Friday, December 20, 2019

Alexei by Brenda Rothert - Cover Reveal

Today we are helping celebrate the cover reveal for ALEXEI by Brenda Rothert. 

This is a contemporary romance, standalone, and it is the fifth title in the Chicago Blaze hockey romance series. 

 It releases on January 28th.

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Follow Brenda's newsletter and join her Facebook group for exclusive details! 


Book Description:

Alexei I guess the party’s over—for now. 
When I wake up in the hospital after a DUI car crash, my new NHL team owner gives me an ultimatum – get sober or get packed for the minor leagues. So I talk the talk and go to rehab. I plan to breeze through, get sprung in 30 days or less and hit the road with my new team, the Chicago Blaze. All I have to do is charm my attractive, uptight rehab group leader into thinking I’ve changed—how hard could it be? 

 Graysen I see right through Alexei Petrov.
My calling to save addicts from themselves before they self-destruct is deeply personal. Alexei’s hot and successful, sure. But he’s not okay, and he’s got a lot of work to do before graduating from my group. No one’s ever tested my boundaries like he does, though. I fight my desire and keep things professional, because the stakes couldn’t be higher—it’s not just my job that’s on the line, but also his life. The deeper we fall, though, the more he makes me question the mantra I live by: never trust your heart to an addict.


PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

 

 ANTON 

Amazon ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ Apple Books

 

 LUCA 

 Amazon ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ Apple Books

 

VICTOR

 Amazon ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ Apple Books

 

KNOX

 Amazon ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ Apple Books

 

--------------

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.



AUTHOR LINKS:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ 

Pinterest ~ Wattpad ~ Amazon



Wednesday, December 11, 2019

The Darkest Assassin by Gena Showalter - Review

We are beyond excited to be sharing this release from Gena Showalter with you today by participating in the blog tour! 

THE DARKEST ASSASSIN is part of her Lords of the Underworld series and it is releasing as part of 1001 Dark Nights. 

Check out an excerpt and book trailer from the title below.


 

Goodreads ~ AmazonUS  ~ AmazonUK ~ AmazonCA ~ AmazonAU

Author: Gena Showalter
Publication Date:  10 December, 2019
Publisher: Evil-Eye Concepts, Inc
Series:  Lords of the Underworld, book 14.6
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~  

Book Description: 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a new story in her Lords of the Underworld series… 

Fox is a demon-possessed immortal with many talents. --Ability to open portals—check --Power to kill the most dangerous Sent Ones—check --Scare away any man who might want to date her—mate Now, the keeper of Distrust has been marked for death, a winged assassin with rainbow-colored eyes tracking her every move, determined to avenge the males she accidentally decimated. If only she could control the desire to rip off his clothes… Bjorn is a fierce warrior with many complications. --Tragic, torture-filled past—check --A wife he was forced to wed, who is draining his life force—check --Ever-intensifying desire for the enigmatic Fox—mate Never has he hesitated to exterminate an evil being. Until now. The sharp-tongued female with a shockingly vulnerable heart tempts him in ways no one else ever has, threatening his iron control. But, as Fate itself seems to conspire against the unlikely pair, both old and new enemies emerge. And Fox and Bjorn must fight to survive. And learn to love…

 **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.**  


My Review:

As usual, I fell in love with a Lords of the Underworld story.  It's odd because it has only been a year since Gena put out a LotU novel but as I was reading this one I just felt like it had been forever and I was so happy to be back with the 'gang.  It felt refreshing.  

Fox is a force of nature, I loved her when she was protecting Galen, I love her, even more, when she is trying to protect herself.  Her snark, her blood-lust, her chaotic mind, she is just plain fun to 'watch.  The only thing that I could ask for is for her to not be so 'childish' in her speech if that makes sense.  It's not uncommon in this series, and I guess that is probably what put me off a little, I've heard it too much.  Snark doesn't mean idiotic, which I am not saying Fox is, she just sounds that way at times and it kind of grates.  It's a small thing really, it would ever put me off from reading or enjoying an LoTu story, I always will want more, it is just kind of cringy. 

