Tag Archives: adult contemporary

Open Road (RBMC Jacksonville 5) by Kathleen Kelly-review tour

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Open Road (RBMC Jacksonville 5) by Kathleen Kelly-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2026

He lives for the ride. She’s running for her life. The open road is about to change everything.

Roam is a nomad, a lone wolf in leather, the Royal Bastards’ problem solver, and the man who never stays long enough to care, until he finds Janie and her three-year-old daughter stranded on a desolate highway at three in the morning.

One look at the bruises Janie tries to hide, one glimpse of the fear she can’t mask, and something inside Roam, something he’s spent years burying, roars back to life.

Janie thought she could disappear. Drive far enough, fast enough, and her abusive husband would never find them. But monsters don’t stop hunting just because you run.

As danger closes in, Roam does the one thing he swore he never would—he lets them in.

And with every bedtime story, every trembling touch, every moment Janie looks at him like he’s more than the violence in his past, Roam starts wanting something he’s never allowed himself to have—a place to belong.

But when the past finally catches up to them, Roam will have to decide if he’s willing to sacrifice the only life he’s ever known for the woman and little girl who’ve become his whole world.

He’s always known freedom comes with a price.
He never knew the price could look like home.

•••••••

REVIEW: OPEN ROAD is the fifth instalment in Kathleen Kelly’s contemporary, adult RBMC: JACKSONVILLE FL MC romance series, part of the multi-authored RBMC. This is MC nomad Roam, and singled mother Janie Dawson’s story line. OPEN ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary .

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Roam, Janie, Winchester) OPEN ROAD follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Janie Dawson is on the run with her three year old daughter, having left an abusive relationship in the middle of the night but when the car breaks down, Janie has no place to go but the help of the man with whom she will fall in love. Roam is a nomad, and has never thought to put down roots but rescuing Janie Dawson and her three year old daughter Rose, gives Roam pause for the future but Rose’s past is about to collide with the RBMC, when they discover a connection to someone else.

The world building focuses on the protection and integration of Janie and her daughter Rose. Janie struggles to trust although she is quick to accept Roam’s help and protection but it is her daughter Rose that is the catalyst to melt the ice around Roam’s heart, a man who never thought about his future beyond his next ride.

The relationship between Roam and Janie begins as a roadside rescue. Roam sees immediately that all is not well in Janie’s life, and becomes guardian and protector of the woman that will call to his heart. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Janie’s ex Craig as well as a questionable business partner that takes aim at the RBMC.

OPEN ROAD is a story of introspection, self-examination, and contemplation as Janie must deal with the fall-out of her marriage and her husband’ s business actions, as well as Roam’s desire to settle down with our story line heroine. The premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is limited but seductive; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kathleen Kelly, a USA Today Best-Selling Author and an International Best-Selling Author, is known for her fast-paced, spicy romance novels. Kathleen writes MC, Paranormal, Sports, and Band of Brothers Romance.
 
When she’s not writing, she’s collecting handbags (they always fit!) and planning her next
international trip. Kathleen can be spotted in local cafes, blending in with the regulars while plotting her next tale of passion and intrigue. She finds inspiration in the quirky characters around her, both real and fictional.
 
Living in Toowoomba, Queensland, with her childhood sweetheart, SL, rescue sweetheart Freya, and Eir, the soon-to-be gigantic Maine Coon who thinks she’s the main character, Kathleen values kindness, loyalty, and good stories.
 
If you have any questions about her novels or would like to ask Kathleen a question  she can be found on Facebook. Kathleen welcomes messages from readers who share her love for stories that leave hearts racing and cheeks blushing.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005859376891
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/391560154326565
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/kathleenkellyauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathleen-kelly
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8431684.Kathleen_Kelly
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Kelly/e/B00QWZ7Y1U
Website: https://kathleenkellyauthor.com
X: https://x.com/kkellyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kathleenkellyauthor
Email: kathleenkellyauthor@gmail.com

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Justice for Glennon (Six Paths to Justice 3) by Nicole Craig

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Justice for Glennon (Six Paths to Justice 3) by Nicole Craig-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 14, 2026

Ten years ago, a tragic shootout took her brother’s life. The CIA took what was left of hers.

