Monthly Archives: May 2025

Jackal (Destiny’s Enforcers MC 3) by April D Berry-review

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Jackal (Destiny’s Enforcers MC: Atlanta 3) by April D Berry-review & interview

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 30, 2025

Opposites attract. But is attraction enough?

Jackal’s been a nomad for years, but proud to call himself part of Destiny’s Enforcers. When his long-time friend and president of the Atlanta chapter was assassinated, he immediately goes to help find who did it and support the club. Falling for someone was the last thing on his mind.

Shivana finds herself in the right place at the wrong time when she goes to visit her old friend. After a harrowing ordeal and having to jump into action to save her friend’s man once they discovered she was a doctor, she decided to stick around a while longer. The idea of a new state and a new start excites her. Not to mention, she has her eye on one of the bikers at the clubhouse.

Jackal can’t help the undeniable attraction to Shivana but being so much older than her and just a roughneck biker, he believes she’s better off leaving town and tries to keep her at arm’s length. But Shivana is ready to start fresh, and she doesn’t see what a little fun with the older, and gorgeous biker, would hurt.

When a new revelation about who may have killed the president come to light, tensions run high and the future of the club, and its members, is at stake. He will do anything to keep her safe, but he can’t seem to resist the young doctor. But can she really be with him, and part of this dangerous life?

•••••

REVIEW: JACKAL is the third instalment in April D Berry’s contemporary, adult DESTINY’S ENFORCERS MC: ATLANTA erotic, MC romance series. This is forty-seven year old nomad turned MC enforcer Jacob aka Jackal, and thirty year old Dr. Shivana Raja’s story line. JACKAL can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Shivana and Jackal) JACKAL follows in the wake of a betrayal by one of their own. Jacob aka Jackal is a nomad but the recent death of the club’s enforcer finds Jackal on the precipice of becoming a full-fledged member of the Destiny’s Enforcers MC, and the possibility of claiming the woman with whom he will fall in love. Dr. Shivana Raja hasn’t left the compound since her rescue , a rescue that has made Shivana an honorary member of the ol’ ladies club but her attraction to Jackal comes with a caveat-Jackal believes he will never settle down, and Shivana proposes a friends with benefits relationship until he is gone . As the club continues to search for the man who betrayed family and friends, the planning of a wedding takes center stage as the MC prepare to hunt down the killer of one of their own.

The relationship between Jackal and Shivana is one of immediate attraction but Jackal doesn’t expect to put down roots until an offer from the MC forces Jackal to make a decision about his future. Shivana is determined to prove she is worthy of Jackal’s friendship and love, only to realize Jackal may have fallen first. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the previous story lines couples, and members of the Destiny’s Enforcers MC, as well as the return of Mama Hen, and Bratva member Nikolai Petrov Jr. Once again, the requisite evil has many faces.

JACKAL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, jealousy and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is gritty and dramatic; the romance is limited but seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Falcon
Eagle

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi April and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release JACKAL.

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

Social Media: Goodreads/ Facebook/ Bluesky Social/ Website /Amazon Author Page/ Instagram/

April: I’m a steamy romance author that got a later start. I’m a bit of a mood reader, so it makes sense that I also am a bit of a mood writer! I was born and raised in GA, am married, and have two teens (send help).

TRC:Who or what influenced your career in writing?

April: So many things and people. I will say, I’ve been a writer since I was able to hold a pencil but I let life and preconceived notions from others that writing is a hobby, not a career, keep me from pursuing it. Then I thought I’d missed the boat. That was until I went down an Outlander rabbit hole and learned that Diana Gabaldon was 36 when she wrote the first of that series. I was 38 at the time and thought, “Oh my gosh, it’s not too late! I can still do it!” My hubby told me to go for it and he we are, over four years and sixteen books later!

TRC:What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

April: This is an MC series, but my writing style is very character driven. I really have to work at adding the expected action and even violence that readers have of this genre. I have a great team behind me that gives me valuable feedback but honors my style and that helps, but I still always wonder, “Was it enough?”

TRC:Would you please tell us something about the premise of JACKAL?

