Archives for August 2022

* Review * BRATVA SWEETHEART by Sabine Barclay

August 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BRATVA SWEETHEART by Sabine Barclay

Bratva Sweetheart by Sabine Barclay
Series: The Ivankov Brotherhood #2
Published by Oliver Heber Books on August 9, 2022
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She thought it was only for one night…

I’ve never let anyone into my life.

At least not like her. Not until her.

She sees a side of me that isn’t the bratva monster everyone else believes.

Now that she knows, she’s mine.

Mine to keep and protect. Mine to please. In return, it’s her love I crave. She’s my soulmate.

Every kiss, every touch will take her to her limits, and I’ll be the one to catch her.

Steamy and addictive! The second book in The Ivankov Brotherhood series brings just as much power and intrigue as the first with a sweet, yet sensual as all get out connection between Bogdan and Tina. I really enjoy the core cast in this series and I see potential for greatness as their stories unravel, but I do have to admit to disappointment to a good bit of the same kink from book one to book two and it just felt overdone. I want the steam, the connection, the passionate rawness of them … but I don’t want a repeat book after book of same nicknames, actions and habits. I’m crossing my fingers and planning to go in for book three, but it’s more of the same again I’ll probably admit defeat and look elsewhere.

I recommend this book and the entire series so far to anyone that enjoys a very steamy mafia romance with equal parts raw affection and dangerous liaisons.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIDDEN BONES by Rita Herron

August 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hidden Bones by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #6
Published by Bookouture on August 8, 2022
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The girl trips over branches, losing her footing. The darkness swallows her and she grabs thin air as she falls, her scream piercing the night. When she slams into the bottom of the pit, her heart hammers. She can’t believe what she’s seeing—a pile of perfect white bones…

In the small town of Crooked Creek, where the Appalachian Mountains climb into the clouds, nineteen-year-old Mandy’s Spring Break takes a sinister turn. Detective Ellie Reeves races straight to the scene, driving through the winding roads to the abandoned orphanage.

Ellie saves the teenage girl but discovers human remains that have been there for thirty years, ever since the home for children closed down. Her heart shatters at the thought that they might belong to the helpless orphans.

Working day and night on the case, Ellie searches for the orphanage’s files, but they have been stolen—somebody is clearly trying to cover their tracks. As she interviews the residents of the mountain community, Ellie finds out that almost everyone connected to the children’s home has disappeared.

Then a woman is found dead, her body marked with a strange symbol. When Ellie learns that the victim used to work at the orphanage, it’s clear that a twisted killer is trying to stop the truth coming out.

Ellie vows to solve this case that spans decades and, when her research into the meaning of the symbol leads her to a local business at the heart of recent controversy, she’s on the right track. Can she bring the secrets to light before another innocent person is murdered? And when she gets too close to uncovering the truth, will she survive?

Chilling suspense and drama! With the sixth book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series we join forces with Ellie once again as she tries to figure out the intricate puzzle terrorizing her small town of Crooked Creek, Georgia. I wasn’t quite as entrenched in this story as I have been ones earlier in the series and to be quite honest the cat and mouse unrequited (or is it?) love triangle between Ellie, Cord and Derrick is getting a bit old, but the overall mystery and storytelling was rich in fear. I look forward to more to come in the series to uncover remaining feelings and secrets.

Ellie is a complex character to dig your teeth into. While this book can be a stand alone, you’ll enjoy this series much more if you read along in order and learn all of the groundwork that has been laid earlier on for all of the repeat characters. Enjoy the journey!

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone that enjoys a mystery rich in terror and intrigue with a cast of characters who all have secrets to unravel along the way.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * SCORCH by Chelle Bliss

August 2, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SCORCH by Chelle Bliss

Scorch by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #10
Published by Bliss Ink LLC on August 2, 2022
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After spending years of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Nevin Walsh doesn’t know where he fits in anymore.

But then, his brother’s best friend, Luna Gallo, makes it her personal mission to help him settle back into his newfound freedom. He should say no. Turn her away. But there’s something about the woman who radiates sunshine that makes her impossible to ignore. And the harder he pushes her away, the harder she comes.

And what starts off as an unwanted friendship turns into something he never expects. But can Nevin let go of the hurt from his past to allow himself happiness in his future?

