* Review * THE GIRL WHO SURVIVED by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE GIRL WHO SURVIVED by Nichole SevernThe Girl Who Survived by Nichole Severn
Series: Leigh Brody FBI Mystery #1
Published by Storm Publishing on May 6, 2024
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five-stars

Leigh Brody returns to her hometown after a body is found, marked with her name. Will it give her the chance to solve a mystery that has shadowed her life for years?

It’s been twenty years since Leigh found the murdered body of her twelve-year-old brother, Troy. Her father was arrested for the crime, but she never accepted that he did it. Her hunt for the real killer almost cost her everything…

Now working for the FBI, Leigh is called back to New Hampshire when a series of copycat crimes are committed. Only the killer has left a very specific calling card, a plastic army figurine, the same as the one she found on Troy’s body, and carved into its base: Leigh’s name.

This case is as personal as it gets, and this time, Leigh is determined to make the right person pay. But when another child goes missing, can she dig deep into her past to find the clue she missed years ago, and put a monster behind bars for good?

 

Dark, twisted and so addictive! Nichole Severn is shining like never before as she brings FBI Agent Leigh Brody to life on the pages of The Girl Who Survived. I was quickly hooked on what was happening from the very start and once we began to gather the backstory and meet Leigh firsthand, the plot only continued to thicken and delight. There are many twists and turns that will keep you reading as one aspect of the story may get a resolution as another unexpected demon jumps out of the woodwork. The angst is high, the connectability to the main character is easy and the emotions feel spot on. I really enjoyed every minute of this book and hope to see Leigh again with more drama to hook me! What an unexpected ending!

five-stars

* Review * DAMAGED KINGDOM by MJ Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DAMAGED KINGDOM by MJ CrouchDamaged Kingdom by MJ Crouch
Series: Gilded Empire #2
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on May 3, 2024
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four-stars

Mari Marcosa always knew she would die young, so being left to bleed out on a warehouse floor is no shock to her.

But as the blood seeps from her body, her thoughts aren’t of the Marcosa empire she's ruled for years, or the city she's given everything to protect.

It's on the three men who’ve stood by her side:
Greyson: her soul, her foundation. So hard and reserved, showing emotion only to Mari.

Dominic: her heart, her first love. He’s a dreamer but can wreck her in the best ways possible.

Nate: her comfort, her peace. He soothes and calms Mari even though she's only known him a short time.

Her enemies have done their best to destroy her, and now it’s up to her men to piece her back together.

They will do anything to make that happen. But they can’t protect her from the threat none of them ever saw coming...

•••••

Author’s note: Damaged Kingdom is the second book in the Gilded Empire series which should be read in order. This is a "Why Choose?" romance with violence, dark themes, and ruthlessly possessive—and protective—men.

 

Explosive secrets are unraveling! DAMAGED KINGDOM is the second book in MJ Crouch’s Gilded Empire series and is NOT a stand-alone read and ends on a cliffhanger. The characters all endeared themselves to this reader in the first book in the series, so it was easy to pick up this one and continue on with what we knew about their lives and the danger surrounding them. The angst and drama is top notch, but I felt like this one drug a bit in character connection. I liked them already, but there wasn’t a lot of depth coming out that was new or unique to keep me hanging on with baited breath to see what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the read and think the storyline has big potential, this one was just a bit slow and unfulfilling for me. I’m looking forward to the fireworks that are about to explode when book three gets here after this cliffhanger though!

I recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a reverse harem, why-choose mafia storyline. Dark romance and hidden secrets. This series must be read in order and each book ends on a cliffhanger.

four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * CRAVE by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CRAVE by Chelle BlissCrave by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked Sinners Prequel Novella
Published by Bliss Ink on May 2, 2024
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five-stars

Tate Gallo had a type – emotionally unavailable bikers who were more feral than serious relationship material.

The day she turned thirty, she decided to make a change: No more biker boys. She deserved more. She wanted to be someone’s world.