Bjorn is amazing, as we expected from seeing him in the previous 'Angel' stories, his bromance with Thane and Xerxes is one of my all-time favorites, I could have totally used an entire book of just that relationship.  I love 1,001 Dark Night novellas because they are the perfect gate-way book for new readers, but I almost wish Bjorn had been given a full-length novel so I could have had more of the boys!  His relationship with Fox was well done, nothing felt forced even though it was a quick romance, their distrust (ha) of one another and eventual relationship is exactly what I needed out of this story!  

There is a great lead up to William's story, I am so curious as to how Gena is going to handle this 'hot-button' book, and if the glimpse we got of Sunny says anything, we are in for quite an adventure.  I am also excited to see more of the Sent Ones stories, especially, of course, Xerxes, but I hope their stories don't end with him. 

All in all, this is a great addition to the LotU storyline, if you are an avid long-time reader this will be just the little taste you need to hold you over until Darkest King, if you are new to this world, welcome to the ride, it's an exciting one and while this is a good place to start get ready because you are definitely want to go back 14 books and start at the beginning, you won't regret it!  


~ HAPPY READING ~ 

BOOK TRAILER

REVIEW QUOTES FOR KRISTEN'S NOVELS: 

“I love this world…this is Gena Showalter at her best!”—J.R. Ward, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“The Gods of War series is my new obsession.”—Christine Feehan, #1 New York Timesbestselling author
"One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. Gena Showalter delivers an utterly spellbinding story!"-Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Gena Showalter never fails to dazzle."-Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author
 
 

 

 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:



Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, she’s been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours–and her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com
AUTHOR LINKS:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads  ~ Instagram  ~ Newsletter



Tuesday, December 10, 2019

The Darkest Assasin by Gen Showalter: Release Day

I am beyond excited to help share this release from Gena Showalter with you today! 

THE DARKEST ASSASSIN is part of her Lords of the Underworld series and it is releasing as part of 1001 Dark Nights. 

It just went live today!

 Check out an excerpt and book trailer from the title below. 



 

Goodreads  ~ AmazonUS ~ AmazonUK ~ AmazonCA ~ AmazonAU

 

Book Description:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter comes a new story in her Lords of the Underworld series…

Fox is a demon-possessed immortal with many talents. --Ability to open portals—check --Power to kill the most dangerous Sent Ones—check --Scare away any man who might want to date her—mate Now, the keeper of Distrust has been marked for death, a winged assassin with rainbow-colored eyes tracking her every move, determined to avenge the males she accidentally decimated. If only she could control the desire to rip off his clothes… Bjorn is a fierce warrior with many complications. --Tragic, torture-filled past—check --A wife he was forced to wed, who is draining his life force—check --Ever-intensifying desire for the enigmatic Fox—mate Never has he hesitated to exterminate an evil being. Until now. The sharp-tongued female with a shockingly vulnerable heart tempts him in ways no one else ever has, threatening his iron control. But, as Fate itself seems to conspire against the unlikely pair, both old and new enemies emerge. And Fox and Bjorn must fight to survive. And learn to love… 

 **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.**  

Excerpt: 

