Villain (Hero #1.5) by Samantha Young

Nadia Ray is not just a broadcast meteorologist. She’s Boston’s morning television It Girl. Successful and independent, she’s put a past she’s ashamed of behind her and is forging a future she can be proud of. However, when her new boss discovers her secret he blackmails her, intent on using Nadia’s popularity to make them the number one morning show in Massachusetts. He wants her to be part of uncovering the city’s biggest scandal - a secret billionaire Caine Carraway is hiding.

Soon Nadia is thrown into the path of Caine’s best friend: sexy, wealthy bachelor Henry Lexington. But she doesn’t encounter the dashing high society gentleman Henry is purported to be. Instead she’s faced with an insulting and defensive villain who misjudges her at every turn.

When Henry finally realizes the truth, and decides to make amends, Nadia wants nothing to do with him. But she underestimates his determination and charm and soon they find themselves embroiled in an intense, passionate affair.

An affair Nadia knows must come to an end before their feelings grow any deeper and he discovers her secrets.

After all, Henry Lexington isn’t the only one who played the part of a villain once…

A fun novella accompaniment to her novel Hero, Samantha Young’s Villain:  Told in first person from Nadia’s point of view, this is a fast paced, sexy read that has angst, is sexy, funny & witty.  Set in Boston, where the city has a romantic role of its own.  Intriguing twists, both Nadia & Henry have secrets they are protecting.  They share an attraction of “…base need.” “Affection and heat…”– while finding trust & a shared honesty – to something real. “This is happening between us and it’s real.” Family bonds are tested while friendships are made & only grow stronger.  It was nice to read more of Caine & Lexi’s story while Henry & Nadia’s unfolded.

I love how “…funny and down-to-earth. Real.” Nadia is & Henry’s sexy “…primal possessiveness.”  I couldn’t get enough of the push-pull between she & “Henry, when he wasn’t being a villain, was naturally flirtatious and charming.” or the witty banter between these sexy & confident characters.

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Bachelor Contract (The Bachelors of Arizona Book 3) by Rachel Van Dyken

BLURB

She's everywhere.

Ex-wife.

Love of his life.

The last person in the world he wanted to see...ever.

And now that he's working beside her every day, he can't escape her. Her scent, glimpses of her smile, even the tension in the air that makes his body hum with the kind of need he'd only experienced with one person-all of it is driving him over the edge.

Brant Wellington was certain of three things:

Alcohol wasn't going to solve this.

He really was losing his F-ing mind.

And his gorgeous ex-wife was going to be the death of him.

MY REVIEW

 

Told in third person from dual perspectives, The Bachelor Contract is a sexy & surprisingly emotional contemporary romance.  This second chance romance is a steady read, perfect for the hopeless romantic in all of us.  Full of heartfelt strong friendships & family bonds, witty & sarcastic banter.  These characters struggle to overcome gut-wrenching loss, “After, we were nothing, we were too broken, too damaged.” sadness, grief, guilt, broken hearts & “…anger. At her. At himself. At the world.” , to gain real closure & earn back trust.  They must choose to “Be brave.” & fight for peace & love, to “…go after what you want.”  A sexy & often funny, yet emotionally intense story of “…both closure and new beginnings.”

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

The Bed Mate (A Room Mate Novella #3.5) by Kendall Ryan

 

I might be a typical guy, but these last few years, my love life’s been anything but. From crazy ex-girlfriends to one night stands who are stage-five clingers, my relationships go bad faster than the milk in your fridge. The only constant has been my best friend Maggie.

Fresh off a bad breakup of her own, I invite Maggie to my guy’s skiing weekend knowing she needs an escape from reality. But then something funny starts to happen. I start noticing things about her that I never noticed before.

She’s beautiful and doesn’t know it, she’s funny without even trying, and now she’s suddenly single for the first time in forever.

Sharing a hotel room with her proves to be the tipping point in our very platonic friendship. Suddenly I want to put my hands, my mouth, and my ... other parts ... all over her gorgeous body. I want to claim her, make sure no man touches her ever again. But then her groveling ex shows up, and Maggie’s torn.

Am I ready to screw up the best relationship I’ve ever had for a shot at something more?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this perfectly paced novella from Kendall Ryan serves as #3.5 of her Room Mate series, but is a great standalone story.  A sexy “…hot and sweet…” & oh so funny “…after that brother-sister comment? Alcohol was the best idea I’d had all day.” , friends to lovers – opposites attract story. “We were as different as night and day, but for some reason, we clicked and I felt more comfortable around him than pretty much anyone else.”  Maggie is the ever so cautious, practical lover of everything wintertime.  While Sam is her opposite – fun loving, adventure seeking great friend.  They’ve been friends forever & know each other better than anyone else.  It’ obvious to friends to everyone, friends & strangers alike that they should be more. “Like we were fated to be.”  The perfect amount of angst, with a sweet ending that won’t disappoint.

