Pirate Trap (Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery) by Matt Cost-review

Pirate Trap (Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery 5) by Matt Cost-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27, 2024

Did Black Sam bury pirate treasure in Port Essex 300 years ago?

After finding an incredibly lucrative Spanish treasure in the Keys of Florida, Black Sam Bellamy decided to leave the pirate life and return to his true love in New England. Before being shipwrecked on the way to retrieve her, he hid his booty with the Chbo So Clan in Port Essex.

“Well, Mr. Wolfe, to get straight to the point, we want you to help us find a lost pirate treasure.”

Clay Wolfe had been slouched in the desk chair of his P.I. office, but now he straightened up and sat forward. His normally natty attire was ruffled, stubble dotted his face, and his eyes were red. “In Port Essex?”

Clay Wolfe, devastated by the death of his grandfather, is hired by an antiques dealer to find a long-lost pirate treasure and finds himself pitted against an unscrupulous sex doll businessman, a motorcycle gang, a greedy salvage boat operator, and other mysterious entities. Also recruited for this treasure hunt is Clay’s Westy, Crystal, Murphy, Cloutier, and of course, Baylee Baker.

And the spark between Clay and his partner, Baylee, finally bursts into flame…

•••••

REVIEW:PIRATE TRAP is the fifth instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX MYSTERY series focusing on former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe, and his rag-tag team of wanna-bes and undercover operatives. PIRATE TRAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as to the history of Clay Wolfe and people he calls family and friends.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Clay Wolfe, following several intersecting paths, PIRATE TRAP focuses on the search for sunken treasure. Over three hundred years earlier, a ship suspected of carrying several trunks of stolen fire opals was reported to have gone down near Port Essex, Maine. Hired to ‘search’ for the whereabouts of the sunken treasure, a drunk and embittered Clay Wolfe and his business partner turned lover Baylee Baker begin to hunt for the truth but all is not as is appears to be when the bodies begin to amass, another treasure hunting crew takes notice, and a dangerous MC begins to target everyone involved.

Clay Wolfe has been spiralling since the murder of his beloved grandfather, and in this, our hero is struggling to move on with his life. Placing himself in danger and the direct line of fire, Clay Wolfe’s overwhelming behavior is a threat to his own safety and often the safety of others. Finding solace in his partner Baylee Baker, Clay sees an opportunity for a different future, a future involving family and friends.

Blending historical fact, fiction, and Indigenous lore, Matt Cost enlightens the reader onto a three hundred year old case referencing pirate ‘Black’ Sam Bellamy, and twelve cases of fire opals, stolen or taken from a mine in Mexico, then disappearing off the coast of Maine. Rumors abound as to what happened: from a storm at sea to a buried treasure never to be found but greed and betrayal will be at the heart of Clay Wolfe’s investigation crossing paths with another case towards a deadly betrayal.

PIRATE TRAP is an action packed story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, violence and murder, friendships and relationships. The premise is detailed, gritty and intriguing; the characters are captivating and suspenseful; the romance is limited but encouraging.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolfe Trap
Mind Trap
Mouse Trap
Cosmic Trap

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook/

Over the years, Cost has owned a video store, a mystery bookstore, and a gym. He has also taught history and coached just about every sport imaginable.

Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.

Share

Restless / Relentless:Death Dwellers MC by Kathryn C Kelly

Restless / Relentless: The Legacy  Rises: Next Generation (Death Dwellers MC 3 & 4) by Kathryn C Kelly-reviews

RESTLESS: The Legacy Generation
(Death Dwellers MC : Bridge Series 2)
by Kathryn C Kelly
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, MC,

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 December 5, 2023

In the gripping second installment of the Death Dweller MC’s Legacy Series, “Restless,” CJ Caldwell finds himself facing more challenges and heartbreak than ever before.

Still grappling with a devastating family tragedy, CJ is now also dealing with the fractured relationship between him and his once-best friend, Harley. Her erratic behavior has not only destroyed their friendship, but it also threatens to unravel other important relationships in CJ’s life.

As CJ’s parents struggle with their own personal issues, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on CJ’s young shoulders. He must step up and take care of his siblings while navigating the complex dynamics of a broken family. But little does he know, danger lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce when he least expects it.

