REVIEW & RELEASE: The Duke I Once Knew

The Duke I Once Knew

(Unlikely Duchesses #1)

Author: Olivia Drake

Genre: Historical Romance

Pub Date: Dec 31, 2018 

First love is always the sweetest.

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her aging parents and the children of her siblings. Now, eager to make her own life, she takes a position as governess on the neighboring estate. It shouldn’t matter that her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the infamous rake who once broke her youthful heart. Surely he’s forgotten her, for he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years. At least, that is, until he arrives unexpectedly.

Max is incensed to meet his sister’s new governess. But why does Abby appear just as displeased to see him when it was she who’d rejected him all those years ago? Why is he so drawn to the independent spinster she has become? And why is there a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes that suggests they might have a second chance at love?

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | CA | UK 

MY REVIEW

Exciting and entertaining, this book had my full attention.

Abby is a spinster who has been helping her family since she was old enough to do so. On the verge of thirty, she realizes she wants more out of life. So, she decides to become a governess at the disapproval of her family.

Her charge is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell’s, sister. Max is also her former friend and flame.

She believes she is content with her new lot until, to her dismay, Max returns to Rothwell Court.

Max is entitled and his reputation precedes him. He is known as a libertine and a rake, taking his pleasures where he may. When he must reluctantly detour home, he is not happy to see Abby. She brings back memories of past hurts. She also brings fond memories that are better left in the past.

Will these two be able to let go of past hurt and finally grasp the love that was meant to be theirs?

This is a second chance as well as a friends to lovers romance that I enjoyed.

Abby was meek in the beginning, accepting her lot. However, as the story progressed, she gained strength and started creating the life she wanted. She was, however, frustrating with her prejudices against Max.

Max was a wonderfully caring character if not a little hard headed. He changed ever so slowly, realizing his mistakes and then making amends.

The passion between these two was a slow burn and it suited this story. As a personal preference however, I would’ve enjoyed more intimate scenes with this couple. Not just the carnal but time spent together alone. In my opinion, their scenes with only each other are too few. I also would have loved an epilogue. The end felt a little bit abrupt without it.

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

What do you think?  Do you like historical romance?  Have you read this already?  Let me know!  I love to connect with people and talk books! 

2019 BLOGGING RESOLUTIONS

At this time every year, there are thousands upon thousands who make resolutions to do something or quit something.  This year I WANT TO DO SOMETHING!  Many somethings.  Most pertain to my blog but some – well some include a change in me as well.

Without further ado, here are my pledges (promises) to myself that I will try to achieve.

1-   Become a more interactive blog.  I want to share with people.  Share ideas and thoughts about books.  For anyone who knows me, this is a difficult task.  I am shy and introverted and very private about my life but this goes against my blogging goals.  To change this, I promise myself that I will post AT LEAST ONE discussion piece per week – something that IS NOT promo or a review.  This may seem small but for someone who doesn’t normally share much of anything this is asking a lot.  Hopefully as time goes by, it will be come easier and the creative juices will flow 😊. Thanks to Evelina@avalinahsbooks for being a sounding board and giving me inspiration for upcoming posts!

2-           Make myself known on social media.  This title is vague but it has many facets.  To make my presence known on social media, not only does my blog need to be more interactive but I NEED TO BE MORE INTERACTIVE.  I need to post interesting posts but also comment and engage with other bloggers as well as their posts.  Thanks to Nandini@unputdownablebooks for making me feel part of the blogging community and not just an obscure, no good blog.  Also for making me feel like anything is possible this year!

3-      Increase number of followers. Hopefully by achieving the above two goals, this will take care of itself.  Fingers crossed!

4-           Increase the number of views/visits to my blog.  Sometimes people need a “kick in the teeth” and that is what I needed.  After seeing the amount of views/visits on other blogs, I realized my views don’t even compare.  It’s a sad state of affairs but understandable due to my lack of engagement both socially and personally.  I’m banking on the fact that this will increase exponentially once all the above goals have been achieved.

This is it for me.  Not a lot really but definitely a change for me as a whole.  What are your goals/resolutions this year?  Do any of them match my own?  Here’s to a great New Year and to hoping all your goals and mine are achieved!

COVER REVEAL: Vas

This is one of my most anticipated reads for the year!  Here is the eye-catching cover reveal for Vas!

Vas

Authors: K. Webster & Ker Dukey

Pub Date: Jan 7, 2019

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Dark, Mafia, Romance

Blurb

The Volkov name is one I longed for.

Their household is one I grew up in, but not as an equal—as a maid’s son.

This didn’t stop me from becoming a man to be reckoned with.

But even with my rightful name finally given to me, I still feel adrift.

Until her.

Everything I did was for acceptance.

Everything I lost brought me to my family.

To this life.

To her.

I fought for my status.