I loved this little novella, perfect for a “…cozy evening by a crackling fire…”.  Couldn’t get enough of the ways these characters paid attention to all the little things & fit so well together, so romantic!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Bodyguar by CD Reiss

 

BLURB

Protecting a celebrity in Hollywood isn’t easy, but protecting Emily could break his heart.

As a world-class dancer at the height of her career, Emily enjoys all the perks of fame—the parties, the glamour, the tours—but they’ve also attracted the attention of a dangerous ex-boyfriend hell-bent on getting her back.

Enter Carter Kincaid, a bodyguard so crushingly sexy he takes her breath away.

Carter’s the best in the business, and Emily is—professionally speaking—off-limits. But when it comes to stirring his desires, she’s making all the right moves. What’s happening between them is so hot it could get both of them burned. As Emily’s past gets closer, Carter is willing to break every rule of the job to save her. But letting Emily into his life also means letting her in on the secrets of his own past. For these two, falling in love could be the greatest risk of all.

 

Told in first person from dual perspectives, The Bodyguard from CD Reiss is a hot contemporary romance with a twist. Emily & her bestie were on their way to stardom when it happens for just one of them, their friendship only gets stronger. Carter is a protector not only professionally, but personally, it is who he is. Both dedicated to their careers as crafts, these characters are brought together by necessity beyond what you expect “I have the best security system money can buy.” “Yeah. And his name is Carter Kincaid.” An instant attraction, “Everything about her made me wild.” That leads to a super-hot passion – “…a whole new level of sexy.” & love “…let yourself fall a little in love. Just a little. See what happens.” Self-doubt, broken trust, surprise treats & secrets are revealed before it’s all said & done.

 

I enjoyed the angst & push-pull between these witty & strong characters. A wonderful twist to the story, the made my heartache.

 

 Another great read from CD Reiss!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK 

 

Eversong (The Kindred Book 1) by Donna Grant

BLURB

To live in the light, they hunt in the dark…

Unparalleled in beauty and daring, Leoma has been raised with a single-minded focus—to wipe out corrupt witches. But when her new target leads her to a discovery that unveils a graver plan from the Coven, she doesn’t hesitate to follow. Yet, she’s not the only one on the hunt. And the sexy, infuriating man who crosses her path could prove to be a distraction—something she’s never encountered before.

Honor and family mean everything to Braith. When his life is turned upside down by the murder of his ward and heir without cause or reason, he has no choice but to turn to vengeance. Until a stunning, dangerous woman continues to thwart his efforts at every turn. Now, he must battle not only his need for revenge but his desire for the female, as well.

MY REVIEW

Eversong is the first book in Donna Grant’s new historical paranormal series, The Kindred.  Told in third person from multiple character points of view to balance story-lines that intertwine.  An action packed tale with more than a few surprises, this is a captivating heroine driven, epic historical paranormal romance, told in a medieval world.  Set in England & Scotland, you’ll encounter witches & magic of good & evil.  “First, you need to understand two truths.  There are witches among us, and magic is real.” Mystical creatures & Celtic & Norse lure & a prophecy or two. The Hunter & the Knight, both courageous & strong, they become “…partners with a common enemy.” working together in the hunt for vengeance, retribution. A romance with a solid connection, which turns hot quickly, “The fire that was between them grew quickly and turning into an inferno, scorching everything around them.”  Desire on a primal level, “…it made him burn with need. It was fiery and brilliant.” Another of the unrequited sort.  

“There was blood, and there was death. There were losers. And there were victors.”

This book left me “Surprised and intrigued.” I’m particularly fond of the Varroki leader story line & am so looking forward to seeing her story continue to unfold… Look for the next Kindred book, Spring 2018

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Constant by Rachel Higginson

 

Blurb

Fifteen years ago I met Sayer Wesley. I fell in love with him. I promised I would never leave him. I swore nothing could break us apart.

Five years ago I broke my promise. I ran away. I took the one secret that could destroy us both and disappeared. 

Five days ago I thought I saw him. 

I knew it was impossible. Sayer was locked away, serving a deserved sentence in federal prison. He couldn’t find me. 

He wouldn’t find me. I was too good at hiding. Too good at surviving. 

Because if Sayer ever found me, there would be hell to pay for a plethora of sins. The worst of which, he didn’t even know about. 