April: Jackal is book three of my DEMC series. The series follows a plot of betrayal and a bit of suspense as the club tries to find who assassinated their president. In the meantime, these women who have never been around bikers in any capacity swoop in and chaos usually ensues. Jackal is one of the longstanding members of the national club who was a nomad but ends up being patched into Atlanta. A younger, and particularly sassy, doctor was introduced in book two and she decides to stick around for some excitement. Definitely opposites attract and there’s a bit of an age gap (30/47). She thinks she wants a fling, he thinks she too good for that life. And while they work that out, they are encountered with even more questions and hurdles in finding out what happened to their president.

TRC:What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning JACKAL?

April: I don’t plot which is probably not the best tactic for a series (lol) but it’s my process. Like I said before, I’m very character driven so I let them lead the way. My brain usually knows what’s supposed to happen, and I do know who the ultimate bad guy is so I just write until I fill in the gaps. I have a little experience with some clubs, but also have an “insider” that helps me with the overall lifestyle to keep it somewhat realistic. Of course, I take a few liberties to fit the story and keep it exciting. And for any of the “medical” moments, my alter ego is in that field and one of my team members is also a nurse and that helps.

TRC:How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing believability or content?

April: Sowing even a tiny seed of doubt can make the readers second guess what they think. Also, if there is a bit of predictability, I don’t mind really because it’s more about the execution of whatever is happening. I will say, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the wrong guesses at the bad guys! Some I didn’t even intend to plant as potential villains but somehow they still came off that way.

TRC: JACKAL is the third instalment in the Destiny’s Enforcers MC series, how many books do you have planned ?

April: For the main series, book four will wrap up this storyline. However, there will be stories with other members in the series, but they’ll be more standalone focused. Then we move onto the Bristol chapter which is mentioned in book one, and will be brought up again in book four. Lots of folks have asked when Lynx gets a story, and I believe his will be the first of the new chapter.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of mystery and suspense. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

April: I love some crazy action and out there events, so I can’t say I’ve seen a lot of failures as long as it all ties up in the end. My process is to create enough to pass the possibility not probability check. Like would this really happen? Maybe not. But COULD it happen…absolutely. Also, even if something seems super far out there as long as you circle back and explain the why in a way that makes sense for the plot/character, I’ll allow it (lol).

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

April: Absolutely. I have a variety of covers and different books and the bare man chest outsell the rest by FAR! I am about to put bare man chests on my romcoms! But I think the MC covers depict what you’re getting and match the genre, so readers know what’s about to go down.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

April: The characters lead the way. I just write down the stuff they do while yelling at them, crying, and shaking my head a lot!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

April: There’s so many ways. It’s one of the reasons I write in first person. I feel like I pull readers into the emotions much easier that way when I exhibit what’s going through the characters mind and how their body reacts. However, I’ve read some great third person stories that get me in a chokehold! It’s been said a million times but showing vs telling is a biggie that can knock a reader off the page, so I try to be careful about that.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

April: Yes, and it absolutely influences me and the characters. When I look over my most played songs during drafting, I’m always like, “Oh yeah. This all makes sense now.” I like a lot of rock, and classic rock is my fav followed by alternative.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

April: That we have lots of money or look by business-professionals while we write. I’m a hobbit and dress as such.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

April: I’m kind of an open book. I think most folks would be surprised to know that I am actually super shy and I guess an extroverted introvert. Social media and being in person are very different!

TRC: On what are you currently working?

April: I am drafting book one of my Royal Bastards submission that’s due out in August!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

April: Just how much I truly adore my readers. I can’t be an author without them, and their support means the world to me.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food–Mexican

Favorite Dessert–Brusters Ice Cream

Favorite TV Show-Outlander

Favorite Sport-Braves Baseball!

Last Movie You Saw-Thunderbolts (so good)

Dark or Milk Chocolate-chocolate lol

Secret Celebrity Crush-Stevie Nicks

Last Vacation Destination-PCB (annual family thing)

Do you have any pets? Bruno (doggie), Ginger and Luna (kitties)

Last book you read-Hell Bent by Roux Cantrell (excellent read)

TRC: Thank you April for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of JACKAL We wish you all the best.-

April: THANK YOU SO MUCH!