•••••

REVIEW: RESTLESS is the second instalment in Kathryn C Kelly’s contemporary, adult DEATH DWELLERS MC : THE LEGACY GENERATION dark, erotic, series focusing on the multi-generational membership in the Death Dwellers MC-a spinoff from the Death Dwellers MC. Most of the original couples and characters from the Death Dwellers MC series play significant role in the current timelines. I recommend reading the original series as well as RECKLESS book one of The Legacy Generation.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives using present day, memories from the past , divided into Acts and Interludes RESTLESS follows several intersecting paths focusing on the dark and acrimonious relationships between family, friendships and the Death Dwellers MC. Although several of the characters are under sixteen years old, the entirety of the premise is intended for mature readers. While CJ Caldwell is torn between friendships and family, his story line bleeds and blends into the overarching premise, as the originals, the members, and the legacy fight for control at the top.

Secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder and abuse, obsession and madness are but a few of the significant conceptualizations throughout the story, in the end, deception and dishonesty are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg as club president Christopher ‘Outlaw’ Caldwell struggles to regain control. The detailed and complex premise is gritty, dark, raw. dramatic and tragic; the characters are numerous, flawed, destructive-there is nothing likeable about the majority of the characters; there is no romance to be found. RESTLESS ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Heed the trigger warnings-they are graphic and numerous.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RECKLESS

__________

RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises
(Death Dwellers MC, Bridge Series 3)
by Kathryn Kelly
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, MC,

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2024

In the gripping sequel to “Restless,” Christopher “Outlaw” Caldwell’s transformation into a devoted family man is put to the ultimate test. Once feared for his ruthlessness, he finds himself drifting further away from his notorious MC leader persona as he navigates the aftermath of his youngest child’s turbulent entrance into the world.

As Jo experiences a new set of challenges, he only spirals further, affecting everyone around him. Most especially his wife, Megan, who struggles to traverse her grief as she enters a new stage in her life while dealing with a hard-headed bully.Amidst this chaos, CJ, Outlaw and Meggie’s son, struggles to hold everything together as his parents falter. He has a hard time recognizing his developing feelings for a girl who isn’t Harley Banks, causing further complications in his already tumultuous life.

Meanwhile, Bash still lurks, and as his reign of terror continues, the kids of the MC learn what it means to be a Death Dweller. In this gritty and emotionally charged sequel, “Relentless” delves deeper into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life within the MC world. Will Outlaw’s transformation be enough to protect those he loves, or will the past catch up with him, threatening to tear everything apart?

•••••

REVIEW: RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises is the third instalment in Kathryn C Kelly’s contemporary, adult DEATH DWELLERS MC : BRIDGE SERIES dark, erotic, series focusing on the multi-generational membership in the Death Dwellers MC-a spinoff from the Death Dwellers MC. Most of the original couples and characters from the Death Dwellers MC series play a significant role in the current timelines. I recommend reading the original series as well as RECKLESS, and RESTLESS books one and two of The Legacy Generation.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence and language, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. Although several of the characters are under sixteen years old and control a major portion of the story line premise and conflict, the entirety of the premise is intended for mature readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives using present day and memories from the past, several acts and interludes, RELENTLESS, as did the previous instalments, continues to follow several intersecting paths focusing on the acrimonious friendships and relationships between the extended families, and members, of the Death Dwellers MC. As Christopher ‘Outlaw’ Caldwell and his wife Meggie continue to struggle with their own relationship since the early birth of their youngest daughter, there are many people behind the scenes focusing on taking the couple down but ultimately Meggie Caldwell for her connections to the past. Greed and jealousy are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg: no one is safe, betrayal is rampant and disheartening.

RELENTLESS is a dark, graphic, complex and detailed story focusing on many issues including graphic violence, discrimination, racism, mental instability and illness, psychotic breaks, emotional and physical infidelity. There is madness, anger, resentment and loss; betrayal, abuse, incest, vengeance and jealousy; mistrust and misunderstanding-most manipulated by actors behinds the scenes resulting in any number of fall-outs and accusations. The dysfunctionality of the Death Dwellers MC family is rife with any number of psychological terrors-the selfishness, secrets, lies and manipulations threaten the sanity of everyone involved.

A major portion of the story line follows the under eighteen (most under sixteen) extended family members-the legacy generation who are straddling the line between madness and mania. No one is likeable from child to adult, the amount of deceit is dangerous and alarming.

Once again, Heed the trigger warnings-they are graphic and numerous.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

Share

MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent-a review

MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

From the moment Grim looks at Eve, he knows he wants her. All of his life, he has only known true evil. It was why he was able to rise the ranks and become the man that he is today. No one dared to betray him. If they did, they only knew him to be cruel, a true monster—a bully.All she did was help a stranger. A man with a flat tire. One date turned into another, and now, she is married to the love of her life. Only, Grim is not who he says he is.

