January 29, 2019

REVIEW: You Will Suffer

For those who love mystery and thrillers, You Will Suffer by Alexandra Ivy may be for you.  Check out the blurb and my review!


You Will Suffer
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance
Pub Date: Jan 29, 2018

Blurb 

EVERY SMALL TOWN HAS A SECRET
The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day . . . and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim’s last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: This is just the beginning.

AND THIS ONE
Rejecting her judge father’s prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie’s tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbor, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up—supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister.

IS WORTH KILLING FOR
There’s a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she’ll have to unearth this small community’s dark and twisted past . . . before it’s her turn to die.

ADD TO GOODREADS
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | UK | CA | AU

MY REVIEW

The mystery in this book is intriguing and it has some twists and turns you won't see coming.

The pace itself was a little slow. Not much really happened and when it did, it was brief and, in my opinion, downplayed. There was not much of the angst and dread I was expecting.

I did enjoy the relationship between Ellie and Nate. Nate was super sweet and at the same time manly and protective. I loved the way he slowly seduced Ellie to his way of thinking.

Ellie is strong and independent. She does not want anyone to tell her what to do. With Nate, she keeps her strength and independence but, she gives her trust, which is saying a lot for a girl like Ellie.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read but I wanted so much to feel the mounting tension. Instead it left me feeling a little nonplussed.

I received an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


REVIEW: Tempt Me with Diamonds

Here is the blurb and my 3-Star review of 
Tempt Me With Diamonds, a historical romance, by Jane Feather



TEMPT ME WITH DIAMONDS
Author: Jane Feather
Pub Date: Jan 29, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance

Blurb 

Three friends who met at an elite English boarding school take on the town—and the ton—one by one, in this sparkling new series about love, loss, and lustrous gemstones, from New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather...

A FINE ROMANCE…

Diana Sommerville seems to have it all—beauty, brains, and vast wealth, thanks to her family's ownership of a diamond mine abroad. But when her beloved brother dies in battle and leaves a lion's share of his estate to his best friend, Diana finds herself in a situation that seems scripted for the stage: Sharing her family home with the man she used to love—and now loathes. Worse, her unfaithful former fiancé has already moved in.

OR AN EXCELLENT FAKE?

Rupert Lacey didn't expect Diana to take the news without a fight. Still, he didn't expect her to bring the battle directly to their newly shared doorstep—complete with a full set of trunks, and a full set of orders to the staff. Yet there she is, bold, regal...magnificent as ever. Now they would face a formidable challenge: to ignore each other—and the unanswered questions that stood between them. The only sure thing is their still blazing desire. But with a woman like Diana, it will take nothing less than a momentous misunderstanding, a missing prized mare, and a shocking revelation to restore a love that hasn't lost its shine.

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US | CA | UK | AU


MY REVIEW

Tempt Me With Diamonds by Jane Feather is a second chance romance told in dual POV.

After returning her engagement ring to Rupert Lacey two years ago, she never thought to see him again. She is shocked, however, when she returns home after her brother’s death to find her former love and flame now owns half of her estate.

Rupert Lacey knows Diana will not be happy at the prospect of sharing half of the estate with him but this is what his deceased best friend had wanted and he will honour his friend’s wishes.

When Rupert and Diana meet again, the spark is lit! Emotions run high and past betrayals are revived but passion boils just beneath the surface. Will they be able to reconcile their differences?

The writing is phenomenal but the pace of the story is slow. There is no real struggle or action that makes the plot thicken or the heart race. It’s all just very staid until the climax is reached. This, I must say, was well done and made me shed a tear or two. It finally made me feel for the characters and what they were going through.

For most of the book, it felt as if Rupert was a responsible adult trying to appease Diana while she was childish and stubborn. Not to mention the fact that she passes judgement way too easily.

Rupert, for me, was chivalrous and kind but not as forthcoming as he should’ve been. Even so, I really liked his character.

