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Review: Fighting the Fire by Laura Kaye
Fighting the Fire
Laura Kaye
Warrior Fight Club Series, Book 3
One night is never enough…
For firefighter Sean Riddick, Warrior Fight Club keeps the demons of his past at bay, even though it means seeing Daniela England. Her ball-busting sarcasm drives him nuts, and he knows he’s damaged goods anyway, but he can’t help but remember how good they were together that one time. Now he wants to take her to the mats no matter how much they go toe to toe.
ER nurse Daniela England has lost so much that she’s vowed never to need anyone again. Fight club helps her beat back her survivor’s guilt, but it means dealing with Riddick. The hot-but-infuriating firefighter is everything she wants to avoid, which is why their one-night stand was a mistake. Now she needs to keep her distance so it doesn’t happen again.
But when Dani witnesses Sean’s motorcycle accident, she steps up to help him recover. One on one, they get beneath all the snark and find a connection neither expected. As Sean heals, the sparks between them burst into red-hot passion—and ignite old wounds. Now there are fires all around—and they have to decide which they’ll fight and which they’ll let consume them.
4 Stars
Laura Kaye is back and in fire.
One night. Was it a mistake or was it not enough? There are many kinds of battle wounds and not all of them you can see. Demons that continue to hunt long after the deed has been done. Warrior Fight Club helps give those that have served a safe way to battle those demons in a way they can only understand.
Sean and Dani gave into the passion and dance around it didn’t happen. Their banter and barbs were as good as their sparring matching. They both felt so deeply in everything they did. And that made watching these two dance around their attraction very entering. They both felt so much on a soul deep level. In many ways Sean and Dani are very alike. Both have previous military careers in both of them having jobs in service that put themselves on the line for the needs of others. Dani was loyal to the soul level. Her devotion is something to be proud of. Sean Was a wonderful hero. He had this unique mix of just enough alpha, a dash of cockiness with some vulnerability. I loved Dani and Sean together!
It still amazes me how much Laura Kaye can make you feel so much while reading.
Fighting the Fire took a long road to make into the reader’s hand. I am so grateful the Ms. Kaye was able to overcome the trials it took to get Sean and Dani’s story. Fight the Fire will hit you in the heart, make you feel and smile at the ending.
Audio Review: Headhunter by Kristen Proby
Headhunter
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle: Mafia Series, Book 2
As the son of one of the States’ most prominent mob bosses, Shane Martinelli’s always been immersed in society’s shady underbelly. Learning to navigate it and keep to the edges was working just fine until an acquaintance turns up missing, and he fears the worst. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Luckily, as an ex-special operative, he’s uniquely qualified to track her down and keep her safe. Unfortunately, nobody’s making that easy—not the people who took her nor the woman herself.
Ivie Jordan has led a pretty uneventful life, and that’s just how she likes it. Especially since she’ll be the first to admit that she doesn’t do so well in social situations. She’s a proud business owner, and while she doesn’t have family, she does have a network of people who look out for her. Little did she know that being accepted into that fold came with a laundry list of issues. When the worst happens, and she’s forced to rely on the ruggedly handsome alpha hero who comes to her rescue, she discovers her inner badass—and the sultry vixen on her other shoulder.
Too bad the two of them are literally running for their lives and trying to ensure the safety of those they love. There is way more at stake than meets the eye.
It’s time for the hunted to become the hunters.
Kristen Proby has a thing with Mafia Romance!
Hang on tight, because Headhunter will keep you on the edge from beginning to end! Also if you read Underboss you know this one is set up for intensity.
I am not sure who was carrying more secrets. The wickedly sexy Shane Martinelli or beautifully sweet Ivie Johnson. One ran away from a past that is now catching up with her and the other holds so many secrets that the average man would break. Shane and Ivie have mastered the dance of flirting with one another. Now at that life or death situation Shane steps in to protect Ivie. As the danger brews so does the attraction. The passion becomes as intense as the danger.
Headhunter is a fast paced, intense yet intimate story of danger and romance. There’s something Maria stories that intrigue me. To find out there is a sub genre in romance, excitement is an understatement. Kristen Proby hits it out of the park on so many levels. The danger is on point. The family ties and rivalries are intense and intriguing. The romance is as dangerous as the danger. The narration of this story gave me chills in all the right way. Ms. Probly’s story very much walked off the pages with narrators Lee Samuels and Kristen Leigh.
Review: Inked Persuasion by Carrie Ann Ryan
Inked Persuasion
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Series, Book 1
The Montgomery Ink saga from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a steamy new series.
Years ago, Annabelle Montgomery married not for love but for a promise of hope. When she lost him weeks later, she told herself she never needed those sentiments again. Only when she discovers years later that her new neighbor is her late husband’s brother, Annabelle finds she can’t quite shake the emotions she’s long since buried.
