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Review: The Stand-In by Kristen Proby

The Stand-In 

Kristen Proby 

Single in Seattle Series, Book 5

364 pages, Kindle Edition
November 14, 2023 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes The Stand-In, the newest novel in her beloved Single in Seattle series, featuring Drew Montgomery!

I don’t like my new boss. Not at all.

London Ambrose is a spoiled billionaire’s daughter. And now she’s the new co-owner of the Seattle football team, but that doesn’t mean that she knows diddly squat about football.

There’s nothing I hate more than having someone micromanaging me, shadowing my every move, and giving me their two cents on Every. Little. Thing. as I coach MY defensive line.

I don’t care about new team jerseys and branding or answering her million and one questions about how I do my job. But, I can’t help but come to her defense when an old flame shows up and starts harassing her. I’m a Montgomery. We don’t let anyone mess with women.

Now, I’m suddenly in a fake relationship, pretending to date the gorgeous billionaire and learning so many surprising things about this captivating woman that I just can’t seem to stay away from her.

When the lines between our fake relationship and real relationship blur, and my initial distaste for her turns into desire, I find myself coaching the most important game of my life – do I let my guard down or do I let London Ambrose walk away forever?

4.5 Stars

The Stand-In gives all the feels. Kristin Proby pens a wonderful story that can’t help, but to make your heart feel all kinds of things. 

London Ambrose is many things. Successful entrepreneur, a fantastic mother, an amazing businesswoman and now part owner of an NFL football team. London is definitely one of those women that you cannot judge by your cover. She’s an amazingly smart woman who is kind and caring beyond what the average person would know. Drew is the coach for Seattle’s football team. Drew had to change his dream of being in the NFL to coaching for the NFL. Too many concussions within his playing years in high school made him go from a playing role to a teaching and coaching role. Drew is genuinely a good man and is deeply loyal to those he cares about.

The Stand-In is a truly romantic read. London and Drew don’t understand each other on the surface. Being in the same place at the same time, when something goes against what tDrew  feels and believes he steps up and does what any Montgomery man would do. Drew and London share a slow burn that builds up so beautifully. Being a single mom, London and Caleb are a package deal. That is something that true does not take lightly. We don’t just see one relationship develop within the pages of this heartwarming story, we see several develop in such a beautiful and natural way. It is very well-known that I am not a fan of sports in any way. While the story may have elements of sports, it’s truly focused on the romance, relationship and family that star within its pages.The Stand-In is one of those stories that will make you feel good in all the ways of romance should make you feel good.

Review: Christmas in Cape May by Jennifer Probst

Christmas in Cape May

Jennifer Probst

Sunshine Sisters Series Book 3.5

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 7, 2023

1001 Dark Nights

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new story in her Sunshine Sisters series…

Devon Pratt loves many things in life. The beauty of flowers. The yin and yang of energy. The power of positivity in people. And everything to do with the Christmas season.

As a floral shop owner in the beach town of Cape May, she looks forward to decorating both the town and running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Too bad the new owner of her favorite venue is more like the Grinch than Santa. Working with him will be a challenge, but she’s too full of seasonal cheer to let him annoy her, right?

Jameson Franklin hates many things in life. Crowds. Fake cheer. Ostentatious décor. And especially Christmas. The season is full of things he’d rather avoid, but since taking over the popular restaurant Vintage temporarily for his cousin as a favor, he’s trying to play nice with the locals. Too bad the florist is insisting on overrunning his sacred space with blooms, dogs, and an endless positive persistence that pushes all of his buttons. But when too many heated confrontations lead to heated encounters, he begins to wonder what it would be like to love not only Christmas, but Devon Pratt.

Let the festivities begin.

4 Stars

Devon Pratt loves life. She sees the good in many things and gets joy from simple things like flowers and animals. Christmas time is truly her favorite time of year and it brings her a tremendous amount of joy. She enjoys decorating the town and loves running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Just weeks before the event someone steps in at the restaurant where the event is to be held and tries to change all of her plans last minute. She shows just what holiday cheer can bring out in a person.

Jameson Franklin is easily annoyed by many things in life. Less than tasteful, decor, and crowds get to him, but what really raises the fur on his haggles is Christmas time. Taking over his cousin’s restaurant during the Christmas season is not his ideal thing, but he will try to play nice with the locals. Jamison make some changes to the restaurant that he thinks will help his cousins bottom line however, he has definitely gotten under one particular florist’s skin.

