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BOOK REVIEW: The Pawn and The Knight by Skye Warren

Yes, I’ve been reading a lot of romances across many sub-genres …I guess that’s just the mood I’ve been in lately. But this one kind of stretches across suspense, and a little bit of psychological thriller.

These first two books of a trilogy are steamy and a little haunting. Avery grew up privileged and had everything set in place for her future until her father ruined it all. With nowhere else to turn, she makes a deal with disreputable figures Damon Scott and (by extension) Gabriel Miller.

What follows is the unraveling of half-truths and lies, family secrets, and…oh yeah…a whole lot of highly sensual tension. Gabriel and Avery maneuver each other (and are themselves moved) like chess pieces – which, honestly is the whole point, right down to the titles of the books. But the plotting is done masterfully, as I felt that even as a reader I was being manipulated just like they were (and that wasn’t a bad thing).

Avery is also very interested in mythology, and the author deftly weaves those themes into her novel, particularly the stories of the Minotaur and Helen of Troy.

I know I am forgetting to mention what else I liked about the books, but really, just go see for yourself. And pick up the third one while you are at it, so you aren’t left on a cliffhanger like I was! My Goodreads review follows.

The Pawn and the KnightThe Pawn and the Knight by Skye Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t even know where to start with this pair of books. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The base premise has been done before (auctioning virginity for money save the family home), but this story is so much more than that. Gabriel Miller is the type of character I love to find in a book. He is enigmatic, dangerous, and sensual. Avery is naïve but smart, which automatically makes her better than many other heroines in this type of novel. I particularly liked the references to mythology throughout the two books. The influence of chess in the story was fascinating to me. Not only does Avery realize that everything that happens to her is like a chess game, but the secrets and lies that are unraveled also move the larger story like a chess game. My only disappointment was that it was only two books of a trilogy, and I was left hanging (of course, I went and got the third so I can see how it all ends). This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.

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COVER REVEAL: Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy C. Cherry

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Eleanor & Grey, an all-new beautiful and emotional standalone from Brittainy C. Cherry is coming April 8th and we have the gorgeous cover for you!

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Greyson East left his mark on me.

As the young girl who first fell for him, I didn’t know much about life. I did know about his smiles, though, and his laughs, and the strange way my stomach flipped when he was near.

Life was perfect…until it wasn’t, and when we were forced to go our separate ways, I held on to our memories, let go of my first crush, and wished for the day I’d find him again.

When my wish came true, it was nothing like I imagined.

I couldn’t have known when I took the nanny position that it would be his children I looked after, that my new boss would be that boy I used to know, that boy who was now a man—a cold, lonely, detached man.

The smile and laugh I had loved so much were gone, now distant memories. Every part of him was covered in a fresh pain.

When he realized who I was, he made me promise to do my job and my job only.

He made me promise not to try to get to know him, not to recall the memories I’d treasured all this time.

But, sometimes, I saw the boy I’d once known in his stormy eyes. I saw the Greyson who smiled and laughed, who had stolen a young girl’s heart, and there was no doubt in my mind that this boy was worth fighting for.

I was given a second chance with the one who’d left his mark on me. All I hoped was that somehow I’d leave a mark on his soul, too.

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2SYJ3dH

Cover Designer: Hang Le

Photographer: Rafa G Cátala

About Brittainy:

Author Brittainy C. Cherry is an Amazon #1 bestselling author. She has been in love with words since the day she took her first breath. She graduated from Carroll University with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Creative Writing. Her novels have been published in 18+ countries around the world. Brittainy lives in Brookfield, Wisconsin with her fur babies.

Connect with Brittainy:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Fc8izo

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2Oe1m8V

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Fltnc1

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Fk2jKg

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ThAciJ

Join Brittainy’s Golden Girls (And Boys) Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2Y4WEir

Stay up to date with Brittainy by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2oK1voU

https://bcherrybooks.com

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COVER REVEAL: Heartthrob by Robin Bielman

This one won’t be released until May, but what a great teaser for baseball season!

Heartthrob - CR Banner

He likes a challenge…

Heartthrob, the first steamy standalone in the American Royalty Series from USA Today bestselling author Robin Bielman, is coming May 7th and we have the hot cover for you!

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Here’s the deal: I’m the best center fielder in the major leagues. I’m also the guy who cost his team the championship game and acted very unsportsmanlike. So, when the team hires a social media manager to repair the damage to my reputation, I don’t argue. But then I meet Chloe Conrad, and I suddenly understand what people mean when they say they have an instant connection to someone. Which means I’m in serious trouble. Chloe’s a smart, sexy distraction I can’t afford, but one date can’t hurt, right? Only she turns me down. And just like that, it’s game on.

