Archives for December 31, 2018

* Review * WICKED KNIGHT by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WICKED KNIGHT by Sawyer BennettWicked Knight by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Wicked Horse Vegas #5
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

He never wanted to be anyone’s hero…

Asher Knight is tall, dark, and wickedly handsome. He’s also irrevocably broken. Submerging himself in long hours at work by day and debauchery at The Wicked Horse by night, Asher uses work and play to numb the pain and guilt he feels over the death of his wife. What isn’t satisfied with one will surely be resolved by the other. At least that’s how he’s survived the last few years.

Hannah Madigan works three jobs just to make ends meet. Beat down by life, not to mention a cheating husband who was unfairly awarded custody of their daughter, Hannah is determined to make a better life for herself and get her kid back. But with pressures mounting and one costly mistake that leaves her owing Asher a huge debt, Hannah is as close as she’s ever come to throwing in the towel.

She’s given a golden opportunity…

Determined to stay the course by any means necessary, Hannah accepts an unusual proposal from Asher. He’ll give her a job. She’ll give him her body. Sounds easy, right? Until she realizes she needs his help more than she’s willing to admit. And he finds her adding to his life in ways he never wanted to accept.

This wicked knight may just learn that sometimes saving someone else means allowing yourself to be saved in return.

 

Delectably wicked and forbidden! With the next book in her ever-popular The Wicked Horse Vegas series, Sawyer Bennett brings Asher’s story to life while also giving us a glimpse at some of our favorite previous characters in the series. Filled with steamy sex, easy to like characters and a happily ever after when they least expect it!

Hannah Madigan didn’t think she could get any lower, but when a second in time leaves her owing a substantial debt, she’s just about ready to admit defeat. She’s working three jobs already trying to make ends meet and hopefully one day get her daughter back from her cheating ex-husband who had a judge in his pocket at their custody hearing. She doesn’t know what more she can do to make money appear out of thin air … until she’s handed an opportunity she hesitates to take, but in the end can’t pass up … one night doing anything he wants, and her debt is forgiven. If only she had known the effect he would have on her!

Vegas land developer Asher Knight buries his turmoil in work and sex. He hasn’t become the successful man that he is by letting the guilt he feels over his wife’s death overwhelm him. He uses it to remind himself that if he slows down enough to let someone in and feel again, it only leads to heartache. He gets the rush of success from being a workaholic, and the rush of sex is fulfilled with his playtime at The Wicked Horse. When the sexy Hannah virtually hands herself to him on a silver platter, he thinks that one night will be enough to get the obsession over with … only he doesn’t expect her to get under his skin and keep him coming back for more!

 

 

 

 

 

Wicked Knight (Wicked Horse Vegas, Book #5)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: January 1, 2019

Synopsis:

He never wanted to be anyone’s hero…

Asher Knight is tall, dark, and wickedly handsome. He’s also irrevocably broken. Submerging himself in long hours at work by day and debauchery at The Wicked Horse by night, Asher uses work and play to numb the pain and guilt he feels over the death of his wife. What isn’t satisfied with one will surely be resolved by the other. At least that’s how he’s survived the last few years.

Hannah Madigan works three jobs just to make ends meet. Beatdown by life, not to mention a cheating husband who was unfairly awarded custody of their daughter, Hannah is determined to make a better life for herself and get her kid back. But with pressures mounting and one costly mistake that leaves her owing Ashera huge debt, Hannah is as close as she’s ever come to throwing in the towel.

She’s given a golden opportunity…

Determined to stay the course by any means necessary, Hannah accepts an unusual proposal from Asher. He’ll give her a job. She’ll give him her body. Sounds easy, right? Until she realizes she needs his help more than she’s willing to admit. And he finds her adding to his life in ways he never wanted to accept.

This wicked knight may just learn that sometimes saving someone else means allowing yourself to be saved in return.