Five hours ago, I told myself I was crazy. 

Five minutes ago, I saw him again. 

Five seconds ago, I was too late. 

 

My Review

“We’ve heard the siren’s song and responded to her deathly lure. We’re not criminals. We’re artists. Con artists.” 

Told in first person, this romantic suspense is a steady read that will keep you guessing.  Taking you from the criminal underbelly of downtown DC to Midwest Colorado with flashbacks throughout that keep the twists coming to the very cliff hanger end.  It has who dun it mystery, light moments of humor & heart stopping ones all wrapped into one.  These characters have the most unconventional pasts, which lead them to go to great lengths in search of a life they can call their own for the future.  “We dreamed of distant places untouched by mafia and career criminals.”  A story of family, loyalty & betrayal.  How family isn’t always blood, “I knew from experience that blood could be bought and loyalty wasn’t an inherited trait.”  An intense second chances love story that is sexy, “…hungry, greedy, possessive.” It’s heartbreakingly intense “And it’s deep and wild and forever.”

I love the unique way these characters were brought together, their survival skills & protective nature.  Caroline is my hero, strong & brave even when she doesn’t believe it herself. Sayer – Oh Sayer – sexy, intense, feral “That’s why I keep kissing you.” love him!  I’m glad Rachel chose to turn this tale into a duet & am so looking forward to book two, Consequence, the conclusion to Sayer & Caroline’s epic love story – coming February 2018.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

 

On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner

BLURB

What makes you happy?

That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.

And then, I got in his car.

It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers.

One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.

Discovering his journal changed everything.

I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.

I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.

Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could. 

MY REVIEW

Told in first person from dual perspectives in a unique way – via journal – with flashbacks along the way. This story is a steady read that you won’t want to put down.  Unexpected twists from the start, I was struck by honesty of difficult struggles & loss that will shred your heart with unexpected hope & strength found where it is lease expected.  A wonderful connection between strangers “He nodded, and though I hadn’t told him anything, he seemed to understand everything I didn’t want to say.” who are the same & so different all at the same time.  Risking it all to get more out of life & overcome loss, these deeply emotional, wild & wise characters are “…passion unleashed.” sexy & loving “It’s almost impossible to find someone who really loves you – the real you – flaws and all.”  From Alabama all the way to the California coast – you’ll experience not just a road trip but an important coming of age journey of self-discovery – healing of mind, body, heart & soul.  Putting the possibilities of coming back from being broken, stepping out of the box, & having faith that they will their place in this world. “You’re not getting kidnapped, you’re getting free ride to a new life.” 

I loved the way Kandi Steiner’s use of imagery makes you see & feel places, to such an extent they themselves are supporting characters.  “The way the sun always manages to come back, no matter how dark the storm, made me happy.”  I was gutted by the battles of depression & appreciated so much the level of honest truth with which this tough subject was written. “You are loved, you are understood, and you are needed.”

“What makes you happy?”

THIS BOOK!!!

“It’s about growing together. Changing. And figuring life out along the way,” 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Wicked Torture (Stark World 3) by J. Kenner

 

   

 

BLURB

Outwardly, Noah Carter is riding high as the tech world’s hottest new genius. Inside, he’s still reeling from the abduction of his wife and baby daughter eight years ago, and then the devastating discovery of his child’s body. For years, he kept up hope that his wife was alive, but now that she’s been declared legally dead, he’s thrown himself even more deeply into his work, cutting himself off from emotional ties because they just hurt too damn much.

Then he meets Kiki Porter, an eternal optimist with a killer work ethic and dreams of fronting a band. And everything changes. Even though he tries his damnedest to fight it…

Sexually, they are combustible together. But their true fire is emotional, though it is a slow to burn. But once it lights, it is all consuming. The relationship grows emotionally, the sex is hot, things are good.

But just when it’s looking like they might have a real future together, the past comes back to haunt them. And Noah’s going to have to decide what he’s willing to give up for love …    

MY REVIEW

Although all of J. Kenner’s Wicked novels can be read as standalone, after reading Wicked Torture, I recommend reading Wicked Dirty beforehand as well.  Not only because you should be reading the entire Stark World Series because if not, you are missing out, but also since it will provide clarity a little sooner if you do.

Wicked Torture, the third in the Stark World Series from J. Kenner.  Featuring Noah, a man who needs “…to slide back into the world.” & Kiki, who has just gotten her life back on track.  An unexpected coincidence brings them together again after almost a decade leading straight to “Desire mixed with anger. Fury bolstered by memory.”