Now she’s on the run in South America with nowhere to turn. Unless…

Mason “Triumph” Zelinski needs to be needed.

The loss of close friends last year left a gaping hole in his life, and nothing holds meaning anymore. If only something would happen to bring purpose to his life again.

He should have been careful what he wished for.

Over a terrible phone connection, two voices are reunited after almost a decade, and it’s a race against the clock to help a CIA agent cross an entire continent to safety.

How many men does it take to bring home a burned CIA agent? Two Texas Rangers. Two FBI contacts. Two deadmen. And one very determined blast from her past.

It’s time to bring Glennon home for good.

••••••

REVIEW:JUSTICE FOR GLENNON is the third instalment in Nicole Craig’s contemporary SIX PATHS TO JUSTICE erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series, a part of the multi-authored Police and Fire: Operation Alpha series featuring characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is former CIA agents Mason ‘Triumph’ Zelinski, and Glennon Thompson’s story line. JUSTICE FOR GLENNON 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 as characters reference previous assignments and rescues.

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Triumph and Glennon) JUSTICE FOR GLENNON follow in the wake of an emergency text from our story line heroine to Mason ‘Triumph’ Zelenski. For the past eight years, CIA Agent Glennon Thompson has been working undercover with the Colonel Cartel in Venezuela but her identity has been discovered, and our heroine is desperate for extraction. When her handlers at the CIA do not answers, there is only one person she can trust, and Mason ‘Triumph’ Zelinski begins a search and rescue for the woman with whom he will fall in love. With the help of his fellow teammates and former members of various law enforcement Triumph and Glennon venture on a cross continent journey wherein they often find themselves on the run, hoping for an extraction and safe passage home but the Cartel wants Glennon back, and they will do anything to ensure reclamation of our story line heroine.

The world building follows Glennon and Triumph as they must navigate the cartel, the locals on the take, and a return flight home that never actually gets off the ground. We are first introduced to Glennon as she battles the dysfunctional family dynamics of a family who see her as less than the others. Blamed for the demise of someone close, Glennon finds herself facing a future with some of the most powerful spies in the world.

The relationship between Glennon and Triumph begins as a rescue but Triumph is hoping for something more. A Dominant looking for a permanent sub, Triumph sees something in Glennon she may not see in herself. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters many of whom we met in the previous instalments . We are introduced to Steel and Demon, as well as the return of Tripoli Evans. The requisite evil has many faces.

JUSTICE FOR GLENNON is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, gritty and dramatic; the romance is limited as our couple find themselves on the run. The characters are desperate, impassioned and tenacious.

->Heed the trigger warnings.The triggers are numerous and dark<-.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ruthless King (Savage Kings of NY 5) by Bella Raye-review

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Ruthless King (Savage Kings of NY 5) by Bella Raye-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 2026

He calls me his storm… He just forgot storms don’t obey kings.

I needed to get his attention, so when the hospital asked if they should notify someone, I said, “Yeah, call my husband. Tell him Temporale. His name is Stephano Conti.”
Since I knew he wasn’t married, it was sure to get his attention.
I wasn’t dragged into this world.
I was born into it.
Bratva blood. My father’s favorite assassin. His sharpest secret.
Stephano Conti is the son of an Italian king, heir to an empire built on betrayal. He should’ve been my target, not my salvation. But one shared secret turned into a mission neither of us could walk away from. Now we’re hunting his believed dead brother, and unravel the conspiracy that could drown both our families.
He calls me zhena.
I call him marito.
Wife and husband by name, enemies by nature.
Together we steal secrets meant to stay buried, trade bullets for vows, and blur the line between devotion and destruction. When we finally find the truth, I’ll have to decide whether to keep the title of wife—or make myself a widow.
Because loving a man like Stephano Conti isn’t a fairytale.
It’s a contract signed in blood.

