Archives for September 2019

* Review * OUT OF THE SHADOW by Arell Rivers

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * OUT OF THE SHADOW by Arell RiversOut of the Shadow by Arell Rivers
Series: The Hunte Family Series #2
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on September 14, 2019
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four-stars

All’s fair in love, war…and reality TV

Nothing ever came easy to Angie Russo. Hard work, loyalty, and sheer grit made her the kick-ass realtor she is today. But when her best still isn’t good enough, Angie decides to try something different. Maybe a stint on the new real estate reality show can give her the notoriety she needs to push her firm to #1. Her chances of winning the show’s prize are high…until she meets the entitled, cavalier, and all-too-sexy jerk she’s competing against.

Angie’s big chance is King Hunte’s rock bottom. He screwed up big, and he needs money fast. The silly real estate competition should be a breeze to win. Or, at least it would be, if not for the sassy, determined, and ridiculously desirable Angie. King’s suddenly forced to work harder than he ever has, and he’s shocked to find that he actually enjoys it…almost as much as he savors the combustible chemistry he shares with his prickly co-star.

Just as Angie discovers there’s more to King than meets the eye, King realizes Angie could be the key to the life he’s always secretly wanted. When a ghost from the past emerges to threaten their future together, Angie and King must overcome the obstacles the show—and life—throw at them, or see their shot at love end before the first commercial break.

 

OUT OF THE SHADOW is book two in The Hunte Family series by Arell Rivers and centers around a realtor out to make her mark in the world and the son of rock royalty who has to learn to live in the real world for a change in this delightful enemies to lovers story.

For anyone who read the first book in the series, you will recognize King as rocker Braxton Hunte’s son, all grown up and entitled. He quickly showed his spoiled side and we had to really dislike him at first, but as time goes by he begins to emerge as his own person and steps outside of the stigma he immersed himself in for so many years.

Angie steps into the scene as strong willed, yet broken from the start. We know she has a heartbreak she’s trying to overcome, but we’re not sure exactly how it all went down for awhile. I liked Angie, but I also felt like she was too entrenched in the past.

I recommend this book to anyone loving a rediscovery from two broken souls. I’ll admit, after falling for Braxton in the first book of the series I wasn’t a huge fan of the bad light this book put him into for most of the time, but I did see King’s side of things too. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

four-stars

* Review * RISK EVERYTHING by Janie Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RISK EVERYTHING by Janie CrouchRisk Everything by Janie Crouch
Series: The Risk Series: A Bree and Tanner Thriller #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on October 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

The wedding is two weeks away

If they survive until then…

Following a fire at the New Journeys women’s shelter, Deputy Tanner Dempsey is on high alert, and his fiancée, Bree Daniels, fears that one of the shelter’s clients is being targeted. Outmanned and outgunned, Tanner and Bree must make a last stand for justice and unravel the twisted plot of a dangerous sociopath. Will it be “’til death do us part” before they can say “I do”?

 

RISK EVERYTHING is the fourth and final book in Janie Crouch’s Risk Series revolving around Bree and Tanner and their never ending escapades. I really enjoyed this entire series, and loved that even though we were dealing with the same couple throughout all four books, we always had an ongoing HEA at the end of each book.

This was a first in it’s kind series from Harlequin Intrigue and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not only did we get to see their relationship develop slower than normal in a category length book, but we also got to embark on more terror and adventure than we normally would. You can’t go wrong with any book in the series, but to get a full picture of the couple, I recommend reading them all and in order.

four-half-stars

* Review * UNDERCOVER TWIN by Heather Woodhaven

* Review * UNDERCOVER TWIN by Heather WoodhavenUndercover Twin by Heather Woodhaven
Series: Twins Separated at Birth #1
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on September 1, 2019
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four-stars

A deadly identity swap…

The first exciting Twins Separated at Birth novel

Audrey Clark never knew she was a twin—until she stumbled onto a covert operation. Now with her FBI agent sister shot and in critical condition, going undercover with Agent Lee Benson is the only way to protect her newfound twin. And as her pretend husband, Lee must keep Audrey safe…or pay twice the deadly price.

 

UNDERCOVER TWIN is the first book in Heather Woodhaven’s electrifying new series Twins Separated at Birth!

As a reader, I was quickly drawn into the mystery of this story when we learned within the first chapter that Audrey had a twin sister she didn’t even know about. The excitement Lee brings to the foreground when he believes she’s his partner in the FBI (the twin, Kendra) sets us up for a quick paced delve into a ruse she only hopes she can keep up.