This very, very sexy, second chances romance is told in third person, with a lot of flash-back action throughout.  Moving along at a steady pace, this is a story riddled with – “…deep emotion and strong passion.”, guilt, loss, heartache & self-reflection.  Broken hearts are healed, lovers have moved on, only to be tested with the possibility of another chance at a love – “…a mixture of both longing and regret.”  The search for trust & commitment, to be better than those before, to do the right thing, all put to the ultimate test with a twist to the tale, before all is revealed.  “…where ghosts and fears and everything he thought he’d gotten past were right back beside him again.” 

Though the storyline did not flow as smoothly as I’d have liked, “…it’s on the shiny side of good.”  Noah & Kiki’s story was interesting & I always enjoy the strong friendships & cross over characters from Wicked Grind & Wicked Dirty.

“…we fit. We’ve always fit.” 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

 

 

Prince Roman by CD Reiss

About PRINCE ROMAN:

Rules for my new job: 1) Do not have sex with a man in the office (again). 2) Do not break Rule #1

I’m playing it cool, clean, and professional…until I meet Roman Bianchi. He’s not an insecure nerd or an ego-hole like the other kings of Silicon Valley. He’s charming and handsome. He’s fun, funny, and smart.

He’s also in the office across the hall.

Two broken rules waiting to happen. I can’t lose this job over some guy. But Roman’s not just some guy. Under that suit and cocky smile, he’s a prince.

 

Prince Roman is a sexy romantic novella accompaniment to CD Reiss' King of Code novel.

Raven, is making a fresh start toward stability – “…stock options and a pension.”– Roman, is not what you’d expect in an ace lawyer working to make partner & take the firm to the top.  Trouble is, their jobs are to oversee the implementation of human resources software meant to protect the company from liability resulting from issues such as fraternization… They’re putting the system to a true test in good ole Silicone Valley where “The weather was standard-issue California perfect…”. 

Told in first person, this smart romance is a sexy, funny “If I sit in one more meeting, I’m going to throw my degree in the trash and join the circus.”, sweet, fast read.  Diving right in to fighting mutual attraction, you will love the smart banter between these tech savvy, oh so sexy characters & seriously hot romance “…a subtle sexuality that made me uncomfortable in the most sexy way.”, with a sweet side “I didn’t need to get attached to her, but I hadn’t had a choice either. She was like an orange with a tough, attractive skin. Once peeled, she was soft, sticky, sweet.”  It goes deeper, taking a look at the choices we make when it comes between our biggest aspirations & love. Maybe they are one in the same.

Really enjoyed this smart, sexy & fun – gamer nerd romance!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Darkest Temptation by Rachel Van Dyken

I'm a werewolf King who chose to step down out of grief for my mate.

For centuries I've been alone, choosing to live a life of modesty despite the wealth surrounding me.

I deserve to be punished.

I crave things I have no business craving.

And it is manifesting itself in a way I'm terrified I won't be able to control any longer.

Especially since she arrived.

Vampire. Orphan. Beaten beyond recognition.

My blood calls to her in a way that makes no sense.

I'm a wolf.

She's a vampire.

The two don't mate.

They barely tolerate one another.

All it takes is one slip of control on my part — one taste.

And I doom us all.

Then again, I never knew what is lurking inside has the power to balance good and evil.

Darkest Temptation, a new standalone in The Dark Ones Saga by Rachel Van Dyken is a hit the ground running paranormal romance.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives, including visions & flashbacks, you’ll want to rush through, but will need to take a little time to make sure you can keep track of who’s who in this multi-layered storyline “…of a legend, of love and loss.”

In this sexy & funny at times “Demons, wolves, vampires, angels --- it was a gas, our fun little immortal world.” paranormal romance, Mason is caught between finding his place in this world & fulfilling his destiny to ensure “…his bloodline would rise up and restore what had been broken.” – “to restore the connection between the fallen and the heavenliness…”  To do this he must be strong “And the only way for him to be strong is to make sure he has both bloodlines.” ---he must find another mate.  “Wolves mated for life…” There is instant attraction & an unexplained connection the moment Mason & Serenity meet.  An eternal love, lust-riddled & sexy “He was all predator. And she…she was prey.” These characters discover the truths behind what links them & come together to unravel mysteries they didn’t even realize where there.  And face demons of the internal kind, find their destined places & warring together for the greater good of all kind.

“We all work together for the greater good, and one day, that work will all have been worth it. Because the Wolf is coming—and he will save the world as we know it.”

I enjoyed the sexy & mysterious aspects of this book, I wanted to love it & really liked it.  Going a bit quickly from serious & intense one moment to silly & trivial the next. Ultimately a sexy & intriguing read!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US/UK