•••••

REVIEW:RUTHLESS KING is the fifth and final instalment in Bella Ray’s contemporary, adult SAVAGE KINGS OF NEW YORK dark, erotic, Mafia series. This is Stephano Conti, and Bratva assassin Oksana Arsenyev’s story line. RUTHLESS KING 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 (Stephano and Oksana) RUTHLESS KING focuses on the rescue of Stephano’s brother Nico, and the ensuing fallout as decades long secrets and lies begin to emerge. Approximately three years earlier, Stephano’s younger brother Nico was capture and held prisoner by the Venezuelan crime syndicate, and Oksana is the first to discover his whereabouts but upon her return, Oksana is ambushed, and finds herself the ‘virtual prisoner’ of our story line hero. In an effort to survive, Oksana agrees to a fake marriage with Stephanoe Conti, a marriage than in reality will strengthen La Famiglia in the wake of things to come. With the Venezuelan’s on the run, and the Bratva quietly gaining control, La Famiglia is about to clean house when betrayal from within threatens everyone involved.

The world building is dark, complex and detailed as a myriad of crime syndicates engage in a fight for power. Secrets reveal decades of lies and deception, lies that can ultimately change the balance of power.

The relationship between Oksana and Stephano begins as a rescue. Oksana is her brother, Pakhan Grigori Arsenyev’s right hand, tech genius and assassin, and as such she is a person unto her self. Shocked by the woman with whom he is falling in love, Stephano will cede some of his control when Oksana proves she is just as capable and compelling as any one of the men in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, familiar and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including the previous story line couples. From the Venezuelan Cartel, Russian Bratva, and the Italia Mafia, the players are numerous, dangerous and often questionable.

RUTHLESS KING is a character driven story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The revealing premise is richly layered, intricate, dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated and ; the characters are animated and dynamic. RUTHLESS KING ends on a happily ever after for now-the author has plans for a new series EMPIRE OF SIN, set in the Savage Kings of New York world.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Damaged Bride (The Shadow Brides 2) by Sara McClaflin-review

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The Damaged Bride (The Shadow Brides 2) by Sara McClaflin-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2026

I ruined a man’s life because I trusted the wrong person. That mistake turned my name radioactive.

Vegas forgives risk, not failure—and I learned fast that loyalty only goes one way when you’re the daughter no one ever wanted. Rosebud Investigations kept me alive, off-grid, and untouchable…

Until the Shadow Brides called with a contract I couldn’t refuse. One year. One groom.

Dante Valera—owner of Obsidian, king of Vegas, and the man who hates me most. He needs me to save his empire. I need him to help destroy my mother.

Attraction doesn’t make us allies. Danger doesn’t make us enemies.

Marriage doesn’t make us safer. It makes us lethal. He might own the city. But I own the game.

I’m Opal Greer. And when I gamble, I never fold.

•••••

REVIEW:The Damaged Bride is book two in The Shadow Brides series by Sara McClaflin.

Opal Greer, her reputation proceeds her. She runs Rosebud Investigations, but the Shadow Brides call her with a contract.One year, one groom – Dante Valera.

Dante is owner of Obsidian nightclub – king of Las Vegas and he just so happens to hate Opal Greer more than anyone else Opal ruined Dante’s best friends life. A mistake that gives her the harsh reputation she now has.

Dante isn’t thrilled that Opal has been chosen as his Shadow Bride, but he needs her. He needs her to help him save his empire. Someone is trying to ruin everything Dante has built for himself. And as much as Dante can’t stand Opal. She is ruthless and knows how to get a job done.

But will they be able to play off the facade of a real marriage? Will Opal be able to save Dante’s empire before its completely ruined? This book was slated as a read alone and left me with lots of questions and I loved the story and world building, I will definitely go back and read book one!