One year, Eve thought she was married to a respectable business man called Graham. He’s called Grim, and there is nothing good about him. She now knows the truth. He is a dangerous man, and she wants a divorce. The only problem is, she is still in love with him. He is no different from the man she married. Grim will not let her go without a fight. But while focusing on his wife, an enemy has risen up. When they threaten his wife, there is no holding back. He promised his wife he would protect her. Anyone who threatens her, will be dead.Will Eve be able to forgive and finally accept who her husband is?

•••••

REVIEW: MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent is a stand alone, dark, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on Grim and Eve.

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

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Eve and Grim) MONSTER BULLY follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Approximately one year earlier, Eve met Grim on the side of the road when his car broke down. Fast forward to present day wherein Eve is now married to the man she knows as Graham, a man with a dark past, and even darker secrets. A virtual prisoner of the man she loves, Eve struggles with her love for a man who lifestyle is questionable at best, and illegal at worst. What ensues is the rebuilding but contemptuous relationship between Grim and Eve, and the fall-out when Eve is targeted for Grim’s vigilante ways.

The world building is limited but there is enough detail to reveal the truth behind Grim’s actions and power. A crime lord/a killer/ a dealer and a savior, Graham aka Grim is a man of many titles but first and foremost, the man that Eve still loves.

The relationship between Eve and Grim begins with attraction and need but Eve is unaware of the reality of the situation, and that Grim is still controlling most of her life. Having fallen in love with a killer, Eve struggles with what was and what continues to be. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited as their roles reveal the true nature of Grim’s work and persona.

MONSTER BULLY is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is thought-provoking and haunting; the romance is intense; the characters are desperate and edgy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Lawgiver’s Firebrand/The Firebrand’s Succubus by TM Smith

THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND / THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS (Blood Coven World 1 & 2) by TM Smith-reviews

THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND
(The Blood Coven World 1)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

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 February 5, 2024

He’s Arrogant

Lawgiver Daire is an arrogant incubus, a connoisseur of elegant females and the finer things of life.

She’s Common

Arianna is a witch and Firebrand warrior who is … well … common and less tastefully dressed than the legislator.

Nonetheless

When Daire needs an arm charm and bodyguard for a gala, he hires Ari. After a fire breaks out at the event, a question must be asked. Who’s the target? As the story unfolds, the mismatched warrior and the incubus dodge attacks and pursue a more erotic pastime than avoiding a killer.

••••

REVIEW: THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND is the first novella in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult THE BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal / fantasy romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE BLOOD COVEN. This is incubus/lawgiver Daire, and witch/ Firebrand warrior Arianna ‘Ari’s’ story line. THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but some but some previous knowledge of the original series may be helpful. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to destroy the people of earth.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Ari and Daire) THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND follows the building but reluctant relationship between our story line couple. Daire is an incubus; a lawgiver whose actions have been questioned by those opposed to interspecies matings. A night at the bar brings Daire up close and personal with rookie Firebrand Warrior and witch Arianna, the woman with whom Daire will fall in love. Daire is hosting an extravagant party, and Arianna has been tasked with Daire’s personal protection but a smoke-filled room and blazing fire forces Ari to expend all of her energy saving everyone else. Desperate to claim Ari as his own, Daire takes Ari to one of his many mansions but someone else is targeting our story line couple.

The world building focuses on the have and have nots; the powerful and the demanding; and the mention of the violent group known as Arisen Dawn.

The relationship between Ari and Daire begins acrimoniously. Daire is wealthy and a bit of a snob, and he sees Ari as someone beneath his stature and power. Ari knows immediately she is not in the same league as our story line hero but the heart wants something that may destroy them all. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND is a quick read; a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews from The Blood Coven Series
The Firebrand
The Demon’s Fire
The Satyr’s Guilt
The Vampire’s Thirst
The Phoenix

Copy supplied for review

_________

THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS
(The Blood Coven World 2)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2024

The Beauty
The strikingly beautiful Zora, succubus executive assistant at the prestigious Ministry of Well Being on Scath, is being stalked by an obsessed admirer.

The Beast
When her worried boss calls for a Firebrand bodyguard, the scarred and fierce warrior, Darius, shows up for the job.