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Salvatore (Hunting Her 11) by Eden Summers-review

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Salvatore (Hunting Her 11) by Eden Summers-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 May 29, 2025

It was meant to be a girls’ night. No guys allowed. Until one blind kiss had me caught in the devil’s web.
A monster in Armani.
An heir to the underworld.

He upends my life, his seduction smooth even as he offers two choices: get in his car or be shoved in his trunk.
No, thanks.
But when my past comes back to haunt me, there’s only one man ruthless enough to stand between me and the threat.
The same man who makes my heart race for reasons that should probably have me medicated.
Trusting Salvatore with my life is dangerous. But resisting him? Impossible.
Because he doesn’t just want me safe.
He wants me to remain by his side. As his queen.
And he’s not willing to let anything come between us.
Not fear. Not fate. Not even death.

•••••

REVIEW:SALVATORE is the eleventh and final instalment in Eden Summers’ contemporary, adult HUNTING HER dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Salvatore Costa and Ivy Diaz’s storyline. SALVATORE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order. Some of the events of SALVATORE crosses over with,and runs parallel to some of the events of REMY.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ivy and Salvatore) SALVATORE follows the acrimonious and bitter relationship between our story line couple. Ivy Diaz is best friends with Remy’s girlfriend Olivia, and both Ivy and Olivia work at Olivia’s family owned funeral home but all is not as it appears to be, and not only is Ivy hiding a secret,so too is her best friend Olivia Pelosi. Struggling with her first face to face with our story line hero, a man whose reputation precedes his introduction, the death of Olivia’s father is about to set a target on our heroine’s back. Ivy is hiding, on the run, and the Costa family’s need for information is about to pull Ivy back into the world from which she ran. Knowing her life will be forfeited regardless of who takes control, our heroine is now viewed as a threat, an enemy from within.

The world building focuses on the social structure and relationships between Salvatore, Remy, Bishop, Matthew and Abri, between themselves, and their uncle Lorenzo, a man who is determined to destroy our story line heroine. The dysfunctional family dynamics is paramount to the story line premise, blood means nothing but a curse to destroy -for Ivy as well when the Cartel demands her life.

The relationship between Ivy and Salvatore is tempestuous at best. The back and forth is often angry; the vitriolic spewing of hurtful names and accusations is heart breaking- the antagonistic behavior is threatening and blinding. Ivy’s inability to trust threatens everything including her friendship with Olivia Pelosi. The $ex scenes are erotic, and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and determined secondary and supporting characters including Salvatore’s siblings: Remy and Olivia, Michael and Layla, Bishop and Abri, their mother Adena, uncle Lorenzo, and several members of the Cartel. The requisite evil has many faces.

SALVATORE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family dynamics, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and emotional; the romance is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and dangerous.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hunter
Decker
Torian
Savior
Luca
Cole
Ruthless Redemption
Seeking Vengeance
Bishop
Remy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Eden Summers is a bestselling author of contemporary romance with a side of sizzle and sarcasm.

She lives in Australia with a young family who are well aware she’s circling the drain of insanity. Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face

WEBSITE/ NEWSLETTER/ FACEBOOK/ FACEBOOK GROUP/ TWITTER /GOODREADS/ AMAZON/ BOOKBUB

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HIS VICIOUS DESIRE (Vicious Vegas 5) by Fiona Murphy-review tour

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💙HIS VICIOUS DESIRE (Vicious Vegas 5) by Fiona Murphy-review tour💙

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 30, 2025

“You’re many things, princess. Worth dying for isn’t one of them.” It’s something Gaetano has said often. Because if he ever touched me, my brother would kill him, best friend or not. He promised our mother, as she lay dying, that I would never be involved with anyone from the mafia. I would never know more of the world that she blamed for ruining her life.

So, falling in love with Gaetano was the worst thing I could have done for both of us. On the night of my eighteenth birthday party, I crashed into him, and nothing feels like it will be the same again—including me.