Overall, this was a satisfying story with an attention grabbing plot. I would have liked to have seen more time for an emotional connection between Audrey and Kendra to be developed, but hopefully we will see more of that in the conclusion of the duet, coming soon! Recommended to lovers of intrigue and sweet romance!

four-stars

* Review * MAKE ME NEED by Katee Robert

* Review * MAKE ME NEED by Katee RobertMake Me Need by Katee Robert
Series: Make Me #4
Published by Harlequin Dare on July 1, 2019
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four-stars

In this red-hot scorcher from New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert, Trish Livingston meets her unlikely match in her brother’s best friend, the gorgeous Cameron O’Clery. They’re complete opposites—but that only makes the temptation hotter!

Trish Livingston desperately needs cash, so when her brother offers her a job while he’s on paternity leave, she snaps it up. She’s even willing to put up with his best friend and business partner, the notoriously grumpy Cameron O’Clery—especially when she finds out he’s very easy on the eyes.

Cameron hates people: especially peppy, happy people like Trish. He avoids her at all costs, until a raunchy late-night encounter in an elevator shows him that there’s a fine line between hate and lust. Cameron knows he’s broken the rules—and is resolved to keep his distance from her.

But Trish doesn’t make it easy. A work trip places them in adjoining hotel bedrooms, giving her the chance to put on a sizzling show just for him! When Cameron’s left wanting more, Trish is delighted to give him exactly that… Can either of them walk away from something that feels this good?

 

MAKE ME NEED is book four in the smoking hot Make Me series by Katee Robert and centers around a fashion maven wannabe and the security expert who just happens to be her brothers best friend and business partner.

Trish is an interesting character. She knows what she wants in life, she just doesn’t think she’s at a place to reach out and grab it just yet. It doesn’t take her long to get some confidence when she’s bringing the sexy man in the office next door to his knees though.

Cameron tries to be someone we dislike with his hard exterior, but he had me interested pretty quickly. He knows his best friend is going to flip his lid, but he simply can’t resist Trish. Watching them find their way past all of the obstacles around them is pure magic!

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, steamy read with lots of snark weaved into the mix. Every book in this series has been quite yummy, and this particular one holds true to form.

 

four-stars

* Release Blitz * OUT OF THE SHADOW

 

Title: Out of the Shadow
Series: Hunte Family #2
Author: Arell Rivers
Genre: Steamy Celebrity Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 19, 2019
Blurb
All’s fair in love, war…and reality TV

Nothing ever came easy to Angie Russo. Hard work, loyalty, and sheer grit made her the kick-ass realtor she is today. But when her best still isn’t good enough, Angie decides to try something different. Maybe a stint on the new real estate reality show can give her the notoriety she needs to push her firm to #1. Her chances of winning the show’s prize are high…until she meets the entitled, cavalier, and all-too-sexy jerk she’s competing against.

Angie’s big chance is King Hunte’s rock bottom. He screwed up bigand he needs money fast. The silly real estate competition should be a breeze to win. Or, at least it would be, if not for the sassy, determined, and ridiculously desirable Angie. King’s suddenly forced to work harder than he ever has, and he’s shocked to find that he actually enjoys it…almost as much as he savors the combustible chemistry he shares with his prickly co-star.

Just as Angie discovers there’s more to King than meets the eye, King realizes Angie could be the key to the life he’s always secretly wanted. When a ghost from the past emerges to threaten their future together, Angie and King must overcome the obstacles the show—and life—throw at them, or see their shot at love end before the first commercial break.

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Author Bio
For as long as Arell Rivers can remember, she has been lost in a book. During her senior year in college, she picked up a Danielle Steel novel … and instantly was hooked on romance.

Arell started writing her first novel because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in her dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. Arell lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell is found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.

Arell is a PAN member (Published Author Network) of the New Jersey chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Author Links

* Review * DEMANDING HIS DESERT QUEEN by Annie West

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEMANDING HIS DESERT QUEEN by Annie WestDemanding His Desert Queen by Annie West
Series: Royal Brides for Desert Brothers #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 1, 2019
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four-stars

Duty bound at the altar…

Passionately reunited in his bed!

Desert prince Karim needs a bride to ensure his smooth ascension to the throne. Intelligent, captivating Queen Safiyah is the perfect choice, yet the pain of their broken engagement remains.

