BELOVED BEAUTY (Beauty Series 6) by Georgia Cates-review tour

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BELOVED BEAUTY : Alex & Magnolia 3 (Beauty Series 6) by Georgia Cates-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date July 15, 2025

Some love stories are meant to weather the storm. Others are the storm.
Alex and Magnolia have survived lies, long-distance heartbreak, and the kind of silence that could’ve ruined everything. Now, they’re engaged and finally chasing forever—together. But love isn’t always smooth sailing.

When Magnolia decides to trade her American roots for a life in Australia, it feels like the beginning of everything they’ve dreamed of. A home. A future. A second chance to build what was almost lost. Until the past returns—with claws.

Tyson. Celeste. The paparazzi. The shadows they thought they’d outrun come roaring back, threatening not only their peace but their future. And Alex is done running.

As the final showdown looms, Magnolia and Alex will have to fight harder than ever—for each other, for their privacy, and for the love that was always worth the war.

Because true love doesn’t cower.

It endures.
It defends.
It wins.

•••••••

REVIEW: BELOVED BEAUTY AMERICAN BEAUTY : Alex and Magnolia is the sixth instalment in instalment in Georgia Cates’ contemporary, adult BEAUTY erotic, romance series. This is thirty-two year old, former professional Australian rugby star turned hotel magnate Alex Sebring, and thirty year old interior designer Magnolia Steel’s story line. BELOVED BEAUTY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two AMERICAN BEAUTY.

NOTE: For fans of Georgia Cates and her original BEAUTY trilogy, Laurelyn and Jack McLaughlan are Alex’s best friends and play a small role in the current instalment. Alex and Magnolia’s story line advances the series approximately ten-years.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alex & Magnolia) BELOVED BEAUTY follows in the wake of the rekindling romance and relationship between our story line couple, a relationship once destroyed by betrayal and lies. Determined to find his own happily ever after Alex Sebring promises Magnolia the world as our hero continues to prepare for his re-entry in the world of professional soccer but the past refuses to let go, and at every turn, our couple become the target of an obsessed foe who is determined to take what doesn’t belong.

The world building, once again, focuses on our couple’s determination as they plan for their future, regardless of the demons that refuse to let go. New career pathways, a welcoming family, and friendships that last a lifetime, as the past is left behind, nothing more than a black spot on what is other wise a blossoming love.

The relationship between Magnolia and Alex continues to grow as our couple battle the demons that are determined to take control. Alex wants a future with the woman who has stolen his heart, as Magnolia must come to terms with everything she has left behind. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Alex’s parents Alexander and Malie, and his brother Elias, PA Celeste; Magnolia’s best friend Violet, Alex’s former teammate and rugby player Tyson McRae, Sebring Hotel employee Celeste, as well as several other teammates and their wives. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Elias and Violet.

BELOVED BEAUTY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and tenacity, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is climactic and emotional; the romance is seductive and sultry; the characters are determined, charismatic, and bold.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Steel Beauty
American Beauty

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Georgia Cates is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author—and a former labor and delivery nurse who now delivers swoony love stories instead of babies. A lifelong reader and proud cat wrangler of three, she writes romance with heart, heat, and a dash of Southern charm. Originally from rural Mississippi, she’s married to her best friend and is the proud mom of two amazing daughters.

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Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs – a Review

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Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs – a Review

 

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Description:
It was a place frozen in time, an ancient fortress haunted by echoes that whispered against the gray stone in a mysterious, heavy rhythm, as though this place was entirely separate from the rest of the world. A sign by the inner door read Our Lady of Charity Refuge and Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

Mairin’s breath caught in her throat as comprehension crept over her. This place was the one mentioned in scandalized whispers from the older girls at school. It was the one people gossiped about when a girl suddenly stopped showing up to class. It was the place angry parents—like her own mother—threatened their daughters “I’ll send you to the nuns, just you see if I won’t.”

Amid the turbulence of the Vietnam Era, in the all-American city of Buffalo, New York, teenage girls were condemned to forced labor at the Good Shepherd, a dark and secret institution controlled by the Sisters of Charity nuns.

In 1968 we meet six teens thrust into confinement at the Good Shepherd—merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants was committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.

Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, was sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.

Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.

Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.

Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, dared to dream of a better life.

Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.

Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption…and justice.

 

 

 

Review:

Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs is a wrenching but life-affirming novel based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption when six girls come together in a Catholic reform (Good Shepherd) school in 1960s Buffalo, NY.  These girls are sent by family (various reasons) away from their normal school, to the Good Shepherd, which is like a prison handled by evil nuns.  The six girls are treated badly, being punished either for isolation, emotional abuse, forced labor and suffering harsh conditions.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants was committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.
Angela—is raised by her illiterate Irish Catholic grandmother and was sent to the Good Shepard to be reformed. While at the school, she finds herself the victim of a predator.
Helen— is of Chinese descent; when her parents return to China for a couple of weeks; they are caught in the Chinese cultural revolution and are not allowed to leave China.  Her time at the Good Shepherd stretches into years.
Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.
Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, dared to dream of a better life.
Janice—deeply insecure, except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Mairin is the lead in this story, as she was spirited and rebellious, always determined to find a way to escape; no matter what punishment she receives. In time, she comes up with a plan for her and her friends to escape. They manage to escape in the school bus, and all six of them find themselves being chased by police; with each of them finding separate ways to escape.  Mairin could not find any of them, but she discovers three of them were captured. The story continues with Mairin finding work at a farm, falling in love with Flynn, and having children.  Decades later, Mairin sees Angela, and together they try to find the friends they lost during their escape; and they slowly reconnect with some of their friends. They begin to share their stories about something that was so much bigger; as they planned to fight for recognition and healing. Their friendship and bond were great.

Wayward Girls is a harrowing and gripping historical fiction, which covered many serious situations, such as abuse, foster system, racism and pregnancy. Susan Wiggs wrote a powerful story of these young women who were confined to forced labor at a dark institution controlled by nuns.  Though this was fiction, it was based on those homes where the children were reformed. Wayward Girls was so very well written by Susan Wiggs.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson – a Review

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A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lia is always prepared for battle, but being blackmailed into marriage by Prince Alexandros is a challenge too far. She has no choice. He’s holding her sister hostage to force her hand. But with this union built on betrayal and rage comes a contract. By the goddess’s law, the marriage must not be consummated. A relief to Lia. She’d rather commit regicide than fall into bed with a man she loathes.

There is one other saving grace. Marriage gives Lia access to the palace and a chance to uncover the truth about the treasured eye of the goddess―and the magic it holds. But something inexplicable and impossible to ignore soon binds Lia and the prince. By night they walk in each other’s dreams, and by day they share each other’s pain.

As longing and trust grow between Lia and Alexandros and inhibited desires are set free, outside forces rise against them, posing an ever-present danger. Not only to the throne but to their very lives.

 

 

Review :

A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson is the second book in her The Eye of the Goddess series. The story picks up right after the cliff hanger ending of A Tribute of Fire. Lia has been forced into a marriage with Prince Alexandros in order to save her sister: Quynh being a hostage. In the first book, Lia fell hard for the charming Jason, who turns out to actually be Prince Alexandros.  While Lia is playing the happy bride publicly, she watches her chained sister serve wine to guests, which infuriates her.  But she will learn from her sister, the Prince has been offering his protection, especially from the growing relationship between Quynh and Thrax, the Prince’s captain.

Both characters carry grievances against each other. The slow burn between romance begins to build on a genuine emotional connection.  The banter between them maintains wit and intelligence even when they’re trying to wound each other. Lia and Xander continue to have one of the most complicated relationships ever, but we can see how much they truly love each other. They both shared dream sequences between Lia and Alexandros, which shows advances, developing romance, prophecy and intervention; making moments feel simply passionate.

I loved the supporting characters, especially Lia’s adelphia sisterhood relationships (Lo, Suri, Zalira, Ahyana, Demaratus & Kungburu (a special pet), who provide crucial emotional friendship and help. Their found family was so great together, as they were all so good. Lia is still fighting to save her family and her country amidst political intrigue, feelings for her husband, new relationships, and a country on the brink of war.

What follows is an exciting last half of the book, that had some surprising twists and turns along the way.   The story was gripping and compelling, tense, intrigue, intense chemistry and the character development. A Vow of Embers was a wonderful romantasy mythology that had me unable to put the book down.  Lia was a terrific heroine, who was captivating and determined, as she had a wonderful sister’s group. A Vow of Embers was so very well written by Sariah Wilson.  I will say that the cliffhanger was an amazing twist.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh – a Review

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Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh – a Review

 

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Description:
Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.

Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.

Everything that could’ve been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement…or love…

 

 

Review:

Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh is the 9th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. We meet J-Psy Eleri Dias, who knows her time is coming near, due to fatal psychic exposure.  Eleri is determined face an old friend, whom she has not seen in over a decade, as she knew this haunted her over the years.  Eleri is also on the path of a serial killer.

Falcon Adam Garrett is the Wing Leader of Windhaven, a flock of falcon changelings, and he is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. Adam and Eleri had met as teenagers; they knew they were destined to be mates. But a decade has passed, with Adam having no forgiveness for Eleri, who had betrayed him. To his shock, Eleri returns to help solve who in Windhaven could be the serial killer.  At first Adam remains angry at Eleri, and tries to ignore her; as he has never been able to forget her.  With evil stalking his territory, it will bring them both close together to find the killer.

As we reach close to the three quarters of the book, the Sandman killer is resolved, which brings the last quarter concentrating on saving Eleri, and her other 3 members of her family.  With help from Sascha, Ashaya, Saoirse, Darkriver, Snowdancer, in searching for a cure for J-Psy, whose psychic shields are rapidly deteriorating. Eleri knew it was only a matter of time whether her failing psychic shields would lose her ability to ‘feel’.   I got a kick out of Dahlia and Bram falling for each other.  I really loved that Eleri and Adam were so great together.

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Atonement Sky, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Atonement Sky.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Duty Devoted (Citadel Solutions 2) by Dominic Pierce-review

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Duty Devoted (Citadel Solutions 2) by Dominic Pierce-review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11. 2025

She saves lives with steady hands. He takes them with deadly precision.

In the war-torn jungles of Corazón, Dr. Lauren Valentino runs a field hospital under siege—treating the wounded, protecting the innocent, and risking everything to hold the line. Knowing the danger is getting critical, Lauren’s family sends Citadel Solutions security expert Logan Kane to get her out.

One doctor should be no problem for a battled-hardened Marine who specializes in impossible missions—even when the mission doesn’t want to be rescued and a hurricane is closing in.

They clash instantly.
The heat between them? Instant too.

When communication is cut off and killers close in, Lauren and Logan are forced into the jungle. The storm’s not the only thing hunting them. Survival means moving fast and finding some way of trusting each other.

In a world where death is always only one step behind, love might be the risk that breaks them both.

Or saves them.

••••

REVIEW: DUTY DEVOTED is the second instalment in Dominic Pierce’s contemporary, adult CITADEL SOLUTIONS romantic suspense series. This is security expert and former US Marine Logan Kane, and Dr. Lauren Valentino’s story line. DUTY DEVOTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Logan and Lauren) DUTY DEVOTED follows several members of Citadel Security as they are hired to extricate four American doctors from the Cartel controlled village near Corazon in Central America but a complicated villager’s pregnancy and birth kept Dr. Lauren Valentino from running, ensuring one of the Citadel men remained behind. Logan Kane knew it was a mistake to allow Dr Valentino to detour during their dangerous mission, and in doing so, our couple found themselves on the run, fighting for their lives through the jungles of Central America, with the Cartel hot on their trail. A rescue and return flight home ends with Logan ghosting our story line heroine until the ghosts from the past refuse to let go.

The world building follows our couple on the run, through tiny villages and swamps, a hurricane and explosion but the more dangerous the mission, the closer together our couple becomes in the face of bullets and blood.

The relationship between Logan and Lauren begins as a rescue, and Logan knows immediately Lauren is the woman to control his heart but Logan struggles with severe PTSD, and the trek through the jungle is about to stir up memories he wished he could forget. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Logan’s teammates Ethan Cross, Jace Monroe, Ty Hughes, as well as fellow doctor Sophia Yang, Lauren’s parents Richard and Catherine Valentino, and several members of the Corazon Cartel. The requisite evil has many faces.

DUTY DEVOTED is a story of power and control, obsession and murder, family and friendships, relationships and love. The action packed premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DUTY UNBOUND

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Running Hott (Hott Springs Eternal 4) by Serena Bell-review

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Running Hott (Hott Springs Eternal 4) by Serena Bell-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

A jilted bride. A jaded divorce lawyer. A full tank of gas. What could go wrong?