Three years of longing exploded in a moment neither one of us thought would happen. The lie wasn’t planned. When he realized he didn’t have birth control, I told him that he didn’t need it, terrified he’d find another excuse once the heat of the moment passed. The thing about growing up with the Outfit is that you learn things, like how to get what you want through manipulation to avoid bloodshed. So I keep lying because my brother won’t kill the father of my baby, member of the Outfit or not. But will Gaetano forgive me when he finds out I lied and got pregnant on purpose?

••••••

REVIEW: HIS VICIOUS DESIRE is the fifth instalment in Fiona Murphy’s contemporary, adult VICIOUS VEGAS erotic Mafia romance story line, set in the author’s Sabatini World. This is Sandro Leonetti’s second in command and best friend Gaetano, and Bianca Leonetti’s story line HIS VISIOUS DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of HIS VICIOUS DESIRE cross over with, and run parallel to the events of HIS: LUCA #3, and HIS VICIOUS VOW #4.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gaetano and Bianca) cover approximately four years, HIS VICIOUS DESIRE follows the age-gap, forbidden romance between Gaetano and Bianca. Gaetano is Sandro Leonetti’s second in command, and as such, Sandro’s sister Bianca is off limits but Gaetano’s attraction to Bianca is dangerous and dark, and our hero struggles to remain neutral in the face of desire and need. For more than three years, Gaetano and Bianca will come in and out of one another’s lives but Bianca is determined to seduce the man with whom she has fallen in love, a man who is often distant and cold. Having been burned in the past, Gaetano believes he is better alone, wherein nobody has the ability to break his heart.

The relationship focuses on the back and forth, up and down between our story line couple, as Gaetano battles between head and heart with his attraction and need for our story line heroine, an attraction that could get him killed, in the face of betraying the man in charge but Bianca is struggling with friendships and family, and in this, our heroine will find herself on the outside looking in, most of her life. A little naïve and desperate, Bianca often finds herself in precarious situations, trusting the wrong people with her secrets and life-our heroine is both strong and vulnerable. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic, powerful and questionable including the return of Luca and Carina, Tony Sabatini, Gaetano’s brothers Dario and Nicol, as well as several classmates and frenemies Bianca should not trust.

HIS VICOUS DESIRE is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dark, edgy and intriguing; the romance is seductive and heart breaking; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

I do question the cover. Gaetano may be seventeen years older than the woman he loves but the image appears to be a man decades older. In the end, Gaetano is thirty-nine to Bianca’s twenty-two.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
His: Dominic
His: Tony
His: Luca
His Vicious Vow

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Due to commitment issues I have lived in many different cities and my favorite is Chicago but I have managed to settle into Austin and perhaps my commitment issues are behind me.

I have enjoyed reading from a very young age and it wasn’t long before the children books bored me and I read the books my mother enjoyed Stephen King and Dean Koontz and I didn’t sleep without the light on until I was about ten.

I came across my first Harlequin by accident and it was love at first read, no one died and happy endings? It was a whole new world and I loved it.

I wrote my first story at eight and everyone died, of course. Since then I would like to think I’ve gotten better and now I’m writing the happily ever afters I first fell in love with, with some hot sex thrown in along the way.

As a plus size woman myself, I have started writing the stories I always wanted to see myself in but never did. And now I’m ecstatic to give BBWs the happily ever afters with hot Alphas I want to read.

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/fionainamurphy
Website: https://www.fionamurphywrites.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fionaainamurphy
Email: fionaainamurphy@gmail.com

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BRICK’S REDEMPTION (GBMC: Las Vegas 5) by Nikki Landis-review

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BRICK’S REDEMPTION (Graven Bastards MC: Las Vegas 5) by Nikki Landis-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 May 29, 2025

Fifteen years ago, I lost my best friend, my sponsor, and the man I was proud to call a brother. He was gunned down in the middle of the street on a Sunday afternoon. A hit by a rival club as he rode toward his daughter on her thirteenth birthday. Three miles from home, he missed her party and a pivotal moment in her life. She never got to say goodbye.

Now, all these years later, we meet up again. A snowstorm and a canceled flight in Denver put her in my path as I arrived at the airport to help my club brother. I offer her a ride, and since it’s her only option of arriving home safely, she accepts. But we’re targeted and followed, and nearly killed. I manage to get her home safely for the holidays, only to kidnap and bring her to a safe house.