Opal is quick on her feet, and diabolical about flushing out threats. She can take anything the world throws at her. I enjoyed her letting her guard down and letting Dante in.

Wonderful world building Highly recommend!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

Sara McClaflin, a dedicated author of romance, crafts tales that are not only heart-melting but also delve into the delicate facets of humanity. Having spent the past few years as an avid reader, Sara transitioned from writing book reviews to creating her own narratives. Her passion for romance, in all its diverse forms, shines through as she weaves stories that resonate with readers.

Residing on the vibrant west coast with her husband and beloved dog, Sara McClaflin is surrounded by the inspiration of nature and the love of her family. In her world, there is no such thing as too many books or an overfilled “want to read” list, as each story unfolds new possibilities and adventures.

To find out about Sara McClaflin’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Sara McClaflin and her books visit: https://www.authorsaramcclaflin.com/

Connect with Sara McClaflin:

hello@authorsaramcclaflin.com

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The Flirting Game (Love and Hockey 6) by Lauren Blakely -review

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The Flirting Game (Love and Hockey 6) 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 December 12, 2025

Revenge was the plan. Falling for the hockey star next door wasn’t.

My new neighbor is a hot, grumpy hockey player who works out shirtless on his porch every morning. But it’s not technically spying if I just happen to be on my patio at the same time … right?

Imagine my surprise when the sexy grouch turns out to be the client who just hired me to redecorate the house he’s giving his mom.

What’s a ray of sunshine like me to do? Pretend I’ve never noticed his abs while we pick out furniture—since I’d never date a client. And Ford’s made it clear this is his final season, and he wants zero distractions.

Which means I need to exercise some serious resistance …

To his cool blue eyes that track my every move.
To that deep voice that makes me shiver.
And to the mouth that shuts me up one night in our shared backyard with a scorching kiss.

We agree it’s a one-time slip-up—until my cheating ex invites me to a party, and Ford insists on being my revenge date. Our fake night out turns into a very real sleepover.

Now the press and fans think we’re a couple, so we keep it up. One fake date at a charity gala turns into another at a hockey game, and somewhere between fabric swatches and porch picnics, I stop pretending.

But how do I convince Ford that with me, he can have both love and hockey?

•••••

REVIEW:THE FLIRTING GAME is the sixth instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is professional hockey player Ford Devon, and interior designer Skylar Haven’s story. line. THE FIRTING GAME 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 (Skylar and Ford) THE FLIRTING GAME focuses on the building relationship between our story line couple. Skylar Haven is babysitting her brother’s house and his cat but discovered there were more interesting things to watch next door. Adam’s next door neighbor is professional hockey player Ford Devon but Ford and Skylar’s introduction does not start off too well until Ford discovers his new interior decorator is the woman with whom he will fall in love. Ford is moving his parents into a brand new house, and hires his neighbor’s sister, to decorate their home but the more time spent together, people believe their relationship is more, and in an effort to appease Ford’s mother, and Skylar’s ex, our couple mutually agree to a fake dating scenario that becomes anything but fake.

The world building focuses on several intersection pathways including Ford Devon’s career, Skylar’s podcast success and her growing interior design business, as well as a slight brush with both of their exes, in the face of completely moving on.

The relationship between Ford and Skylar begins acrimoniously but quickly turns into something more. The back and forth, yin and yang hides a mutual attraction, an attraction Ford can’t afford in his last year as a pro. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Skylar’s friends and fellow podcasters Trevyn and Mabel; Skylar’s brother Adam, as well as Ford’s mother Maggie.

THE FLIRTING GAME is a story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.

