Tag Archives: romantic suspense

Shadow of Doubt (SBG 2) by P.A. DePaul-review

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Shadow of Doubt (SBG 2) by P.A. DePaul-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2023

He wants something for himself…
If only he could believe in her innocence.

Michelle Alger flees when her secretly recorded tryst winds up on the internet. She has no option but to hide. Her one-night stand—the son of a powerful US senator—was murdered. Learning she’s the prime suspect is traumatizing. Already a member of witness protection thanks to a Colombian drug lord kidnapping her in college, she now has to run from the senator and law enforcement. To make matters worse, the drug lord finally knows her location and is hot on her trail. There’s only one man she trusts. He saved her once, can he do it again six years later?

Captain Jeremy Malone no longer wears a Green Beret. He’s traded in his fatigues for a new life leading Delta Squad, a covert unit within SweetBriar Group. His latest orders from the senator: find the unknown woman and bring her to me. But Jeremy knows her identity. He once rescued her from a Colombian cartel, and has never forgotten her. He assigns his squad a new mission: find Michelle first and learn the real story.

Michelle and Jeremy can’t deny their explosive chemistry. But, with every new piece of evidence, Jeremy’s faith in Michelle’s innocence is questioned. Is her plea for help a ruse…or a trap set by a beautiful woman determined to expose Jeremy’s own secrets…

•••••

REVIEW:SHADOW OF DOUBT is the second instalment in P.A. DePaul’s contemporary, adult SBG romantic, military suspense series focusing on a group of former military and law enforcement personnel. This is thirty-eight year old, former US Green Beret Captain Jeremy ‘Cappy’ Malone, and twenty—five year old, park ranger Michelle Alger’s story line. SHADOW OF A DOUBT should not be read as a stand alone as many of the current story line events are as of a direct result of the events in book one EXCHANGE OF FIRE.

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

SHADOW OF DOUBT is the re-release of the same 2015 book and title but with some story-line ‘tightening’

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Michelle and Cappy, using dual timelines SHADOW OF DOUBT focuses on the hunt for a killer. Six years earlier, Michelle, as part of an environmental group, was abducted from the Amazon rainforest, and tortured by the Columbian cartel. Days later Michelle would be rescued by the black ops groups known as SBG (SweetBriar Group), never to hear or see from them again. Fast forward to present day, Michelle now physically healed from her ordeal, finds herself the only suspect in the murder of a senator’s son, and knows of only one man who may be able to save her life. Enter former US Green Beret Jeremy ‘Cappy’ Malone, the man with whom she would fall in love. Hired by the Senator Harris to find his son’s killer, the gang at SBG must protect the woman they believe is a cold blooded killer. What ensues is the building but reluctant relationship between Cappy and Michelle, and the potential fall-out as the past refuses to let go, taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building is complex, detailed, and multi-layered with many scenarios connected to the introductory story line. Characters with pre-existing histories between one another, and with events from the past, are part of the focus of the current time-line therefore I highly recommend reading the series in order.

The relationship between Cappy and Michelle begins as a rescue, a rescue in which Cappy gives Michelle his name and number but has to ghost our heroine in the face of the ongoing threats in the Amazon jungle. Suffering with many issues of PTSD, Michelle continues to struggle with the memories from the past, memories that become all too real when the past returns. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, enterprising and spirited secondary and supporting characters many of whom played a significant role in both EXCHANGE OF FIRE and SHADOW OF DOUBT including the team’s original handler and CEO of SBG Victor Dalmingo, Senator Harris, and a ghost from the past.

SHADOW OF DOUBT is a comprehensive, elaborate and multi-layered story line of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is raw and gritty ; the characters are animated, real and dynamic; the romance is seductive and emotional.

Once again, I strongly recommend reading book one EXCHANGE OF FIRE, otherwise there may be more confusion than necessary. I had hoped there would have been some detailed references to past events in an effort to circumvent the lack of awareness of previous events.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

P. A. DePaul is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling and award-winning author.

Her books are full of action, suspense, and romance.

As a hybrid author, she has books traditionally and independently published. Her traditional publishers include Berkley, a Penguin Random House imprint, and Harlequin Books.