Ginny is mine. I’ve claimed her, and fallen hard for the sexy, curvy redhead. I won’t risk her safety. She’s got to stay in hiding until I can deal with the threat. But she’s got secrets and so do I. Ginny doesn’t know that I was the one who found her father, Hesh, in his last moments.
I made a promise to protect her, to get vengeance for the men who stole Ginny’s father from her. And if I have to ride into hell to do it, I will.

•••••

REVIEW: BRICK’S REDEMPTION is the fifth instalment in Nikki Landis’ contemporary adult GRAVEN BASTARDS MC: LAS VEGAS (GBMC) dark, erotic, paranormal, MC romance series. This is Brick Mayfield and twenty-eight year old, Ginger ‘Ginny’ Bedford ’s continuing story line. BRICK’S REDEMPTION should not be read as a stand alone-Brick and Ginny’s story begins in MY CHRISTMAS BIKER, and fast forwards their story by several weeks. For followers of the series, it was originally linked to the multi-authored RBMC .

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brick and Ginny) BRICK’S REDEMPTION follows in the wake of threats against our story line couple. Approximately fifteen years earlier, on the day of her thirteenth birthday, Ginny’s father Hesh was gunned down by a member of the Crimson Skulls, and in the ensuing years, the Graven Bastards MC had all but taken down most of the people responsible but with the gunman out of prison on parole, the Crimson Skulls has regrouped, determined to destroy what was left of Desert Titans MC, beginning with our story line couple. Desperate for assistance, and a need to protect the woman he loves, Brick gets help from the GBMC, and in doing so, is about to discover the Graven Bastards MC are more than meets the eye.

The world building follows our couple on the run with Brick’s ‘brother’ Dagger. The Crimson Skulls are determined to finish what they started fifteen years earlier, and with the release of the man responsible, vengeance for the sins of the past is a top priority.

The relationship between Brick and Ginny is an age-gap, father’s best friend romance in which Brick swore to protect the woman with whom he had fallen in love but six weeks on the run forces our couple down a different path, wherein Brick will become Bedlam, and Ginny will find herself with a new group of friends and family. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate.

We are reintroduced to several members of the GRAVEN BASTARDS MC, all of whom have been bestowed with special abilities, that when tasked, reap the souls of those they deem unworthy.

BRICK’S REDEMPTION is a story of betrayal and revenge, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are determined and destructive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hell on Wheels
Reckless Mayhem
Jeepers Creepers
Rattlin’ Bones

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

FOLLOW:Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Amazon Author Page / Website

Nikki Landis is the USA Today & International Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author of over 50 romance novels in the MC, reverse harem, paranormal, dystopian, and science fiction genres. Her books feature deadly reapers, dark alpha heroes, protective shifters, and seductive vampires along with the feisty, independent women they love. There’s heart-throbbing action on every page as well as fated mates and soul bonds deep enough to fulfill every desire.

Sign up for Nikki’s Newsletter and get a FREE book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/tlr47up53q

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Save Her Life by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Save Her Life by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Amazon / Bookouture

 

Description:
The tears fall down the girl’s pale face as she desperately tries to struggle free from the ties around her wrists. The only sound in the room other than her muffled cries is the ticking of a clock. Her mother has less than one hour to find her alive.

It’s been more than thirty years since Special Agent Sandra Vos’s twin brother was shot dead, an innocent victim caught in a kidnap gone wrong. It devastated Sandra’s family, but it made her who she is today, one of the FBI’s most successful negotiators.

After dropping her teenage daughter, Olivia, at school, Sandra is alerted to a potential hostage situation at her local grocery store and races to the scene. A man has pulled out a gun and is refusing to talk or let anyone out of the building until his demands are met. The fate of dozens of lives rests in Sandra’s hands.

But as Sandra starts to make a breakthrough with the hostage taker, she receives a call that makes her blood run cold. Someone has taken Olivia, and their demand will push Sandra to her absolute limit. If it’s not met within twenty-four hours, she will never see her daughter again.