“Is the plan to beat and imprison me?” Fox asked, keeping her tone conversational.  “Or to straight-up kill me?” 
A muscle jumped beneath his eye.  The fact that he continued to hold her stare, despite her nakedness and his erection, proved the strength of his willpower.  “What you did to my brethren, I will do to you.  This day, you will die by my hand.”
Exactly as she’d suspected.  “Did you hurt anyone on the way in?”  If so, she would kill him this day. 
“I did not.  Unlike you, I do not slaughter innocents.”
Ouch.  Such a low blow.  Accurate, but low.  At least she didn’t have to worry he’d lied.  Sent Ones were only able to speak truths.  “Would it help my cause if you knew I was under the influence of a demon I despise with every fiber of my being?” 
His eyes narrowed to tiny slits.  With zero hesitation, he told her, “You welcomed the demon and now complain about its influence?  No.  Nothing will help.  The men you killed were beloved.  They had families and friends eager for their return.”
She flinched, a heavy weight settling on her shoulders.  “You know I’ll defend myself?”
“I do,” he said with a slight incline of his chin. 
For whatever reason, the action spurred him into dropping his gaze to her small but pert breasts…where it remained. 
She arched a brow at him, not that he noticed, and fought a new wave of shivers, his stare more potent than a caress.  “Let me know when you’re done staring. Okay, sport?”
“I will.”  He shocked her.  He didn’t offer any more, and he didn’t look away.
Was this a battle tactic meant to disarm her mentally and emotionally?  Like she really cared about her nudity.  She wasn’t shy, or modest, and she maybe kinda sorta…liked the way he studied her, almost as if he’d never beheld anyone so fine.  A trick, no doubt.  Fox wasn’t classically beautiful.  Her features were too angular for such a claim.  But she liked to think she had presence. 

BOOK TRAILER:

REVIEW QUOTES FOR KRISTEN'S NOVELS: 

“I love this world…this is Gena Showalter at her best!”—J.R. Ward, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“The Gods of War series is my new obsession.”—Christine Feehan, #1 New York Timesbestselling author
"One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. Gena Showalter delivers an utterly spellbinding story!"-Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Gena Showalter never fails to dazzle."-Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author
 
 

 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:



Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, she’s been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours–and her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com
AUTHOR LINKS:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ 

Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Newsletter




Thursday, October 17, 2019

Reaper by Larissa Ione - Review

Reaper - BT banner

"Reaper is . . . Epic. Thrilling. Amazing. No one can suck me into a story like Larissa Ione." -- Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author”

For love, he’ll watch the world burn.

For revenge, he’ll light the match.

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!

Reaper_Demonica Series_300dpi


Author: Larissa Ione
Publication Date:  15 October 2019
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Series:  Demonica, book 19
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 5 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…
He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.
He is the Grim Reaper.

A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.
Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.
Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…

Reaper now available

My Review:

Where do I even start?  Can I just tell you that this is a must read, trust that you will just listen and leave it at that?  I wish in a way that that could be the entirety of my review, JUST READ THIS BOOK, because to try and tell you all the reasons that I loved this book could last way longer than you would be willing to listen, I am certain.  

Alas, I can not leave you hanging with just a READ IT, so let me just tell you a few things that are my favorite points.  

1. The world building.  I think that I have shouted about this for ages but honestly you have to know that the world building in the Lords of Deliverance,  Demonica, and Demonica Underworld (all related) series is some of the absolute best out there in the paranormal world.  I know that isn't specific to this book itself but world building in a paranormal series and it's continuity through out a series is huge and Larissa brings it all together making the world almost as much of it's own character as Azagoth himself.  

2. Character development.  Wow, one of my favorite things about this book is the prologue.  Going all the way back to the beginning of the Azagoth we now know, it puts a spin on things that you may not have seen coming.  Poor Azagoth goes through so many changes, as you might expect from a character who was once an angel, then a guardian of souls, then a 'man' in love, a 'man' in pain, 'a man' in despair.....it goes on and on for this poor character but watching his evolution over the thousands upon thousands of years of his existence is amazing.  It's even more pronounced because when you compare him up against the Angels that are basically holding him captive he is the only one that changes, they're all still the same a-holes they were at the dawn of time, haha.  I love that we get to see some of the same in past characters as they pop up through out the story.  

3. Suspense.  This is huge in this book because this story isn't just a story about Azagoth and Lilliana, no, and don't think that it is, it is so much more.  This is the story arc cumulation of the entire Demonica series, going all the way back to the Lords of Deliverance.  So much happens, so many truths are told, so many lies uncovered, so many futures begun.  While this story closes the chapter on one arc it opens up an entire new one and I am so ready for it.  