Rhys: As a cutthroat New York City divorce lawyer, it’s my job to end marriages. Lifetime commitment? It’s for the birds. I do everything in my power to avoid it…until my grandfather’s will says that to save our family’s land, I have to become a wedding planner.

Worse, my first client is Eden Becker. She’s the sunshine-y disaster whose ex-husband I represented a few years ago in their divorce. Eden’s first marriage was a nightmare, so why does she think another one is a good idea?

Turns out, I’m not wrong. Her jerkwad fiancé jilts her, and as her wedding planner, I’m also her getaway vehicle. Now we’re on the road together—and all my complicated feelings about this beautiful, naive optimist are in the car, too. Along with a wild attraction I’ve been fighting since we first faced off across a conference table.

If this road trip goes on too much longer, I’m going to do something I’ll regret forever.

Like fall in love.

•••••••

REVIEW:RUNNING HOTT is the fourth instalment in Serena Bell’s contemporary, adult HOTT SPRING ETERNAL erotic, romance series focusing on the Hott siblings: Quinn, Shane, Preston, Tucker, Rhys, and their sister Hanna (Wilder at Last 5/ Wilder Adventures)-a spin off from the author’s WILDER ADVENTURES series. This is New York divorce attorney Rhys Hott, and professional quilter Eden Becker’s story line. RUNNING HOTT 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 for back story as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: The HOTT Springs Eternal series focuses in the aftermath of the death of the Hott family patriarch. Grandfather Fox Hott has a number of stipulations and guidelines if the siblings are to inherit the family fortune. Each sibling is required to honor their late grandfather’s request if their sister Hanna is to keep the HOTT Springs resort in Rush Creek. If the orders of the will are not adhered to, the land and everything on it will be sold to an international mining company.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Eden and Rhys) RUNNING HOTT follows in the aftermath of the wedding that never happened. Eden Becker was minutes away from marrying the man whom she loved when the ‘new wedding planner’ Rhys Hott announced that her groom had upped and run. Rhys Hott never wanted the position as wedding planner but his grandfather’s will has deigned him the latest victim of his grandfather’s attorney, a man who is secretly enjoying the anxiety of the Hott family siblings. A cross country journey to retrieve what is hers, Eden finds herself looking at Rhys Hott with a different set of eyes, eyes that no longer saw Rhys as the angry attorney but as a man who is struggling with his own place in the family.

The world building focuses on Eden’s determination and drive to make it on her own, as Rhys struggles with what he wants, and a change in his future.

The relationship between Rhys and Eden begins acrimoniously as Rhys and Eden have a contentious past in which Rhys once represented Eden’s ex husband in their combative divorce. A successful quilter, and a woman scorned twice, Eden refuses to jump into another relationship but something about Rhys calls to her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to all of the desperate Hott siblings, their significant other and Grandpa Hott’s attorney Arthur Weggers, as well as the introduction of Eden’s ex-fiance Paul Graves. Tucker’s story line is next.

RUNNING HOTT is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and heart break, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Hott Shot
Hott Take
Some Like It Hott

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

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I Could Be Yours by Helena Hunting-review tour

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I Could Be Yours by Helena Hunting-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2025

The best man ghosted me six years ago after kissing me, and now I have to plan every wedding event under the sun with him.

Nate Stiles is the definition of serious. Furrowed brow? Check. Rain cloud personality? Double check.

I shouldn’t be thinking about the fact that our kiss was the best one of my life right now. I should be planning the bachelorette party of the millennium.

I shouldn’t be wondering when Nate became such a good dancer after we got roped into salsa lessons with the happy couple. I should be mentally ticking off boxes on my bridal checklists.

I shouldn’t be wondering what it would be like if I didn’t hate Nate Stiles. I should be holding strong against a man who doesn’t believe in love.

My name is Essie Lovelock. I am a reformed love obsessed fairytale fanatic and I’m determined to be the best maid of honor my best friend could ever have.

And I am absolutely not going to fall for the best man.