Sexy, sweet and satisfying! With the tenth book in the Men of Inked: Heatwave series, we get to go along for the ride as Luna falls in love. I really loved her and Nevin together, but I felt like there were parts of her back story that were left to go flat instead of being added in to explain her or liven this one up even more. I also needed more angst from him to truly connect with his story. He just went through a decade of despair, yet I only got a small amount of emotion from him about it.

Luna comes across as sweet and settled in this book when she previously was a bit of a wild child. I found her easy to connect with.

Nevin was almost too laid back for the situation he just went through, but I really enjoyed them as a couple.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit family getting all up in each others business as each sibling and cousin finds their happily ever after as the crowd cheers them on.

Scorch by Chelle Bliss is now live!

After spending years of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Nevin Walsh doesn’t know where he fits in anymore. His family has changed, and the world is a very different place.

But then, his brother’s best friend, Luna Gallo, makes it her personal mission to help him settle back into his newfound freedom. He should say no. Turn her away. But there’s something about the woman who radiates sunshine that makes her impossible to ignore. And the harder he pushes her away, the harder she comes. And what starts off as an unwanted friendship turns into something he never expects. But can Nevin let go of the hurt from his past to allow himself happiness in his future?

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

Amazon: https://geni.us/scorch

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3ymedxD

Nook: https://geni.us/scorch-bn

Kobo: https://geni.us/scorch-kobo

Google Play: Coming Soon!

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

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: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE LAST LIE TOLD by Debra Webb

August 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb
Series: Finley O’Sullivan #1
Published by Thomas & Mercer on August 1, 2022
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Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan searches for evidence the police overlooked, wading through secrets, lies, and betrayal to find answers. With the unsolved murder of her husband still very much on her mind, Finley must confront her own personal trauma on a daily basis. Lies are part of her livelihood, but they’re also the reason she can’t get justice for the man she loved.

When a man imprisoned for murder recants his confession, claiming he cleaned up the mess for his girlfriend—the victim’s own daughter—Finley takes on the case. She discovers the victim had identical twin daughters…and the sisters have very different accounts of the crime.

As she dives headlong into the twins’ traumatic past, Finley will have to contend with her own demons to get to the truth—before it’s too late.

High octane suspense! Debra Webb can always be counted on for a suspenseful read and the kick off to her Finley O’Sullivan series was no exception. Tantalizing mystery as the story unravels will keep you turning page after page. There are a lot of characters to keep up with and a bit of sidetracking here and there but overall this really interesting read will have you surprised and in awe in the end.

Finley is an accomplished woman with a lot going for her, but after her world fell out from under her she’s had to pick up the pieces in any way she can to hold onto her sanity and reality. This case turns her topsy turvy yet again as revelations come at her from both sides.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dramatic mystery with secrets on top of secrets that will have you shocked when they are exposed.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * QUARTER TO MIDNIGHT by Karen Rose

August 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose
Series: New Orleans #1
Published by Berkley on August 2, 2022
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Good cops. Bad cops. Only one will win.

After completing her tours with the Marines in Iraq, Molly Sutton knew she could take down any bad guy she met. But when a family tragedy exposes the dark side of her local police, she joined up with her former CO Burke Broussard, who left New Orleans PD to set up a private investigative service for people who couldn’t find justice elsewhere.

Gabe Hebert saw the toll that working for the NOPD took on his dad and decided instead to make a name for himself as one of the best young chefs in the French Quarter. But when his father’s death is ruled a suicide after a deliberately botched investigation by his former captain, Gabe knows his dad stumbled onto a truth that someone wants silenced.

Gabe goes to his father’s best friend, Burke, for help. Burke assigns the toughest member of his team, Molly, to the case. Molly can’t believe she’s being asked to work with the smoking hot chef whose chocolate cake is not the only thing that makes her mouth water. Sparks fly as they follow the leads Gabe’s dad left them, unraveling a web of crimes, corruption, and murder that runs all the way to the top.

This scintillating jump into a world of corruption and greed will have you hooked right off the bat! A brand new series from Karen Rose is always intriguing and this kickoff does not disappoint. In a different style of evil than the serial killers and cults that we’re used to with Rose, we embark on layers of corruption that keep building throughout and delivering an addictive story line that will keep you coming back for more. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Molly Sutton is dedicated and trustworthy and I enjoyed getting her back story and seeing her reconnect with a familiar face to Rose fans. She’s easy to like.

