Book Reviews – Page 25

* Review * HER LAST WORDS by Carolyn Arnold

October 14, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER LAST WORDS by Carolyn Arnold

Her Last Words by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #9
Published by Bookouture on October 17, 2023
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The glow from the fireplace throws an eerie light over the woman’s carefully arranged body, her lifeless eyes reflecting the flames that slowly burn the evidence of who did this to her…

When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the brutal murder scene of successful local author Felicity Kelley, her blood runs cold. Because Amanda not only knew the victim, but was the last person Felicity called moments before she was murdered. Plagued with guilt that she never answered, Amanda is left wondering whether she could have prevented the murder, and vows to catch the killer, no matter what.

Desperately searching the crime scene for clues, Amanda is shocked when she discovers a Queen of Hearts playing card, suggesting the murder could be an imitation of a scene from Felicity’s bestselling crime novel. Terrified that she is dealing with a crazed fan who could strike again, Amanda’s worst fears are confirmed when another innocent woman is viciously murdered, with the same chilling calling card left behind.

But when Amanda connects the murders with a cold case from fifteen years ago, a case that Felicity appears to have been researching for her next novel, she is forced to question if the killer’s motive is even more sinister than she first suspected. But the closer Amanda gets to unearthing this motive, the closer she gets to becoming the next victim…

You’ll be hooked from the first page! The author quickly intigues the reader with a new case for Detective Amanda Steel to sink her teeth into that hits a little close to home. I enjoyed the context of the mystery, and while I felt this was a tad weaker story that normal for this series and failed to hold my attention quite as stringently, I thoroughly enjoyed the hook of the whodunnit. I always leave looking forward to more Amanda!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a series with a strong female lead who puts her heart and soul into solving the crime in her town while having meaningful relationships and drama mixed into the dialogue of each book.

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* Release Blitz/Review * THE DEVIL’S LAIR by Penny Dee

October 6, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE DEVIL’S LAIR by Penny Dee

The Devil's Lair by Penny Dee
Series: De Kysa Mafia #2
on October 6, 2023
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Massimo De Kysa.
The man who stole my first kiss.
And now my boss.

I learned early how life can turn on a dime.
That’s how it is when you grow up as a mafia princess.
One minute you’re rich, spoilt, and betrothed to the most revered man in the city—the next you're broke and selling your designer bags so you can eat.

But I’m not the kind of girl who gives up without a fight.
And when someone steals everything from me I’m not afraid to turn to the enemy for help.

He’s a De Kysa. I’m a Bamcorda.
Two rival families from the East Coast.
But it wasn’t always that way.
A year ago, he stole my first kiss and gave me a night to remember.

Since then, he’s changed.
Now he’s a powerful don with the presence of an approaching storm.

He agrees to help me hunt down who stole my inheritance.
But everything comes with a price, especially when you strike a deal with the devil.

Will trusting the enemy get me my life back, or will it cost me everything?

The Devil’s Lair is book 2 in the De Kysa Mafia series. Expect off-the-charts chemistry, Cinderella moments, a plot twist of all plot twists, and all the delectable heat of a mafia romance. For readers 18+. See author’s note for trigger warnings.

Heart-wrenchingly addictive! Fast paced drama, real connections and so many feels! I am loving this De Kysa Mafia series with it’s powerful storylines, steamy romances and danger around every corner. I feel like you need to read the first book in the series to truly have a good connection with this one so that you understand what happened between the families previously, so I would recommend you read the series in order for that reason. I’m hoping there’s more to come with this fam!

Massimo is not your typical mafia don and he lets his softness shine with Bianca. I really liked them together, even from their previous meeting they were just adorable.

Bianca has to pick up the pieces of a shattered life and prove to the world and more importantly herself that she can stand on her own and prosper when she needs to. I loved her tenacity.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a mafia romance with a whole lot of heart below the surface.

Title: The Devil’s Lair

Series: De Kysa Mafia #2

Author: Penny Dee

Genre: Mafia Romance

Tropes: Rival to Lovers/Virgin Heroine/Redemption

Release Date: October 6, 2023

BLURB

Massimo De Kysa.

The man who stole my first kiss.

And now my boss.

I learned early how life can turn on a dime.

That’s how it is when you grow up as a mafia princess.

One minute you’re rich, spoilt, and betrothed to the most revered man in the city—the next your broke and selling your designer bags so you can eat.

But I’m not the kind of girl who gives up without a fight.

And when someone steals everything from me I’m not afraid to turn to the enemy for help.

He’s a De Kysa. I’m a Bamcorda.

Two rival families from the East Coast.

But it wasn’t always that way.