I fought for my sisters.

And I will fight to the death for my angel.

She has shown me there is light in our pitch-black world.

That the stars can’t shine without the darkness of night.

She is the stars, and I am the sky in which she shines.

There is evil lurking in the shadows we create.

The corruption and depravities of the First Families have become toxic and are infecting us all from within.

Games have been played, and now, they must end.

I am Vas.

Vocal. Voracious. Vindictive. Volkov.

A devil in love with an angel, and together, we’re going to rule Hell on Earth.

ADD TO GOODREADS

ALSO IN THE SERIES 

Amazon US | UK | CA | AU

Read for FREE in KU

Amazon US | UK | CA | AU

ABOUT K WEBSTER 

K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter

ABOUT KER DUKEY 

My books all tend to be darker romance, edge of you seat, angst filled reads. My advice to my readers when starting one of my titles…prepare for the unexpected. I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters growing up. My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light; some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling. When I’m not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.

Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Facebook Group

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER: Bad Deal

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.

ADD TO GOODREADS

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

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | ReaderGroup

Newsletter | Amazon | Bookbub | Instagram | Website

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

Website | Facebook | Bookbub | Amazon | Reader Group

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW & RELEASE: Conor

CONOR

(Boston Underworld)

Author: A. Zavarelli

Release: December 27, 2018

Genre: Dark Romance

Blurb  

Ivy

When I stumbled into a mafia run club seeking a job, I was looking for protection. Little did I know I’d need protection from him.

Conor O’ Callahan was exactly the kind of danger I was trying to avoid. He was gorgeous as sin with an accent hotter than Hades, but that’s where the charm ended.

He was also cynical, cold, and downright cranky.

So, you could imagine my surprise when he gave me a proposition. Marry him or lose my life.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ve learned to do what’s necessary to survive in this world, and that includes marrying a mobster. Regardless of what he might say, it’s only temporary.

It’s not like I’m going to sleep with him. Or fall for him.

Because that would be stupid, right?

ADD TO GOODREADS
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US | CA | UK | AU
Free in KU

MY REVIEW

I. LOVE. CONOR! I love both the book and the man. That's it, that's all!

Addictive and page-turning, this gem was read in one sitting.

Conor. GAH! His accent is SO sexy! Not to mention his protectiveness and how downright brutal he can be should someone threaten what's his. Sigh!

Ivy's living situation pulled at my heartstrings. I loved how strong and capable she was.

As for these two together, they just burn up the sheets!

A. Zavarelli knows how to pull you in and keep you enthralled.

Conor is a novella and a character to be devoured.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

A. Zavarelli is a book junkie, cat lover, and traveler when plagued by intense cases of wanderlust. She likes all things chocolate, books that come with warnings, and putting her characters through hell.

Her tales have been known to flirt with darkness and sometimes court it unabashedly altogether. Revenge themes and tortured souls are her favorites to write and this gives her an excuse to watch bizarre and twisted documentaries in her spare time.

She is slightly obsessed with Theo James and funny animal memes. If you don’t mind these things, you should add her on facebook. 

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR

Facebook Page | FB Group | Newsletter

Website | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

 GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

REVIEW: Dark Castle

Dark Castle

The Dazzling Court Book 1

Author: Fawn Bailey 

Blurb

Forget white knights, bring on the dark princes! This is a truly dark fairytale. I hope you have your magic wand at the ready... you're going to need it! – Jade West, USA Today bestselling author

From USA Today bestselling author Isabella Starling writing as Fawn Bailey, a contemporary, dark fairytale trilogy filled with luxury, lies and seduction.

Once upon a time, a prince stole my heart. But that wasn't enough for him. He wants to own me, and I'm more than eager to kneel for him. Being the heir to a kingdom, Prince Olivier Bellamy has all the gold I've ever dreamed of... and getting married to him is the only way for me to save myself and my loved ones.

Unfortunately, the battle for his heart won't be easy. A royal competition for Prince Olivier means I'm going up against twelve other girls - and they are as beautiful as they are ruthless. But I'm not going down without a fight. I'm not Amber Jonathan, poor little girl from the wrong side of the tracks anymore. I'm finally ready to wear the crown. And I'll do anything to get it.

But not everything is as it seems at the royal court. Dark secrets, castle intrigue and hidden twists await me on my journey to the throne. And soon enough, I realize Prince Olivier isn't the only royal interested in my hand...

Someone else wants more than just his ring on my finger. The royal bast*rd, Bruno, will stop at nothing to put his heir inside me. And just when I think I have the money in my pocket, and Olivier wrapped around my little finger, the rules change... and the games truly begin.

Dark Castle is the first book in The Dazzling Court trilogy. Amber's story continues in Wicked Prince and Ever After.

