ROCCO EXCERPT

Below is an excerpt from the first Chapter of Rocco.  It was generously given to me by Justine Sha at St. Martin's Press.  Don't forget to like, comment or share if you enjoyed the excerpt.  Happy reading!

ROCCO
Author:  Sarah Castille
Publish Date:  January 2, 2018
Genre:  Mafia Romance

Synopsis:  

Mafia enforcer, Rocco De Lucchi is the best in the business.

Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.

Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss's right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?

REVIEW: The Duke of Nothing

The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels

⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 STARS)

Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield has inherited a mountain of debt and anxiety as result of his late father’s gambling.  He has added to it by gambling himself to try and pay off creditors.  He is ashamed and tells no one of his debt for fear of the censure and pity he would receive from friends and family.  He understands the responsibility he has to those that hold his debts so he agrees with his mother that he must marry an heiress.                                                                                                                     What he does not understand is why he must give up the chance at happiness and love whilst everyone around him are filled with it.  This becomes even more of a mystery when he meets Helena Monroe and mistakes her for the heiress that would solve his woes.  In a few brief moments Helena makes him smile, relax, and forget his worries like he has not done in years.  He is happy and feels as though this is a woman he could marry and at the same time, save his family from ruination.  Shortly after however, he finds out that Helena is the cousin of the woman he is to court.  Although he is bitter and disappointed, there is nothing for it, he must marry someone with a dowry big enough to pay off most of his creditors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Helena Monroe is a conscripted companion to her spoiled cousin, Charity.  Her family disowned and friends shunned her when she was disgraced.  This disgrace was not of her own volition.  In fact, it was not wanted at all but her family refused to listen to her pleas.  With this, her uncle, not out of the kindness of heart, but rather cheapness agreed to take her with him to England.  Here, she meets Baldwin and feels an immediate spark.  Once she finds out he’s a Duke, however she knows that she is beneath him.  She knows there is no future for them.  As Baldwin and Helena meet and converse more during a house party, the spark between them turns aflame.  Helena, who has no future safe being a companion to Charity, wants something for herself.   Something good, something to give her happy memories, something she chooses only for herself, if only for a short while.  She wants Baldwin.  They have shared their secrets, passionate touches and kisses.  Now, Helena wants to share her body and soul with Baldwin.  Baldwin is apprehensive however.  He knows he cannot marry Helena, but his heart and his body want her fiercely.  Eventually he succumbs but only after she assures him she understands that their dalliance is temporary.  Temporary as their love affair is, Baldwin and Helena cannot help but to fall in love.  They have both met their match but…                                                                                                                                                                                                      How can Baldwin ever marry Helena when his family will come to ruin?

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were honest, good people who are down on their luck. Baldwin is such a gentleman. He is not a rake and is a generally good and kind man. This makes it difficult for him when he must make the ultimate choice to choose between his family’s livelihood and the woman he has come to love. Even though Baldwin is bitter about having to sacrifice his happiness and love to marry an heiress, he is still kind to all of the heiress’ on his mother’s list. He is wonderful with Helena and at winning her trust and confidence. At the end, when he makes this difficult choice… WOW!

Helena too is such a nice person. From the moment she meets Baldwin, she brightens his life and lightens up his plight. I felt for Helena because she has and still is losing a lot. Back in America, she lost her friends and family during a time she should have been supported. Her uncle takes her in, but even here she is losing because he does not respect or care for her. When she does find that someone who will love and care for her, he is unable to offer marriage. Knowing she can never have more, she decides to grasp onto the love and support he IS offering. Although it is not enough, he makes her feel happy and loved.

I found Charity’s character in the book could’ve been written better. In the beginning, we come to think of her as snobbish and spoiled. We see this by how she treats Helena in the many scenes they are together. Towards the end, Charity does something that is so out of character it almost seems counterfeit. As for the plot of who had Baldwin’s debt, I knew the answer from the beginning. However, it does not detract from the overall pace and enjoyment of this book. This is a wonderful book to cozy up by the fire with. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NGC for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

REVIEW: The Ones Who Got Away

The Ones Who Got Away

By Roni Loren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren

Twelve years after surviving the shooting massacre at her prom, Liv Aria gathers with  three other survivors from that night, to open up a time capsul they buried.  Inside this jar, each girl made promises to honor the class of 2005.  Once they open it, they each realize that they have not followed through with their vows.

Olivia promised to try and make a living as a photographer, live a passionate life and to live the life that scares her.  Unfortunately, Livvy is still dealing with fear and PTSD.  She tries to avoid anything and everything from THAT time - until she reunites with Finn.  Although he is no longer the boy she remembers, he still sets her body aflame.  She feels alive after twelve years of nothingness and fear.

Finn Dorsey was deemed a hero twelve years ago for saving his date's life.  What the media doesn't know however, is that he did it at the expense of leaving Olivia alone and at the mercy of one of the gunmen.