A year ago, he stole my first kiss and gave me a night to remember.

Since then, he’s changed.

Now he’s a powerful don with the presence of an approaching storm.

He agrees to help me hunt down who stole my inheritance.

But everything comes with a price, especially when you strike a deal with the devil.

Will trusting the enemy get my life back, or will it cost me everything?

The Devil’s Lair is book 2 in the De Kysa Mafia series. Expect off-the-charts chemistry, Cinderella moments, a plot twist of all plot twists, and all the delectable heat of a mafia romance. For readers 18+. See author’s note for trigger warnings.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE for a very limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Penny Dee writes contemporary romance about rock stars, bikers, hockey players and everyone in-between. Her stories bring the suspense, the feels and a whole lot of heat.

She found her happily ever after with an Australian hottie who she met on a blind date.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

INSTAGRAM

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

TIKTOK

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * HOT MESS SUMMER by Melissa Foster

October 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOT MESS SUMMER by Melissa Foster

Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
Published by Montlake on October 17, 2023
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Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.

Melissa Foster continually delivers on a new set of best friends just when we need them! HOT MESS SUMMER is heartfelt, steamy and laugh out loud funny. I loved every minute of Nicole and Declan’s story, but for this to be a standalone book, there was a ton of characters to try to keep straight. In all honesty with the world building and character development involved in this one book it could easily become a series out of her two best friends, her daughter, his sons, their parents, the various guys who flirted with her, etc., etc., etc. A tad confusing sometimes, but wholeheartedly enjoyable nonetheless!

Declan … OMG … I wish he would follow me home! Nobody tell my husband alright?!?! Seriously though, he’s just the sweetest, sexy guy around. I adored him even with all of his drama.

Nic is so much fun. She learns to live again and it’s gorgeous to see.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quirky town that is just as much a key part of the story as the main characters as drama, love and angst steal the show.

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* Review * GUARDING COLTON’S CHILD by Lara Lacombe

October 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

Guarding Colton's Child by Lara Lacombe
Series: The Coltons of Grave Gulch #5
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 25, 2021
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To keep her family safe

He’ll risk everything, even his heart…

After losing his family, Dr. Stavros Makris could never imagine trusting again. So when Desiree Colton rushes her toddler, Danny, to the ER, Stavros must keep things professional with mother and son. But then a kidnapper targets Danny, and Stavros lets down his guard, forging an unbreakable bond with Desiree. As sparks fly between them, they work against the clock to protect the little boy from a criminal closing in…

Intense drama and intrigue right from the start! Lara Lacombe is pouring on the feels with this emotional journey of healing in the Colton’s of Grave Gulch series. I was quickly invested in the characters and their back stories and enjoyed every minute of their connection. The tension is high throughout as danger lurks around the corner. Really enjoying this series!

Stavros was by far my favorite character because he is such a strong guy who picked up the pieces after life dealt him a horrible hand and still found the strength to help others on a daily basis. Love that he is getting a second chance at happiness.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced journey filled with mystery, danger and romance.

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* Review * MATCHED BY MISTAKE by Katherine Garbera

October 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

Matched by Mistake by Katherine Garbera
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Diamonds & Dating Apps #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 25, 2023
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When a new dating app matches the members of feuding families, one date for the public leads to sizzling chemistry in the first novel of the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Diamonds & Dating Apps miniseries!

To keep up appearances, they’ll fight an attraction neither expected…

Scandal abounds at the tech fair in Royal, Texas, when a very public dating app snafu matches Jericho Winters with Maggie Del Rio! Their high-profile rival families have been feuding for generations, and both sides agree that their reluctant offspring should go on the date to keep the PR positive and help make the app a success. But Jericho and Maggie never expected to actually like each other. When fake kisses lead to real, undeniable desire, they must choose between burying the family feud to stay together…or destroying each other for good.

Decadently forbidden steamy goodness! Katherine Garbera is delivering the drama from start to finish with her kick-off to the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Diamonds and Dating Apps series and I enjoyed every minute of it! The characters are each very likable and easy to relate to and the warmth they show towards each other even when they are supposed to sort of be enemies is a precursor of what is to come. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Jericho is portrayed as a bit of a playboy, but he truly brings heart and humanity to the plot as a kind man who goes for what he wants in life.

Maggie is loyal and sincere and I enjoyed her wholeheartedly.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast paced romance filled with ambitious and successful characters who each bring a lot to the table personality wise.