She loves connecting with readers! You can find her on these social media and book sites: Newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, BookBub, YouTube.

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Onyx (GEM 3) by Freya Barker-review tour

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Onyx (GEM 3) by Freya Barker-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2023

GEM: A PRIVATELY-FUNDED ORGANIZATION OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE SEARCH FOR—AND THE RESCUE AND RECOVERY OF—MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN. ALTHOUGH, AT TIMES WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, GEM AIMS TO ENSURE THE VICTIMS RECEIVE JUSTICE…BY WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY.
____

Operator Onyx; balanced, strong, a guardian

She’s the voice of reason, advocates, and strategizes.

Supporting the team from the background, Onyx rarely goes out in the field. However, when a widespread child exploitation ring is discovered, her particular skill set is needed to get close.

Unfortunately, her boss—a man she’s never laid eyes on before—is dead set against her taking the lead. Outvoted, he finds a way to keep her in his sights, risking his own exposure.

•••••

REVIEW:ONYX is the third (and final?) instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult GEM dark, erotic, romantic suspense series. This is Rajani ‘Onyx’ Agarwal, and Jacob Branch’s story line. ONYX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order.

SOME BACKGROUND: GEM stands for Gather, Evaluate, Mobilize

GEM, a group that works independently of other organizations, searching for missing and exploited children; and CARD (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) is a division of the FBI working to stop those trafficking in children. Approximately twenty years earlier Raj (Onyx), and her fellow GEM agents Kate (Opal) and Janey (Pearl) were abducted from a teen youth center, help captive and abused by a madman who was believed to have died in a fire at the center but their investigations into the missing and exploited all reveal a connection to the center, and the probability the baddest of the bad survived.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Onyx and Jacob) ONXY focuses on the take down of the last man that destroyed Onyx, Opal and Pearl’s lives. Raised in a group home for troubled teens, the boys and girls were used and abused by the people in charge but a fire allowed the children to escape, and the survivors are searching for the ones who got away. Fast forward to present day, the members of GEM are all former childhood victims whose duty it is to protect those most vulnerable but as a side proclamation, GEM searches for the men who destroyed their lives, and with only one man still on the run, Onyx goes undercover in the hopes of taking down the remaining abuser who is about to turn the tables on our story line couple. With the help and coordination of GEM’s boss and CEO Jacob Branch, as well as Jacob’s friend Hamish, the trio face down the nightmare who continues to destroy so many lives.

The world building continues to focus GEM, but more specifically the three women and their boss Jacob Branch, who have pledged to help those unable to help themselves. With the number of missing and exploited children on the rise, GEM is kept busy searching for those unable to help themselves.

The relationship between Onyx and Jacob is employee and boss but very few people are truly aware Jacob’s secret or his real identity. As Onyx begins to tumble down the rabbit hole, secrets are revealed, lies are exposed, and Onyx struggles to accept what happened and why. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Opal and Mitch, Pearl and Lee, Hamish Adrian, and Jacob’s caretaker Bernice Nelson. The requisite evil has many faces.

ONYX is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness, acceptance and love. ONYX is twisted, passionate and dramatic story of tragedy and recovery; the characters are struggling and broken; the romance is fated but predicated on deceit and deception.

There are several moments of confusion, a couple of twists to the story line that at times left me wondering what happened and why but all will be revealed throughout the story.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Opal
Pearl

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

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STORMY (Cerberus MC #29) by Marie James-review tour

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STORMY (Cerberus MC #29) by Marie James-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2023

Life changes in the blink of an eye.

One minute my best friend from childhood is alive and well and the next minute he and his wife are gone.

One minute I’m a single guy looking for fun, and the next I’m responsible for two little boys.

With those two little boys comes Mila, the aunt refusing to be cast aside although she wasn’t named their guardian. Secrets in my friend’s life come to light and with them danger and expectations from a very volatile motorcycle club.

I’d never leave the kids in that situation, the pawns in a retaliation scheme, but with them comes her .With her comes the reminder of the night we spent together three years ago and her own set of secrets she never thought would be disclosed.