But then he stumbled in bloodied, bruised, and in need of help. One look into his dark eyes, and Tate realized her life would never be the same again.

She wouldn’t fall for him.
She couldn’t, not for her heart’s sake.
But one kiss never hurt anyone…right?

But with one taste of his lips and touch of his hand, Tate knew she couldn’t escape his pull forever.

 

Hooked from page one! Chelle Bliss is kicking off a new Men of Inked Sinners series with a starter novella to hook us in with Tate Gallo playing the heroine to her sexy, single-dad hero Wylder. If you haven’t read Cinder from the Men of Inked: Heatwave series, I highly recommend you run and catch up on that one while we wait on more of Tate and Wylder’s story to come because a good bit of her back story is explained in Cinder when she visits her fam with some drama. I really enjoyed every minute with Tate and Wylder and their families and can’t wait for the series to fully kick off with the rest of their story! Angst, drama and emotion filled!

I highly recommend this short dip into Tate and Wylder’s story and the introduction to the new Men of Inked Sinners series!

 

 

 

 

Crave by Chelle Bliss is now live! 

Tate Gallo had a type – emotionally unavailable bikers who were more feral than serious relationship material.

The day she turned thirty, she decided to make a change: No more biker boys. She deserved more. She wanted to be someone’s world.

But then he stumbled in bloodied, bruised, and in need of help. One look into his dark eyes, and Tate realized her life would never be the same again.

She wouldn’t fall for him.
She couldn’t, not for her heart’s sake.
But one kiss never hurt anyone…right?

But with one taste of his lips and touch of his hand, Tate knew she couldn’t escape his pull forever.

 

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

Amazon: https://geni.us/crave-zon
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3SoaM4q
Nook: https://geni.us/crave-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/crave-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/crave-gp

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uL5h77

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 G
oodreads:
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/

five-stars

* Review * PERMANENTLY PUCKED by Emma Foxx

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PERMANENTLY PUCKED by Emma FoxxPermanently Pucked by Emma Foxx
Series: Chicago Racketeers #4
Published by Blake Wilder Books, LLC on May 3, 2024
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four-half-stars

I don’t do casual hookups. Never have. Not even with the three supposed-to-be one-night stands I had six months ago.

They all turned into the loves of my life.

But now I know exactly what to do with the three hot guys I met at that serendipitous hockey game.

Love them.

Forever.

At least that’s the plan.

(Okay, yes, there’s still a lot of headboard-banging nights--and days--happening around here too.)

Our house is truly a home, the naked-times are better than any dirty romance I’ve ever read…or written…and our relationship is rock solid.

At least, I’m pretty sure it is.

As long as we can take our foursome to four plus a bundle of joy without any of my guys deciding that our unconventional approach to family is just a little more than he bargained for.

Permanently Pucked is the fourth and final installment in Dani, Nathan, Michael, and Crew's romance! The books do need to be read in order. Enjoy Puck One Night Stands first to start this sexy, fun full story!

 

Cookie & Co. always deliver the erotic goods OH so well! The final book in the Chicago Racketeers mini-series revolving around Dani, Nathan, Michael and Crew is such a delightful read! You really have to read this series in order to get the full gist of their relationship, but each book delivers love, humor, drama and seriously yummy sexy times. With this final chapter, we get to see the gang growing up and settling into forever. There were a few places that were glossed over when I would to have loved to have seen the emotional drama as they played out (ex: DNA) and I would have loved to have had a chapter devoted to each Daddy as they each got wrapped around the finger of their newest family member … but overall, a really great wrap up for this little family. I loved every minute of their time together!

I highly recommend this series as a whole to anyone who enjoys steamy sex, poly relationships and really down-to-earth characters who steal the show with every turning page. Must be read in order for full appreciation!

four-half-stars

* Review * THE RIVAL by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RIVAL by Maisey YatesThe Rival by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #7
Published by Canary Street Press on April 23, 2024
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four-half-stars

This rugged cowboy has always been content going it alone…until he finally meets his match!