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* Release Blitz/Review * CINDER by Chelle Bliss

October 3, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CINDER by Chelle Bliss

Cinder by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #13
Published by Bliss Ink on October 3, 2023
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Olive Thornbury only had one crush in high school, and his name was Asher Gallo. She was smitten with him from the first time she had laid eyes on him. But instead of acting on how she felt, she kept her nose stuck in a book, finding safety in the words rather than emotions.

Asher had never thought of Olive as anything more than a friend. She was aloof, preferring to read books. instead of spending time with her friends. And when she moved away almost a decade ago, their friendship quickly disintegrated.

But when Olive returns to visit a local university, she never expected to run into a very grown up and even more handsome Asher. And what starts off as a rekindling of an old friendship turns into a fiery relationship.

Do the opposites have enough in common to go the distance? Or will their combustible chemistry cause the flames to turn everything into cinders?

Fast paced, sexy and adorable! Asher Gallo has met his match when a childhood friend returns to town and takes his breath away. The Men of Inked: Heatwave series continues with delectable characters, heartwarming emotion and sizzling chemistry. I love this family and am always looking forward to seeing them next time!

Olive is a sweetheart! She’s sincere, she’s accomplished and she’s not afraid to let her smarty pants side fly proudly. I really enjoyed seeing her find true love with Asher.

Asher is fun. He’s been a player for years, but he’s always loved his family hard and been sincere in his enjoyment of life. Watching him fall when he least expects it is gratifying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves an all-up-in-your-business family who loves to nose into all the drama but will drop everything when one of them needs something.

Cinder by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Olive Thornbury only had one crush in high school, and his name was Asher Gallo. She was smitten with him from the first time she had laid eyes on him. But instead of acting on how she felt, she kept her nose stuck in a book, finding safety in the words rather than emotions.

Asher had never thought of Olive as anything more than a friend. She was aloof, preferring to read books. instead of spending time with her friends. And when she moved away almost a decade ago, their friendship quickly disintegrated.

But when Olive returns to visit a local university, she never expected to run into a very grown up and even more handsome Asher. And what starts off as a rekindling of an old friendship turns into a fiery relationship.

Do the opposites have enough in common to go the distance? Or will their combustible chemistry cause the flames to turn everything into cinders?

Download today!

Amazon: https://geni.us/cinder-zon
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3wg4yrD
Nook: https://geni.us/cinder-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/cinder-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/cinder-gp

Goodreads: https://geni.us/cinder-gr

Meet Chelle

Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.

She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.

Connect with Chelle

Website: menofinked.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7164384.Chelle_Bliss
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chelle-Bliss/e/B00FIPAHYQ/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchellebliss1
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blisshangout/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchellebliss/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChelleBliss1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chelle-bliss
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chellebliss10/
Other: https://bingebooks.com/author/chelle-bliss
Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/chellebliss/

Text BLISS to 24587

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * UNREGRETTABLE by Monique Moreau

September 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNREGRETTABLE by Monique Moreau

UNREGRETTABLE by Monique Moreau
Series: Empire Academy Series #2
on October 12, 2023
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Marriage can't fix what’s broken. If only he would see that.

Crina

If he thinks I’ll come to the altar like some meek, blushing bride, he must not know me.

Oh, wait, he doesn’t know me anymore.

Four years of a cold war will do that to a friendship.

We were friends once.

But I won’t tolerate being humiliated. And if he thinks forcing me to marry him will change anything between us, he’s lost his damn mind.

No one messes with me.

Least of all him.

Marku

Crina is my woman, bonded to me since birth. The fact that we’re from different mafia clans is irrelevant. The fact that she’s in danger just sped up a marriage that was always meant to be.

I hurt her, I know that.

I never apologized. Never explained. Never reached out. Stuck in my own pain, I let a war simmer between us.

But that ends today.

Today she will become my wife. Tonight, she will come to my bed. I’ll finally fix things between us.

But when my desire for revenge—revenge I’ve pursued for five long years—collides with doing right by Crina, everything goes to hell in a handbasket.

Content warning: UNREGRETTABLE is the second installment of The Empire Academy Series. Marku is an OTT morally gray, possessive hero who will do anything to win back his woman. Brace yourself for a domineering and dirty-talking alpha. But don’t worry, Crina is more than up to the task of dealing with him. If such material offends, please do not read.

Delectably forbidden steals the show! She’s from one clan, he’s from another … but danger and parental interference have them meeting at the alter in no time. I like the premise of this book because there are familiar faces from the Lupu Chronicles series floating in and out regularly, but this series isn’t the best work of this author by far. There seems to be a timeline issue where this is supposedly book two, yet the things that happened in book one don’t appear to have happened in many instances. Mass confusion and a seeming pull between young adult, bully and mafia not aligning into a strong storyline in any of the above are disappointing. I really enjoyed her MC series and even her mafia series, but this younger generation just isn’t cutting it for me personally. Not a bad story, just not cohesive enough to carry itself. The cast is interesting and there is interest in the context, just weakness in development that shows through.