••••

REVIEW: STORMY is the twenty-ninth instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult CERBERUS MC romantic suspense series focusing on the members of the Cerberus MC- all former members of the US Marines. . This is former US Marine sharpshooter Vincent ‘Stormy’ Chilton, and single mother Mila Taylor’s story line. STORMY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. For fans of Marie James, there is a slight cross over with the inclusion of several characters from the author’s Blackbridge Security series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Vincent and Mila) STORMY follows in the after of the murder of Vincent ‘Stormy’ Chilton’s fellow US Marine Carlen and his wife Janet Clarke. Attending the funeral, Vincent will come face to face with Janet’s sister Mila, Vincent’s one-night stand from three years earlier but all is not well when Mila and Vincent will discover there is more to the murder than a random shooting, and as the appointed guardian to Carlen’s two surviving sons, Vincent knows it is time to bring Mila and the children back home where they belong. Mila Taylor is struggling with secrets of her own, and within a matter of hours, Vincent will discover that not only is he the sole guardian of two orphaned boys, but the father of a two year old daughter he knew nothing about. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Vincent and Mila, and the potential fall-out as the past refuses to let go, targeting Mila and the boys in the process.

The world building focuses on secrets and lies, and the protection of the new charges under Vincent’s care. With his new family in tow, Vincent embarks on a journey of several days, a journey that reveals more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Vincent and Mila began as a one-night stand in which, Vincent had thought Mila would have made some form of contact. Mila had been struggling to support the child Vincent knew nothing about but with two more mouths to feed, Mila had reached rock bottom, and feared losing them all. As Mila and Vincent’s time together appeared to be more stable, the Cerberus MC round the proverbial wagons to protect the people they now called family and friends. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Cerberus MC and their significant others; several agents from Blackbridge Security, as well as Mila’s nephews Luca and Jace, and her mother Mrs. Taylor. The requisite evil has many faces. Oracle’s story is next.

STORMY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, crime and punishment, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is enjoyable and dramatic but the conflict resolution was too quick and without any significant problems; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are desperate , determined and dynamic.

Previous reviews
Jinx
Thumper
Apollo
A Very Cerberus Christmas
Legend
Grinch
Harley
Landon
Spade
Aro
Boomer
Ugly
Bishop
Legacy

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m a full-time author, mother of two boys, and wife of 18+ years. Dog Mom to four great danes: Maximus, Nala, Freya, and Hagrid.

I’ve spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Currently residing in a sleepy little town in East Tennessee.

Writing is my passion, and I absolutely love being able to sit down and put all of my thoughts and emotions into my stories.

I love dogs, coffee, making handmade cards, and steamy romance novels!

Keep up with Marie James and subscribe to her newsletter.

To learn more about Marie James & her books, visit here!

Website/ FACEBOOK / Twitter / Bookbub / Instagram / Amazon Author Page / Book and Main / Goodreads / Pinterest / Youtube/ Reader Group/ NewsLetter/

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MONTANA RAIN (Resting Warrior Ranch 8) by Josie Jade-review

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MONTANA RAIN (Resting Warrior Ranch 8) by Josie Jade

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 22, 2023

Psychiatrist Rayne Westerfield has found purpose in helping patients, especially those with PTSD, heal at the Resting Warrior Ranch. For her, there’s no greater calling than equipping people to fight the worst of their demons.

But she’s never allowed anyone to help her fight her own.

She’s kept her distance. Kept herself buttoned up tight. Even the people in the small Montana town she’s known for years—the ones she calls friends—don’t know who she really is, and the fears she hides.

And that’s okay.

But it’s not okay to Cole Phillips.

The FBI agent’s first interaction with the Resting Warrior Ranch a few months ago wasn’t under the best of circumstances, but he’s determined to make up for that now.

Where everyone else sees ice in Rayne, he sees fire. And he’s not going to let her fears keep him at a distance.

Especially not when Rayne witnesses something she shouldn’t and a killer comes after her. Cole will battle the criminal determined to silence her, and the fears she’s buried so deep.

The healer has fought for everyone else. Now this warrior will fight for her.