 

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

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Property of Mountain (KOAMC: Ohio) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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Property of Mountain (Kings of Anarchy MC: Ohio) 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 December 23, 2025

When the past threatens the future, even skeletons buried in the closet have a way of exposing all their dark and deadly secrets…

Camille:
Rex Coleman, or Mountain as everyone knows him, is one of five beefy lumberjack brothers who own the local lumber mill. He’s a biker with too broad shoulders, charisma in spades, fake charm, and a sinful grin that promises long nights of unparalleled pleasure. I’m not falling for it a second time.

Mountain thinks I’ve forgotten what he did to me three years ago. That six-foot-five tattooed hunk of a man stomped on my pride and humiliated me in front of half the town. Am I holding a grudge? Hell yeah. He’s the reason I left Raven’s Crest. I had to break free of the gossip and judgment. Now, I’ve gotten my life sorted. I won a television baking contest, and I’m starting my own brand of baking products that’ll soon be sold at major retailers. I live in L.A., where I’ve always dreamed. I’m happy.

All my plans are ruined when I get a phone call late one night while working on the set of my new commercial. My Granny is injured, and someone set her bakery on fire. I drop everything to rush back to her side, not counting on Rex Coleman and his savior complex. I’m not staying here. I can’t. But when an old feud emerges and I’m the target, I have to trust the one man I swore to never speak to again. Something is different this time. He’s grown more confident, protective, and downright irresistible. He says I’m his and that he’s going to prove it.

I’m not sure if I’ll stay alive long enough to find out. If there’s anyone who can keep me alive, it’s Mountain and his club. The Kings own this town. They protect it, and nobody f*cks with the Kings.

•••••

REVIEW: PROPERTY OF MOUNTAIN is the second instalment in Nikki Landis’ contemporary, adult KINGS OF ANARCHY MC:Ohio erotic, paranormal, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored Kings of Anarchy MC. This is club VP Rex ‘Mountain’ Coleman, and baker Camille Parker’s story line. PROPERTY OF MOUNTAIN 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 (Camille and Rex) PROPERTY OF REX focuses on the hunt for an arsonist who set fire to Camille’s family owned bakery with her grandmother inside. Camille left Raven’s Crest three years earlier in the wake of perceived betrayal and humiliation by the man she once loved. Rex Coleman is determined to make amends for the sins of the past but someone has followed Camille to Raven’s Crest, taking aim at everyone she loves.

The world building focuses on protection of Camille and Granny Jo, as the arsonist refuses to back down but Camille has a stalker, someone who followed her from LA to Raven’s Crest, and Mountain is determined to protect the woman he loves.

The relationship between Camille and Mountain aka Rex is one of second chances. Three years earlier Camille left Raven Crest and found herself riding a wave of success in the world of celebrity bakers but a call from Rex brings Camille back home where she will not only face down the man who broke her heart but someone who is taking aim for the sins of someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to several members of the KOAMC: Ohio including club president Scythe Madden,Voodoo,Phantom, Scarecrow, and Granny Jo. We are introduced to Rex’s brothers, co-owners of Coleman Lumber-Tyre, Wyatt, Adler and Braden. I am hoping the author has a series planned for the Coleman brothers.

PROPERTY OF MOUNTAIN is a story of madness and obsession, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are determined, supernatural and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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She’s Going to Pay by Alexandra Ivy-review

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SHE’S GOING TO PAY by Alexandra Ivy-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2025

Leaving Canton, Missouri, behind was no hardship for Jesse Hudson. When she was a teenager, her stepmother and stepsister abruptly disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Their bodies were never found, but Jesse’s father, Mac, became a murder suspect. When he too vanished, Jesse waited months for him to return. Finally, she left, bouncing from one bartending job to another for years.

Now Jesse is back, hoping to quickly sell her father’s old bar before moving on for good. But coming home to Canton’s quiet, cobblestone streets doesn’t go quite as expected. There are memories resurfacing, and ties that haven’t broken. Then her father’s lawyer makes a startling admission: before he disappeared, Mac had discovered that Jesse’s stepmother, Victoria, was living under an assumed name. “Victoria Hudson” never even existed. Who was she really?