PURCHASE LINKS

Rich Man’s Toy (FREE prequel) – Amazon

Dark Castle:

Amazon US | CA | AU | UK

MY REVIEW

OMFG! Fawn Bailey NAILED this story! Dark Castle is an original story with unforeseeable twists that will have you BEGGING for more!

This book is compelling and addictive. I was incapable of putting it down. It completely eclipsed anything else that was going on.

Naughty, carnal and ruthless this page-singeing, panty-melting story has me feeling completely drunk on it.

Amber started out as a meek mouse but as the story progressed, her defiance of the Queen made me giddy. I found her naive and materialistic but I know her character will grow.

Olivier is still a mystery to me. I have a feeling there is a dark side we have yet to see. I’m on tenterhooks to see his true character.

Bruno intrigues me and I cannot wait to see how is character develops and how it relates to the overall plot.

Amazingly written, bold and thrilling Dark Castle will captivate and titillate until the very last word.

I’m downright begging for the next book.

Be forewarned that this book ends on a cliffhanger.

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

TOUR: Enjoy The Ride

Enjoy the Ride

Series: Winter Games Book 3

Author: Dr. Rebecca Sharp

Genre: Sports romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance

Release Date: December 11, 2018

Blurb 

Chance

The Wheel of Fortune (Card 10): Things tend to go in cycles. Good times then bad.

Do you know what it’s like to lose everything? I do.

Eight years ago, Jessa Lynn Madison and the title ‘Best Snowboarder in the US’ were both mine.

And then she betrayed me and the mountain had followed suit.

No matter how much I drank, the truth was hard to swallow when it meant choking on my pride.

And no matter how much I screwed, the truth was that I still wanted her.

Anger. Rage. They don’t even begin to describe how I feel.

I was never going to be able to compete again,

but life had given me the perfect opportunity to have Jessa.

And to break her.

Misery loves company. And Jessa was about to be my company.

Jessa

The Fool (Card 0): A symbol of potential and new beginnings.

All I wanted was a fresh start in the town I once called home.

Too bad home was littered with memories of him. Chance Ryder.

The man I’d loved. The man I’d left.

The man who was now my patient. And my roommate.

I know he wants to use me. I know he wants to hurt me.

But I also know that I can’t stop myself from wanting him.

And wanting him has always been my downfall.

Now all I can think about is how to tell him the truth and beg his forgiveness.

I, of all people, should know that explanations and apologies won’t matter.

When it comes to Chance, he’ll hold onto his pride

like he should be holding onto me.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US | UK | CA | AU
AVAILABLE IN KU

MY REVIEW

What have I been waiting for? This is the first book I read by this author and I’m blown away. I cannot believe that I have not picked up one of her books sooner!

This is the third book in the Winter Games series and although it can be read as a standalone, you’ll definitely want to read the previous in the series as well.

After eight years and getting her Physical Therapy degree, Jessa returns to Aspen to start new, to heal and to make amends for betraying and devastating the only man she ever loved.

When Chance finds out Jessa has returned, he makes plans to have Jessa fall in love with him all over again only to leave and cause her heart to break the way she did his.

There is a fine line between love and hate. Will these two cross the threshold back into love or, are old wounds and secrets just too much to heal and forgive?

This is hands down my favourite second chance romance to date.

Jessa and Chase are on fire! Their back and forth was foreplay and was so sexy!

Chance was alpha male to the extreme. He is demanding and possessive-an absolute heartthrob. He more than proves himself to be worthy of being the man at Jessa’s side.

Jessa is smart and caring. Although the decision she made and the secrets she kept

for so long grated, I understood her reasoning.

This book is sexy and page-turning. You’ll without a doubt enjoy the ride.

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

ALSO IN THE SERIES 

MEET THE AUTHOR 

Rebecca Sharp is a dentist and International Best-Selling author living in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, the love of her life. After graduating Cum Laude from Lafayette College in 2011 with two degrees (one in Business & Economics and one in French), she pursued her doctoral degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Graduating in 2015, she has since been working in her family’s dental practice that has serving the local community for over 60 years.

While she enjoys the practical and challenging academic aspects of her career and the fulfillment of providing care to her patients, Rebecca desired to pursue something more creative in her free time. Starting with her love of Jane Austen, she began writing. While she enjoys all types of books, romance novels have always held a special place in her heart. (True story: She listed a Sabrina Jeffries novel on her 8th grade summer reading list. Much to her surprise, the teacher didn’t even notice!) She has currently published numerous contemporary romance titles.

When she isn’t taking care of her patients or writing/publishing her next book, Rebecca loves to read, cook, draw, and snowboard. She has a small addiction to coffee and the TV show ‘Friends.’ She and her husband are avid travelers, determined to visit every corner of this beautiful planet!

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR
Facebook | Reader Group | Instagram | Twitter
Mailing List | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

HOSTED BY: