Friday, July 29, 2022

J.R. Ward - Darius audiobook review

Holy wow! I LOVED this origination story! We’ve only briefly met Darius but I was excited to get his journey. And I love how Jim Frangione brings the brothers to life.  I enjoyed seeing how Darius saw the world and how he wanted the house to be used. We saw his place among the brothers and how deeply he loved. I was completely immersed in this story and I couldn't put it down. I only wish it had been longer so that his story wasn't over so fast! I cannot recommend this book enough! Please don't miss this listen! 



In this powerful audio exclusive, #1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward shares the star-crossed love story of listener favorite, and original member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Darius.

Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not interested in crashing his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her...everything goes off course. 

Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.

Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost...unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together.



Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Lexi Blake - Bayou Sweetheart review

I just love the town of Papillon! It’s so quirky and heartwarming. Major is a deputy in the small town. And Hollywood is coming. Major works, takes care of his dad and has been set up on many dates. His love life is not front and center, but he does date. Brynn is filming a movie and went to the bayou early to get a feel for the area and to catch her breath. She wasn’t expecting Major to take her breath! I enjoyed the chemistry between them and how Brynn gets a chance at normalcy. There were a few unexpected twists this book offered and I enjoyed this read! Couldn’t put this book down!



Sparks fly in Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou when a Hollywood starlet falls for a local deputy in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Timesbestselling author Lexi Blake.
 
After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he's taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department. Now that he’s settling into life on the bayou, he’s trying out the dating scene. Every single woman in town seems to be pining after the handsome newcomer. But so far, nothing’s worked out, and he’s had some spectacularly bad dates. Major’s getting ready to give up on love when a new lady roars into town to film a movie and turns his world upside down.
 
Actress Brynn Pearson is trying to make a successful transition from child star to leading lady. Now that she’s landed her first lead in a major film, nothing can stop her. She's committed to focusing solely on her work, so romance is the last thing she needs—too bad she can’t get her mind off the dreamy deputy she keeps running into. He’s gorgeous, and something about him makes her feel safe. As Brynn’s feelings for Major deepen, she starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than her career.
 
When a family crisis throws Major’s life into a tailspin, he turns to Brynn for support, and hopes their budding relationship will shine brighter than Hollywood lights.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Rachel Van Dyken - The Godparent Trap release

 

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken is now live!

Life's Too Short meets The Unhoneymooners in this sparkling, steamy, and swoon-worthy novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, in which two sworn enemies must share house, home—and maybe their hearts—when they become co-parents after a sudden loss.

Colby's living her best life: as a popular food blogger, she gets to fulfill her dreams of exploring the globe. But her world comes crashing down when a tragic accident leaves her co-guardian of her best friend's two adorable children. Not only does she need to put down roots—fast—but she'll be sharing custody with the one man she can't stand sharing a continent with, let alone a house.

Accountant-extraordinaire Rip values rules and plans. But when he loses his sister and his best friend and becomes an insta-guardian all in one night, Rip sees his organized life imploding. What he really doesn't need is his sister's irresponsible, flighty—albeit kind and gorgeous—best friend making it worse.

Rip doesn't trust Colby to take their new responsibilities seriously, while Colby can't believe Rip thinks children will thrive under his rigid control. Yet soon Rip and Colby discover they need each other more than they hate each other. Could it be possible that following their hearts is just what their new little family needs?

 

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Apple Books: apple.co/3qc00iH

Amazon: amzn.to/32lkcGk

Nook: bit.ly/3pc3T7M

Kobo: bit.ly/3mkDzXv

Google Play: bit.ly/3pbIefV

 

Add to Goodreads: bit.ly/3sjiYq3

 

 

Meet Rachel

Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times Bestselling, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 90 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. With over four million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs. For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com

Connect with Rachel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken

Website: rachelvandykenauthor.com

Newsletter: bit.ly/RVDNewsletter

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachvd

Twitter: twitter.com/RachVD

Amazon: amzn.to/2cNVwL9

Goodreads: bit.ly/RVDGR

RVD Facebook Group: smarturl.it/RVD_FB_Group

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rachelvandyken/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@rachvd

Verve: ververomance.com/app/RachVD

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Melanie Harlow - Tease review

Could Hutton French and I actually be right for each other, or is it all just one big tease?
TEASE, an all new sizzling friends to lovers, fake engagement small town romantic comedy from USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow, is now available!