•••••••

REVIEW: MONTANA RAIN is the eighth and final instalment in the contemporary, adult RESTING WARRIOR RANCH romantic suspense series co-authored by Josie Jade and Janie Crouch. This is former US Navy SEAL turned FBI Agent Cole Phillips, and psychiatrist Rayne Westerfield’s story. line. MONTANA RAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. RESTING WARRIOR RANCH focuses on the men and women who own and work for Resting Warrior Ranch-a spin off from Janie Crouch’s ZODIAC TACTICAL series.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cole and Rayne) MONTANA RAIN focuses on the rekindling relationship between Rayne and Cole. Months earlier, FBI Agent Cole Phillips’ assignment placed everyone in danger including our story line heroine. Cole left, leaving an angry and bitter Rayne Westerfield to help the people struggling in the aftermath. Fast forward to present day, Rayne continues as the in-house psychiatrist for the Resting Warrior Ranch, and Cole has been relegated to desk duty in the FBI’s Chicago office but a seminar focusing on PTSD brings Rayne Westerfield into Cole Phillips’ orbit, and the Chicago mob is about to take aim at our story line heroine. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Cole and Rayne, and the potential fall-out as the Rayne has something the Mob is desperate to find.

The world building focuses on the fractured and acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Cole knows there is definitely mixed feelings from Rayne Westerfield but Cole knows Rayne is the only woman he will ever love. Trying to stay one step ahead of the Mob means going into hiding with a woman who is struggling to understand what is happening and why, including her feelings for a man she is unable to trust.

The relationship between Rayne and Cole is one of second chances, of a sorts. Cole is struggling with events from the past, blaming himself for what happened and why. Rayne is battling between head and heart, believing Cole is the cause of so much strife in their lives. As Cole and Rayne go into hiding, their mutual yet different pasts reveal a kindred spirit and heart breaking pain. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to several members of the FBI, as well as members of the Chicago Mob.

MONTANA RAIN is a story of power and control, murder and the Mob, acceptance and forgiveness, friendships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is seductive: the characters are determined and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Montana Sanctuary
Montana Danger
Montana Desire
Montana Mystery
Montana Storm
Montana Freedom
Montana Silence

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Claire’s Guardian (Police & Fire) by DM Earl-review tour

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Claire’s Guardian (Police & Fire: Operation Alpha) by DM Earl-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

When passion ignites, this fireman is here for it all…

Ex-military man and dog lover Danny Moretti found his place in this world at the firehouse with his team of heroes. But when a local arsonist starts igniting houses and torturing stray dogs, Danny refuses to back down. He may be in the business of saving people, but he knows when someone deserves punishment.

Widow and single mother Claire George just wants to start over safely with her children–near those she loves the most. But when her world is threatened by a ruthless arsonist, there’s only one man she can trust, Danny Moretti. Their attraction is palpable, and heat burns. Now, it’s up to Danny to protect the one woman and the two children who stole his heart. Can he save them all or will everything he’s ever wanted go up in flames?

•••••

REVIEW:CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN by DM Earl is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense storyline found in the multi-authored Police & Fire: Operation Alpha, based on characters first introduced by Susan Stoker. This is paramedic/fire fighter/animal abuse investigator and former US soldier Danny Moretti, and widow/single mother Claire George’s story line. CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from several first person perspectives (Claire, Danny, Nova, Tex, ) CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN follows the building romance and relationship between Danny and Claire. Approximately five years earlier Claire’s husband lost his life while on assignment in the Middle East, and with the help of her sister and brother in law, has raised their two sons on her own. Meeting her sister’s neighbor, fire fighter Danny Moretti gives Claire hopes for the future but a possible arsonist / serial killer/ animal abuser is targeting the small town, as well as our story line heroine. Someone from the past is taking aim at the first responders, and Danny is about to discover, what happens in the past, doesn’t always remain in the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Danny and Claire, and the potential fall-out as a killer sets his sights on our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the group of former US Military heroes, whose return home comes with grief and guilt. As each member of the team finds his own happily ever after, there is always someone else waiting to take them down.

The relationship between Claire and Danny is one of immediate attraction but Claire’s first priority is the safety and protection of her five year old twins, and Danny may be the man to accept our heroine, and the children she loves. As Danny begins a slow dance of seduction with Claire, someone else is waiting to destroy them both. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the previous storylines. We are introduced to Claire’s sister /and Danny’s neighbors Marjorie and Herb, as well as several members of Danny’s military teammates turned first responders.