Diana, however, I found myself not having the empathy I should have had for her. She provokes him time and time again. She also had me wondering why she distrusts him so much when they practically grew up together. How she could even cast certain aspersions or doubts on his character didn’t feel right.

A good read but lacked the passion and the tension between the characters I was looking for.

I received an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Trailer Reveal: A Single Glance

Do any of you like book trailers?  I absolutely LOVE THEM.  I love trailers that tease and give us a glimpse into the series or book.  Here is the trailer for A Single Glance by W. Winters.



Blurb

From USA Today bestselling author W Winters comes a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat gripping, romantic suspense.

I saw her from across the bar.
My bar. My city. Everything in that world belonged to me.
She stood out from the crowd like she was looking for someone to blame for her pain.

That night, I felt the depths of my mistakes. I felt my scars. With a single glance, I knew her touch would take it all away. I craved it more than anything.

I knew she would be a tempting, beautiful mistake.
One I would make again and again... even if it cost me everything.

PRE-ORDER LINKS
Amazon US | UK | iBooks | B&N | Kobo


What do you think?  Feel free to let me know if you enjoyed this trailer and/or if you like book trailers in general. 

RELEASE: Bad Deal

Good Tuesday morning!  Today, I just wanted to share with everyone the release of Bad Deal by Ember-Raine Winters and Faith Ryan.  This is the first book I’ve read by this duo and I must say, I want more 😊.  Check it out!

Bad Deal
Authors: Ember-Raine Winters & Faith Ryan
Pub Date: Jan 29, 2019
Genres: Adult,Contemporary, Romance

Blurb 

JR Richards

What’s worse than wanting the one person you can never have? How about finally getting them. Don’t get me wrong the sex was great, but everything that came after? Yeah, it’s like they say, be careful what you wish for.

Ruslan Belikov

My brother made a deal that didn’t go as planned. Now I have to get back what’s ours and pretty boy Jacoby is the tool to make that happen. I’ll torture and use him until I get what I want, then I’ll toss him aside like the rest.

A motorcycle club and a Mafia family shouldn’t make deals. Someone’s bound to lose. Family, friends and hearts, nothing’s safe in a world fueled by drugs, money and sex.



ABOUT EMBER-RAINE WINTERS
Ember-Raine Winters lives in sunny California with her two beautiful kids and a wolf. Also known as Apache her pure white Siberian Husky. She loves writing romance and reading just about anything she can get her hands on. And, football! She loves watching football and going to games. It’s one of her favorite ways to unwind. She dislikes the super-hot temperatures in her city and exercise. She hates to exercise but somehow her sister still gets her to do it every day. She also thinks it’s completely awkward talking about herself in third person. Ember loves connecting with readers so don’t be afraid to stalk her and drop her a line on social media.

CONNECT WITH EMBER-RAINE WINTERS


ABOUT FAITH RYAN
Faith Ryan is wife to a handsome bearded man and mother to three, yes three, teenage girls. She lives in a small town in Ohio and is an avid reader of romance and frequently finishes several books in one day. A coworker recently told her that people who read romance are considered smarter than others, Faith totally agrees and thinks this doubly applies to romance authors. Everyone needs a little bit (or a lot) of romance in their life! Kiss My Luck is her first time publishing her work and she has several stories and a novel in the works.

CONNECT WITH FAITH RYAN


GIVEAWAY!



January 28, 2019

RELEASE: Wrath & Mercy

Well it’s MONDAY .  The start of a new week.  So much to do, not enough time.  With that being said, I thought I’d bring to your attention Wrath & Mercy (Sins of the Virtuous Book 5) a new release by Faye Hall that I’m intrigued by.



EXCERPT 

Elina went quiet, watching Fin’s attention return to the papers on the desk. She knew now wasn’t the best time to bring up her own concerns. Still, he needed to know.

“My father told me we leave for Australia as soon as he has our affairs in order.”

Fin looked up at Elina. “He told me before the funeral that he thought it best to take you as far away from here as possible. He believes what is being said about Ewan, and he doesn’t want those he dealt with finding their way back to you.”