Gabe Hebert is a sincere guy and I felt for him from the start. He wants answers and is willing to question whatever he has to in order to get them. He knows the man he admired and won’t settle for anything diminishing that.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a high level of intrigue with a scandal interwoven and an addictive romance brewing along the way.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BRATVA DARLING by Sabine Barclay

August 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

Bratva Darling by Sabine Barclay
Series: The Ivankov Brotherhood #1
Published by Oliver Heber Books on June 28, 2022
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Goodreads

I wasn’t prepared for her…
She just got me to pay three times as much as I wanted for a company I’ll buy and destroy.

She knows who I am. The bratva doesn’t scare her.

Intelligent, brave, and unstoppable.

I’ll make her mine.

She doesn’t know it yet, but we’re soulmates.

I’ll take her to her limits. Then give her all her heart desires.

Steamy, raw and addictive! The first book in The Ivankov Brotherhood series nabbed my attention quickly and did not disappoint in the drama department. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Laura is full of confidence and sass and doesn’t take any lip off of anyone, so seeing her go head to head with these tough Bratva guys is really satisfying.

Maksim is used to getting things his way … and watching him let this woman go head to head with him is amusing and hot!

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a mafia read with addictive steam and aggressive characters.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE LIES I TOLD by Mary Burton

August 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Lies I Told by Mary Burton
Published by Montlake on August 2, 2022
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Twin sisters Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen when Clare’s body was found in Virginia’s James River. No arrests were made. Fourteen years later, Marisa’s friends and dedicated career as a photographer help her to cope with the open wound of the past. But Marisa still feels the hurt—and the unsolved murder isn’t the only thing haunting her.

A recent car crash has erased ten days of Marisa’s memories—a black hole leading up to the accident that’s left her disoriented. Every text and phone call from that crucial missing time has vanished, along with her phone. A photograph she took of the river has disappeared. A new neighbor Marisa believes she knows introduces himself as if he were a stranger. And there’s the growing fear that her near-fatal accident was no accident at all. As dreams of Clare and nightmares of the crash begin to converge, so do two disturbing puzzles fourteen years apart.

Putting the pieces together could be fatal. As she struggles to remember everything, Marisa closes in on a killer—without realizing that he’s already closed in on her.

This multi-layered tale of deceit will have you intrigued quickly and turning page after page to devour every tidbit. Highly addictive and satisfying!

Marisa Stockton is haunted by the death of her twin sister 14 years ago and after years of self-sabotage is ready to devote her life to finding the answers she has needed all of these years. She’s a complex character with faults galore, but she’s sincere and truly needs closure. I really enjoyed watching her grow and figure out her footing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a mystery filled with compelling characters who lead you down a path you’re not sure is right or not, but it’s easy to believe until the next character takes you down another rabbit hole.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A ROYAL KISS by Jennifer Faye

August 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

It Started with a Royal Kiss by Jennifer Faye
Series: Greek Paradise Escape #2
Published by Harlequin Romance on July 26, 2022
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An extraordinary kiss…

…will transform her ordinary life!

While artist Indigo is painting a formal portrait of Prince Istvan of Rydiania, her buttoned-up emotions are derailed when they share an unexpected kiss! After Istvan’s family ruined her father, Indigo was warned never to trust a Rydianian royal. But even though her head tells her they shouldn’t take this any further, Indigo sees something unique in Istvan. Putting her heart on the line, she knows he’s worth trusting…with her future!

A sweet royal romance! With the second book in the Greek Paradise Escape we get to meet a gentle Prince who falls for an artist with a tie to his country that he knows nothing about. Secrets unravel and attraction grows as this fast paced story unfolds. I really liked them together.

Indigo is sweet and sincere, but she doesn’t admit what her connection is to his country before he begins falling for her.

Prince Istvan wants change for his country, but he’s not sure he can accomplish the goodness that he wants to bestow once he’s in power.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that likes a mild romance with strong characterization and a scenic backdrop as love conquers all.

Filed Under: Book Reviews