The Snag
Though Zora is drawn to Darius, convincing him they are perfect together takes time

•••••

REVIEW: THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS is the second novella in TM Smith’s adult THE BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal/fantasy romance set in the author’s Blood Coven World. This is djinn and Firebrand warrior Darius, and succubus Zora’s story line. THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but some previous knowledge of the series may be helpful. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to destroy the people of earth.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Zora, Darius, stalker) THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS follows in the wake of a stalker threatening our story line heroine. Zora has a stalker, and the threats are increasing. Hoping for help from the Firebrand warriors, Zora reveals the information to her boss, and a guardian is secured for our story line heroine. Enter djinn and Firebrand warrior Darius, a scarred male who is struggling to accept his attraction to the woman in his life. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Zora and Darius, and the potential fall-out when Zora’s stalker takes aim at our story line couple.

The world building is limited but focuses on the protection of our story line heroine. Darius is a scarred Firebrand warrior, and believes he isn’t worthy of a mate or love. Sensing Zora’s attraction, Darius believes she is using her succubus magic, and their attraction is nothing more than a forced relationship.

The relationship between Zora and Darius begins as an assignment but Zora is hoping for something more. Darius struggles with his attraction to our story line heroine, and in this, Zora’s attempts at seduction are rebuffed and refused. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. We are reintroduced to Zora’s boss Alarik

THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS is a quick read; a story of power and control, attraction and obsession, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining ; the characters are desperate and dynamic; the romance is fast and furious.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

 

Social Media: WebsiteFacebookInstagramAmazon Author/

A master’s degree in English and a doctorate in administration led me to education. After retiring from my career as a teacher and principal, I settled in to write something more creative than lesson plans on split infinitives and inner-school memos on noise in the hallway.

My first novel was the romantic mystery comedy romp Affection for Crime. My plans were to make this Maggie Hall book the first in a series about a quirky columnist and her friends and lovers. That may still happen, but interest in a different genre has changed my direction.

I am now living with vampires, demons, ylves, mages, and other magical beings who keep me awake at night with their tales of love and adventure. Taking great interest in their lives, I began a paranormal romance series with alpha males who aren’t always nice and females who have no problem keeping them in line.

I have learned much about the difference between writing a series and writing a stand-alone book. First, get a fantastic writing software program. Second, keep great notes. And third, do not think book one is complete until you have finished book five. These have been hard-learned lessons, but I am a hardheaded author.

Here are more orts, scraps, and fragments from my life. (Thank you, Virginia Woolf and Shakespeare.) I moved from sunny Las Vegas to the less-than-sunny Pacific Northwest. Here I have adventures with my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters who also moved to the area. I also enjoy my membership at Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), a local organization that supports the arts and offers classes and events with eleven different studios where a welcoming community of artists praise each other’s efforts. It was at BARN where my critique group began. With equal time given to in-depth comments on each other’s works, snarky remarks, and laughter, we have now been together over five years. (from the Author’s website)

Share

STEEL PROMISE (Rossi Crime Family 3) by BB Hamel-review

STEEL PROMISE (Rossi Crime Family 3) by BB Hamel-review

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 March 13, 2024

I stole his watch. He got me pregnant.

I met Saul Rossi at my lowest. Desperate to pay for my brother’s medicine, I followed Saul home thinking I could rob the spoiled mafia prince and make a quick buck.

Turns out, I was right, except he left me with one more surprise:

I’m pregnant. And Saul’s not walking away.

He’s a dangerous beast with a jawline straight out of a Marvel movie and the physique to match.

The second I tell him what happened, he gets all possessive and controlling. He thinks he can storm into my life and start making demands, but I’m not here for that.

I don’t need this stress. I have a Nana and a sick brother to take care of—Saul Rossi’s just a gorgeous distraction.

Except he grabs me by the waist and says: I’m going to take care of you, whether you like it or not.

I’m about to find out how far he’ll go to keep what’s his.

•••••••

REVIEW: STEEL PROMISE is the third instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult ROSSI CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series focusing on the Rossi Family. This is second in command/underboss Saul Rossi, and twenty-five years old, waitress Molly ‘s story line. STEEL PROMISE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Molly and Saul) STEEL PROMISE follows in the wake of a one-night stand between our story line couple. Molly is a waitress, in need of money, and she believes she has found a mark in our story line hero. One night together, and Molly will ghost the second in command of the Rossi Crime Family but several weeks later our heroine will discover she is carrying his child. Letting Saul Rossi know he is going to be a father is much easier than Molly expected especially when Saul is willing to claim Molly as his own but all does not go according to plan when a war between the Italian and the Irish mobs forces Saul to keep Molly a secret, a secret that will put into question Saul’s allegiance to the man in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Saul and Molly, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

The world building focuses on the perceived betrayal of Saul Rossi, and his allegiance to the Rossi family. Molly’s family is struggling and Saul is willing to help with everyone concerned buy Molly continues to battle between head and heart knowing her relationship with Saul is causing a huge Rossi rift.