Download WICKED KNIGHT:
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

 

 
About the Author:
Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

Connect with Sawyer:

 

 

four-half-stars

* Review * AMERICAN ASSHOLE by Tara Sue Me

* Review * AMERICAN ASSHOLE by Tara Sue MeAmerican Asshole by Tara Sue Me
Series: Bachelor International #1
Published by After Six Publishing on September 17, 2018
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four-stars

He’s a self proclaimed bastard with a double helping of lying asshole. He's also her new boss.

Mia Matthews never thought much of big shot matchmaker Tenor Butler, but when she finds out he loaned her late business partner a quarter of a million dollars and no one told her, there aren’t enough four letter words to describe him. She’d like nothing more than to pretend Tenor doesn’t exist, but she owes him all that money, not to mention he’s hot as hell.

Tenor doesn’t see why it’s his fault Mia didn’t know about the loan. In fact, he thinks he’s being very magnanimous when he offers to forgive the loan if Mia closes her own matchmaking business and works for him for five years. But as he gets closer to Mia, he realizes two things: 1) he doesn’t want her as an employee and 2) she hates his guts.

When an old flame threatens them both, Mia and Tenor find themselves working together and are unable to ignore their mutual attraction. But it might be too late for these two romance experts to create their own love story.

This is a standalone romance. No cliffhanger.

 

She thinks he’s trouble, he thinks she’s easy game … until it all starts to get real! With the first book in the Bachelor International series, we get to meet Mr. Bachelor himself in all his glory! The story is a bit unorthodox but leads to a fresh take on a romance. Not totally developed, but fun none-the-less!

Mia Matthews can’t believe her ears when her attorney informs her that her recently deceased business partner took out a huge loan for the business … from their biggest competitor! She can’t stand him and never would have agreed to borrow money from him, but now she’s stuck trying to figure out a way to settle the debt!

Tenor Butler was pretty sure Mia didn’t know anything about the loan, but he’s not an ogre. He’s more than willing to forgive the debt if she closes her competing matchmaking business and agrees to work solely for him at Bachelor International. Time spent together allows them to get to know the people behind the businesses, and they realize they actually like each other. A business trip away brings temptation knocking at their door, but a former acquaintance just might ruin it all!

four-stars

* Review * INCONVENIENTLY WED by Yvonne Lindsay

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INCONVENIENTLY WED by Yvonne LindsayInconveniently Wed by Yvonne Lindsay
Series: Marriage at First Sight #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 1, 2019
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four-stars

She agreed to meet her groom for the first time…

at the altar.

That was her first mistake. Because imagine Imogene’s shock when she comes face-to-face with Valentin Horvath, her ex-husband! According to the matchmaker’s “expert” advice, they are 100 percent perfect for each other. No refunds. At least their mutual attraction is still alive and kicking. But will the secrets and misconceptions that torpedoed their last marriage sink this one…or save it?

 

Fast paced, mesmerizing and addictive! Once you step into this book, you’ll find it hard to put down! The characters have a rich back story that we spend a good bit of the book catching up on, and as secrets are uncovered they set out to find a future together again … until the same old trouble flares it’s ugly head!

Imogene O’Connor is tired of waiting on the family she’s always dreamed of, so she decides to use the services of Match Made in Marriage to find her Prince Charming. She’s agreeing to wed without even seeing her groom, but she hopes to finally be able to find that connection that will allow a full and complete future. She never expects to find her ex-husband waiting at the end of the aisle!

Doctor Valentin Horvath never got over the fact that Imogene tried, convicted and condemned him as unworthy of her continued love without even talking to him all those years ago. He asked his grandmother to find him a wife because he wants a family as much as the next guy, but he didn’t expect her to bring him the woman he never stopped loving on a silver platter!

four-stars

* Review * THE MENTOR AND THE MASTER by Tara Sue Me

* Review * THE MENTOR AND THE MASTER by Tara Sue MeThe Mentor and the Master by Tara Sue Me
Series: Sumissive Series Novella
Published by After Six Publishing on December 17, 2018
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three-half-stars

Before he became her Master, he had to be a mentee.