Christmas in Cape May was a fun and sweet holiday short Reid. Devon and Jamieson seem to be the opposite of each other. However, through some heated conversations in close proximity, they realize they have a bit more in common than they knew. Someone over filled with holiday cheer, and another one who wants nothing to do with it. Their banter is absolutely fantastic. I love that they are constantly fighting their chemistry until they can no longer fight their feeling and it just explodes. Jennifer Probst gives her readers a fun and heartwarming Christmas story to get our holiday season started.

Release Day: Christmas in Cape May by Jennifer Probst

She’s a beach town flower shop owner who loves Christmas. He’s the hot new restaurant owner with a grumpy Grinch heart.

Christmas in Cape May, an all-new steamy Sunshine Sisters novella from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst, is available now!

Devon Pratt loves many things in life. The beauty of flowers. The yin and yang of energy. The power of positivity in people. And everything to do with the Christmas season.

As a floral shop owner in the beach town of Cape May, she looks forward to decorating both the town and running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Too bad the new owner of her favorite venue is more like the Grinch than Santa. Working with him will be a challenge, but she’s too full of seasonal cheer to let him annoy her, right?

Jameson Franklin hates many things in life. Crowds. Fake cheer. Ostentatious décor. And especially Christmas. The season is full of things he’d rather avoid, but since taking over the popular restaurant Vintage temporarily for his cousin as a favor, he’s trying to play nice with the locals. Too bad the florist is insisting on overrunning his sacred space with blooms, dogs, and an endless positive persistence that pushes all of his buttons. But when too many heated confrontations lead to heated encounters, he begins to wonder what it would be like to love not only Christmas, but Devon Pratt.

Let the festivities begin.

**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.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BNPPXC Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/christmasincapemay Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/45puVvo Audible: https://adbl.co/3QtrZsm

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/45zj5PI

Keep reading for a look inside Christmas in Cape May!

She took a few steps in and jabbed her finger in the air. “You wouldn’t know how to handle a day at my shop, restaurant boy. And cancelling on a charity two weeks before the event is bad business in whatever way you want to look at it. I refuse to let you ruin this town’s tradition because you want to line your pocket with a few extra bucks. I don’t care what I have to do. You will honor the agreement and hold the gala here or I will make you sorely regret it.” The words shot and floated through the room like post-gunfire. A slight trembling shook her body from the depth of her emotions, and she dully noted it had been a long time since any individual—male or female—brought out her full ire. Devon braced herself for the fight of the century. “Restaurant boy?” The droll amusement only notched her temper higher. “I mean it. I will help you do this but you have a responsibility to keep your damn word.” The man had the audacity to lean back in his chair with ease and regard her under lashes that were too thick for a male. “And if I don’t?” Devon realized she’d make a bigger impression if she was like him. Cold-hearted, methodical, and ruthless. “I know people.” Interest piqued in those storm cloud eyes. “Mob?” “No. Legal people. Wouldn’t it be a shame to try and make productive changes and have to deal with customer complaints regarding the food? Or sanitary conditions?” She clucked her tongue. “Mac just got his liquor license. I bet you’d make a pretty penny selling your fancy Manhattan cocktails here. Wouldn’t it be a shame if something happened to that liquor license?” “You really like dogs, don’t you?” She narrowed her gaze and tried to figure him out. He was so damn…perplexing. Devon expected anger, or some other type of boorish behavior. Instead, he acted like he was royalty who refused to show weakness or emotion. Unfortunately, it only made her want to stir him up a bit to see where his limits were. “Dogs are the bomb. They deserve a little happiness before being returned to their cages without a family for Christmas.” And then something amazing happened. He laughed. Sure, it was a chuckle, and not a full-blown chest laugh, but the sound ruffled her nerve endings and made her want to remember it so she could replay the scene later in her head. “Okay, flower girl. I’ll give you what you want because I have limited time to deal with your threats but I have no time to structure this event. I’ll serve local beer and wine. I’ll offer up a limited menu based on my choices. That’s it. You do everything else and there will be no interference with the lunch crowd. The event begins at six pm, and I serve till 4pm. That means, no early drop-offs or distractions for my staff.” She opened her mouth to say something but he kept going. “And if I need anything, I plan to call you and only you. The moment you don’t respond, I’m calling the whole thing off, and you can blame the dogs’ broken hearts on your inability to follow through. Understood?” “Flower girl?” He grinned and her stomach did another weird flip. Something about those lips distracted her. “Tit for tat. Now, I need to get back to work.” This time, he turned around and began tapping at his keyboard. She’d already been dismissed. Head spinning, unable to come up with a proper retaliation, Devon left, wondering if she’d won the battle only to have lost the war. Because dealing with that man for the next two weeks was going to be hell on Earth.

