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Review: Wicked as Secrets by Shayla Black
Wicked as Secrets
Shayla Black
Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire Series, Book 7
Matt and Madison part 1
May 16, 2023 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
He’ll do anything to protect her from danger…but it will cost her everything.
Security specialist Matt Montgomery has never forgotten—or forgiven—Madison Archer for walking away and ripping out his heart. Three years later, she crashes back into his life, terrified that her wealthy husband is trying to kill her. Matt vows to protect Madison…but there’s a price. He’ll have revenge by making her submit to his every sexual demand.
Part of a powerful, ruthless political dynasty, Madison’s soon-to-be ex has deep, dark secrets. When uncovering them nearly proves fatal, she turns to the one man she knows can protect her—the lover she’s never been able to forget. Matt’s ultimatum is both shocking and intoxicating. But if she wants to keep herself and her ailing father alive, he’s her only option.
As the danger escalates, so do Madison and Matt’s feelings. But navigating their rocky past while trying to stay one step ahead of her deadly husband proves perilous. Will their forbidden love survive the danger and give them a second chance at happiness?
**Wicked as Secrets is part of the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire romantic suspense series. Stories in this series are told in a duet of two full-length novels. Each duet can be read as a standalone. Includes strong language, sexy times, alpha male attitude, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Enjoy!**
4 Stars
Matt and Madison had that kind of connection that you know it’s something special. Chemistry was only the beginning. They had a connection on a level that was deeper than either one of them now. And then it just ended. Did he break her heart or did she break his period?
Fast forward a few years, and Madison finds herself in the deepest of deep trouble. On the run, and no one to trust there’s only one person that she knows can even begin to help her. Matt finds medicine outside his window and knows in an instant that she is in trouble, and he must help her.
Full disclosure for this review. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
Secrets and lies, on the run and danger just behind. Wicked as Secrets starts was so packed action and doesn’t let up. Madison and Matt begin to deal with her unresolved issues while still feeling the connection that has never burned out. With serious danger just over their shoulders, they work together with some of our favorite Shayla black characters to find a way to get Madison safe. Just when they think they have some things figured out, everything hits the fan and puts everyone in a position they would rather not be in. Madison knows everything is hanging on a person she can’t trust. Matt is about to lose his mind over something. He should be able to help control.
As a general rule, I am not a fan of cliffhanger books, but yet I love this series. Fortunately, Miss Black is kind to her readers and doesn’t make us wait too too long.
Release Blitz: Famous in a Small Town
He was looking for serenity and he may have just found it in her.
Famous in a Small Town, an all new small town, grumpy meets sunshine rock star romance, from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is now available!
What chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?
Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone.
Ani Bennet returned to her hometown for some much-needed serenity. The last thing she needs is a grumpy, too hot for his own good, rich and famous rock star living next door—and rent-free in her brain.
She set her fangirl tendencies aside and deleted his photo from her cell when they became neighbors. But when Garrett asks for help, she can’t say no. The problem is, spending time together is making those fangirl feelings resurface—and bringing them to a whole new level.
What chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star? It’s time for Ani to set her fears aside and find out.
Rock out today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hcEhD9
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About Kylie Scott
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.
Connect with Kylie
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Website: https://kyliescott.com/
Review: Nothing but Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Nothing But Ink
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Series, Book 3.5
Clay Hollins knows he needs to stay away from Riggs Kennedy. He doesn’t have time to fall for the bearded bartender that haunts his dreams and waking fantasies. Not only is he working long hours at his dream job with Montgomery Builders, but he’s raising his three cousins and they need him more than he needs a private life.
After one night of giving in, however, neither Riggs nor Clay can walk away.
Only their lives are chaotic with baggage from Riggs’ past and Clay’s present and taking a chance on each other might be the scariest yet best decision they ever make.
Review: My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
My Bad Decisions
Carrie Ann Ryan
On My Own Series, Book 4
Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.
The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.
I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.
The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.
Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.
Tanner and Natalie could not be more different. Six of the eight friends have paired off and these two are the last standing.
Natalie is very different from the way her mother wishes her to be. Coming from privilege her parents expect her to do one thing but yet Natalie is determined that she’s going to live her life the way she wants. Tanner grew up with his mom and little brother, he lost his life overseas. Life was not always easy for them yet Tanner does everything he can to better his life and to make things easier for his mom even if the man in her life is not one that Tanner cares for. Tanner hides what he does for a living because he feels like it makes him less of a person yet when a certain friend discovers what he does it seems to open up more possibilities than he could’ve dreamed of.