Elina lowered her gaze to her lap. “Will you be coming with us?”

Silence surrounded them. Lifting her gaze to him and seeing his stern expression, she felt her heart sink.

“Archie has instructed me to stay here in England a while longer to finalize the last few shipments. It will be at least a few months before I can get my own passage to Australia.”

His words stabbed at her heart. “I don’t want to leave you,” she uttered, her voice laced with tears.

Getting up from his seat, he walked around the desk. His hands going to her, he helped her to stand. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m able. I promise.”

Her gaze held his as fear filled her. What if this was the last time she’d ever see him? The mere thought pained her.

“This isn’t goodbye,” he told her, his hand going to her face, his fingers stroking her cheek. “I won’t allow it to be.”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Faye Hall spent her early years listening to stories about the families – including her own – who settled townships in and around her hometown in North Queensland, Australia.  The local townspeople, including her own parents, told her stories of corruption and slavery, along with family secrets and forbidden love.

Desperate to remember what she’d been told, along with her already growing love of writing, Faye began to write about the history of her local area.  Never could she have imagined the history of her small home town in Australia would become a growing list of published books.

Faye’s passionate stories combine controversial subjects and provocative encounters as her characters struggle to survive the lifestyle in early rural townships throughout Australia.  She explores slavery and abortion, drug addiction and murder, as well as forbidden love and passionate affairs of the heart.

When she’d not writing, Faye enjoys sharing a bottle of wine with her husband in their ever-growing garden, and encouraging the varied interests of their combined family of nine children.

Explore the world of Faye Hall, Australian Historical Romance Author at her website https://www.faye-hall.com

January 24, 2019

Review: Demon’s Mercy





Demon’s Mercy
Dark Protectors Book 9
Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Synopsis 

Duty meets desire . . .

Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?

Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life.  Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for . . .

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | UK | CA | AU




MY REVIEW

This is another entertaining and thrilling instalment into the Dark Protector series.

Logan Kyllwood is a hybrid. Part demon, part vampire, he is without a doubt possessive and protective. Having plans to become part of the Seven, he is not looking for a mate.

Mercy O’Malley is a feisty and headstrong Fae. She makes it her duty to always have a purpose. That purpose is stopping the Seven from indoctrinating Logan into their midst. Her future already planned, she is not looking for love.

When these two come together, however, their plans may just go up in smoke.

I loved Mercy and the fact that she is no damsel in distress. She outsmarts Logan in many ways and I enjoyed every second of it.

Logan is proud, protective and strong but is all about family. He does what’s necessary to keep the ones he loves safe.

The heat and passion between these two was H.O.T! Their back and forth was witty and fun. Together, they are the perfect couple.

The pace was good and the action kept coming.

I love this world Rebecca Zanetti has created. It is original and I always come back for more.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.






The Elite Seven

Since 1942, The Elite Seven Society have created and guided influential leaders, molding the country into something better. This society was birthed by Malcom Benedict, II who wanted more for Americans.  More wealth.  More influence.  More power. Some leaders have the skills, but not the influence, and that simply wasn’t fair according to Mr. Benedict. He invested his own money and time to construct a society that bred the best of the best, year after year.

But to be the best, you must be ruthless.

Good leaders make sacrifices.  Sometimes the sacrifices are hard, but the rewards are plentiful.  Mr. Benedict made sure to indulge these leaders with their utmost desires.  A devout Catholic himself, he designed a society that rewarded his leaders with the sins that were frowned upon.  If they were giving up love and happiness and joy for the betterment of the country, they deserved something in its stead.

Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust.

Choosing leaders for this society means that it takes intense focus.  Only seven are to be selected, and the investments and time are showered upon the new seven chosen every four years.  The predecessors of each group of seven choose people who fit the sin that will mold them into who they are needed to be in the future—what America needs them to be.  This is after a detailed study of many potential candidates.  The university’s acting dean behaves as a liaison for the society bringing the college applicants to the predecessors so that the selection may begin.  The society members who are going out will bring forth a candidate that the society votes on and approves.