I didn’t mean to say I was engaged to a hot billionaire–it just slipped out.

In my defense, I’d had a really bad haircut, a really strong drink, and I was trying to save face in front of the Mean Girl at my high school reunion.

Lucky for me, I happen to know a hot billionaire. Hutton French and I have been friends forever, and even though big social gatherings are not his thing, I called him from the coat closet and begged him for a favor–show up and play my fake fiancĂ© for the night.

Except that word of our engagement spreads like wildfire. Our families are ecstatic. We’re front page news. My little food blog is launched into the stratosphere.

Of course, I offer to set the record straight right away, but Hutton wants to give it a little time–the phony engagement will keep his matrimony-mad mother and every matchmaking granny in town off his back.

He even suggests I move in with him to make the ruse more real.

And we don’t stop there.

We practice kissing. Undressing each other. Saying things–and doing things–we’d never dare if we weren’t pretending. Because it’s all for show, right? We’re just role-playing. Hutton doesn’t want a real relationship, and I don’t want to get hurt. But the more time we spend faking it, the more I start to wonder.

Could Hutton French and I actually be right for each other, or is it all just one big tease?

Grab your copy today or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/teaseMH

My Review

What a fun, sweet, swoony and hot read! This book gave me all the feels! Felicity is working on building her business and growing her followers. But she has a bit of anxiety and some things are said when she crosses paths with an old nemesis. Thankfully for her, Hutton is a good friend and he can't leave her hanging. Soon, these friends are seeing more and more of each other. I love a good friends to lovers story and this one did not disappoint! I was here for these friends, seeing their walls come down and realizing the goodness they had in each other. I didn't want to put this book down! 

Keep reading for a look inside TEASE!

"Want something to drink? Whiskey or scotch?”
“No, thanks. Mostly I just want to take these heels off.”
“Leave them on.”
I was already bending down to unbuckle one ankle strap. I looked up and saw him standing there with his glass in his hand. “What?”
“Leave them on. And come over here.”
I straightened up and took one tiny step.
“On your hands and knees.”
My breath caught. I could feel his eyes on me. Instantly I understood what this was, and even though I was a little nervous, I wanted to play along. I wanted to please him this way.
The only problem was, I wasn’t entirely sure I could get to my knees in this tight dress. But I said a quick prayer and dropped to my knees on the carpet in one smooth motion. Thankfully, the dress material had some stretch, and the seams didn’t pop.
“Good girl,” he said quietly, igniting a firestorm in my blood that surprised me. “Now come here.”
My heart thrummed fast and loud as I lowered my palms to the floor and slowly closed the distance between us. I’d never done anything like this in my life—who am I right now?—but I liked the way it made me feel.
Tempting. Seductive. Alluring. I’d never thought of myself that way before, but here and now, in this tight little black dress with the red satin heels, crawling toward a gorgeous, powerful man in a suit in our Manhattan hotel suite? My billionaire fake fiancĂ©? It was easy to imagine I wasn’t myself at all.
When I reached his feet, I sat back on my heels and looked up. Our eyes met. His lean, muscular silhouette looked imposing above me. Even that rebel lock of hair had been tamed into submission tonight.
He took another sip of his drink and set the glass on the table. Pulled the chair at the head of the table aside. Loosened the knot in his tie. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“If there’s a point tonight where you are not, you should tell me.” He slipped the tie from his collar.
I swallowed hard. “Like a safe word?”
His mouth hooked up on one side. His hand freed the top button of his shirt. “You already have a safe word?”
“No,” I said quickly. “I’ve never needed one before.”
“You do now.” He undid a second button. “So what will it be?”
Of course, I couldn’t fucking think of anything, and I panicked.
“Roy Kent,” I blurted.
He cocked his head, his hand still on his shirt. “Who’s Roy Kent?”
“Never mind. I’ll think of another one.”
Do not say Oklahoma.
Do not say bumblebee.
I racked my brain for something else. “Romeo,” I said breathlessly. “That’s what I’ll say. Romeo.”
He set his tie on the table and offered me a hand.
Placing my palm in his, I rose to my feet. “Is anything going to hurt?” I asked, picturing whips, chains, ball gags, metal cuffs and clamps, shiny rubber gloves.
“I don’t need to inflict pain to feel in control, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Okay. Should I—”
But that was all I got out because he spun me around and clamped a hand over my mouth, pressing his body tight against my back.