CLAIRE’S GUARDIAN is a story of vengeance and madness, betrayal and powers, murder and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, intense and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Instagram/ Twitter/ Pinterest

D.M. Earl is a U.S.A. Today Bestselling Author who spins stories about real life situations with characters that are authentic, genuine, and sincere. Each of her stories allow the characters to come to life with each turn of the page while they try to find their HEA through much drama and angst. D.M. finds ideas for her next story from within those around her and what she experiences in daily life. Each book has a part of her left behind in it. She lives in Northwest Indiana married to her best friend who was instrumental in the start of her writing career in 2014. When not writing D.M. loves to read, play with her seven fur-babies (yeah crazy) and ride her Harley Dyna Lowrider.

“Enjoy this Ride we call Life.” Remember we only get one chance.

For the latest news and updates on books and upcoming releases, you can subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/dmearln…

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ENTWINED WITH YOU (Stark Security 11) by J. Kenner -review

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ENTWINED WITH YOU (Stark Security 11) by J. Kenner -review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2023

Braxton Reed has reinvented himself, first burying his past as a con man and thief in order to join the FBI, and now working for Stark Security. But he can’t forget the years he spent with the love of his life, Sabrina. A vibrant woman with a mind as keen as his own, she was killed during a job gone bad, leaving Brax afraid to love again and determined to turn his life around. He’s on the right side of the law now, but when Sabrina’s sister, Samantha, walks into his life, the past comes rushing back.

Samantha is about to pull the biggest heist of her life, but she can’t manage it without Brax’s help. What she doesn’t know—and what Brax can’t tell her—is that Stark Security has been hired to protect the same treasure. And there is no way he’s letting Sam steal it, no matter how hard he’s begun to fall for her. But it’s not just the treasure that Samantha wants. She wants Brax, too. Because there’s one more secret that she knows and he doesn’t, and it’s a secret that will change everything.

•••••

REVIEW: ENTWINED WITH YOU is the eleventh instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SECURITY romantic suspense series set in the author’s interconnected Stark worlds. This is SSA Agent Braxton Reed’s story line. ENTWINED WITH YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person (Samantha) and third person Braxton ENTWINED WITH YOU focuses on the protection of a group of diamonds known as the ‘sisters’. Fifteen years ago, Braxton Reed aka Brent Travers was part of an organization that set about to steal the ‘sisters’ but an explosion killed the woman he loved, leaving Brent struggling with the guilt. Fast forward to present day, Braxton Reed, former FBI Agent turned SSA Agent is tasked with protecting the very diamonds he once coveted for himself but Brax will quickly discover that all is not as it appears to be, and the people in charge at Stark Security know exactly what is happening and why.

ENTWINED WITH YOU is a story of secrets and lies; double agents, government black ops and rogue agencies all battling for control. The past will return; Brax will be pulled into another disastrous assignment, and the revelations will reveal that no one can be trusted including the people you love. The premise is intriguing and complex- the numerous double agents/double identities/ double plot lines is often confusing. The good guys are bad, the bad guys are good, and only the people at Stark Security are wholly aware about the truth of the matter. The secondary and supporting characters include several cameos from the Stark Security Agents, as well as a rogue group of operatives determined to take control.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shadows of You (1.5)
Shattered with You
Broken with You
Ruined With You
Wrecked with You
Destroyed with You
Memories of You (5.5)
Ravaged with You
Hidden With You
Charmed with You
Tangled With You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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MINE TO SHARE (Protection #7) by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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MINE TO SHARE (Protection #7) by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/45FbWNM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2023

Five murders, one killer, and a chance at an unconventional happily ever after.
Two years ago, flirty FBI agent Jameson Bend was the crush I left behind.
Today, the grumpy Detective Slade is the man who stars in my dirty fantasies.

When my autopsy findings connect five recent murders committed by a single suspect, Jameson and Slade join forces to help solve the series of homicides. Toss in my emotionally abusive ex-husband stalking me, and I’ll not only need Jameson and Slade’s help to piece the clues together on the case but also to protect me from my ex’s attempts to force me back under his control.