For More Information about Jennifer Probst, visit her website: https://jenniferprobst.com/

For More Information about 1001 Dark Nights, visit: Website: https://www.1001darknights.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rTZdo3 TikTok: https://bit.ly/3G98oYh

Review: Muder Uncorked by Maddie Day

Murder Uncorked 

Maddie Day

Cece Barton Mystery Series, Book 1

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 24, 2023

Raise a glass to Cece Barton, a widowed single mom and recent L.A. transplant to California wine country, who suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation in this sparkling new mystery series from Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Maddie Day.

As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cecelia “Cece” Barton’s first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity. Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed & breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college-age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association. Just when it seems things can’t grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community . . . and Cece is identified as a possible suspect!

With her reputation and her livelihood on the line—and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck—Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation. Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece’s sleuthing exposing the valley’s bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie’s help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she’s worked so hard for goes up in flames.

3.5 Stars

Maddie Day takes her readers to beautiful wine country California in Murder Uncorked. The debut novel in the Cece Barton mystery Series.

Cece is a widowed single mom who is trying to start a new chapter of her life. She is the manager of Vino y Vida. She’s trying to settle into a new town learning to deal with the hustle and bustle of tourist season and trying to understand the politics of the local wine Association. Just as she begins to navigate the waters of all this newness, she finds herself being a prime suspect of a murder within the wine community.

Murder Uncorked is a wonderful introduction to the series. I very much enjoyed this week. Not only did we get a good mystery that was well written and kept you guessing. We also get the story of a woman trying to restart her life. The wine bar she manages is in the same little town as her twin sister, who runs a bed-and-breakfast. Her sister is a suspect as well. I love how they stick together and take on the job of amateur sluice to clear their own names. Cece does not have the best relationship with her daughter, and we get to see how that truly affects her and how much she wants that change. As I said, this is a great introduction to what I think it’s going to be not just a good mystery series, but the story of a woman who had changes later in life and is trying to make a new life with them.

Review: Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly

Snow Place for Murder 

Diane Kelly 

Moutain Lodge Mystery Series, Book 3 

October 24, 2023 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
The third in the charming and engrossing Mountain Lodge mystery series by Diane Kelly, in Snow Place for Murder, the weather at the Mountaintop Lodge is truly frightful…

International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has traveled all the way from London, England to Misty Murphy’s little corner of North Carolina and bought out the Mountaintop Lodge for the week prior to Christmas. Their intention? To pitch an exclusive new resort concept to wealthy American investors.

But locals are at odds over the idea, and when a group comes to the lodge to express their worries to Mr. Goodwin and the potential investors, a blizzard hits Beech Mountain. Like the weather outside, things quickly get frosty, and Misty has to call local police to intervene. Handyman Rocky Crowder plows the lodge’s drive and, in an attempt to regain a jovial holiday atmosphere, smooths the snow pile into a makeshift sledding hill for the guests to enjoy.

Misty’s boys have finished their exams and are “home” from college for the winter break, planning to spend most of their time snowboarding at the ski resort. While taking a few runs down Rocky’s sledding hill, they discover a funny-looking, nose-shaped rock. Only it’s not a rock. It’s the frozen nose of Nigel Goodwin, who’s found dead and buried under the mound of snow.

Who put the developer on ice and why?

4 Star
It’s the holiday season and Misty’s got a lot going on at her Mountaintop Lodge. Not only do her boys get to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with her. Rocky‘s daughter is also home from college and she is spending time with them at the lodge as well. Misty is also hosting an international resort developer from England. He is planning to pitch a resort idea to wealthy American investors that has caused a little commotion amongst the locals. As Misty and her handyman, Rocky do their best to make her little lodge as cozy and comfortable as can be, the townsfolk bring on a nasty little confrontation that has Misty calling the local police.
Just as things settle down a blizzard hits the area. Misty sons are having some fun on a sled hill that Rakim made, and discover a strange rock that turns out to be the resort developers body on ice.
Misty finds herself right in the middle of a murder.
I have been invested in this series since the first book, and each one gets better and better. Diane Kelly does an amazing job transporting the reader to a completely different place when opening the cover of one of her books. Snow Place for Murder was enjoyable in many aspects for me. The mystery was very well written. I have to say I did not figure out who did it in this one because there were just too many ways it could have gone. I love the chapters from Yetis point of view. They are fun and add quite a bit of humor to the story and honestly, I really do think the thoughts that that cat has or what cats would truly think. I like that we got to see the relationship with Misty and her children along with her ex-husband. We’ve heard her talk well of him through the other books and it was nice to see the interaction between the two of them and that they did have a good relationship after divorce. I honestly wish that the Mountain Lodge truly existed because I for one would spend quite a bit of time there. I can’t wait to see what the next adventure for Misty and Yeti will be.

 

Audio Review: Murder by the Seashore by Samara Yew

Murder by the Seashore

Samara Yew 

California Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 1 

October 17, 2023 by Crooked Lane

256 pages, Hardcover

Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams, Scarlett Gardner’s dream was to open a bookshop in Southern California, but it soon becomes a nightmare when she finds the dead body of a customer—and becomes the prime suspect.

Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she came out and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. That’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookstore that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.

After Scarlett gives a statement to the police, she thinks her life can go back to business as usual. But when a lawyer, representing someone named Lorelai Knight, tells her that Scarlett now stands to inherit a small fortune, Scarlett is left with more questions than answers. Before she can think about any of it, the police bring her in for questioning; the body she found was Lorelai Knight. And the evidence they have against Scarlett doesn’t look good—not only does she have a motive because of her inheritance, but a bottle of the same poison found in Lorelai’s system was discovered near the bookshop. Business is booming as Scarlett returns to the bookshop, but for all the wrong reasons – they want to question the last known suspect of the murder.

Who could really be behind all of this? And why frame Scarlett? To clear her name, she’s going to have get creative—and hope she can remain one page ahead of the killer.

4 Stars

Scarlett Gardner is trying to make her dreams come true.  Opening her beach book shop Palm Trees and Page Turner is the beginning of a good thing. Until her boyfriend/business partner decides to leave for a better job. Then to top things off, Scarlet finds a dead body under the pier not far from her Bookshop, making her a suspect in the murder. Then to mix things up just a little bit, a lawyer shows up wanting to speak to Scarlet about an inheritance from a person she has never heard of.  Scarlet is filled with lots of questions and not finding too many answers. Deciding to do a little investigating of her own, Scarlet has to clear her name, and that of the book shop.

Murder by the seashore, is a fantastic opening book for this new series. Scarlett Gardner is an interesting main character. She has some complexities to her, has dreams and desires. She wants to fulfill and has a very good heart. She has a solid character any Author has written her in a way that she will be able to grow through future installments. I thought we were going to see the beginning of a love interest in the first book but I guess we’re not quite there yet. As for the mystery, I found it very enjoyable. Author Samara Yew does a wonderful job at keeping the reader guessing as to whether they have actually figured it out or not. From the setting to the characters to the storyline, I found this a very enjoyable, cozy mystery.

Audio Review: Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay

Sugar Plum Poisoned

Jenn McKinlay

Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series, Book 15

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Expected publication October 10, 2023 by Berkley 

Narrated by Susan Boyce

It’s Christmastime, and this holiday season, things are heating up for the bakers at Fairy Tale Cupcakes, in the newest Cupcake Bakery Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

When up-and-coming singing sensation Shelby Vaughn arrives in town for two weeks of concert dates, she hires her old friend Angie and the rest of the bakery crew to supply cupcakes for the VIP guest lounge every night.

After overhearing Shelby in a heated argument with her manager, Mel is concerned, but she and the crew decide to make the best of their time working with the star. Just as the bakers fall into the rhythm of the job, Shelby’s manager is found dead, clutching a bit of fabric from a Santa suit and a cupcake. With the bakery crew and Shelby’s backup dancers all dressed in similar Santa costumes, it’s impossible to say who is the killer. When all suspicions lead back to Shelby, Mel and Angie stand up for their friend, determined to prove her innocence before she’s frosted for a crime she didn’t commit.