Before he became her teacher, he had to be a student.

Before he becomes her everything, he has to tell her all…

As Cole and Sasha prepare to become one permanently, they have a visit from old friends. Fritz and Kate aren’t in town for long, but Fritz recently found a journal he wants Cole to have.

Sasha doesn’t understand why Cole is so secretive about a journal from years ago. She tries to ignore her growing unease, but the delivery of a mysterious red envelope changes everything.

Cole has demanded complete honesty from Sasha. Is he prepared to give her the same?

 

He’s on the verge of making her his everything when his past comes back to haunt him! Cole and Sasha are enjoying their life together when he gets reminded of a time in his life that he’d rather forget. Dredging it all to the surface again just might change their happily ever after! I always enjoy seeing the members of the group again, so it’s always a joy to read another book in the series, but this one was a bit too short and left some development out. I also found it hard to connect with Cole when he showed his coldness towards her when he was the one in the wrong for keeping secrets. Loved reading it, but not my fav in the series.

Investigative journalist Cole Johnson is on the verge of having everything he’s ever desired. He’s finally in a relationship that completes him, and he’d give his soul in order to fulfill all of her needs. Just when it seems everything is perfect, a visitor brings a blast from his past that sets him on edge.

Florist Sasha Blake has finally found fulfillment in her life at Cole’s side. She adores being with him, and is pleased he wants forever, but even though she enjoys Fritz and Kate’s company, this visit from them has her on edge for some reason. Cole’s attitude change when Fritz presents him with an old journal makes her nervous, but when a suspicious red envelope arrives, she has to find out what’s going on!

three-half-stars

* Review * THE RANCHER’S BARGAIN by Joanne Rock

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RANCHER’S BARGAIN by Joanne RockThe Rancher's Bargain by Joanne Rock
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…

mean temptation for the rich rancher?

James Harris needs a nanny for his nephew—now! So when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president has an idea. He’ll cover the debt, and Lydia will care for the baby. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for?

 

The yummy next segment in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction saga is brought to us by Joanne Rock. James and Lydia were both strong-minded characters and quick to make me like them each individually, and as their stories unfold and they began to grow closer, the sweetness of their ready-made family stole the show. Really enjoyed them and their story! I find the Rose Clayton side story to be a distraction throughout this whole series and think it would have been more enjoyable as a whole if the auction was the sole connection. Overall a great book and a great continuing saga!

Lydia Walker can’t believe her irresponsible sister has gone so far as to pledge a huge amount of money to charity in the form of a Bachelor Auction that she can in no way, shape or form afford! She’s really tired of picking up the pieces of her dysfunctional family, yet she can’t in good conscience let this one slide. How is she going to come up with a payment method?

Texas Cattleman’s Club president James Harris has already made good on the charity payout so as not to put that kind of spotlight on the club when the bidder turned out to be a flake, but when Lydia walks in with the magic baby touch just when he’s desperate for a nanny for his orphaned nephew, he figures he just might be on to a solution here! He’ll forgive the debt if she takes over caring for his new charge … but how long will they be able to fight the attraction flaring between them?

four-half-stars

* Review * A SOLDIER’S HONOR by Regan Black

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A SOLDIER’S HONOR by Regan BlackA Soldier's Honor by Regan Black
Series: The Riley Code #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

One soldier’s long-lost secret is alive and well

Regan Black’s thrilling new miniseries: The Riley Code

When a security snafu turns his world upside down, Major Matt Riley reunites with his long-lost son. And fourteen years later, the military man is still captivated by his ex, Bethany Trent. Matt must convince her that their new family bond is for keeps—but first, he must keep them alive…

 

Heart-pounding danger mixes with the sexual tension of long lost love to bring Regan Black’s exciting new miniseries The Riley Code to life! A great groundwork is laid to continue the intrigue of who is out to get this family and why as we delve into the first sibling’s story.