As we work side by side in the heat of the investigation, our longing turns into desire, and soon we’re tangled in a passionate affair that could cost us our jobs—and lives. They cater to every side of me, one sweet and sensitive, the other possessive and protective. I never expected to end up with two men, but now I can’t imagine my life without them.

But with the killer hiding in plain sight, I walk right into a carefully planned trap.
If my men can’t get to me before time runs out…
Our happily ever after will end before it even gets started.

•••••

REVIEW: MINE TO SHARE is the seventh instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult PROTECTION erotic, romantic suspense series. This is FBI agent/ profiler Jameson Bend, former professional football player Detective Slade Taylor, and coroner/ medical examiner Dr. Rain Evans’ story line. MINE TO SHARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. FBI Agent Jameson Bend was first introduced in books six MINE TO LOVE

NOTE: MINE TO SHARE features a M/F/M menage relationship between Jameson, Rain and Slade.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jameson, Slade and Rain) MINE TO SHARE follows the search for a serial killer targeting young men in Santa Coasta, California. Dr. Rain Evans is the medical examiner tasked with examining the bodies but working side by side with Detective Slade Taylor mean up close and personal with the man who stirs something deep inside but Rain never expected to come face to face with someone from her past, FBI Agent Jameson Bend, a seasoned profiler sent in to help take down the person responsible. A crappy no-tell motel, a break in at Rain’s, and a mutual attraction between Jameson, Rain and Slade pushed our trio together in an effort to amass the clues pointing a finger at a desperate killer. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Slade, Rain and Jameson, and the potential fall-out as Rain is targeted by her past, and the person responsible for a series of kills.

The world building focuses on the investigation into a possible serial killer, killings that at first do not look connected. On the surface , the young men have nothing in common but as the killings increase, the killer become more meticulous, and the team discovers a possible connection to it all.

The relationship between Slade, Rain and Jameson is a menage affair. Slade has lusted after Rain for as long as he can remember but having failed at his own previous relationships, Slade is in no condition to promise Rain a happily ever after. Jameson has had experience with menage relationships but having been the odd man out on his las affair, Jameson is looking forward to starting a life with Slade and Rain. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.

The secondary and supporting characters include several law enforcement members including police detective, FBI and the medical examiner’s office. We are introduced to Detective Hudson Mott whose story line is next in MINE TO SHELTER.

MINE TO SHARE is a story of power and control, betrayal and obsession, revenge and murder, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, detailed and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined, dynamic and strong.

 

Reading Order and Previous review
Mine to Protect
Mine to Save
Mine to Guard
Mine To Keep
Mine to Hold
Mine to Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Maybe Josh was right that he was the only one who would put up with my increasing level of crazy.
Elbows pressed onto the cool counter, I smacked my face into both palms and raked my fingers back until they tugged through my loose strands.
No. Josh was not right. He was a manipulating asshole who made me dependent on him by making me feel unwanted and unlovable.
Though it was difficult to not see a sliver of truth in his blunt words. Who would want to put up with someone like me long term? My mental state most days was the definition of a shit show, not a hot mess. Looking back, I knew that was why I’d settled for Josh—I thought he was the best someone like me could do.
After that first time he cheated on me, then blamed me, claiming he did it because I worked too much and was never home, I should’ve left. But by that point, I believed his lies, questioning myself and what I had to offer anyone else.
Until a smirking, good-looking detective strolled into the morgue one day.
The man who helped me see through Josh’s lies and manipulations was now back in my life, this time as an FBI agent here to help identify a serial killer. Back then, Jameson was casual about uncovering the issues in my marriage that I wanted to keep hidden. Not sure how he put everything together, but he did. Six months after we first met, our innocent flirting turned pointed, even uplifting in a way. He would constantly build me up, telling me over and over that I was enough.
Not enough for him or anyone else, but for me.
In his own unique way, Jameson gave me the strength to be okay with loving myself just the way I am, quirks and all. I didn’t have to conform to Josh’s needs or wants if they didn’t align with my own—which they never did.
And now that amazing man was here.
My past crush working side by side with my current one.
“Fuck,” I muttered to my reflection. “I can’t even keep my heart rate normal with Slade in the room. I’ll turn into a puddle of mush when it’s both of them.” One hand slipped down my neck, fingers wrapping around the base of my throat. “Both of them,” I whispered, licking my lips. “Me between them—”
The familiar vibration of an incoming text jerked me out of losing myself to the very dirty fantasy. Pulling out my cell, I skimmed the text letting me know the body was back at the morgue and waiting for me. Time to get back to work now that I knew for certain my house wouldn’t turn into ground zero for setting the entire state of California on fire.
As I turned to head for the door, my fingers shifted along a texture different from my smooth cell phone case. Pausing, I rotated my hand to see what was stuck back there.
The note.
What if all my worrying projected into the universe and this was from a neighbor wanting to get to know me? Which could be great, but my nose wrinkled at the thought of all the effort it took to build friendships. An extrovert I was not, so starting a flimsy acquaintance with this unknown neighbor sounded exhausting.
Preparing for the worst, I unfolded the notebook paper.
Three words.
That was all it took to erase all concerns of the hypothetical neighbor friendship, douse the smoldering flames the thoughts of Slade, Jameson, and me together stoked, and make me forget all about the dead body waiting for me at the morgue.
I found you
“Damnit,” I whispered, the paper shaking between my fingers.
Was my dad right about being worried for my safety?
Was I in danger?