Cowboy Levi Granger is his own man. He’s proud of his ranch, and he’s proud of the siblings he brought up after the devastating loss of their parents. The only thing he’s not proud of is the way the Sullivan family took advantage of him when he was struggling the most. So when pretty Quinn Sullivan comes looking to access his land for a business venture, the kick of attraction is as shocking as it is unwelcome!

Book-smart Quinn can more than hold her own when it comes to arrogant cowboys. But there’s something about Levi that gets under her skin. Maybe it’s his ease around the ranch or his smoldering good looks—or maybe it’s the way he stares at her like he hates her but maybe also wants to kiss her. Quinn isn’t one to back down easily, but not falling for the frustratingly handsome cowboy is proving to be the biggest challenge she’s ever faced…

 

Small town, angsty goodness! With the next book in her always entertaining Four Corners Ranch series Maisey Yates is bringing us Quinn Sullivan’s story and pairing her up with Levi Granger. Tempers are quick to flare as these enemies quickly move towards becoming lovers instead. The drama is appealing and both main characters were well developed. I really enjoyed Levi and watching him take known-it-all Quinn down a peg to a more likable person.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sexy, small-town cowboy and watching him fall for his forever love while being surrounded by work, family and friends.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * MOMENTS FOR YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * MOMENTS FOR YOU by Carrie Ann RyanMoments for You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #7
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on April 22, 2024
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four-half-stars

A wedding dress is meant to be worn only once.
When a stranger finds herself in need of a miracle at the last minute, I do the unthinkable: I offer mine to her.
The same one I wore down the aisle for my late husband.
Now I’m invited to the wedding and finding myself wondering why I shut myself away from the world for so long.
I’m only meant to be at the Wilder Retreat for a single day except I go home with not only a job offer, but the promise of something more.
Ridge Wilder is hiding secrets of his own. And the undeniable chemistry between us burns before we even contemplate taking that first step.
Only I’ve already had my happy ever after. I never planned on finding another.
And Ridge is even far more broken than I am—with a past that might come back to haunt us both.

  Emotionally riveting and heartfelt passion! I’m so happy that Carrie Ann Ryan is continuing her Wilder Brothers series with the newly mentioned cousins and Ridge being the first to step forward with his story did NOT disappoint! We are quickly thrust into emotions as we learn both Ridge and Aurora’s painfilled backstories and it doesn’t take either of them long to endear themselves to the reader. I love the background of knowing all of the cousins and all of their families to keep a common thread and familiarity for us, but learning the down low of all of this new branch is going to be fun. I wanted a little more of Ridge and Aurora because they didn’t feel quite as cemented into their happily ever after as I might have liked by the end of the book, but I look forward to watching them continue to connect and grow in his siblings stories. I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a family centric background to each sibling finding their forever love after an angsty leadup to happily ever after.      

 

 

 

Two widows. One wedding dress. And a promise of forever in the next installment of the Wilder Brothers.

Moments for You, an all-new second chance, small town romance from New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan is now available!

A wedding dress is meant to be worn only once.

When a stranger finds herself in need of a miracle at the last minute, I do the unthinkable: I offer mine to her.

The same one I wore down the aisle for my late husband.

Now I’m invited to the wedding and finding myself wondering why I shut myself away from the world for so long.

I’m only meant to be at the Wilder Retreat for a single day except I go home with not only a job offer, but the promise of something more.

Ridge Wilder is hiding secrets of his own. And the undeniable chemistry between us burns before we even contemplate taking that first step.

Only I’ve already had my happy ever after. I never planned on finding another.

And Ridge is even far more broken than I am—with a past that might come back to haunt us both.

Moments for You is now available on ALL retailers in eBook, Paperback, Special Edition paperback, and audio with Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Brentmoor. It’s also on Kobo Plus and Libraries for those who love subscriptions! https://geni.us/MomentsYouChoice

Keep reading for a look inside Moments For You!