Delving deeper, Jesse grows convinced that her father’s assumed death is tied to Victoria’s real identity. And looking to the past is yielding more than secrets. Someone has been waiting for this homecoming, for a chance to unleash revenge for sins real and imagined. And they’ll make sure that Jesse never leaves town again .

•••••

REVIEW: SHE’S GOING TO PAY by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, stand alone mystery thriller focusing on Jesse Hudson, years after the disappearance of her beloved father.

Told from omniscient third person perspective ( Jesse) using present day and memories from the past, SHE’S GOING TO PAY follows Jesse Hudson upon her return to Canton Missouri. Ten years earlier, Jesse’s step mother Victoria and step sister Teagan went missing, and her father Mac Hudson was the number one suspect. Charged with their murder, Mac would eventually be released due to a lack of evidence but within hours, Mac would go missing as well. Fast forward to present day, Jesse would return to her hometown of Canton Missouri, to finalize the sale of the family owned bar The Tap Room but from the outset secrets and whispers threaten any chance at a happy resolution as Jesse begins an investigation into her father’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding the supposed death of her step-mother.

The world building follows Jesse as she struggles to come to terms with what happened and why. From questionable law enforcement, frightened witnesses, a step-mother whose true identity is unknown, and a determined real-estate agent, Jesse suspects there is more to the story than she could have ever imagined.

We are introduced to Jesse’s father Mac Hudson; Jesse’s boyfriend Parker Moreau; Step mother Victoria and step sister Teagan: handyman Noah Allen: real estate agent Reese Skylar: and cafe owner Bea Hartman.

SHE’S GOING TO PAY is a story of secrets and lies, greed and obsession, murder and mayhem, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is dramatic, dark and edgy; the characters are questions, determined, and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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DANGEROUS KING/ SHADOW KING by Bella Ray-reviews

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DANGEROUS KING/ SHADOW KING (Savage Kings of New York 2 & 4) by Bella Ray-reviews

Dangerous King
Savage Kings of New York 2
by Bella Ray
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia

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

RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2025

I spent fourteen years surviving the mafia. But falling for its prince might destroy me.

I grew up a hostage.Collateral in a blood-soaked deal between my father and the mafia.For fourteen years, I was hidden in the shadows of the Giordano estate—unseen, unheard, and never free.
Until the night they went too far.

They kidnapped a girl and strapped her to the same torture chair I once bled in.This time, I couldn’t stay silent.I risked everything to free her.I didn’t know she was the sister of Enrico Sartori—heir to one of New York’s most ruthless mafia families.

A man with a reputation carved in fear.A man who doesn’t owe anyone.But he owed me.And he paid that debt with fire.Now I’m under his protection.In his fortress.Wearing his name, even if it’s only temporary.He says I’m safe.That no one will ever touch me again.But when Enrico looks at me, safety is the last thing I feel.

He’s cold fury wrapped in tailored suits. Brutal. Possessive. Untouchable. And when he calls me piccolina, I forget how to breathe. But power in the mafia is never stable. Enemies are closing in—some hiding behind blood ties, others behind thrones. And I’m not just leverage anymore.

I’m a liability. A distraction. A weakness he can’t afford. Now the man who swore to protect me may be forced to choose: His family. Or me. And in this world, love is the most dangerous gamble of all.

•••••••

REVIEW: DANGEROUS KING is the second instalment in Bella Ray’s contemporary, adult SAVAGE KINGS OF NEW YORK dark, erotic,Mafia romance series. This is thirty year old, Mafia boss Enrico Sartori, and nineteen year old Catalina ‘Cat’ Costa’s story line. DANGEROUS KING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line 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 (Enrico and Catalina) DANGEROUS KING follows in the wake of the abduction of Enrico Sartori’s sister Isabella but upon her rescue Enrico discovers another young woman who help save the life of his sister. Catalina ‘Cat’ Costa has been a prisoner for close to fourteen years, a pawn between the criminal underworld and the political elite. With the arrival of Isabella, Cat saw her chance to escape, and with it, a chance at a happily ever after with the man that would call to her heart but a fight for power is about to send the crime world into a spiral, and our couple will be caught in the middle.