She’s sworn off love…

Finn Auprince is the hottest player in the major leagues. Look up “It Factor” in the dictionary and there’s his handsome face. He’s also my biggest client and I don’t care how easy it is to talk to him or how fun it is to manage his social media accounts, I will not give in to his charms. Then one drunken night, I tell him about my curse: all my previous boyfriends have found their soul mates while dating me. One more heartbreak, and I’ll never recover. But Finn doesn’t believe in curses—he believes in me. Professionally and personally. He sets out to prove the universe isn’t against me, and that his one true love isn’t waiting around the next corner.

The problem is…can we play the game of love and both come out on top?

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Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2u5ZNRz

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2tYDQn7

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Heartthrob

Nook: http://bit.ly/2ST678S

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2SVkxW9

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2VPvytT

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2BRULMH

About Robin Bielman

Robin Bielman is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, frequent coffee shops, and spend time with her husband and two sons. Her fondness for swoon-worthy heroes who flirt and stumble upon the girl they can’t live without jumpstarts most of her story ideas. She writes with a steady stream of caffeine nearby and the best dog on the planet, Harry, by her side. She also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. She dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch at all of her social media spots! RobinBielman

Connect with Robin

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2HoeJSN

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2CggPAS

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2NUXRnI

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2XPxMez

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2HmiJ6i

Stay up to date with Robin by joining her mailing list:

https://robinbielman.com

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NEW RELEASE: Bitter Rival by J. Sterling

Yup, I’ve been a busy reading bee lately! I really enjoyed this fun, quick read.

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James Russo is enemy #1.

Hating him is in my blood.

Bitter Rival, an all-new forbidden romance from New York Times bestselling author J. Sterling, is available now!

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Our families have been at war for generations; a bitter rivalry with no end in sight. All I’ve ever wanted to do was make wine, but one night with James will cost me everything.

I shouldn’t be attracted to him… but I am.

I definitely shouldn’t want to sleep with him… but I do.

Is following my heart worth the risk of losing my vineyard and my legacy?

Because in my family, there could be no greater betrayal than sleeping with the enemy.

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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TnuNqe

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BitterRival

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2EAJIcF

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About J. Sterling

My goal is to write books that you can get lost in and stories that will leave you with a smile and a full heart. If you can forget about the real world while you’re reading and fall in love with my characters, then I’ve done my job. A lot of what I write has real life aspects in it, but that’s what makes the stories so relatable- the fact that they could happen to anyone… and have! I live in California with my son, Blake. If you can’t find me sitting behind a computer screen, then there’s a good chance I’m sitting in the bleachers of a baseball stadium watching him play. I love traveling to new places, meeting my readers and spending time with the love of my life, my very own second chance romance, who inspires me daily. I know you have a million books to choose from and I am humbled, grateful and thankful each time you choose to read one of mine, or tell someone else to read them. Thank you. JSterling.jpg

Connect with J. Sterling

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2tHR1J8

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NybVmW

Join J. Sterling’s Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2BUD8M0

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2GOcBnO

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2tH6FEv

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2tDFrPh

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2Xtc53N

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2tDVfkW

Stay up to date with J. Sterling by joining her mailing list today: http://bit.ly/2BUCzSo

https://www.j-sterling.com

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NEW RELEASE: Turning the Tide by Phoebe Alexander

It’s been, what, a couple of days since a new release? You are going to want to see this one, especially after you read my review.



Presents : New Release

Turning the Tide
by Phoebe Alexander


Series: Eastern Shore Swingers; Book 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Romantic Suspense



Just when you’re about to give up … the tide can turn when you least expect it.

Luke Cannon was trapped between a rock and a hard place while the incoming tide threatened to drown him. With every year that passed, his hope of meeting his very basic human need for intimacy grew fainter and fainter.

Until he met her.

She was everything his wife was not. Giving. Caring. Independent. Sexy. Fun! All things he had convinced himself he didn’t deserve.

But love? He could never be worthy of that. He would settle for a touch. A kiss. Hell, a hug would be better than nothing.

He never expected the tide could actually turn.

And neither did she.






There’s a secret club in Ocean City, Maryland, where swingers from all over the mid-Atlantic converge every weekend to frolic and play in its many themed rooms. Welcome to the Factory, where in the midst of all the fun, there’s always a romance blossoming, sometimes where you least expect it.

Books of the Eastern Shore Swingers Series (Each features a HEA and they can be read in any order):

Book 1: Fisher of Men (Cap and Leah)
Book 2: The Catch (Calvin and Paisley)
Book 3: Siren Call ( Jessie and Sirena)
Book 4: Sailors Knot (Casey, Gabriel and Joshua)
Book 5: Turning the Tide ( Luke and Connie)


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Look at that silver fox….you are gonna love him!