4. Romance. Ah, the sweet sweet part of romance in paranormal romance. I loved how Larissa weaves the story of many of the ongoing relationships in this book. Again, this isn't just the story of Azagoth and Lilliana, it is so much more and that includes seeing not only their ups and downs and the ups and downs of the other couples. Watching Azagoth's, Eidolon's, Shade's, Serena's, etc hearts break is so devastating in those moments. But what you really want to know about is the 'steam' right? It's there and when it's steamy it is so steamy your windows will fog up, but know that it is only a side part of the story and in general it weaves seamlessly into the story. I will say there was one moment of romance that through me completely off because it came out of no where, but I am not one to turn my nose up at a bit of a tumble across a 'marshmallow floor' (you'll understand when you read it, ha) The most important romance in all of this (though see my point above about how it's not what the whole story is about) though is the story of Lilliana and Azagoth. The things that are set in motion when Azagoth's heart is broken is what fuels this story and watching this amazing character break over what happens with Lilliana will tear you up. The love that he (and she for him) has for her will set hell on fire, no pun intended. Their's is a passionate and sweet relationship, and they play beautifully off each other, bringing out each other's best.

5. Action. Holy baby hellions, there is so much action going on in this book. It will wrap you up right from the get go and stays strong through the entire book. It makes this a real page turner, one that you aren't going to want to put down until you are finished because you won't be able to stop thinking about what is about to happen when you step away.

6. Take Away. The lines are never truly black and white, there is a world of muddled color out there and while there are demons who are straight evil and angels who are glowingly good, there is a whole lot more of a mix out there so don't always take everything at face value.
      
Obviously if you are a fan of the series this is a must read, so much happens and so much more is begun in this book that you can't miss it, but trust me when I say more importantly, you don't want to miss it. If you have not read this series, DO NOT start here. This is the end (a beginning) to an entire story arc that began all the way back with Eidolon and Tayla, in Pleasure Unbound. If you don't want to go all the way back to book one, you could start at Azagoth, a novella that begins the story of Lilliana and Azagoth, but your enjoyment of the series will be so much higher if you take the plunge and start at the beginning. You know you are going to want to in the end anyway, lol.


Finally, I have so much more to say, there's just so much that happens and so much to come so I am going to need you to all go and read this and then you need to get in touch with me so we can talk, I mean I need something to hold me over until the story of the kids...the kids y'all, they are coming! <3 Back to my original thought... JUST READ THIS BOOK!



~ HAPPY READING ~ 


Reaper teaser 4


Excerpt:

“I have no doubt Azagoth will stop at nothing to save Lilliana,” Reaver admitted. “But he knows that if he releases Satan, Satan will kill Lilliana. He can’t risk it.” “What do you suggest we do then?” “I can talk to him,” Reaver said. “Hawkyn requested information about a fallen angel named Flail. I’ll use that as an excuse to get to Azagoth.” A flock of gulls squawked as the birds circled the palace, looking for handouts from Caila’s guests, and Metatron had to raise his voice to be heard. “You said he sealed off Sheoul-gra.” “Hawkyn will open it to me if I can convince him that I’m not there to destroy his father.” It shouldn’t be a problem; Hawkyn wouldn’t have contacted Reaver at all if he weren’t sure Reaver could handle the situation without killing anyone. “And if Azagoth is out of control?” Metatron asked. “Will you destroy him?” “Isn’t it a little early to be discussing that?” Metatron rolled his shoulders, probably not even aware he’d done it, but Reaver knew he was testing his wings and his powers, feeling them out at the thought that shit might get really fucking biblical real soon. “He can’t be allowed to release Satan,” he said, fire in his tone. “And he can’t be allowed to escape Sheoul-gra.” “Would escaping be such a bad thing?” Reaver wasn’t Azagoth’s biggest fan, but the guy had been trapped for thousands of years. He’d proven that he was capable of wrangling souls and navigating the politics of both Sheoul and Heaven. He’d chilled out a lot since getting mated, too. Seemed like it wouldn’t be a big deal if he lived where he wanted and commuted to work. Metatron appeared troubled that Reaver would even ask such an apparently insane question. “Yes, it could be bad.” “Why?” Reaver asked. “I mean, I get that he’s an asshole, but a lot bigger assholes are running around loose.” Like the fallen angels who had killed Wraith. He clenched his fists, wishing he was out hunting them right now. “Azagoth signed contracts,” Metatron said. “Contracts sealed with the powers of Heaven and Sheoul. We don’t know what kind of damage we’d take if he made that big of a breach.” Sounded kind of minor to Reaver, but he knew well how seriously Heaven took broken rules and breaches of contract. They also weren’t fond of Heaven being damaged, which was why Revenant, while technically welcome here, wasn’t…welcome. His presence destroyed everything around him. “Okay,” Reaver said. “Let me grab the info on Flail and give Hawkyn a call. I’ll let you know what happens. And, Uncle?” Metatron inclined his head. “I want this to stay between us for now.” Silence stretched. Not even the gulls called out, and Reaver started to sweat. Metatron had always been fair and by-the-book, which was probably part of why Reaver had been such a rule breaker as a youth. And beyond. Hell, he still was, he just wasn’t as reckless about it now. Responsibility was a bitch.