When a security breach brings out a long-buried secret, Major Matthew Riley’s life will be changed forever. Fourteen years have passed since he was left behind by Bethany, but the years haven’t diminished his feelings for her. Getting to know their son is worth any amount of turmoil it stirs up in his life, he just has to find out who’s playing games in their lives so he can keep his family safe!

Bethany Trent loves her teenage son more than anything in this world, and if getting to know his father is this important to him, she has no other choice than to support it. She’s not so sure she’s ready to share his love, but she can’t deny that seeing him interact with Matt makes her wonder if she did the right thing by excluding him all those years ago. Danger is lurking and feelings are flowing in directions she never expected simultaneously … will they have a happy ending after all?

four-half-stars

* Review * MENTOR’S MATCH by Tara Sue Me

* Review * MENTOR’S MATCH by Tara Sue MeMentor's Match by Tara Sue Me
Series: Submissive #11
Published by After Six Publishing on May 30, 2018
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four-stars

One wild and crazy, we-won’t-tell-anyone, week of sex and submission was all old friends, Kate and Fritz, agreed to while in Berlin for work. When they wind up together on the same project in Delaware, Fritz makes it clear he’s more than happy to pick up where they left off.

But Kate had already decided it would be best for her to give up BDSM altogether and she doesn’t expect a hardcore Dom like Fritz to do the same. However, she soon finds out she’s vastly underestimated Fritz because he’s not about to give up on the woman he’s fantasized about for years.

 

Titillating temptation! Fans of Tara Sue Me’s Submissive series will be very familiar with the heroine in this story. We get to catch up with some of our old favorites, including Kate’s ex Cole as her story plays out. She is considering leaving the BDSM community but a strong pull towards Fritz has her wondering if they could ever put their differing needs together to be a successful couple. The story started out a little slow with light dialogue on what happened in Germany, but it picked up when Fritz comes to the US to continue what they started. Not as hands on in an ongoing relationship as some in the series, but enjoyable.

Architect Kate Herrington is attempting to get her life in order after the big changes she’s made in the last year, and going to a major conference in Berlin feels like a great stepping stone to awakening her career. When a hotel snafu pops up at the last minute, she remembers that her ex Cole’s friend Fritz has a house in Berlin that might not be in use. She calls in the favor and winds up getting more than she bargained for with a decadent week in Germany!

Contractor Fritz Brose has been lusting after Kate since she was his best friend’s lady, so he’s not going to let the fact that she’s going to be staying at his house pass by without seeing her. An agreement to play together while she’s in town sets wheels in motion in his mind to claiming her as his own. Upon returning to the US, she’s hesitant to agree to that because she thinks leaving the lifestyle is the only solution for her.

four-stars

* Review * THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura Drake

* Review * THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura DrakeThe Last True Cowboy by Laura Drake
Series: Chestnut Creek #1
Published by Forever on December 4, 2018
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four-stars

This cowboy's got one last chance to prove himself.

Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they'll say "Carly and Austin" the way some say "big trucks and country boys." But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly's done with being a rodeo widow . . .

Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She's always been his future, his one and only. But now that she's moved on, he's beginning to see where he went wrong, and he'll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly's suddenly acting differently, and she's definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.

 

With the first book in a brand new series from Laura Drake, we are introduced to the town of Unforgiven, New Mexico and settle in to the story of the “it” couple in town. She’s running her family cafe just waiting for him to marry her, and he’s having too much fun traveling from one rodeo town to another to realize that she’s tired of waiting. The fallout from her walking away might be more than this couple can recover from, no matter how much they have always loved each other! The story is comprised of really interesting characters who were quick to grab my attention, and other than a few timeline tidbits that didn’t seem to add up it was a solid read. Looking forward to another visit to Unforgiven soon!