My Bad Decisions is an emotional conclusion to the On My Own series. Tanner and Natalie like each other more than either one is willing to admit. Through all the arguing and banter, you could feel the underlying desire and chemistry. They both have their issues and confide in one another to help themselves. Big life changes hit them both hard and quick and I love the way they came together. Tanner and Natalie had to work hard but love is hard work. Carrie Ann Ryan completes the series wonderfully.
Review: Brazen by Jayne Rylon
Brazen
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Shields Series, Book 3
Sola doubted her instincts after her best friend and partner on the Shields security team, Aarav, acted for months like the attraction between them didn’t exist. One wild night on their boss’s private jet proves she was spot on even if she has no idea where their relationship will go from there.
When they’re sent to assassinate the head of a money laundering operation at a brand new casino, Sola looks into the eyes of their target and her gut screams he’s not the source of the evil they’re hunting. Risking everything, Sola steps in between the man she loves and the one they’ve been sent to kill.
Sola’s instant and undeniable attraction to their unintended captive forces them to investigate him further and decide—will they eliminate him, protect him, or entice him to join their intimate partnership?
Brazen is a bisexual multipartner romance in NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jayne Rylon’s fan-favorite Powertools Universe. Visit your favorite characters or meet new ones in this interconnected, why choose standalone in the Powertools: The Shields MMF ménage series.
Sola and Aarav are on a mission unlike any that they have been before. Their friendship is something they both treasure yet they both want more and taking that next step has been a difficult one for them both. The mission at hand has all the cards on the table and everyone is seeing clearly. Yet when the target gives you such strong feelings and doubt of what you’re doing sometimes you have to take A step back and look at things for what they are. Cash was the target, not someone that they should’ve cared about or get an instant reaction from. The game is dangerous, once all the facts are no the way it’s played just may be life-changing.
Jayne Rylon combined an emotional journey, a dangerous mission and a love story all in one. Sola and Aarav danced around their chemistry for far too long. They wholeheartedly embraced their passion. Just as they are discovering themselves together, they realized they need something more than they knew. Cash was in a messed situation and two people saw something more inside he didn’t even know he had or wanted or needed. Together Sola, Cash and Aarav worked hard to find that together their world is right as rain and apart it is no way near the same. Brazen is sexy and emotional. There is nothing like a visit in the Powertools world.
Enemy Heir by Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone
Enemy Heir
Carrie Ann Ryan
Nana Malone
Tattered Royals Series, Book 2
I know men like him.
Powerful. Arrogant. Trouble. The world is his playground.
The playboy prince, the tabloid favorite, and the bane of my existence.
And unfortunately, he’s the only one who might be able to help me uncover the truth.
We’re all but shackled together as he works to help me find my stalker before another attack
I don’t want to trust him. I don’t want to want him.
But letting Breck Waterford in might be the only thing to save us both.
I’ve never met a woman like her.
My secrets are mine to keep, but she has a habit of finding the truth.
Sparrow Bridges can’t discover who I am under the crown.
She’s everything I told myself I couldn’t have.
I push her away every chance I can…only every time I look at her, I fall harder.
When danger comes, I can’t stand the idea of losing her before I have a chance to claim her.
She doesn’t need a savior. But anyone who threatens Sparrow will soon find they don’t want me as an enemy.
Feisty, intense and emotional, Enemy Heir puts enemies to lovers to the test.
Playboy Prince and Heir to throne Breck is arrogant, very much full of himself and the man is like a drink of cold water on a super hot day. He has a reputation and in a few ways is quite proud of it. Breck only shows half of who he is to the world. Yet when a feisty, independent and beautiful security guard starts to get under his skin, Breck soon learns even a prince can’t stop a strong willed woman.
Security guard Sparrow is the textbook definition of a butt kicking woman. She will not allow an arrogant Royale to keep her from doing her job. She has a vulnerability but yet knows her own fault. She wears her skin as armor to protect herself from getting too attached to anyone. Somehow a cocky and full of himself prince that she can’t stand has made himself very prominent in her thoughts.
Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone make you want to get tangled up with a Royal. Enemy Heir is full of the unexpected. Breck and Sparrow are great together. Their back and forth, push and pull these two out each other through only enforces the attraction and chemistry that they feel with one another. Sparrow lives a dangerous life with her job and the closer that she becomes to Breck, more he wants her yet the more he tries to pull away. Alphas and their alpha tendencies. They have a crazy road that leads to their happily ever after and I loved watching them find their path.
Review: More Than Possess You by Shayla Black
More Than Possess You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6.75
1001 Dark Nights
I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.
I’ve got to step in.
It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.
**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.**
Shayla Black takes the reader to tropical Hawaii with the next chapter in the More Than Words series with More Than Possess You.
Hayes Elliott and Echo Hope have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They do have a tight knit group of friends yet the two are closer than close. When Hayes and good friend Xavian Costa are heading to maui for a work thing Hayes finds it fitting to invite Echo along. What should be a week in Paradise becomes a realization of many things.
More Than Possess You goes beyond friendship and what you see on the outside. It is about love and longing. Learning there’s more and the passion is so sweet. Hayes is so possessive but yet extremely tender at the same time. His heart is in the right place yet he doesn’t seem to notice what is right under his nose. Echo is one smart cookie. She took a giant leap, putting everything on the line. I enjoyed watch this friendship turn into something so much more.
Review: Santa’s Subpoena by Rebecca Zanetti
Santa’s Subpoena
Rebecca Zanetti
The Anna Albertini Flies Series, Book 4
Anna Albertini has her hands full during the holiday season. Her boyfriend Aiden is back in town after being undercover across the country for the last three months, and his sudden over-protectiveness is a little too much. In addition, Nonna’s latest matchmaking scheme has been so far thwarted by the two most stubborn candidates alive, and Nonna is out of patience and bringing out the big guns. Anna is forced to both protect her sister and run interference, when she’d like to jump in and find a happily ever after for everyone instead.
To add to her already hectic life, her life-long stalker is about to make a move and doesn’t hide that frightening fact, although Anna is more than ready for him. In fact, she’s willing to draw him out to finally bring him down—regardless of the consequences. Finally, Santa has been arrested and charged for murder, needing a good lawyer. Who would arrest Santa? Anna can’t let this stand. It’s a good thing Christmas is a time of magic and miracles, because she’s going to need one.
5 Stars
You would think Christmas time would be full of joy and cheer but Anna Albertini Has a snack for crazy stuff falling on her doorstep. Or walking into her office as this case would be. Not to mention all the things of Anna’s life that are on her mind.
Now tasted with getting Santa off on murder charges, the incredibly hard task of finding Aiden the proper Christmas gift and waiting for that expected thing that she doesn’t want to happen but yet knows is going to happen. Anna‘s life is crazy and messed up but this woman’s got a great heart and would put herself out there just to help someone else.
Santa’s Subpoena is intense, funny and jaw dropping. Rebecca Zanetti has created one of the best characters I have read in a long time. Anna adds a bit of humor to everything and stands up with the best of them. Anna hit a very pivotal point in her life within this book and comes out with her head held high and standing strong. The story is intense but yet the woman that is Anna is even more so. I absolutely love this book. And I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a suspenseful read with some passion and a lot of humor.
Audio Review: Flirt With Me by Kristen Proby
Flirt With Me
Kristen Proby
The O’Callaghan Series, Book 4,
With ME in Seattle Series, Book 17
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her beloved With Me In Seattle Series!
There are two things Maeve O’Callaghan values more than anything else: her family and her career. Being the eldest daughter in a large, close-knit and somewhat chaotic Irish family means spending most of her nights in the family-owned pub, serving drinks and food, always accompanied by a smile. During the day, she’s a superstar real estate agent, selling homes on her beloved island just across Puget Sound from Seattle. She doesn’t have time for much else, and she’s perfectly okay with that.
Enter Hunter Meyers. He’s looking for a new place to call home, somewhere out of the city, and believes life on the island could be just the thing for him and his troubled teenage daughter. While in search of finding the perfect house, his sexy realtor catches his eye, making him feel things he hasn’t in years. But with the added baggage of a surly teen and a past that will never be forgotten, how can he make something permanent with the gorgeous Irishwoman who tempts him like no other?
Maeve isn’t just attracted to Hunter with his killer grin and muscles for days. The teenager that tries so hard to push her away also pulls at her heartstrings. Maeve understands the importance of family, and can see herself making just that with Hunter and his daughter. But when his past comes back to haunt him, will their love be strong enough, or will they be ripped apart forever?