About Larissa Ione:

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.



Connect with Larissa:

Facebook ~ BookBub ~ TwitterAmazon


Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Reaper by Larissa Ione - Release Day

Reaper - RB banner 


“Phenomenal! The world building. The romance. The epic storyline. Everything about this book is blockbuster worthy!” —Rachel Van Dyken, #1 New York Times bestselling author

For love, he’ll watch the world burn.

For revenge, he’ll light the match.

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!

Reaper_Demonica Series_300dpi



Book Description:



THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…
He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.
He is the Grim Reaper.


A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.
Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.
Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…






Portrait of a muscular handsome man standing on black background\






About Larissa Ione:

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.


Connect with Larissa:




Reaper now available

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Reaper by Larissa Ione - Trailer Reveal

I am so excited for the next book in Larissa Ione's Demonica series.  Check out the trailer below!

Reaper releases 15 October!

For love, he will light the world on fire…








Book Description:


THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS...

He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.

He is the Grim Reaper.

A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.

Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.

Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…






Meet the Author:

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.




Connect with Larissa:

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Ice Hard by Tracy Goodwin - Review





Author: Tracy Goodwin
Publication Date: 8 October, 2019 
Publisher: Loveswept
Series:  New York Nighthawks
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Sports
Age Recommendation: 17 and up
Rating: 4 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~ 


Book Description:

Hockey’s resident bad boy is hell on skates. But when he falls in love, he falls hard.


“Tracy Goodwin is an author to watch.”—Kelly Jamieson, USA Today bestselling author of the Aces Hockey series 


Nick:

As one of the New York Nighthawks, I’ve got it all: fame, success, wealth, plus I’m handsome as hell.
As for my relationships? They could be better.
I know how to do one-night stands, but I’m starting to crave something more.
Then I meet Camille Benetti.
She’s sexy, smart, sarcastic—totally my kind of girl.
The only problem? Cami doesn’t date hockey players.
But she’s never met me. . . .

Cami:

Nick George is impossible to resist. Not only is he scorching hot, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he wants me bad.
But I learned my lesson the hard way: no jocks.
So why do I agree to be Nick’s date to the wedding of the year?
One night . . . that’s our deal.
He is the best man, after all.
But Nick is crystal clear about his intentions. He wants a relationship.
And he’s tempting me to break all my rules. . . .










My Review:

I am really excited about this new series from Tracy Goodwin, sports romances, particularly hockey related ones are some of my favorite contemporary romance genres.  This book came across my desk and honestly as you can tell I haven't been overly active on the blog lately, but I could not pass up the chance to find a series to bring me out of my slump and I am glad that I said yes, instead of I don't have time.  I will say that I went back and read book one, Ice Hot, before diving into this one and while it isn't necessary as they can be read as stand-alones, I do think it upped my enjoyment of this book because I had a full understanding of the relationship between Nick and Christian, team members of the Nighthawks and best friends.  