Something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye, and I turned to see the man I met the day before, Ridge. He was on the security team, and a Wilder if I remembered correctly. And the way he had stared at me made my stomach clench.

Not in a scary way, or perhaps that was a lie. Because something scared me.

I hadn’t felt that rush in so long that I had forgotten what it was.

Because that man, even with his harsh angles and growls, was beautiful. Those piercing eyes, that strong jaw. And those muscles? I hadn’t thought of muscles like that in a very long time.

I was a single woman after all, which was a very weird thing to think. There was nothing holding me back. Except perhaps today of all days wasn’t the time to think of it.

But when would the time be right?

He met my gaze and nodded but didn’t smile. He just turned and went back to whatever his job was for the day, leaving me feeling slightly bereft.

What was wrong with me?

Music began to play, and I sat back in the bench as the ceremony began.

A little girl with a beautiful lacy pink dress skipped down the aisle, making everyone laugh as she tossed petals into the air and twirled like she was a ballerina. Then she set the basket down and proceeded to do somersaults to the end.

A smile broke on my face, pushing through any nerves, and I laughed along with the others, shaking my head as the harried mother came back to pick up her daughter, as well as the basket.

The little girl waved at everyone over her mom’s shoulder, and I waved back, feeling lighter than I had in years.

The little boy was next with his ring pillow and was very serious. Left together. Right together. Left together. Right together.

I hadn’t even realized he was saying that aloud until people were laughing again, and I knew this wedding was going to be full of laughter.

The bridesmaids followed, meeting up with their escorts at the end as they helped them onto the stage. When the groom’s eyes widened and a single tear fell down his cheek, I turned with the others, my breath catching.

There was Augusta, her eyes bright and wide and a smile so radiant on her face that she looked as if she were a goddess, coming to grace us with her presence and gift us with joy and love and happiness.

And her dress.

It was hers now. It wasn’t mine. I still felt a kick in the gut that reminded me of the promise I had made to William. A promise we had kept but fate had broken. I would love William until my dying days, but as my dress became hers and she walked down the aisle, I knew that this was me saying goodbye to what was and what could have been.

It was time to make new promises, it was time to breathe again.

I let my tears freely fall as I watched a woman who, just days ago, had been consumed by panic and loss, marry the man of her dreams in a dress that reflected promises and memories.

And as they said their I do’s, I wiped tears from my face and looked to the left again and met Ridge’s gaze. He studied my face as everyone cheered and clapped. I nodded back, telling him that I was okay.

Because okay can mean a lot of things.

Today wasn’t about me or my memories. Today was about the future.

And it was time to make that happen.

For more information about Carrie Ann Ryan and her books, visit her website:

https://carrieannryan.com

four-half-stars

* Review * ONE SWEET SOUTHERN SUMMER by Janice Maynard

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE SWEET SOUTHERN SUMMER by Janice MaynardOne Sweet Southern Summer by Janice Maynard
Series: Blossom Branch
Published by Canary Street Press on April 23, 2024
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five-stars




Two lives spent searching. One summer to never forget.

Life in Blossom Branch hasn’t always been sweet for Leah Marks. Growing up in the shadow of her overachieving siblings, the shy psychology grad has struggled to find her own place in the world. So when she inherits a long-forgotten summer camp, Leah sees an opportunity to help other kids who are struggling—and maybe find happiness for herself.

Her plan takes an unexpected turn, however, after a scorching encounter with the local fire chief, Lucas Carter. He’s brave, he’s kind…and he’s not quite ready to settle down. Leah is drawn to the rugged firefighter—but she fears she’ll be burned if she gets too close.

Still, Leah and Lucas can’t help but fall harder for each other, until the ill-fated uncertainty of their future can no longer be ignored. As another sizzling summer unfolds in Blossom Branch, will they both finally find the home—and the love—they’ve been searching for?