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BOOK REVIEW: Turning the Tide by Phoebe Alexander

If you have read any of my reviews, you know that I am not a fan of coming into the middle of a series, so I love it when I find an author who can write a story that reads well as a stand-alone, but has enough detail that I want to find the previous books. This is one of those cases.

“Turning the Tide” is actually the fifth book in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. It focuses on Luke, an ENT doctor with an absolute shrew of a wife, and Connie, a recent transplant from California. Connie is the sister of Casey (who I gather might be the focus of an earlier story). They meet at “The Factory,” a club for alternative lifestyles.

But this book is much more than another BDSM/swinger novel. Sure there are scenes (and they’re pretty hot) and the romance grows as the two find their way to acknowledge their true natures. But there is also a great subplot involving Luke’s wife that builds throughout the story, culminating in some pretty awesome scenes.

Ultimately the story belongs to Luke and Connie, and it is absolutely fantastic that they are older (40s and 50s). It’s about time that somebody acknowledged and wrote about something other than doe eyed 20 year olds being shocked at a new lifestyle. I loved that these were two mature people who had been around the block and were ready to embrace their new lifestyle. More of this please!

I will definitely be going back and reading the first four in this series, and I look forward to any future books from this author as well. My Goodreads review is below.

Turning the Tide (Eastern Shore Swingers Book 5)Turning the Tide by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really, really enjoyed this book. The romance between two older people who have seen a lot of life was a very refreshing break from the usual 20-something year-olds who pledge undying love in romances. Both Luke and Connie knew what they wanted and didn’t stand for games. The suspense part of the plot was well thought out and gave depth to Luke’s decisions. The man was certainly justified in his actions – it’s been a while since I found a character as loathsome as his wife. I especially liked how the author didn’t rely on the draw of the lifestyle to determine the arc of the story. The scenes of the lifestyle were interwoven seamlessly with the suspense plot, and I appreciated that the author presented the characters as normal, every-day people instead of focusing on the darker side like many other novels. This was the fifth in a series, but the first one that I have read. I liked the style of writing and the characters enough to go find the first four in the series. I definitely recommend this book. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.

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SALE BLITZ: Last Words by Colleen Green

Here is the first in a series for only 99 cents! Hop over and check out my review as well.



Presents : Sale Blitz

Last Words
by Colleen Green


Series: The Amber Milstone; Book 1

Genre: Romance / Suspense


Amber Milestone loves her job as a chef at Hale’s View, an upscale restaurant next to Hale Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. She works with her stepfather, who is a partner in the business with Mr. Hale. Amber has more than just a business relationship with Mr. Hale’s son, Jack. She is swept away by Jack’s handsome smile and charmed by his romantic side, which has no limitations when it comes to money or connections. Amidst the lush landscape of the vineyards, she finds herself in a world of seduction that blurs the line between true love and raw passion. Amber and Jack’s devotion to each other is tested by the corrupt world of money and power that threatens to destroy everything they have begun to build. Amber’s dreams of owning her own restaurant are within her reach, but everything comes with a price.



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About the Author

Colleen Green graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor Science in Technology. She has written two romance/suspense books in The Amber Milestone Series. She lives in Ohio. She is a member of Wright Writers of Dayton and is the administrator of their Facebook Page and editor of their newsletter. As a speaker, she enjoys inspiring other writers to continue to learn about the craft of creating stories. She loves to write, read, cook, and spend time with Jay, her boyfriend, and Lucas, their rescue dog that is a Great Pyrenees/Alaskan Malamute.


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BOOK REVIEW: Last Words by Colleen Green

Not gonna lie, this book confused the heck out of me. It started interesting, but then took me a few chapters to realize that the author had shifted into the past as the main character reminisced. There wasn’t the usual indication of a time change, just a simple sentence. Eventually the author circled back to where the book started, but it was a really long way to get there.

I honestly did like parts of it. There were events that were interesting, and the restaurant scenes were reminiscent of the cooking shows my family likes to watch. But there was an awful lot that seemed haphazard. The growth of the romance between Amber and Jack seemed forced – it didn’t seem to grow organically at all. I kept feeling like I was supposed to expect something else from Jack because of his actions, so I was really off balance on him. I also thought that the subplot involving the restaurant and Jack’s father was a stab at suspense that wasn’t entirely successful.

This is the first in a series, so I am hopeful that the series improves, and Amber was a heroine that I could root for. I just hope that things get a little more realistic and fleshed out in the long run. My Goodreads review is below.