Nick is not your typical bad boy hockey player, even if that's what the media wants you to think, he's less player and more heart than he lets on and that will make you love him all the more.  His heart is as puny and silly as this sounds seriously the heart of this book.  This big bad hockey enforcer has a heart of gold that just wants to be loved and love in return, be that in his platonic relationships and his romantic ones.  I have to say one of my favorite things is watching his interactions with Christian and Serena, (Christian's fiancé) the way he is unsure if he was still an important part of Christian's life after his engagement, it's so 'real life' and nice to see from a male's (especially an 'Alpha') perspective.  

Then there is the relationship between Nick and Cami.  First thing I will say is that even in the first book, these relationships feel a bit 'Insta-love' which isn't always a favorite of mine, but I appreciate the fact that Tracy acknowledges that these relationships are fast paced.  She gives us that 'boom' moment then allows the relationship to play out in a way that while you know they fell hard and fast, they also have time to come to terms with each other and what their feelings mean.  Nick falls harder and faster than Cami, and that's quite refreshing to see.  He's the one that has to do the chasing instead of her, which I don't feel like we typically get in contemporary, heck any, romances.  Cami has a lot of baggage to get past and I loved how Nick was there every step of the way, standing beside her, especially when it comes to her family, not pushing but not letting her feel that she's alone.  

Their romance is both steamy and emotional and it all blends together seamlessly together that it gives you that emotional high you love from a romance novel, as well as that feel good emotion from watching someone over come a hurtful past and find not only love but their true self in the process.  Of course with it being a sports romance you also get lots of time with the team and watching their interactions and some ice action too.  

The New York Nighthawks is going to be your next favorite hockey romance series and luckily for us, it looks as though this could be a nice long series with some great characters and romantic possibilities.  





Meet Tracy:

Tracy Goodwin is a USA Today bestselling author. Throughout a career spanning a decade, she has achieved both traditional and indie publishing success. She is the author of the sexy New York Nighthawks contemporary romance series for Loveswept. In addition, she pens sweeping historical romances and vivid urban fantasies. Though the genres may be different, each story delivers her unique blend of passion, excitement, poignant emotion, humor, and unforgettable characters that steal readers’ hearts.

To receive the latest news and information about upcoming releases, please sign up for Tracy’s newsletter at her website www.tracygoodwin.com or join her Lantern Ladies and/or Shadow Souls Facebook groups, where you can chat with her, and have the opportunity to win exclusive swag. You can also receive new release announcements by clicking follow on Tracy’s Amazon author page and/or BookBub page.


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Friday, September 6, 2019

Realm of Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis - Review



Realm of Knights
by Jennifer Anne Davis
Series: Realm of Knights #1
Release date: September 10, 2019







Author: Jennifer Anne Davis
Publication Date:  10 September 2019
Publisher: Reign Publishing
Series:  Realm of Knights, Book 1
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 14 and Up
Rating: 3.5 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description: 
Reid has spent her whole life pretending to be a man so she can inherit her father’s estate, but when a chance encounter threatens to expose her lie, she is forced to risk everything.

In the kingdom of Marsden, women are subservient to men and land can only pass from father to son. So when Reid Ellington is born, the fifth daughter to one of the wealthiest landholders in the kingdom, it’s announced that Reid is a boy.

Eighteen years later, Reid struggles to conceal the fact she’s actually a young woman. Every day, her secret becomes harder to keep. When one of Marsden’s princes sees her sparring with a sword, she is forced to accept his offer and lead her father’s soldiers to the border. Along the way, she discovers a covert organization within the army known as the Knights of the Realm. If Reid wants to save her family from being arrested for treason and robbed of their inheritance, she will have to join the Knights and become a weapon for the crown.

To protect her family, Reid must fight like a man. To do that, she’ll need the courage of a woman.


My Review:

I have to say that my initial interest in this book stemmed from a bout of cover love and then I read the description and my excitement ratcheted up a notch into full on ready to fan-girl mode. So I know your burning question is did this book stand up to my excitement for it?  Well, yes and no and here's why.   