Carly Beauchamp never expected to still be waiting on that promised “forever” at almost thirty. She’s been in love with one man for her entire life, but she’s getting really tired of playing second fiddle to the rodeo. How many times can she hear “just one more year” before she explodes? She never wanted to walk away from him, but she just couldn’t handle being pushed to the wayside one more time … now she’s in a place she never wanted or expected. She’s dug herself so far into a hole, she’s not sure she can manage the climb out.

Rodeo cowboy Austin Davis thought Carly would always be there. He’s always planned to settle down with her after the thrill of the rodeo is over and start their own dream business while they grow old raising a family … but too little, too late is what he offered her. He can’t believe this time she really means she’s walking away, but as days pass without her in them, he starts to open his eyes … he really did take her for granted! Now he’s got to do everything in his power to win her back … and hope he’s not too late!

four-stars

* Review * SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT by Elle JamesSix Minutes to Midnight by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2019
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four-stars

He’s a navy SEAL who’s highly trained for any assignment.

So why can’t he resist the woman he’s vowed to protect?

Navy SEAL “T-Mac” Trace McGuire is assigned to protect army specialist Kinsley Anderson and Agar, her IED-detecting dog. When they’re shot at and nearly blown up, T-Mac admires Kinsley’s ability to hold her own. On the run from terrorists, T-Mac is trained to ensure their safety and survival in the African desert. He’s prepared for every scenario but one: falling for the woman whose life is in his hands.

 

The final chapter! We’ve been on adventure after adventure with this closeknit group of SEALs, and it’s a pleasure to see Trace find his true love before they head stateside again! The entire series gave us an in depth look at the countryside of Africa as they traversed it, and gave us a glimpse into some of the unjust that could be happening at any time. It was a powerful series and I really enjoyed it. Great to get caught up with all of the other guys before it was all wrapped up!

When Navy SEAL Trace “T-Mac” McGuire encounters Army specialist Kinsley Anderson and her explosives detecting K-9 partner, he is awestruck. He’s not usually taken in just by the looks of a lady, but there’s something about how she carries herself as she’s working alongside them in a dangerous situation that really attracts him to her. When he’s assigned protection duty of the lovely dog handler and her canine, he takes his job seriously.

Kinsley doesn’t want any special treatment because she’s a woman. She’s trained hard with her canine Agar to come here to assist in saving as many of our guys as possible by stopping the bomb destruction before it can happen. T-Mac is quite the distraction … but a fairly welcome one in the end!

four-stars

* Review * BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda Novak

* Review * BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda NovakBefore We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on December 4, 2018
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five-stars

Something happened to her mother that night. Something no one wants to talk about. But she’s determined to uncover her family’s dark secrets, even if they bury her.

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn’t sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound—the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone.

The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn’t sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn’t just difficult—he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who’d rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn’t whether she can uncover what really happened that night…it’s what will remain of her family if she does?

 

A riveting, deeply entrenching read! I was hooked immediately! We get to know Sloane little by little before she reveals why she is returning home after all these years and what’s she’s hoping to find there. The story takes many unexpected turns, and even when you think you know what happened, you will be shocked once again. Really great book filled with richly built characters, in depth development of past events and a captivating delve into the current life spinning on it’s axle around her. Loved it!

Model Sloane McBride might have left home to head to the bright lights of New York a decade ago, but some parts of Millcreek would never leave her mind. Like the memories and dreams that continue to haunt her. She’s not so sure she wants to know the answers, but the churning fear in her gut won’t be silenced any longer. She has to find out what happened to her mother that night. She might have only been five years old, but she remembers things. Voices, fighting, things that were said, a loud thump, then silence … and the next morning Mom was gone … forever.

The return to town is just as volatile as she expects. Her high school best friend is trying to act like no time has passed, her ex-boyfriend still holds an obvious grudge for her leaving, her father tries to run her out of town before she even gets there, and her brother is making it clear he has no wish to dredge up the past alongside her. It seems like everyone is against her … but she’s determined to bring her mother peace once and for all, regardless of the danger that starts to swirl!

five-stars