What a story, what a family and what a romance. I loved Maeve and Hunter.
Maeve is a one of a kind woman. She’s intelligent, has a career she loves and a family she loves even more. Her heart is so big and shines brighter than her personality. She has a very happy and productive life and there’s not much more she could possibly ask for, except for maybe that dream house that she’s had her eye on. That is until a handsome man walks into the family pub and makes her want something she didn’t even know she needed.
Hunter, my goodness I don’t think I have swooned over a man, real or fictional, like I did with him in a very long time. Is a retired MMA fighter and single father with a rebellious teenage daughter. He’s strong, a bit hard headed, totally alpha and willing to do anything to keep his daughter safe. In an effort to pull his daughter from the questionable crowd she is running with, Hunter decides maybe it’s time for a move and the island is calling his name. Little did he know a night of fun flirting in an Irish pub would lead to the same woman who is showing him houses. This move might not only change his daughter’s life for the better but his as well.
Flirt With Me was a fantastic read. I absolutely loved Maeve and Hunter. From their flirtatious beginnings, to the way their chemistry bloomed and how it just fell together and felt so natural. They welcome each other and to their worlds and it fits together like pieces of a puzzle. The Callahan’s are a big Irish family with a lot of love to give. I love how they opened their arms willingly for Hunter and Rachel and how you could feel the love that they had for their daughter. Even with the trials and tribulations that Hunter and Maeve faced they learned together they are much better than they are apart.
Kristen Proby wrote a magically romantic story and narrators Stella Bloom and Connor Crais performance is spectacular. Together they truly make you feel like you’re right in the story.
Review: Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake
Bayou Beauty
Lexi Blake
Butterfly Bayou Series, Book 4
Love returns to Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou in a new small-town contemporary romance sure to charm hearts, from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.
Sylvie Martine was prepared to take Washington D.C. by storm, but she put that dream on hold when her beloved hometown of Papillon, Louisiana, needed her most. Now Sylvie’s the mayor of the tiny town on the bayou that holds her heart. But for Sylvie, this can only be a pit stop on the way to bigger and better things. The last thing she needs is an old love to resurface and threaten her goals.
Rene Darois’s whole life has been about serving his family–no matter how much it hurts. He’s used to sacrificing for his large extended family and the company his grandfather created. But he can’t believe the latest demand: he needs to find a wife and quick or he could lose it all. It would be a horrible situation. But he has just the solution: his high school sweetheart. Sylvie is everything he wants in a wife–smart, funny, and caring–and he planned to woo her anyway.
Now he just has to convince Sylvie that their love is worth it all, or he and the bayou will lose her forever.
There is nothing like a visit to the charming and colorful Butterfly Bayou. Bayou Beauty is a fantastic small town romance.
Sylvie has been crushing on her brothers best friend for as long as she can remember. There was a moment when she thought things may go to something more yet he left her brokenhearted for many years to come. Sylvia is an amazing woman but with a mom like hers how could she not be. She is independent and strong yet caring and just. I don’t think there could be a better mayor for Papillion.
Rene has known two things for a very long time. Number one he’s been groomed to take over the family company. Number two, he has known that Sylvie has been and always will be the woman for him. Many years ago Rene let Sylvie walk away to be able to continue her dreams while he kept his promise to his father and the legacy of their company. When greed infiltrated the family in a way that made Rene have to make some big choices or he could lose the legacy his father created.
Bayou Beauty is a sweet, funny, heartwarming and charming small town romance. Sylvie and Renee have history and that history goes deeper than either one of them realize. It’s a twisted messed up situation and I believe that Sylvie acts like any other woman would when propositioned with a proposal. Renee is truly a genuine and sincere man who is really looking out for his family. Little does anyone know he’s just been waiting for the day that he could truly sweep Sylvie off her feet. I truly enjoyed this sweep you off your feet story. Sylvie and Renee are truly a pair and I love their interactions from the very beginning. It’s always fun to visit the Butterfly Bayou. The secondary characters throughout the story truly help make the book what it is. They are colorful and charismatic and you even have to laugh when ol Ottis shows up. Lexi Blake continues this fabulous Siri‘s filled with laughs, love and some amazing characters that you can’t help to enjoy.
Coffee Books Life 