First let's start with the positive.  I love the premise of this book.  The idea of this girl living the life of a boy and then being unceremoniously thrown into a world of intrigue and war as a woman!  Having to manage herself in a world she belongs to but in a way that she is wholly unfamiliar with gives some awesome Mulan vibes, but that is where the connection ends, don't go in thinking this is a Mulan retelling.  

The book is a true page turner.  It kept me totally invested the entire time and is fast paced, (which is also a negative that we will talk about later) I was able to read the book in a few hours and other then being done with it and needing to know what happens next, I loved that aspect.  I love a fast paced, entertaining book and this definitely fills the bill.  There is romantic tension, intrigue, action, introspection....it has so many great points.

The characters, there are both positives and negatives here.  Reid, is a great character, I loved her ability to set aside her fears when she needs to protect the ones that she loves.  I found her to be a truly strong female lead, though there are a few times that she wavers and I feel like we lose her, but I have to say I think there are two reasons for that, one goes back to my early comment about it being a quick read.  I think the author simply ran out of time for Reid's character to fully develop.  This book could have very easily been a 400+ page book instead of the under 300 that we got and a lot of the reason it is shorter is lack of character development.  I wish we had more time to watch her grow and truly come into herself.  Reid has the ability to be one of the strongest female YA characters out there but she needs to be given the 'pages' to do that.  The same can be said about Ackley and Gordon as well.  I loved these two characters, but I don't truly know who they are and I want to know them, there is so much just simmering under the surface of this book I just need the author to delve deeper and pull it out for us.  There are even some great secondary characters that it would be awesome to end up with spin-offs, just gonna put that out there now, haha.  

So I gave you a little bit of the negative above, but honestly that is the one negative that plays through out the story, not enough development.  It affects the characters, the world building, the pacing of the story, the intrigue....everything just happens too fast without enough time to let it simmer and come through fully formed.  That doesn't make me not want to read the next book, it is on my must read list.  In the end the premise of this story is just too intriguing, what we did get in this book, even with the lack of development is compelling.  I want to see relationships develop, I want answers to the intrigues, I want to see changes come to the world that Reid lives in.  What I hope for is that the author, who really shouldn't read these reviews will get wind of a lot of the reviewers thoughts (you will see that a lot of us agree on the development and pacing issues) and take that to heart when writing book 2.  There is amazing potential here and I just want it all!  

This is a good book to pick up, it has so much going for it and I hope even with my (or other reviewers) negatives you will still give it a chance because there is so much possibility here and it could truly be an amazing YA Fantasy!


~ HAPPY READING ~ 



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About the Author



Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three kids, one weimaraner, and a tortoise. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart and lives in the San Diego area.
Jennifer is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), winner of the Kindle Book Awards (2018), a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014).
Publishers Marketplace listed Jennifer as one of the best-selling indie authors in June 2017. She has also been ranked among the top 100 best-selling authors on Amazon.
The True Reign and Reign of Secrets series have sold over half a million copies.
Click HERE for the Publishers Marketplace article.

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Thursday, August 15, 2019

Quiet Man by Kristen Ashley - Review and Excerpt



From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes a new story in her Dream Man series… 

QUIET MAN by Kristen Ashley is available now!



Author: Kristen Ashley
Publication Date:  13 August 2019
Publisher:  Evil Eye Concepts, INC
Series:  Dream Man, book 4.5
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 5 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes a new story in her Dream Man series… 

Charlotte “Lottie” McAlister is in the zone. She’s ready to take on the next chapter of her life, and since she doesn’t have a man, she’ll do what she’s done all along. She’ll take care of business on her own. Even if that business means starting a family. 

The problem is, Lottie has a stalker. The really bad kind. The kind that means she needs a bodyguard. 

Enter Mo Morrison. 

Enormous. Scary. 

Quiet. 

Mo doesn’t say much, and Lottie’s used to getting attention. And she wants Mo’s attention. Badly. 