4 Stars

It’s Christmas time! Fairy Tale cupcakes is on deck to provide the delectable treats for the VIP guests of up-and-coming, singer and friend of Angie, Shelby Vaughn’s two week Christmas showcase in Scottsdale. It’s the busiest time of the year and spirits are bright. Well, until Shelby‘s manager is found dead with a fairytale cupcake in his hand. Mel and Angie have their hands full with the ongoing catering of Shelby shows, Mel hosting Christmas dinner for a small army, and now they are tangled up in a murder once again. Mel and Angie, not only want to clear the bakeries name because they know there was nothing wrong with their cupcakes. They’re out to clear Shelby’s name from this murder as well.

Sugar Plum Poisoned was a fun and entertaining weed. I love the combination of Mel and Angie. Their friendship is solid, extremely strong, and it’s to the point that they are basically family. And have been for a very long time. Angie is that person that will go to bed for the people she cares about. Mel is a little more stand back and think it through. They are truly a perfect team. Sugar Plum Poisoned shows us that Angie has definitely rubbed off on Mel after all these years. Although I figured out who the culprit of this caper was fairly early on, I very much enjoyed the story. Marty and Oz are always a trip whenever they are on the page. Seeing the brothers up to their antics is always a good laugh. They also help solve a murder and give a good friend a Christmas that she truly needed.

Narrator Susan boys did an amazing job with this book. She beautifully distinguish each character and truly brought the story to life.

Review: Shadow Magic by Donna Grant

 

 

Shadow Magic 

Donna Grant 

Sisters of Magic Series, Book 1 

Release: October 10, 2023

396 pages, ebook
January 1, 2008 by DL Grant, LLC
With a past soaked in sin and darkness slowly closing in around him to claim his soul, Drogan only wants to live his life in solitude. Years in the king’s service and his numerous deeds directed by the crown have left Drogan with horrendous nightmares and immeasurable guilt?

Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?

4 Stars 

Serena of Hawthorne is a witch, whose gift is to be able to see the future. Her people carry a curse that will inevitably wipe out everything of her people. Serena is well aware of the curse, but yet has lived her life in a way that has kept her lonely but yet safe. Serena has a vision of evil approaching their land. Being under the protection of the Lord of the land, Serena has his ear and his trust. Serena will do everything in her power to save the lives of her Lord, his lady and their daughter.

Drogan is the Lord of Wollfglynn. He is a loyal friend and a fierce warrior. Drogan fought for over 10 years and has quite many horrors and sins from his past that constantly plague his present day.  Drogan arrives at Hawthorne, to celebrate the birth of his very dear friend’s child, and in the process learns that there is a great evil following them. A darkness that makes them all fear for their lives. And a woman that has enchanted him on every level. 

Shadow Magic is medieval England with a paranormal twist. Drogan and Serena were magical.  From their initial meeting, their attraction was evident. From working together to develop a plan, to becoming very fond of one another, to both of them  willing to put their lives on the line to help people they cared about. Not only were they fighting the evil that followed them. They were fighting the things that plagued themselves. Donna Grant never fails to deliver a story that you can fall in love with. She gives you worlds oh, you want to get lost in. The sisters of Magic series gives us a unique view on witches, and I’m looking forward to discovering more of this magical series.

 

Release Blitz: Darkest Need by Rachel Van Dyken

To touch a Dark One is certain death…to fall in love with one of them might just be your salvation.

Darkest Need, an all-new page-turning Dark Ones novella from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is available now!

I see everything. I feel everything. I watch people fall in love. I watch them burn with hate, anger, rage, and I see the cycle repeat over and over again. I take it on every night I work at Timber, aka Anubis’s bar in downtown Seattle, and then I help the rest of the immortals keep the very intense balance between Heaven and Earth.

I see everyone’s future but mine, and when I try to look, all I see is darkness, despair, need…

Until she walks into my bar with bruises on her face, getting pulled by one of the lesser demons. I do what any good bartender would do… I beat him within an inch of his life and turn my eyes to her. By then, it’s too late. She already has me in her grasp. A succubus that has no other plan than to suck me clean of every inch of power that’s been bestowed on me by the Heavens.

I never thought my future involved getting kidnapped and tied up or that I’d die by way of sex—then again, maybe that’s for the best. Dying at the hands of my enemy rather than being one more burden to my already mated friends.

