bro, I don’t know what to say. I don’t speak your language. Are you singing? Do you want me to sing too? Meoooowwwwww,” he said, and Mr. Right looked back at him, almost with a glare. “We should add some beat to that and make a remix,” Markus joked as the cat wailed. Deciding that was a good idea, he pulled out his phone and started to beatbox as the cat wailed, recording it on his SnapChat. The cat must have realized what he was doing because he looked back, scowling, and Markus hid his phone. He didn’t want to admit it, but Mr. Right kind of freaked him out.

about the author

Toni AleoFollow: Twitter  Facebook  Web  Goodreads  Amazon Pinterest

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.

I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.

I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!

When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.

I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.

… and did I mention I love hockey?

Ardent Prose

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The Fixer (Games People Play #1) by HelenKay Dimon-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

THE FIXER (Games People Play #1) by HelenKay Dimon-Review, Book Tour & giveaway

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THE FIXER
Games People Play #1
by HelenKay Dimon
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: December 27, 2016

The Fixer

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2016

He’s known only as Wren. A wealthy, dangerously secretive man, he specializes in making problems disappear. A professional fixer, Wren hides a dark past, but his privacy is shattered when Emery Finn seeks him out—and what she wants from him is very personal.

Some people disappear against their will. Emery’s job is to find them and bring closure. Wren is the only person who can help solve Emery’s own personal mystery: the long-ago disappearance of her cousin. Just tracking down the sexy, brooding Wren is difficult enough. Resisting her body’s response to him will prove completely impossible.

Anonymity is essential to Wren’s success, yet drawn by Emery’s loyalty and sensuality, he’s pulled out of the shadows. But her digging is getting noticed by the wrong people. And as the clues start to point to someone terrifyingly close, Wren will have to put his haunted past aside to protect the woman he loves.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE FIXER is the first installment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult GAMES PEOPLE PLAY romantic, suspense series. This is wealthy businessman and professional fixer ‘Wren’ aka Brian Jacobs, and tracker Emery Finn’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Wren and Emery) THE FIXER focuses on the search for a woman name Tiffany Younger-Emery’s cousin, and one time best friend-and a woman who disappeared without a trace thirteen years earlier. Emery’s latest clue into Tiffany’s disappearance is one name –Wren- and our heroine begins an intensive internet search for the mysterious person who may have some information about her missing cousin. When a mysterious stranger demands that Emery stop the search for the elusive Wren, Emery soon discovers that the search for Tiffany has instigated a series of break ins and threats against our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Wren and Emery, and the hunt for the person(s) responsible for Tiffany’s disappearance.

The relationship between Wren and Emery begins acrimoniously. Wren is a man who hides his true identity; a man who fixes what needs to be fixed in the private, corporate and political worlds; and a man who finds himself falling for the inquisitive and determined Emery Finn. Emery is a tenacious woman fixed on uncovering the truth in the hopes of finding her missing cousin. The romance is a slow build; the $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top graphic sexual language or text.

We are introduced to a number of secondary and supporting characters including Wren’s second in command-Garrett McGrath; as well as Emery’s childhood best friend Tyler Bern ; her boss Caroline Montgomery; Emery’s father Michael Finn; Maryland Detective Rick Cryer; and Senator Sheila Dayton who is one of the few people that knows Wren’s true identity.

The world building reveals the troubling past of our story line hero; the search for a missing woman; and the truth about what happened years earlier. Wren and Emery’s attraction to one another is palpable; there is no denying the heat and sexual need.

THE FIXER is a story of romance, suspense, mystery and resolution. The premise is dramatic; the romance is passionate; the characters are imaginative and fascinating. THE FIXER by HelenKay Dimon is a great start to what will be an addicting series.

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author

HelenKay DimonGoodreads/Website/Twitter/Facebook

Helenkay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a . . . divorce attorney. Not the usual transition, she knows. Good news is she now writes full time and is much happier. She has sold over thirty novels, novellas and shorts to numerous publishers. Her nationally bestselling and award-winning books have been showcased in numerous venues and her books have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine. But if you ask her, she’ll tell you the best part of the job is never having to wear pantyhose again.

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