But Mo has a strict rule. If he’s guarding your body, that’s all he’s doing with it. 

However, the longer Mo has to keep Lottie safe, the faster he falls for the beautiful blonde who has it so together, she might even be able to tackle the demons he’s got in his head that just won’t die. 

But in the end, Lottie and Mo don’t only have to find some way to keep hands off until the threat is over, they have to negotiate the overprotective Hot Bunch, Lottie’s crazy stepdad, Tex, Mo’s crew of frat-boy commandos, not to mention his nutty sisters. 

All before Lottie finally gets her Dream Man. 

And Mo can lay claim to his Dream Girl. 

**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.** 



My Review:

Really what is there to say except I adored this book.  I loved being back in the Dream Man world and having it tied in so closely to the Rock Chick world, two of my favorite places to lose myself in.  

Lottie and Mo are burning up the pages right from the get go, whether it be from their banter or their steamy scenes, I loved these two together and just couldn't get enough of them.  I loved how fiercely independent Lottie is and how she isn't about to let anyone look down on her for her choices.  Mo, well, he's just one of my absolute favorite type of male heroes, the broody quiet alpha guy who isn't really a jerk even though occasionally it slips out of him.  Thank goodness Lottie isn't going to put up with any of that and sets him right back in place when he decides to play the jerk card.

I do think this leaned more to the Rock Chick side of things so I am surprised a little that it is considered a Dream Man book.  Both worlds definitely collide which I love, but overall we see more of the Rock Chick family than we do the Dream Man one, though I am totally and absolutely stoked about where this book is leading us for the Dream Man world.  

As is usual with a novella I can't talk too much with out spoiling things because they move at a fast pace but just know that this is an un-put-down-able.  These characters are going to suck you in and keep you there until you take that final step with them into their HEA, and y'all I was bawling the happiest tears in those big shoed final steps. <3  

Grab this one up and while I recommend whole heartedly that you go back to both the Rock Chick and Dream Man series and start them if you haven't, I can tell you as with all 1,001 Dark Nights novellas you will not be spoiled to start at the beginning after reading this one.  

~ HAPPY READING ~




Excerpt:

I unlocked and opened my door.

Then I immediately, and automatically, took a step back.

All right.

Whoa.

I could get a hint from the chest and what it might be attached to with what I’d seen of that throat, but this guy had to be six five, maybe taller.

And his height was only a part of why Smithie described him the way he did.

He wasn’t “motherfucking huge.”

He was motherfucking huge.

I was average height.

But slender.

My sister had ass.

My job was physical. It wasn’t just the nightly dancing. It was the practice and constantly choreographing and adding new routines. I could probably eat a boatload, but I didn’t because I was too busy to eat, and when I did, I’d learned long ago what all the experts said was what an expert would know from studying it. Eating good food gave me more energy, made me sleep better and put me in a better mood (most of the time).

So unless the occasion was special, I put good food in my mouth and didn’t drink much outside water, flavored water, sparkling water, with the odd antioxidant vitamin drink thrown in.

So yeah, I was slender.

And two of me could make this guy.

Maybe three.

He moved forward.

I moved back.

His movements were unwieldy. Not clumsy—heavy and plodding.

It didn’t matter this guy was a bull in a china shop.

He’d terrify small children.

Hell, he’d terrify grown men.

And that had nothing to do with the gun worn openly on his hip.

It had to do with what that compression shirt barely contained, not to mention the carved protrusion of the muscles of his biceps exposed by the short sleeves, the sinewy, richly veined lengths of his forearms and the trunks of his long legs covered in dark gray commando pants.

He shut the door behind him, twisted at the waist and I heard the lock click.

He twisted back to me.

“Hey,” I forced out.

He dipped his chin.

“You’re Mo,” I stated unnecessarily.

“Yup,” he agreed.



➣ Check out the book trailer here: http://bit.ly/2YZZ70T


About KRISTEN ASHLEY:


Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning. Nothing’s changed. Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched). Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.


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