Add to Goodreads: bit.ly/3Q40TWp

About Melanie Harlow


USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like Ted, Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, and Fleabag. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the BELLAMY CREEK series, the CLOVERLEIGH FARMS series, the ONE & ONLY series, AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, and the FRENCHED series. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie
Facebook: bit.ly/2RPwr51
Instagram: bit.ly/2NW3UtA
Pinterest: bit.ly/2sVOz55
Join Melanie’s Reader Group: bit.ly/3mYzBBo
Stay up to date with new releases and sign up for Melanie’s mailing list: bit.ly/2P7MATT

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Kelly Elliott - Returning Home review

I was excited to start a new series from Kelly! And this small town in Maine was a fun one to experience! Addie and Gannon had been a long time coming. They had loved each other for years and yet life kept pulling them in other directions, until it didn’t. Their second chance love story was sweet and swoony! I enjoyed seeing these two get to know each other again. I loved their small town, too! And they sure made the gossip column :) I enjoyed the relationship they had with their families. I can’t wait for more books in this series! 






The Seaside Chronicle

July 12, 2022

Buzz Bait

Seasiders,

News on the docks is Adelaide Bradley is back in Seaside, and rumor has it she’s here to stay! (No ring was spotted on her finger, I might add!) After eight long years of living in the big city and working for Massachusetts General, she has decided to return to the shores. One can only imagine how thrilled Barbara and Keegan are to have their oldest daughter back.

But it makes you wonder if Adelaide will continue to peruse her nursing career or is she here to help at her family’s restaurant, The Seaside Grill.

A little seagull has planted in my ear that Gannon Wilson is taking the news rather well, considering Adelaide broke his heart all those years ago. I did notice Gannon has been working more than usual, piloting that precious cargo through our ship channel. Maybe he is picking up extra hours to purchase a piece of jewelry, considering he was seen in Reef Jewelers only days ago.

We’re rooting for the two of them to reunite at least as friends. Everyone knows the former homecoming king and queen had a bright future ahead of them until…well…that’s another story for another issue, Seasiders!

Fair winds and following seas!

RC Boldt - Beyond My Darkness review

 

If you listen, the dead will talk.

Beyond My Darkness by RC Boldt is now live!

 USA Today bestselling author RC Boldt delivers a seductively unique romantic suspense with a paranormal twist in Beyond My Darkness...

Twelve years ago, I fled, vowing to never again use my power. But everything changes when I break that vow and bring two bodies back to life in the morgue.

It sends me spinning directly into his orbit.

Arrogant. Menacing. Enigmatic. That's Bronson Cortez, the notoriously violent gang leader who remains elusive to authorities.

He breaks the law at every turn and answers to no one. But when he offers me a glimpse of what lies beneath that iron-clad exterior, I realize there's more to him than meets the eye.

The man who fiercely guards his heart somehow manages to claim mine.

But he doesn't know the truth about me.

I wonder if he could be the first to accept me for who I am—what I am.

I wonder if he'll be the first to see beyond my darkness.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Amazon: amzn.to/3rFRMkE
Apple Books: apple.co/3tmpYlb
Nook: bit.ly/35q3PdE
Kobo: bit.ly/3MiE4ws
Google Play: bit.ly/3psyKwN
Goodreads: bit.ly/3JguBDy


My Review

WOWWWWWWWW!! This book totally blew me away. I wasn't sure where it was going, but I was HERE FOR IT! I loved the push/pull between these characters. RC Boldt made me FEEL everything and I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed the way the reader knows Georgia's past is bad. My heart hurt for the little girl she once was. And Bronson.... WHEW! Fans self. What a guy! I loved Georgia's sass and her IDGAF attitude. She wasn't letting a little thing like a threat from a gang leader stop her. I found myself smiling throughout this book (it was a good thing I read it from home or I would have looked a little crazy) and going through the emotions with Georgia. I can't express HOW GOOD this book is! If you're willing to try something a little on the paranormal side, then DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK! Seriously. Top read of 2022 for me! 


 

Meet RC Boldt

RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.

If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.

Connect with RC Boldt

Website: www.rcboldtbooks.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/14543027.R_C_Boldt
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Kq1H9C
Facebook: bit.ly/RCBoldtFB
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/BBBReaders/
Instagram: bit.ly/RCBoldtIG
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@authorrcboldt
Bookbub: bit.ly/RCBoldtBB
Verve: ververomance.com/app/rcboldt