Sandra knows she should step aside, letting her team take over, but she doesn’t trust anyone else to bring Olivia home alive. Breaking every rule in the book, Sandra is ready to go into her most personal negotiation yet. But how much will she have to sacrifice to save her daughter?

 

 

Review:

Save Her Life by Carolyn Arnold is the first book in her new Sandra Vos series. We meet FBI Special Agent Sandra Vos, who is a long-tenured negotiator. On her way home from testifying at a parole hearing, Sandra gets a call to help at a store, where customers are being held hostage in a tense situation at a grocery store.  Sandra is determined to convince the man holding them hostage to free them, but a few hostages were hurt. Sandra does all she can to get him to give up, but hours pass, until she finally gets him to give up.

While Sandra is back in the office filling out her paperwork, she discovers that someone has taken her daughter, Olivia.   With help with the FBI team, they try to figure out who is behind the kidnapping.  Sandra has a very little time to find a way to rescue Olivia, and when they narrow down the possible suspects, she recognizes who the kidnapper is.  The man who she attended the parole, turns out to be one of his cronies, and he wants the gold that only the imprisoned person knows where it is. The kidnapper demands Sandra to find where the gold his, and if she doesn’t find it, he will kill her daughter.

Sandra knows she should let her team take over, but she is desperate and insists that she needs to trust only herself to bring Olivia home alive.  Sandra finds herself trying to fill two roles as an investigator and a mother. The pressure rises, as he ex-husband, Nolan arrives to help; and the FBI team escalates as they get closer. She has to race against time to save Olivia, not losing sight of the ticking clock.

Safe Her Life was a tense, exciting, emotional story line, that kept me glued to my kindle.  Sandra turned out to be a fantastic heroine, especially with her whole team cooperating and sympathizing with her. Her ex-husband nearer to the end, also helped to save Olivia. Safe Her Life was so very well written by Caroyln Arnold.  I suggest you read Safe Her Life was a fantastic thriller.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

                                   Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold/
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Website: https://carolynarnold.net/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authorcarolynarnold/
Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/carolyn-arnold

 

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Play Dirty (LA Phantoms 5) by Kat Mizera-review tour

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💙Play Dirty (LA Phantoms 5) by Kat Mizera-review tour💙

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 29, 2025

Falling for her is a risk I shouldn’t be willing to take… but I didn’t get to the top of my game my backing down.

Ten years, three kids, and what I thought was unshakable marriage—until she slept with one of my teammates. The divorce left me reeling.

Trust isn’t something I give freely anymore.

Now, all that matters is fighting for custody of my kids, while my ex tries to take them and move across the country.

The last thing I need is someone like Stevie: A stunning model with a troubled past, no interest in kids, and baggage even heavier than mine.

One dance at a wedding changed everything. I can’t get this woman out of my head.

I’m not looking for more complications, but walking away from her isn’t an option either.

Not when I can’t tell where I stop and she starts…or if playing dirty is my only shot at making her mine.

••••

REVIEW:PLAY DIRTY is the fifth instalment in Kat Mizera’s contemporary, adult LA PHANTOMS erotic, hockey romance series. This is thirty-two year old hockey player Martin ‘Marty’ Nadeau, and twenty seven year old model Stephanie ‘Stevie’ Marchand’s story line. PLAY DIRTY 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 (Marty and Stevie) PLAY DIRTY follows hockey player and single father Martin ‘Marty’ Nadeau as he fights for custody of his three young children,in the wake of his wife’s affair with one of his teammates but Marty never expected to come face to face with model Stephanie ‘Stevie’ Marchand, a young woman whose career and life have been put on hold. Several months earlier, Stevie’s ex Damien almost ended our heroine’s life, and with the help of several doctors, and her friends, Stevie is hoping for a complete recovery but entering into a new relationship was the furthest from her mind until meeting single father / hockey player Marty Nadeau, the man with whom Stevie will fall in love. When Marty’s past returns, and Stevie has yet to face her own demons, Stevie is willing to walk away to save the man and the children he loves.