This time Karim’s demands are simple: a diplomatic agreement, nothing more, for their country’s sake. But Safiyah’s reunion with Karim, the man she was forbidden from loving, is anything but convenient! Duty may have brought them back together, but it’s their undeniable bond that will force them to confront a still-burning desire…

 

DEMANDING HIS DESERT QUEEN is the second book in the Royal Brides for Desert Brothers duet by Annie West and takes us through the ultimate setting for a reunion story.

If you read the first book in this duet, you will recognize Karim and know his back story a bit already. Years ago a secret was exposed that led to Karim abdicating the throne and leaving his country. In the midst of the turmoil, the woman he planned to marry was thrust from his life.

Safiyah never got over losing Karim but was forced to go on with the life she was dealt. Now things have changed yet again and she needs Karim to agree to rule her kingdom to keep peace. She never expected him to angrily demand she marry him in return!

I enjoyed both books in this series and recommend them to anyone enjoying a royal romance with lots of emotions and turmoil bringing the characters to life.

four-stars

* Review * DRIVING FORCE by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DRIVING FORCE by Elle JamesDriving Force by Elle James
Series: Declan’s Defenders #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on October 1, 2019
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four-stars

With no identity, memory or past…

She must trust a stranger in order to survive.

When a woman is caught shadowing the team leader of Declan’s Defenders, she slams right into the man’s protection detail—and a former elite Force Recon marine. Gus Walsh’s instincts tell him she is dangerous in more ways than one. Yet when he discovers that she is a Jane Doe with no memory of who she is or why someone is hunting her, the pair must team up to find answers. But there’s no guarantee they will survive the truth once the dust settles…

 

DRIVING FORCE is the fourth book in the Declan’s Defenders series by Elle James, and I was enthralled in the mystery of Jane Doe from the first page!

Suspense is at a high as the team tries to figure out what her back story is without bringing danger to their doorstep. We find out more than we bargained for when secrets are uncovered and allies are questioned.

This series has been action packed and I highly recommend it as a whole. I’m looking forward to what’s left to come in the next couple of books. Great action, intriguing mysteries and a great group of heroes to fall in love with!

four-stars

* Review * CINDERELLA’S SCANDALOUS SECRET by Melanie Milburne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CINDERELLA’S SCANDALOUS SECRET by Melanie MilburneCinderella's Scandalous Secret by Melanie Milburne
Series: Secret Heirs of Billionaires
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

The maid has a secret

And it’s getting harder to hide!

Isla McBain’s affair with Rafe Angeleri was meant to be temporary, a chance to explore their passionate connection—but now she’s carrying the famous hotelier’s baby! This pregnancy will make headlines, but no one can know. Isla can’t risk anyone digging into her heartbreaking past and ruining Rafe’s impeccable reputation.

After learning about her pregnancy, Rafe is intent on sweeping her away to Sicily and marrying her! Isla is tempted beyond desire, but dare she step into the spotlight as Mrs. Angeleri?

 

CINDERELLA’S SCANDALOUS SECRET by Melanie Milburne is the latest addition to the Secret Heirs of Billionaires series and brings us a yummy reunion story of a maid/artist and the hotelier she had a fling with … and lets not forget the surprise baby she’s bringing into the picture!

Isla is a complicated character. I started out feeling a little resentful of her secret keeping, but then the author did a good job of showing us her endearing side that led her to run instead of confronting the issue. In the end, I enjoyed their connection.

Rafe might have enjoyed living up the fun times in life, but as soon as he heard he was going to be a father, he was determined to be there every step of the way. His past only made me sympathize with him more. Really enjoyed seeing him get that happily ever after!

Overall, this was a really great story that I would recommend to anyone enjoying a reunion between past loves and/or a surprise baby joining the family. I felt like the ending was very abrupt and would have wanted just a tad more to their HEA, but overwhelmingly loved Rafe and Isla!

four-half-stars

* Review * CORNERED AT CHRISTMAS by Barb Han

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CORNERED AT CHRISTMAS by Barb HanCornered at Christmas by Barb Han
Series: Rushing Creek Crime Spree #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on October 1, 2019
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four-stars

He’ll do whatever it takes

To keep his family safe.

Mitch Kent is shocked when he sees his wife, Kimberly, just before the anniversary of her supposed death. He learns she faked her own death to protect her family from an ominous threat and came back to see her husband and her young twins one last time. But she was followed, and now she’s desperate for her husband’s help. Mitch will need a miracle to reunite his broken family…if Kimberly’s dark past doesn’t kill him first.