The relationship between Saul and Molly begins as a one-night stand that results in a surprise pregnancy. Molly refuses to force Saul into something he may not want, but Saul wants a family of his own, and is ready to settle down with the woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples returns including Saul’s siblings Maddie and Renzo, Gian and Allegra, Carlo, Stefania; Renzo’s right hand man Dante, as well as the introduction of Molly’s brother Jason, and their chain-smoking grandmother.

STEEL PROMISE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, family and misunderstanding, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and captivating .

Previous reviews and reading order
Velvet Kingdom
Iron Rings

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

MY FAVORITE MISTAKE (Legacy of the Maguires)by Stella Holt-review

MY FAVORITE MISTAKE (Legacy of the Maguires 6) by Stella Holt-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 19, 2024

Fake dating her client’s gorgeous son was a mistake—enjoying his touch will be her ruin.
Bad boy Ian Maguire is a lawyer with an image problem. But he doesn’t care if the media is obsessed with him or deemed him the most wanted bachelor. He’s also not interested in relationships, until he meets his dad’s political strategist. With her cool confidence, dark features, and quiet beauty, she is tempting enough to get him to pretend to settle down. And he can promise they will both enjoy it.

Simone Jax is trained in managing a crisis, and she has the perfect plan for Ian’s playboy status. He just needs to agree to only be seen with one woman until his father’s gubernatorial election is over, even if it’s fake. But when the press captures a picture of them kissing and blasts it everywhere, she has no choice but to play the part of girlfriend.
Just when their fake relationship starts to feel genuine, Simone discovers she’s pregnant. Is this a secret baby or the start of a real romance?

•••••

REVIEW: MY FAVORITE MISTAKE is the sixth and final instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES erotic, romance series. This is thirty year old lawyer Ian Maguire, and political strategist Simone Jax’ story. line. MY FAVORITE MISTAKE 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Simone and Ian) MY FAVORITE MISTAKE follows the fake relationship between our story line couple. Ian’s father Jack Maguire is running for governor but Ian Maguire’s reputation with the ladies is leaving a black mark on his father’s campaign. Assigned to keep Ian under control, Simone suggests our hero find himself a fake girlfriend but all Ian wants is our story line heroine. A secret kiss exposes their possible relationship on several media sites but several ‘dates’ quickly turn into something more, and a surprise pregnancy is making their arrangement feel all too real. What ensues is the building relationship between Simone and Ian, and the potential fall-out as Simone continues to keep Ian at a distance, believing she is nothing more than a prop her his father’s campaign.

The world building follows the fake but building relationship between our story line couple. Simone is struggling with her attraction to a man with a bad boy reputation, and believes she is crossing the line with their ‘rumored’ affair. Ian Maguire doesn’t do relationships as he continues with the demons from his past but something about Simone draws Ian like a moth to a flame, and he wants something more from our story line heroine.

The relationship between Simone and Ian begins as a professional arrangement that quickly turns into a fake relationship for his father’s campaign but Ian is willing to push Simone into something more but Simone continues to believe there is a conflict of interest, and nothing more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples return including Ian’s parents Senator Jack and Cora Maguire , as well as Simone’s mother, and her sister Sasha.

MY FAVORITE MISTAKE is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating-the conflict is contained between the story line couple. The romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Last First Kiss
Battle of Hearts
Strictly Off Limits
Love and Order
Merry Little Heartbreak

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / GoodreadsAmazon author pageInstagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

Share

ENDLESS SKYE (Skye Druids 4) by Donna Grant-review

ENDLESS SKYE (Skye Druids 4) by Donna Grant-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

Passion comes with a price…

For Willa Ryan, family is everything. So, when her brother asks her to locate a book of unparalleled power, she doesn’t hesitate. Except she does more than find it. She attempts to steal it, and in the process, ends up running for her life—straight into the arms of a man waiting to rescue her. Jasper is unlike anyone she’s ever met, and she’s helpless to resist the undeniable passion between them. But desire always comes at a cost.

Jasper McCabe is a master of disguise and deception, and he uses both ruthlessly. Yet nothing can prepare him when he comes face-to-face with the breathtaking women he’s supposed to use for his ruse. Every instinct screams for him to run as far from Willa as he can. But there’s no escape from the captivating Druid and the feelings she awakens. With his darkest enemies closing in, Jasper is forced to choose with his heart, or lose the woman who is his one chance at salvation.