The world building focuses on the broken relationships of both Stevie and Marty. Stevie suffered at the hands of her ex, while Marty is continuing to battle for his children in the face of his wife’s ongoing affair. As Marty prepares for a new season of hockey, Stevie finds herself at a crossroads in her career.

The relationship between Marty and Stevie is one of mutual attraction, each continuing to suffer the effects of betrayal and loss. Stevie doesn’t do relationships in the face of several unsuccessful romances, and Marty’s priority is the safety and love for his children. As Marty and Stevie begins a slow seduction, Marty’s past returns for a second chance. The Sex scenes are affectionate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters including the return of several of Marty’s teammates and their spouse: Gabe and Harper; Ivan and Cheyenne; Canyon and Saylor; Blake and Rowan; as well as Marty’s ex-wife Brenna, their three children, Madeline Aronson, and Stevie’s friend Madame Bertrand.

PLAY DIRTY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control,family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, charismatic and dynamic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book four PLAY OFF

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Kat Mizera was born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of Wanderlust. She’s lived from coast to coast, and everywhere in between, but home is wherever her family is. A devoted mom and wife to her wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat loves to travel the globe with her adventurous, hockey loving family. Greece is at the top of that list. She hopes to one day retire there, spending her days writing books on the beach.

Kat is former freelance sports writer who now writes steamy hockey romance about her favorite fictional teams, the Las Vegas Sidewinders and the Lauderdale Knights. The library of novels she’s penned also include sexy contemporary stories about baseball stars, alpha sex club owners, bodyguards, rock stars, and royalty. Regardless of genre, her books about bad boys with hearts of gold will steal your breath, rock your world and melt your heart.

To find out about Kat Mizera’s  upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here!

For more information on Kat Mizera and her books visit: https://katmizera.com/

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Sweet Surrender (Backstage Pass 2) by K. Bromberg-review tour

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Sweet Surrender (Backstage Pass 2) by K. Bromberg-review tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/SSurrGR

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 29, 2025

Jase Gizmodo is the wild card of the world-famous band BENT. He drums like a legend, lives like a rebel, and attracts headlines like a magnet. But when his recklessness causes a no-nonsense judge to threaten the band’s upcoming international tour, he needs a quick fix—and proof that he’s settling down might just do the trick.

Enter Hendrix Wright. Cookie queen. Small business owner. And barely hanging on. Her dream bakery is on the brink of closing its doors thanks to her ex’s betrayal, and she needs a miracle. Who knew a chance meeting with a charming, enigmatic, and incredibly sexy stranger in a coffee shop would change all that?

So when that stranger, Jase, offers her a deal—a temporary marriage for the cameras in exchange for the money to save her bakery—Hendrix should run. Fast. But instead, she finds that the more time they spend faking wedded bliss, the more real their chemistry feels.

Because falling for a rockstar was never part of the plan.
But surrendering? That might be the sweetest risk of all.

••••••

REVIEW:SWEET SURRENDER is the second instalment in K. Bromberg’s contemporary, adult BACKSTAGE PASS erotic, rock, romance series, a spin off from the author’s DRIVEN series and SWEET ACHE #5 (January 2015). This is BENT drummer Jase ‘Gizmo’ Gizmodo, and cookie baker Hendrix Wright’s story line. SWEET SURRENDER can be read a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jase and Hendrix) SWEET SURRENDER follows the building relationship between BENT drummer Jase ‘Gizmo’ Gizmodo, and cookie baker Hendrix Wright. Jase ‘Gizmo’ Gizmodo’s life as a drummer has been rocked with scandal, and his latest drinking fiasco has threatened the band’s upcoming world tour-without his passport, there is no tour. Desperate to clean up his image, Jase’s brother Nathaniel, aka the lawyer, suggests settling down, and getting married. There is only one woman with whom Jase is willing to settle down, the local ‘cookie baker’ who has stolen his heart. Enter Hendrix Wright. Hendrix’s ex is determined to destroy her life. His affair, and a bank account at zero, Hendrix’s business and life are slowly spiralling out of control until meeting BENT drummer Jase Gizmodo, Hendrix was struggling to stay afloat. Jase’s offer of a ‘marriage of convenience’ is something that could work for both but neither expected to fall in love, a love that could lead to heart break and a fall-out for the band.