After they are chosen, the initiates are given a token and an invitation to initiation.  The initiation will be a test to their character and ability to do what’s right for the betterment of the society.  Once the initiates pass their test, they are discreetly branded with the mark of the society, and are groomed through challenges during the course of their elite education to breed them into the influential people they were meant to be.

Once in The Elite Seven, there is no getting out. The money and power are their reward. Should they choose to stray or break the rules, the society strips them of everything.  Anything they once had will be removed.  Opportunities will never arise.  They will no longer have the support of the society.  To this day, there have been no known occurrences of anyone from the society having to be banished.  This elite group of people are what every young man and woman aspire to be a part of.  While the group is a secret society, they are whispered about amongst the privileged folks in the country.  Anyone who is anyone knows of the group and secretly hopes it’s their son or daughter who are selected, for good fortune is showered on the family for decades to come.



7 AUTHORS.
7 STORIES.
7 DEADLY SINS.





lust

I was born with wealth, athletic ability, and looks that could melt the panties off a nun.

I had a clear path to success.

Until fate dealt me a cruel blow, leaving me empty and in need of purpose.

My only focus now is to become part of The Elite—a secret society in one of the most prestigious colleges in the world.

But everything comes at a price, and with The Elite, you have to earn your place.

Lucky for me, being sinful is in my DNA.

The only obstacle to full initiation is my task: seduce the un-seducible, the forbidden, and lure her with the sins of the flesh.

Easy for a man like me…in theory.

She started as my task, but what happens when the lines between lust and love blur, and the need for power rages war with the need for her?

Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak—they’re for The Elite.

This is my life, my chance, my legacy.

I am Rhett Masters.

I am Lust.

LUST by Ker Dukey Releasing February 11th
 




Pride

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

But who said the devil was a he?

In my world, she was out to cause havoc on all our lives.

She’ll use the one thing I care most about to control me—force me into her Elite world, filled with sin, deceit, and power. And under her spell, I’ll lead a sinister brotherhood of seven at one of the most prestigious universities in New Orleans.

Seven tasks set forth by the devil herself, promising nothing less than the forbidden fruit of power. What they don’t understand is it will all end in bloodshed and regret.

They call me the alpha. The one in charge. The one with pride bigger than any task I could be given. And my pride won’t let me be anywhere but at the top of the food chain until she gives me what I truly want.

My task is Meghan Thorne.

She’s too pure for me to touch, too good for me to ruin—and the only thing standing in my way to freedom.

Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak...they’re for The Elite.

As they say, pride comes before the fall.

I am Mason Blackwell.

I am Pride.

PRIDE By J.D Hollyfield Releasing February 25th




Wrath

I’m a motherless son to a father who hates me. Fury has lived and breathed in my black heart for so long, it’s a part of my soul now. The only thing that’s ever mattered to me is protecting my twin sister, Sabella, from my father’s temper.

So when the chance to join a secret society presents itself, there’s no question I’ll do whatever it takes to become a member and earn my place in the ranks of only the most Elite.

With a taste for the deviant, I’m drawn to the darkest of desires, and no one ever leaves my bed unscathed.

My task: seduce Patience Noelle, St. Augustine’s sweetheart and the mayor’s beloved daughter—then break her heart.

Sinning is what I live for, and deviance is my passion. Failing has never been an option.

But what happens when my sin becomes my curse—when destroying the only woman I’ve ever wanted is my key to protecting my sister?

Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak...they’re for The Elite.

This isn’t just my chance, it’s my legacy and reckoning.

I am Samuel Gunner.

I am WRATH

WRATH by Claire C. Riley Releasing March 11th





Envy

It was temptation that broke the sinner.

People say I have everything.

They’re wrong.

I may have looks, money, and privilege, but I don’t have the one thing that really matters, the one thing I crave: a woman with eyes only for me.