Finn is now on hiatus after going undercover as a strip club owner for the FBI.  In that short amount of time, he has seen and done things that he believes have fundamentally changed him.  Now, as per his commander, he is on leave until he can prove himself stable.  He wants to get back to the job so he can take down the organization who sold the shooters their guns years ago.  But Finn is unsure who he is anymore and dreads reuniting even with his family.  He does not believe he will fit in.

When he meets Livvy again, he is filled with guilt and lust.  He has never forgotten how he let her down or the passion they shared.  With lust ramping up, they come to an agreement.  Livvy will go with him to his parents house as a buffer afterward, she will stay on weekends in the guesthouse where he is staying and restart her photography .  Finn on the other hand, will help her fulfill her pledge.  But that is not the only understanding they come to.  For the summer, while they are together they will become lovers knowing that at the end, Finn WILL leave.  Olivia agrees even though she knows heartbreak may be on the horizon.

When duty calls, will Finn choose to stay with the woman he loves or will he desert her once again in her time of need?

✷✷✷

I cannot believe I almost bypassed this book.  What was I thinking?  This book definitely should not be missed.  It is about facing your fears, chasing your dreams and falling in love along the way.  The book is heartbreaking and uplifting as well as sorrowful and delightful.

The subject of which it speaks is serious and overwhelming.  What would you do if you survived such an attack?  How would you cope with so much loss? I believe this book does an excellent portrayal in answering those questions

Although I have never been through such a tragedy, this book and the characters feelings feel "real" to me.  As if the author may have gone through such an awful event herself.  It is wonderfully written and paced.

I adored Livvy.  She had many fears but slowly and surely with Finn's help, faced them all.  You cannot get a stronger heroine.  She gave it all up and kept on going!

Finn was Olivia's perfect match.  Although not physically scared of anything, our hero is afraid that he has forgotten how to acclimate back into society and be the charming, loveable boy he once was. With Livvy playing, joking, teasing and loving him, Finn's concern is put to rest.

The supporting cast and characters, in my opinion, also played a vital role.  I have a feeling but am not quite sure yet that there will be a book for each of the friends and I CANNOT wait to find out what happens with each and everyone of them.  Well, what are you waiting for, go get yourself a copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Casablanca for the opportunity to review this one of a kind book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Harmless Little Game Book Blitz & Giveaway

Welcome to my first ever post for a book blitz and giveaway!  I'm so very excited to share this with everyone! Please check the like button if you liked this book blitz and leave a comment.  Let me know, does this book interest you and why.

A Harmless Little Game 
Author: Meli Raine 
(Harmless, #1)
Publication Date: October 18, 2016
Genre:  Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

Four years ago I lost my virginity on live, streaming television.

Too bad I wasn’t awake for it.

The video went viral. Of course it would. A Senator’s daughter on camera? Wouldn’t you click “share”? Besides, that’s what three of the four guys in the video did.

Share.

They shared me.

But that fourth guy? The nondescript one in the background in the upper left corner of the screen, just sitting on the couch? The only one who did nothing?

Not one single thing.

That was my boyfriend, Drew.

And that was the last time I saw him.

Until today, when my father—now on a path to the White House—hired him as head of security for

my new team as I return home after four years of “recovering” in an undisclosed location that
involved white lab coats, needles, pills and damage control.

You see, the other three guys never went to jail. Never had charges pressed.

Never faced consequences.

Until today.

Game on.

✷✷✷

Excerpt

 

Short, clipped chestnut hair. Brown eyes the color of well-worn leather, eyes that blaze with intelligence and a guardedness no one could ever breach. He’s bigger than the last time I saw him, four years ago. Broader. More muscular. He’s a controlled, contained man who has a James Bond air to him.

And he’s looking at me right now with eyes so cold they might as well be icebergs.

“Lindsay, let me introduce you to Andrew,” Stacia starts.

Drew. Oh, God, it’s true.

“Andrew Foster will be your new security specialist. He and his team will keep you safe.”

I snort.

He stares.

Stacia’s eyes leap from Drew to me and back. “Is there a problem?” she asks, brows turning down. That’s more emotion than I’ve seen in her for four years. Her gaze darts between me and Drew, assessing the situation. No matter what, I lose if she decides something’s going sour here.

Even if Drew is the one gone bad.

“No.” Drew and I say the word at the exact same moment, in the same tone of voice. It sounds like a sharp clap, a single sound that shatters noise.

“You two know each other?” Stacia asks, her fingers caressing the paper. Without that discharge form, I can’t leave. If Drew ruins this for me, it will be the second time in my life he’s fucked up.

The first time was four years ago when he let three of our friends rape me.

﹎﹎﹎

A Harmless Little Game is the first in this political thriller/romantic suspense trilogy by USA Today
bestselling author Meli Raine. This series includes:

A Harmless Little Ruse (release date November 18, 2016)
A Harmless Little Plan (release date December 13, 2016)

Buy links:

 Amazon US    /  Amazon UK   /  Nook/BN 

Kobo iBooks   /  Goodreads

✷✷✷

Author Bio

Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them.

Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

Social Media Links:

Website:  /  Newsletter:  /  Facebook: /  Twitter:

✷✷✷

BLITZ WIDE GIVEAWAY (INTL) !!  For those of you who are interested, there is a $25 Amazon Gift Card to be Won!  Please see below for details and remember to follow me for future book blitzes, cover reveals, reviews and GIVEAWAYS!

 

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Review: The Heiress's Deception

The Heiress's Deception by Christi Caldwell

My Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75) The Heiress's Deception
Calum Dabney has a dark past.  As a pickpocket on the streets, he'd been shot, stabbed and beaten all before his fifteenth birthday. During this time, he met young and rich Lena Duchess, a 9 year old girl of the peerage.  Although he disdained and mistrusted her ilk, they became fast friends.  That friendship blossomed and Calum came to trust Lena.  That is until the day she betrayed him and he was sent to Newgate to be hanged for stealing from the Marquess of Downton, Lena's brother.

Seventeen years later, Lady Evelina Pruitt is filled with remorse and guilt.  She is unable forgive herself for the part she played in the demise of her only friend Calum.  She volunteers her time and efforts at the Salvation Foundling home to try to make amends for her past transgression.  She makes sure the homeless orphans have somewhere to live, someone to care for them and food in their bellies.

But there are other pressing worries.  Her brother, Gerald, now the Duke, is desperate for money.  He intends to take the dowry set aside for Lena by their father.  On Lena's 26th birthday, however,  the money will be released into her care and her brother intends to obtain it at any cost.  She has already thwarted one attempt at a rape her brother planned with Lord Flynn so that she would be forced into marriage.  In hopes of avoiding and hiding from her brother until her majority, she takes a post as a bookkeeper at the Hell and Sin Club.  Little does she know, that her past is about to be resurrected-literally.

Calum is now co-owner of the Hell and Sin club.  Although Calum does not recognize her after so many years, she know it's him.  She is elated and happy to know he is alive and well.  Calum however, is more distrustful than ever and although he agrees to hire her, he knows she is keeping secrets.  As time flies by, Calum starts letting down his guard again.

 How will he react when he must choose between his family and prosperous club and the lady who both lied and betrayed him and whom he has come to love?

Christi Caldwell is one of my favorite historical romance authors.  Her books are practically a must read. This book is no different.  Although, I must say I was disappointed that there was no follow through on what happened with Gerald,  Lena's brother.  What happened with him after Calum decides to marry her?  Nothing is really said.

The struggles and guilt the characters carry feels real and palpable.  I love that Calum did not want revenge against Eve.  It seems a lot of books will go this route and it was refreshing to read something new.  The writing was beautiful as you can see from my favorite quote in the book:

“Do not presume to tell me what I ever dreamed of, Eve, for if you indeed knew that, you’d know that you were the only dream I’ve ever had.”

I definetly would recommend this book. It has all the feels and the writing is superb.  Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

NEW!

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to share that I will now be 

doing and posting Book Blitzes,

 Cover Reveals and Book Tours as well as 

reviews!!

Stay Tuned.

REVIEW: The Duke of Ice

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25): The Duke of Ice

Mr. Nicholas Bateman once had everything he ever wanted... Until he didn't.  It all started 9 years ago when the love of his life, Violet Caulfield, left him to marry a viscount.  Since then, an unfortunate set of tragedies occurred and one by one, he lost his uncle, brother, wife and child.

He is now known as the Duke of Ice and has only one friend remaining, Simon, the Duke of Romsey.

Nicholas is happy living a solitary life where he conducts estate business, rides his horse and fishes... That is until Simon coerces him to attend a house party where he comes face to face with Violet.  She stirs a whirlwind of emotion and feeling within him - none of it wanted.

Viscountess Violet Caulfield met Nicholas when she was 19 years old.  They had a clandestine love affair and Nicholas told her he wished to marry her.  Their chance at love was stolen however when her parents found out.  They don't believe a "mister" would ever be good enough and decide to marry her to a viscount of their choosing instead.  She has been heartbroken ever since.

When she meets Nicholas again, she is shocked to find out he is no longer the affable, charming boy she knew but rather a cold, unfeeling Duke!

Will the passion that simmers between the two of them thaw the Duke of Ice?  Or, will he freeze Violet out forever?

Wow.  This is a story I wish did not end.  It took precedence over almost everything. It is a story of loss, grief and how difficult, but not impossible, it can be to let go of the past and move forward.   I loved all the characters and the setting.  The story telling pulled me in and never let me go.  I felt the characters joy and sadness and I wanted the best for them.

The book is heart rendering . Seeing Nicholas turn away from love like it's the plague even though he wants it and needs it so desperately is heartbreaking..  However, towards then end, I wanted to strangle him!  My god he made me mad!..  But I digress, he is still very much loveable.  This is a book you do not want to miss.

 Having read this book, I now cannot wait for Simon's book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Darcy Burke publishing for the ARC.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.