After all, giving into one last need before death, while selfish, may be exactly what my darkness means.

My need is great. And she’s about to find out just how much.

**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.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BBFApo Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/darkestneed Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3q05PmA

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MFjDMd

Keep reading for a look inside Darkest Need!

Listen, I know I have chains wrapped strategically around my wrists and that every second that goes by, said chains are burning a mark into my skin that may or may not mean I’m about to get completely demolished by a succubus demon. But this is not how the story starts. I mean, maybe it’s how it ends since I’ve been in this exact spot for the last two days without food or water, waiting for a rescue from my immortal friends, knowing full well they’re probably all just having sex and enjoying marital bliss without realizing I’m actually missing. Me. The manager of the Seattle demon bar, Sin. Werewolf prince. All around really upright kind of guy—or so I like to think. But do you know where that got me? Here. Chained. See also: Demon goddess who has not come back to check on me even once and says she wants to kill me via sex. Bartending is looking great right now. Immortal life in my werewolf clan did not prepare me for this or the fact that saving one succubus would actually turn me into her prey. She was bruised. Beaten beyond recognition. I was going to kill the vampire that attempted to slaughter her, but that’s a longer, more violent story since she ended up doing the deed once she got a bit of my blood. But I did give her water, thinking, wow, I’ve done this person a total solid. I mean, despite the fact that she was pretty. Even her tears were pretty. The bruising and swelling on her face didn’t even hide how beautiful she was—or is. Maybe my first wrong act was comforting her. Because the minute we touched, her eyes flashed a creepy red, and well…see also actual burning handcuffs around my wrists. It’s clearly been a fun forty-eight hours. Maybe she’ll make it quick, though a weird part of me kind of wants my last few moments being sucked dry via sex to last for a while, so long that it’s all I focus on, all I care about, all I see. I see visions of the future, but I never saw this. So, strap in because I’m sure it’s going to be a great story. I just may not make it all the way to the end with you.

For More Information about Rachel Van Dyken, visit her website: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/

For More Information about 1001 Dark Nights, visit: Website: https://www.1001darknights.com/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rTZdo3 TikTok: https://bit.ly/3G98oYh

Review: Salems Song by Kristen Proby

Salems Song 

Kristen Proby 

The Curse of the Blood Moon Series, Book 3

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 3, 2023

Torn apart by tragedy, Lorelei has kept Xander at arm’s length, focusing on her career and gifts, rather than rekindling their love. But now that she’s back in Salem, she can’t avoid him and finds herself slowly softening toward the man she’s loved all of her life. However, the witch hunter they’ve been fighting still hasn’t been vanquished. Between that and breaking the curse of the Blood Moon, now is not the best time for her to give the sexy Xander another try.

Despite Lora pushing him away, Xander has never stopped loving her. But now that the stakes are higher with evil threatening them more than ever, he is done giving her time and space. With the curse that Jonas put into place long ago creating havoc with the innocent residents of Salem, the core six, their coven, and the witches from Hallows End need to work together to overcome true wickedness.

Will Xander and Lora find themselves once again amidst these stormy seas and their recent separation? Or will evil reign, throwing the core six, Salem and Hallows End into unimaginable peril?

5 Stars

Lorelei and Xander have known forever that they are destined to be with one another. Their magic called to each other, was intensified by each other. Something hurt them both greatly, and has faltered the foundation of what they should be. The Curse of the Blood Moon is hanging over their heads, and something evil just keeps coming at them. Threatening everyone, they know, and love. Lorelei and Xander have to work together along with their friends and cousins to see this through and erase this curse. Danger is around every corner pushing Lorelei and Xander into close proximity. It’s like their souls are calling to one another, but they have to heal that hurt to able to move forward.

Salems Song is the perfect read to begin the spooky time of year. The conclusion of The Curse of the Blood Moon Series was magical. We get an amazing story that is filled with family, love and hope. A story that is dangerous, daring and magical. I love that was broken and found a way to heal. Kristin Proby truly created something magical not only with this story, but with this series. These relationships are soul deep, and you are able to feel that while reading. She creates strong characters that know how to build one another up but can count on one another in their times of need.
There is an epilogue at the end of Salem Song that was amazingly beautiful and had me crying rivers of happy tears. Kristin was able to beautifully show what life, love, friendship, family, and tradition should look like.