The world building follows the rescue and healing of Catalina Costa,as she begins to blossom into herself. Enrico sees the woman that he will one day marry but the family is about to go to war, and the people at the top have been betraying the people who trust them the most.

The relationship between Cat and Enrico begins as a rescue but quickly turns into something more. Enrico has become Cat’s guardian and protector but our heroine is struggling to find her place in the world. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is a large and diverse ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including members of the Mafia, Cartel, and Russian Bratva. We are introduced to Cat’s parents Mayor Cesare and Loredana Costa; Cat’s siblings Lucas and Sabine :Enrico’s parents Fabrizio and Eliza; sister Isabella, brothers Dante, Mattheo, Tommaso, as well as Don Edoardo, and Don Antonio ‘Toni’ DeLuna. The requisite evil has many faces, and those closest to our couple can’t always be trusted.

DANGEROUS KING is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, jealousy and madness,family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is detailed, dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and spicy ; the characters are animated, charismatic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

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SHADOW KING
Savage Kings of New York 4
by Bella Ray
Genre: adult , contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18, 2025

As the daughter of a mafia don, I was born into power and danger— but nothing could prepare me for him. He was supposed to be my bodyguard. My father’s most trusted soldier. A man carved from silence and shadows. He wasn’t meant to look at me the way he did. And I wasn’t meant to want him.

One night, everything changed. One promise turned into a cage. And I learned what it meant to be owned by the wrong man. Then Raffael came for me. He isn’t a savior. He’s a killer—cold, ruthless, forged in blood. He doesn’t protect to save. He protects to possess.

Now I’m trapped between the man who controls me and the man who would burn the world to set me free. He says I belong to him. He says he’ll never let me go. And the terrifying part? I believe him. I should fear him. I should hate him.

Instead, I crave the monster who was never meant to love me.

•••••••

REVIEW: SHADOW KING is the fourth instalment in Bella Ray’s contemporary, adult SAVAGE KINGS OF NEW YORK, dark,erotic, Mafia romance series. This is businessman Raffael DeSantis, and Mafia princess Sophia Orsi Giordana’s story line. SHADOW KING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the events of SHADOW KING cross over with , and run parallel to some of the events of the previous story lines.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Raffael and Sophia) covering three years, SHADOW KING follows in the wake of the arranged marriage between Sophia Orsi, and man who would meet a brutal end. Raffael DeSantis has been in love with Sophia for as long as he can remember but he believed he was a nobody, and without the power to save the woman he loved. Three years would pass, and Raffael would set into motion a plan to rescue our story line heroine, a rescue that may be too late to save our heroine’s soul but all is not as it appears to be, Raffael is about to embark on a new path towards a future he never new existed, a future that now lays claim to our story line heroine.

The world building follows Raffael as he begins a new life, a new direction in the face of betrayal and the loss of the woman he loves but for three years Raffael has struggle without our story line heroine, a struggle Raffael knew nothing about.

The relationship between Raffael and Sophia begins as an assignment when Raffael is assigned to protect our story line heroine but Sophia was young and immature, and in this, her behavior would ultimately end with a man who destroyed her soul. Raffael is determined to reclaim the woman he loves, a woman who has always loved the man who stole her heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and dangerous secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Sophia’s father Carlos Orsi, her brothers Angelo and Marcello Orsi, nurse Violet; women’s shelter coordinator Lexy, Gray Elia; Don Edoardo, Roberto Giordano, and Roberto’s powerful grandmother Donna Margarita. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHADOW KING is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, edgy and dark; the romance is impassioned but the couple spend about fifty percent of the book apart; the character desperate, determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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