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Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

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Back in Black (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded) by Julie Ann Walker

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Back in Black (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded) by Julie Ann Walker-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2023

A secret identity mixed in with forced proximity on top of red-hot chemistry? What could go wrong?

The Black Knights are back and better than ever!

FBI agent Grace Beacham is on the run. After an operation to bring down a Russian disinformation campaign goes sideways and ends in her partner’s death, the Kremlin has sent its most notorious assassin to kill her. Not knowing who to trust inside the Bureau, Grace is forced to call on the one man who might be able to save her. The one man she hasn’t been able to forget.

BKI operative Hunter Jackson walked away from Grace Beacham three years ago. And he hasn’t looked back. But when his cell phone suddenly jangles to life with Grace on the other end begging for his help, he doesn’t hesitate to ride to her rescue.

Grace is no stranger to men like Hunter. Men who are devastatingly attractive and in love with their perilous professions and no-strings-attached lifestyles. As the two of them go off-grid to uncover the truth behind what happened on her last assignment, she fears her life might not be the only thing on the line. With Hunter, her heart could be in danger too.

•••••

REVIEW:BACK IN BLACK is the first instalment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC. This is FBI agent Grace Beacham, and BKI Operative Hunter Jackson’s story line. BACK IN BLACK can be read as a stand alone. You do not have to have read the original series to understand.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Grace and Hunter, BACK IN BLACK follows in the wake of the murder of Grace Beacham’s FBI partner. While investigating a Russian disinformation campaign, Grace and her partner find themselves target of a man calling himself Orpheus, an assassin who is about to throw Grace to the wolves. As the prime suspect, Grace is desperate for help, and calls the last man she ever thought she would have to call. Enter BKI operative Hunter Jackson, former US Green Beret, and the man with whom Grace will fall in love.Three years earlier, working an assignment together, Hunter and Grace crossed a personal line, a line neither one has been able to forget. On the run, Hunter and Grace begin a dance of seduction while the team at BKI search for the truth.

Meanwhile, BKI Agent Sam Harwood needs help to track down a possible mole in the US government, and contacts the only person he knows with enough experience and capabilities to hack the people in charge. Enter Hannah Blue, his ex-girlfriend’s younger sister, and the woman whose heart Sam is about to break.

The world building takes the reader back into the world of the Black Knights Inc. A new team has been assembled as the original team members have moved on with their lives but the occasional cameo and return of a familiar name adds cohesion to the new story line arc.

The relationship between Grace and Hunter is one of friends to lovers whose previous encounter turned personal but Grace and Hunter moved on with their lives, and when Hunter offered his phone number in case of emergencies, Grace never expected to come face to face with the man who called to her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the new team of agents at BKI including secretary Eliza Meadows, Sam Harwood, and hacker Hannah Blue. Hannah and Sam’s story line is next.

BACK IN BLACK is a story of power and control, espionage and murder, second chances and loves. The fast paced, action packed premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate and powerful.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

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