 

CORNERED AT CHRISTMAS is the first book in the brand new Rushing Creek Crime Spree series by Barb Han and centers around a wealthy rancher who is shocked to see his wife return from the dead in the start of this reunited love story. I felt the details of this story were a little disjointed in the telling at the beginning making it a tad confusing to follow, but once we got into the action, things smoothed out a bit.

Kimberly enthralled me from the start because it had to be something crucial that led her to leave her family and fake her own death. Her story is a bit spread out, but satisfying once we get the details of her past.

Mitch was my favorite from the start. There was just something about this big, strong rancher taking care of these tiny babies that melted my heart from page one.

Overall it was a fast paced story bringing lots of intrigue to life as they ran for their lives. I recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of mystery thrown in to a story line where a couple is finding their way back towards each other. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

four-stars

* Release Blast/Review * CODE NAME: SENTINEL by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * CODE NAME: SENTINEL by Sawyer BennettCode Name: Sentinel by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Jameson Force Security #2
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on September 10, 2019
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four-half-stars

As a former member of the United States Secret Service, I’m no stranger to putting my life on the line in the name of duty. Having left the nation’s capital to re-settle in Pittsburgh, the skills I acquired during my tenure in Washington have made me a valued member of the team at Jameson Force Security. But when the President comes seeking a favor to protect his niece, I find myself on the fast track back to the Oval Office.

Simply put… she’s beyond brilliant. A nationally renowned energy scientist, Barrett Alexander is on the verge of a breakthrough that will change the world. Unfortunately, that has also made her the target of a suspected terrorist cell. And while Barrett doesn’t believe she’s in any real danger, the President isn’t willing to take chances with her life.

As the threats against Barrett become more calculated, I decide taking her on the run is her best chance of survival. Danger, isolation, and attraction ensure we grow closer than I’d ever thought possible. When I realize I want to keep her safe for reasons that have nothing to do with my job and everything to do with the woman I’ve fallen in love with, no one is safe from the hell I’ll rain down on those that threaten her.

 

CODE NAME: SENTINEL is book two in Sawyer Bennett’s Jamison Force Security series and portrays a scientist and a former secret service/turned security expert in a falling for the bodyguard romance. The book snagged this reader’s attention quickly and kept me intrigued throughout.

Cruce moved on from his job as a secret service agent to come on board with Jamison Force Security, but he no more than starts getting the lay of the land when the President calls him up asking for a favor.

Barrett is interested in nothing more than pushing through this scientific breakthrough she almost has a handle on, but it doesn’t take long for circumstances to come between her and her lab when her uncle, the President, shows up with a guy he insists has to be her bodyguard.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced bit of intrigue that comes to life quickly and keeps you guessing until the end with a hot romance thrown in the mix along the way. So far I’m really enjoying this series and am looking forward to more to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Code Name: Sentinel (Jameson Force Security, Book #2)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: September 10, 2019

 

Synopsis:
As a former member of the United States Secret Service, I’m no stranger to putting my life on the line in the name of duty. Having left the nation’s capital to re-settle in Pittsburgh, the skills I acquired during my tenure in Washington have made me a valued member of the team at Jameson Force Security. But when the President comes seeking a favor to protect his niece, I find myself on the fast track back to the Oval Office.

Simply put… she’s beyond brilliant. A nationally renowned energy scientist, Barrett Alexander is on the verge of a breakthrough that will change the world. Unfortunately, that has also made her the target of a suspected terrorist cell. And while Barrett doesn’t believe she’s in any real danger, the President isn’t willing to take chances with her life.

As the threats against Barrett become more calculated, I decide taking her on the run is her best chance of survival. Danger, isolation, and attraction ensure we grow closer than I’d ever thought possible. When I realize I want to keep her safe for reasons that have nothing to do with my job and everything to do with the woman I’ve fallen in love with, no one is safe from the hell I’ll rain down on those that threaten her.

 

Download Code Name: Sentinel:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo
Print | Audible (narrated by Jason Clarke and Lucy Rivers)

 

Enter to win one of these HUGE new release giveaways!
► $100 Amazon gift card & a signed paperback of CODE NAME: SENTINEL (closes 9/15): http://bit.ly/GA1_Sentinel
► Signed paperback of CODE NAME: SENTINEL (closes 9/11): http://bit.ly/GA2_Sentinel

 

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:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Book + Main Bites | BookBub | Amazon | Newsletter | Master Blogger List

 

four-half-stars