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* Review * ROCKED by Gillian Archer

September 30, 2023 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Rocked by Gillian Archer
Series: Tin Gods Rock Stars #1
on October 12, 2023
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What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. Not when you marry a rock star.

Shay
Las Vegas was a terrible idea. Why can't I say no to my family? After a night out with my awful cousin for her bachelorette party, I wake up naked in a strange bed surrounded by scrawled notebook pages. Turns out I’d married a rock star last night. How am I ever going to explain this to my religious parents?

Chase
I went to Vegas to get married, only she married someone else, so why shouldn’t I do the same? It’s the best way to stop public speculation about the marriage-that-wasn’t. But even better, something about Shay has flipped a switch inside me—suddenly I can write music again. Only my new little wifey isn’t thrilled about our marriage.

She says drunken mistake. I say best night ever. Of course I'm right. And I'll use everything I've got to convince her.

Attention grabbing and highly addictive! Gillian Archer delivers on the rocker lifestyle with the kickoff to her brand new Tin Gods Rock Stars series and the introduction of an almost unredeemable lead singer with the world at his fingertips. Chase is complex because in one aspect he’s kind and sincere and in another he’s selfish and unseeing. I was invested in the story quickly and am looking forward to more to come from these guys for sure!

Shay was my favorite! Yes, she’s naive and almost too kind for her own good, but she’s such a sweetheart and just has a goodness to her that makes you want to be her best friend and give her a hug. I really enjoyed seeing her find something she loved in life and be treasured as she deserved.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a sullied rockstar falling hard for that forever love just when he least expects it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * PROVING COLTON’S INNOCENCE by Lara Lacombe

September 30, 2023 Leave a Comment
Proving Colton's Innocence by Lara Lacombe
Series: The Coltons of Grave Gulch #12
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on December 28, 2021
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A battle for justice

pits brother against brother

Bounty hunter Baldwin Bowe works in the shadows, finding fugitives no one else can. But now he’s hired to bring in his own sibling and help prove the innocence of CSI Jillian Colton. Baldwin sticks by her side, aiming to lure in his criminal brother and exonerate Jillian. Yet as danger escalates, Baldwin never expected to fall for the woman by his side…

Highly addictive and fast paced! The final book in the Colton’s of Grove Gulch series ties up some lose ends and takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of tracking down the final bad guy as he strikes out against the beloved Colton family once again. The intrigue starts from the very first page and quickly had me hooked on what was to come. Jillian and Baldwin shared an emotional connection that carried the romance aspect into a gentle comfort as danger circles before rearing it’s ugly head right when they least expect it.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys fast paced danger with a touch of romance and heartfelt connections throughout.

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* Review * SECOND ACT by Danielle Steel

September 30, 2023 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Second Act by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on October 3, 2023
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As the head of a prestigious movie studio for nearly two decades, Andy Westfield has had every conceivable professional luxury: a stunning office on the forty-fourth floor, a loyal assistant who can all but read his mind, access to a private jet and company cars. The son of Hollywood royalty, Andy always put his career before his marriage, and now, besides his daughter and young grandchildren, it’s the only thing he truly loves.

But then Andy’s world is upended. The studio is sold, and the buyer’s son demands the top seat. Out of a job and humiliated, Andy spirals. When his head clears, he decides to get as far away from Los Angeles as possible until the dust settles and he can find a new way forward.

Andy signs a six-month rental agreement for a luxurious home in a tiny, forgotten coastal town two hours from London. When he arrives, he hires a local woman to help get his affairs in order. A former journalist, Violet Smith is at a crossroads as well, and this temporary job is exactly what she needs to tide her over. But when Violet leaves the manuscript of her unfinished novel behind after work one day, Andy lets his curiosity get the best of him and is captivated by a story that begs to be adapted for the big screen. Could this be the miracle they’ve both been looking for?

Steel delights with a fresh concept! It’s not unusual to pick up a Danielle Steel novel and be quickly swept up into the life of the lead character who is overcoming heartache and hardship to move forward after some sort of turmoil, but it is a little more unusual for it to be a male lead taking center stage and I have to say I loved every minute of watching Andy’s resurrection! Very relatable characters will have you hooked quickly and a fulfilling plot filled with unexpected twists will leave you satisfied. Really enjoyed his Second Act!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an intensely character driven plot of losing oneself and having to reinvent what marks your measure of success after upheaval.

Filed Under: Book Reviews