Last Words: Book One in The Amber Milestone Series

Last Words: Book One in The Amber Milestone Series by Colleen Green
My rating: 2 of 5 stars (It was okay)

I had a difficult time with this book. My family watches a lot of cooking shows, so I liked that the heroine was a chef. I thought that some of the plot points were good and made sense. However, there were a lot of inconsistencies with characters, and other plot points didn’t seem to be fully realized. I thought the subplot with Amber’s niece was unnecessary, and the sister and brother-in-law were distractions. Their attitudes did not make a lot of sense in the bigger picture. Sadly, I also didn’t fully understand the romance angle with Jack. There were too many red herrings to make me believe that they had an undying love. An event near the end was downright outlandish, as were the machinations of another character. This is the first in a series, so I will be interested in seeing where the story goes from here. It was an okay book, but I hope for better from the rest in the series. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.

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COVER REVEAL: Missing in Action by K.L. Donn

Time for another cover reveal!
Presents : Cover Reveal

Missing in Action
by K.L. Donn

Pre-Order Today!
Amazon
US | UK | CA | AU

Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
Series: Task Force 779; Book 1



Ryder Morrison is a man of loyalty. To his country, his family, his team.

After joining the Navy, he was secretly recruited to Task Force 779, a specialized unit that infiltrates dangerous situations when no one else can – or will. As the communications expert, it’s his job to clear the way for a smooth mission. He knows where the enemy is hidden at all times and when his team can enter a zone safely.

When things go wrong and he’s captured, declared dead before a search can truly begin, Ryder knows that when he makes his way home, his life will be different … his way home, his life will be different … better. He’ll live for himself from now on, instead of following where duty takes him. 

Enter his elusive neighbor …
A woman of mystery and fear.

Codie Ray is a woman filled with pain. Afraid of life and locked away.

She counts to soothe the anxiety. She watches her neighbor because he’s her only lifeline to the outside world. He’s a commitment she doesn’t have to worry will break her. Until the unthinkable happens and her solace is intruded upon. Ryder comes to the rescue and barges his way into her life, pushing past her barriers, causing Codie to rethink her reclusive lifestyle. Slowly being tormented with mind games from an unknown predator, she battles her better judgement and trusts Ryder to do what he does best … hunt down the perpetrator.

Their connection is instantaneous. Two broken people yearning to be loved but afraid to reach for it. Codie fears Ryder will leave when he discovers just how damaged she is. Ryder worries Codie will remain locked away in her mind, unable to break free. 

A surprise mission brings both of their fears to life, and when the walls crumble, Ryder is Missing in Action while Codie is just … missing. Will they find each other again or will they disappear, existing only in a memory?

Photographer: Paul Henry Serres
Model: Simon – Instagram
Designer: Sensual Graphic Designs



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BOOK REVIEW: Ruthless Outlaw by Liza Street

I recently read the first in this series, Ruthless Misfit, and really got hooked on the Rock Creek Clan. As I have mentioned, shifter romance is new to me, but I am really getting into it.

This second book in the series picks up right where the first one left off. This time, Erena’s sister Margot is the focus. Margot had a little bit of will they/won’t they with Nolan – even though it was fairly apparent that they won’t. Enter Nolan’s brother Bryce. Bryce is an outlaw, a shifter without a clan, and he has led a nomadic lifestyle with his best friend, Ian. You know who is really meant for each other, but getting there is where the fun is, right?

The continuing threat from the Bitterroot Pack is further explored in this novel, and a new facet to the conflict is introduced. The adventure ramps up a tad, and the book ends with a perfect lead in to the third book.

It’s funny, because readers usually read for the romance when it comes to these types of stories, and the romance is definitely steamy in this one. Can I just say that I know a few people, myself included, who would definitely love to have Margot’s dreams?!? That being said, I found myself more intrigued with the conflict between the RCC and Bitterroots than with the romance itself. I can’t wait to find out what happens with the new information gained by Bryce and Margot.

I highly recommend getting in on this series. It’s well-written, fast-paced, and very interesting. See my Goodreads review below.

Ruthless Outlaw (Fierce Mates: Rock Creek Clan Book 2)

Ruthless Outlaw by Liza Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read the first book in this series, I was very excited to read the second one. The author had left the first one with what wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but the promise of more an intriguing story. She didn’t disappoint. We are back with the Rock Creek Clan, and Ruthless Outlaw is the story of Margot (sister to the first book’s heroine, Erena) and Bryce (brother to Nolan) who is an outlaw; a shifter without a clan. As always, no plot reveals here. But their chemistry is off the charts hot, and let’s just say that most women would probably love to have Margot’s dreams. 😉 The subplot of another clan threatening the RCC’s territory takes more shape. A change in venue for the two of the characters introduces a very interesting new aspect to the challenges facing the RCC. Consider me completely hooked on this series. I can’t wait for the next installment. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release copy.

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