 

Every return to Blossom Branch is heartwarming! Janice Maynard weaves sweet and sinful together beautifully! Leah is on a mission and she happens upon Lucas in an unsuspecting way and they end up being such a satisfying combination! She’s sweet and innocent, he’s wickedly sexy … and together they make the pages fly by with delight! I loved every minute of their story and can’t wait for a return trip to Blossom Branch.

I highly recommend this emotional journey that is equal parts sweet and sassy and sexy temptation to anyone who enjoys a small town romance with lots of angst.

five-stars

* Review * THE TYCOON’S DIAMOND DEMAND by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TYCOON’S DIAMOND DEMAND by Joss WoodThe Tycoon's Diamond Demand by Joss Wood
Series: A Diamond in the Rough #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 23, 2024
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four-stars




Revenge is all he can think about…until he’s face-to-face with the only woman he’s ever desired!

His revenge will only be complete…
when she’s wearing his diamond!

Self-made CEO Jens Nilson has spent the past decade trying to even the score against the woman who jilted him and her father, who almost destroyed him. The best way to do that? Demand Maja Hagen marry him—and leave her at the altar.

After Maja fled their elopement, she built herself a new life away from her father’s tyranny. She won’t let Jens jeopardize that, even if it means accepting his proposal! But their rekindled desire is already threatening to incinerate her every defense against him…

 

Riveting story of blackmail and revenge! Joss Wood is bringing the third installment of the A Diamond in the Rough series in The Tycoon’s Diamond Demand. I haven’t read the previous books in the series, so maybe that’s why this one didn’t hold my attention quite as much as this author usually would, but it was still a satisfying read with lots of drama.

Jensen is set on revenge, but when he learns the backstory that made Maja leave him, he starts second guessing his hatred.

Maja is strong and capable as she proved when she set out to reinvent herself. She yearns for what she lost, but she can’t give up her newfound self to achieve it.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good revenge story with a touch of a marriage of convenience.

four-stars

* Review * SLOW MOTION by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SLOW MOTION by Kat MizeraSlow Motion by Kat Mizera
Series: Rock Hard Novella
on April 23, 2024
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three-half-stars




This story was previously published in the Fight Like A Girl anthology, which is no longer available.

Whoever said love is the answer… obviously didn’t ask the right questions.

I’ve loved Noah for a long time, but I can’t compete with his addiction, especially while he’s a roadie for a touring rock band.

Being with him is so much harder than I thought it would be, but I don’t know if I’m ready to give up on him.

An unplanned pregnancy leaves us teetering on the edge.

It’ll either pull us together or tear us apart.

 

Short jump back into Kat Mizera’s Rock Hard world! Roadie Noah is living on the run as his touring schedule keeps him hopping and way too far away from his pregnant love Kiki. This super short novella is about them trying to make it work. I like them a lot, but there’s no time in this short story for any development at all, so I just needed more. Meh.

three-half-stars

* Review * FALLING FOR THE TRAUMA DOC by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FALLING FOR THE TRAUMA DOC by Susan CarlisleFalling for the Trauma Doc by Susan Carlisle
Series: Kentucky Derby Medics
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on April 23, 2024
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four-stars




THE MAN SHE SHOULDN’T FALL FOR!

Callee needs to move on from a huge loss, and the way to do that is to armor plate her heart. So when trauma doc Langston arrives at her clinic to temporarily conduct research, she knows she’s in trouble. Not only is he helpful with patients, but their chemistry is electric! Is Langston the guy to take a leap with, when he isn’t planning to stick around?

 

Emotional and endearing! Susan Carlisle is kicking off a new Kentucky Derby Medics series with Falling for the Trauma Doc. I liked both Callee and Langston and their backstories were intriguing, but the story drug a bit more for me than normal for this author. The setting was very interesting because of the popular race track, etc. I liked them as a whole, I just wanted a little more oomph.

four-stars