I’m searching for my woman—one who will fall to her knees because I’m her king. She’ll wear the crown of my tarnished name, and long for me when I’m not near. And when I am close, she’ll be naked across my lap, feeling the sting of my palm across her milky skin.

You could say I’m a sinner because I’d do anything to have the perfect woman—compliant to my every need and whim—and I’m envious of every couple who walks around naive to the luxury they have.

That’s why I joined The Elite, the most prestigious brotherhood in the south.

It’s the one place that will give me what I cannot have.

Only…the task assigned to me is too much for my jealous eyes.

Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak...they’re for The Elite.

Those who envy have no peace.

My name is Sabastian Westbrook.

I am Envy.

ENVY by M.N Forgy Releasing March 25th





Greed

I was born into a world of darkness—one that never touched me when I was around my brother, Mason Blackwell. Leader of The Elite Seven. The thing about darkness, though, is it’s persistent. Eventually, it pushes itself into my life, penetrating my soul and leaving its stench latched to every vein, rooted inside every bone, and sunken into every pore. I thought I reached rock bottom when I fell in love with my brother’s best friend. My very own brand of drug with no comedown. My own nightmare I never woke from. But I was wrong. So very wrong. When I returned to New Orleans, I arrived as a shell of the girl they once knew. Put on a smile. Be the sweet innocent girl they remember.

I’m Evie Blackwell, hostage to my demons. Can the damned be saved?

I’ve done some unforgivable acts in my years, but I never asked for forgiveness. Nothing beats the feeling of wrapping my hand around someone’s throat and watching as their life bleeds down their cheeks. She was everything I should have stayed away from. The first night I saw her, I knew I was doomed—a slave to the girl with the pretty eyes and soft smile. The girl who turned out to be my best friend's baby sister. I couldn’t stay away. I had to be near her, even if it meant ruining her in the process. I wanted to wreck her, so I could piece her back together—a puzzle only I knew how to solve.

I’m Micah Dixon.

Greed.

I come for everything and get everything I come for—and I want all of her. But she’s changed, and so have I.

I’m much, much worse now…

GREED By Amo Jones Releasing April 8th





Gluttony

My life has been served to me on a gold platter to be devoured by my silver spoon.

Money, money, and more money. It’s the backbone of the Goddard name. I’m the only son, so it’s all mine for the taking.

But sometimes money isn’t enough. I always want more, yet nothing seems to satisfy me.

My father has made sure I become a part of The Elite Seven. Where most candidates are chosen, I was given my place. Everything comes at a price, though. Luckily, I can afford any price—no one has more money than God.

The Elite Seven have their initiations. My assignment is personal and beneath me: steal a car and send a warning. It’ll hurt my best friend in the process, but we both made a pact going into this. There’s no line we won’t cross.

My task makes an ugly turn and I nearly take a life. Such a small, unimportant person—someone no one would even notice was gone. She’s a problem my money and power can easily sweep under the rug.

It’s what my father wants. It’s what my brothers want. But when she finally opens those big, innocent brown eyes, I realize I’ve found what I’ve been searching for my entire life. I don’t want my little problem to disappear…I want to keep her.

Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak—they’re for The Elite.

Money is my legacy, but I want something money can’t buy.

I am Baxter Samuel Goddard V.

I am Gluttony.

GLUTTONY by K. Webster Releasing April 22nd





Sloth

I don’t give a fuck.

Not about money or fame, beauty or power. I’ve had all those things since birth, and trust me, they’re a fucking snooze.

I don’t give a fuck about anyone, not even myself.

Until my father proves evil can exist in the most holy of places. For the first time ever, something like interest stirs in my soul.

He wants me to enroll at St. Augustine.

Join The Elite.

Court the virginal daughter of Archbishop Savoie.

Prove to him I’m worth the family name.

I’ll do it all.

And I’ll do it so well, no one will know what’s coming. People are so quick to underestimate the wicked and lazy.

They forget idle hands are the best tools for the devil’s work.

I am Rush Dempsey.

I am Sloth.

SLOTH By Giana Darling Releasing May 13th
 







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