••••••••

REVIEW: ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal / fantasy romance series -a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Willa Ryan, and Jasper McCabe’s story line. Willa Ryan is Scott’s sister (Iron Ember #1). ENDLESS SKYE should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading the series in order, as well as DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dragon Kings (Nikolai) and Reaper characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Willa and Jasper ENDLESS SKYE follows Willa Ryan, on the run, from a powerful group taking aim at the Druids. Along with her father, Willa planned their escape but Willa was attacked, and barely made it to the Isle of Skye where she will meet fellow Druids Jasper McCabe, a man with a special ability that may save them all but Jasper has a secret that is about to be exposed, threatening the lives of the Druids on the Isle of Skye. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jasper and Willa, and the potential fall-out when the truth about Jasper is revealed, and our couple are targeted by someone determined to destroy them all.

The world building is complex and detailed as the killing mist is but the least of their worries. Unable to determined to origins of the mist, the Druids on the Isle of Skye are facing two more adversaries that have targeted anyone with magic and power, and there may be a traitor in the mix.

The relationship between Jasper and Willa begins as a lie. Jasper is not whom he proclaims himself to be, and his sudden appearance on the Isle of Skye is questioned, especially in the face of his quick seduction of our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Like the other instalments, there is large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from Donna Grant’s numerous interconnected series including Druids, Reapers, Dragons and Fae: the TruthSeeker Esther and her mate Nikolai (Heat/Dark Kings 12); Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Ballady; Mason, Krisi, and Callum. The requisite evil has many faces.

ENDLESS SKYE is a comprehensive and intricate story of madness and obsession, power and control, secrets and lies, forgiveness and love that follows several intersecting paths and developing stories. The premise is thrilling and suspenseful; the romance is seductive but predicated upon a lie; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye
Heart of Glass

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share

THE ALMOST ROMANTIC (How To Date 3) by Lauren Blakely -review

THE ALMOST ROMANTIC (How To Date 3) by Lauren Blakely -review

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 March 14, 2024

Marry me.”

They were the last words I expected to say to my fake fiancé, but I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Pretend I’m engaged to my gorgeous and talented business partner to secure a business deal?

No problem.

Agree to a no-touch rule even though she’s been driving me wild since I met her?

Challenge accepted.

Resist grinning like a damn fool every time that same big-hearted, sunshine-y woman laughs with my little daughter?

Done.

So, yeah, when my fake fiancé’s vindictive business rival threatens to expose our make-believe romance, I can handle that too.

I’ll prove our engagement isn’t fake – by marrying her for real.

A marriage with an expiration date at the end of the year.

But that’s when I run smack dab into the biggest challenge ever – not falling madly in love with my wife.

•••••

REVIEW: THE ALMOST ROMANTIC is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary adult HOW TO DATE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-three bar owner/single father Gage Archer, and thirty year old, chocolatier Elodie Starling’s story line. THE ALMOST ROMANTIC 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 (Elodie and Gage) THE ALMOST ROMANTIC follows in the wake of an almost one-night stand. Elodie loves the French fries at Gage Archer’s bar, and our hero, a man who doesn’t do relationships, see something in our story line heroine but an interrupted date, and a discussion about a business proposal, finds our couple discussing the possibilities of working towards a one of a kind chocolate bar. As our couple realize their dreams are about to come true, they are forced into a fake engagement in an effort to appease their new controlling landlord. What ensues is the building romance and fake relationship between Elodie and Gage, and the potential fall-out their time together comes with an expiry date.

The world building focuses on building a business in the face of competition and some misogynistic attitudes. Gage is a single father who has struggled with the relationships in his life; Elodie has been raising her younger sister in the wake of their parents’ demise. As ‘single parents’ their first priority is the younger generation but as their business takes on a life of its’ own, someone else is determined to reveal their secret in an effort to take them down.

The relationship between Elodie and Gage is one of mutual attraction and similar ideas but their ‘fake’ relationship quickly turns into something more, and Elodie is struggling with the possibility of losing everything if something goes wrong. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are interesting and fun. We are introduced to Elodie’s sister Amanda , and Gage’s daughter Eliza, his brother Zane, as well as their grandma; Elodie’s assistant Kenji; fellow businessman Sebastian Roberts, and the return of Rachel, Hazel, Juliet and Fable.

THE ALMOST ROMANTIC is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and endearing.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

Share