The world building reveals some of the turmoil between Jase and his brother Nathaniel-what precipitated the breakdown of their relationship, and Jase’s struggle to reveal the truth. As our hero b battles between head and heart, Hendrix is about to come face to face with her past, who is demanding everything and more.

The relationship between Jase and Hendrix begins as an arranged marriage. An accidental meeting that stirs something within our story line hero, and in the face of possibly loosing everything, Jase is determined to prove he can win her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are charismatic and protective. We are reintroduced to the members of the band: Vince and Bristol, Rocket and Hawkin and Quin; Jase’s brother Nathaniel Gizmodo, their mother Maggie, as well as coffee shop owner Josie; Hendrix’s ex Paul, and her mother Sandra.

SWEET SURRENDER is a story of secrets and lies, struggle and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Sweet Ache
Sweet Regret

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

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THIS FEELING (Moose Village 2) by Kelly Elliott-review tour

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THIS FEELING (Moose Village 2) by Kelly Elliott-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 May 27, 2025

Is there anything worse than getting dumped by your boyfriend in a very public, very humiliating way? How about agreeing to fake-date the jerk to help get his matchmaking mother off his back and make his new love interest jealous?

My friends and family don’t think so, but I’m getting Giants season tickets out of the deal. I can do anything for a short couple of months, right? However, when my ex’s sexier older brother, Delcan, moves back home, I realize I’m not that confident after all.

For five years, I’ve avoided Moose Village, New York, as much as possible for one reason: the girl I’ve crushed on since high school was already spoken for—by my brother. Now discharged from the military, I’m coming home, tentatively heartened by the fact that they’re no longer a couple. Except…it seems they are. But something’s different this time. Harper doesn’t seem as smitten as she was the first time around. Meanwhile, the chemistry sizzling between us is what I’ve dreamed of for years.

Even if I’m able to get to the bottom of the weird behavior between my brother and Harper, I’ve gone from one dangerous career to another. I’ve already got my anxious mother badgering me to quit. Will my career choice be too much for Harper, too?

I can only hope this feeling between the two of us is enough.

This Feeling is book two in the Moose Village series and can be read as a stand alone. The author does suggest reading the books in order for a better reading experience.

••••••

REVIEW: THIS FEELING is the second instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult MOOSE VILLAGE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old, former US Marine turned police officer Declan Gallagher, and florist Harper Browning’s story line. THIS FEELING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Harper), THIS FEELING focuses on the return of Declan Gallagher from serving over seas. Five years earlier, Declan’s brother Sean asked out Declan’s secret crush Harper Browning, leaving Declan wondering if he ever had a chance. Fast forward to present day, Sean humiliated Harper with a very public break up, leaving Harper wondering where it all went wrong but when his mother begins matchmaking, Sean asks Harper for a favor, a fake relationship until his mother gives up. Declan Gallagher suspects something isn’t right, and within hours of his return , Declan begins a slow seduction of Harper Browning, hoping for his own happily ever after with the woman he never forgot.

The world building follows Harper Browning as she struggles with her ex’s scheme to deceive his mother, making his new love interest jealous in the process but with the return of Declan Gallagher pushes Harper to back down on the fake relationships, and in doing so, sets into motion a new relationship and love with our story line hero.

The relationship between Declan and Harper is one of mutual attraction but Sean’s need to deceive forces Harper into a lie. Declan is determined to seduce our story line heroine, and in doing so, set into motion the potential for a life-long commitment. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are quirky and charismatic. We are introduced to Declan’s brother Sean, their parents Maddie and Matt, Sean’s love interest Caroline; Harper’s sisters Candice, Amanda, Tina, and aunt Olivia; police officers Gavin, his brother James; attorney Kian Carter (This Moment 1), and toy shop owner Brystol Duggan.

THIS FEELING is a story of secrets and lies,family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is inviting and heartwarming -there is limited conflict; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is seductive and passionate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THIS MOMENT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Lost Love, and Never Enough, to name a few.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, Gus, her chocolate lab, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Connect with Kelly

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