•••••

REVIEW:  I COULD BE YOURS by Helena Hunting is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line set in the author’s TORONTO TERROR world. This is engineer Nate Stiles, and professional make-up artist Essie Lovelock’s story line. I COULD BE YOURS can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading IF YOU NEED ME (Toronto Terror 1).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nate and Essie) I COULD BE YOURS follows frenemies to lovers relationship between Nate Stile and Essie Lovelock. Approximately six years earlier, Nate and Essie shared a passionate kiss wherein Nate promised to call our heroine the next day but ghosted the woman whose heart he would break. Fast forward to present day, Essie has never forgiven Nate for breaking her heart but our couple are forced to work together when Essie’s best friend Beatrix aka Rix is scheduled to marry Nate’s brother Tristan in a matter of weeks. Essie has volunteered as the wedding planner but working side by side with Tristan takes effort in the wake of perceived betrayal. As the days turn into weeks, Tristan and Essie come to a mutual understanding, pursuing a relationship behind closed doors but when Tristan’s past returns, our heroine is pushed out of Nate Stiles’ life, and relegated to ‘what never should have happened’.

The world building follows several paths including the dysfunctional struggles of the Stiles family in the wake of a previous betrayal years before. Battling the memories and the what ifs, Nate Stiles begins to believe he will be unable to commit, while Essie believes she is unworthy of love.

The relationship between Nate and Essie is one of second chances; a rekindling friendship that turns to romance but a secret affair they are keeping from the bride and groom. As Nate begins to fall for the woman who has stolen his heart, Essie is about to break the man with whom she had fallen in love. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic, engaging and animated. We are reintroduced to several members of the Toronto Terror Hockey team, as well as the return of Rix’s brother Flip, Essie’s parents, Nate’s brothers Tristan and Brody, as well as their father, and Tristan’s teammate Connor Grace.

I COULD BE YOURS is a story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is seductive; the characters are spirited and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

FOLLOW: NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.
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The Way You Lie (Isle of Kala Book 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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The Way You Lie (Isle of Kala Book 1) by Crea Reitan

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 July 10, 2025

Sometimes a happy ending comes with heartbreak.

Falling in love with my father’s best friend wasn’t on my to-do list. Yes, he’s hot. Sure, I’ve been flirting with him since I was sixteen. Of course I’d be down for a little fun.

When Laiken begins returning my flirting, things get heated. It was supposed to be sexy fun and nothing more. We weren’t planning on making this a forever thing.

But falling in love isn’t a choice.

As it turns out, not everyone agrees and sometimes disapproval is loud, painful, and heartbreaking.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Crea Reitan’s “The Way You Lie” is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the heartbreak that can weave through relationships, especially when society threatens to tear them apart.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Isle of Kala, (which has appeared in several of the “For Puck Sake”) these two have had a will they won’t they/ flirty moments for many years.

The story revolves around Elijah (Lie) who finds himself drawn to his father’s best friend, Laiken. This attraction, built on years of flirtation since adolescence, evolves into something much deeper and more potent.

And Laiken, his best friend’s son (oh dear! That’s not going to go down well, I can tell you) he’s the bartender on the island. He loves the lifestyle and the island, he loves his best friend Nason, but the feelings he has for Lie, isn’t suppose to be there, he feels guilty…..

What sets “The Way You Lie” apart is its raw honesty. The story doesn’t shy away from the internal conflicts faced by both characters as they wrestle with the implications of their love. The author captured the essence and the tension that comes with falling in love, particularly when the relationship is frowned upon. The highs of their connection made me smile, and the moments of doubt and pain had me sobbing 😭

The authors writing is so engaging, it made it so easy for me to imagine myself on that island, to witness this couples love, and the pain it brings them too. Oh…. And I need to see Lie’s crochet collection 😉 (IYKYK) 😂

I loved how we get to see a few characters from previous books. I also loved how Lie and Cash were there for one another (almost like brothers)

In summary, Crea Reitan’s “The Way You Lie” is a compelling and beautifully crafted love story that balances romance with the harsh realities of societal disapproval.

It’s a tale about desire, the pain of heartbreak, and the quest for love amid adversity. This was an emotional roller coaster (chocolate/tissues and a blanket will be needed!)

This novel is a must read for anyone seeking a heartfelt exploration of love that challenges the status quo.

Oh…. And the ending…. Was NOT expecting that!! 🫣

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

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