Jacob Queen vowed he’d never set eyes on Annabelle again. When they’re forced into each other’s lives once more, they realize that no matter how far they run, no distance can keep them apart forever. More than ghosts lay between them, and when they finally give in to temptation, walking away whole may no longer be an option.
4 Stars
Fate works in mysterious ways when the person whom you believe you dislike most in the world ends up being the person you can’t be without. Inked Persuasion will give you all the feels.
All of the Montgomery‘s contain a level of passion that’s like another so I thought until I met Annabelle Montgomery. The level of compassion that this woman possesses rivals sainthood. She understands the true meaning of friendship is and not everyone will get to experience everything they want in life. A truly strong woman in every sense of the word. Yet when the late husband’s brother moves in next door, buried emotions return, opening a door to something that could be a lot more.
Jacob Queen has returned home to help with care for his momma. Losing his brother years ago has made it all the more urgent that he spends as much time as he can with his mom. Little did he know he would be moving in right next-door to the last person on earth he ever wanted to see you again. Emotions flaring and only half truths known Jacob made what should have been some good into something ugly. Learning the real deal and opening his eyes has made him realize his only enemy was himself. And something wonderful it’s just an arms reach away.
Inked Persuasion was a whole different level of emotion and I enjoyed every bit of it. Jacob and Annabelle worked so well together. Even when bickering and fighting they did it with compassion and passion. Their chemistry came naturally while they stubbornly fault what their bodies and hearts knew before their brains. Carrie Ann Ryan once again gives readers a steamy and emotional story that has us feeling the thing we feel when a romance hits your just right. Annabelle and Jacob’s story is everything Montgomery that we have come to love.
Review: Wicked as Lies by Shayla Black
Wicked as LIes
Shayla Black
Wicked and Devoted, Series, Book 3
Expected publication: February 9th 2021 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
He’s reckless. She’s forbidden.
And he’s done caring that she’s the enemy.
Chase “Zyron” Garrett left a bloody stint with Uncle Sam for the personal security business. His employment agreement forbids hookups with co-workers, which isn’t a problem—until Tessa Lawrence, the office secretary and single mom, is harassed by her vengeful ex-boyfriend. Zy is assigned to protect her, but the moment he meets the gorgeous blonde, those contractual restrictions tighten around him like a noose.
Tessa Lawrence is alone in the world…except for her newborn baby, and she’s determined to survive without anyone’s help. Then Zy walks through her door. Fiercely protective yet tender, he’s everything she wants in a man, lover, and father for her daughter. But he’s totally off-limits. If she falls for him, she’ll be fired.
When a teammate is captured and the enemy predicts their every move, it’s clear they’ve got a mole. The bosses task Zy with discovering their traitor, and all clues point to the woman he’s losing his heart to. With danger lurking, he’s caught in a tangle of unquenched need and searing betrayal. Will their love be the greatest casualty of all?
4 Stars
Nothing like being put into the position of where the choices are bad and worse. So what is an alpha male to do? Give into the temptation and deal with the fallout, lose the woman he doesn’t have, possibly betray a friend, give the bosses a piece of his mind and mess up his own head in the process. Just for starters.
Wicked as Lies is a slow action packed, on the edge of your seat story with a slow burn romance. Tessa and Zyron are attracted to each other from the moment they meet. Being coworkers makes them off-limits but yet circumstances have put them together that has made a profound impact in both of their lives. Two very strong people are tested in ways they never imagined, yet keep their heads held high as they face the pain they can’t seem to do anything about. There is a wicked game afoot and telling the players from the pawns is cutting soul deep.
Wicked as Lies Will take you through the whole range of emotions from swooning at sweetness to wanting to smack someone upside the head because they’re acting like a fool. Tessa and Zyron are as intense as their story is dangerous.
Shayla Black has readers waiting on their knees, with bated breath, for the sure to be epic conclusion of Zyron and Tessa story in Wicked and True.
Cover Reveal: Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake
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.
Bayou Beauty is releasing July 27th and we have the beautiful cover!
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.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ooP9iD
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/bayoubeauty
Nook: https://bit.ly/BayBeau_LB_BN
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/BayBeau_Apple_LB
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Add BAYOU BEAUTY to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3cAb1ox
About Lexi Blake
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.
Connect with Lexi
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2uUiScN
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Gdjy03
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Review: Captured in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Captured in Ink
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series, Book 4.5
1001 Dark Nights
New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan returns to the Montgomery Ink world with three souls bruised yet forever connected in this sexy and intoxicating ménage romance.
Julia and Ronin know their relationship is solid. They’ve been through hell and back, but their love has stayed true through it all. When Ronin’s ex, Kincaid, comes back to town, however, the two realize what they might be missing.
Kincaid didn’t mean to leave Ronin behind all those years ago. When tragedy struck not once, but twice, bringing with it the heat of horror, he couldn’t face the past he’d left behind. Now, he’s back and doesn’t know how he fits in with the seemingly perfect couple—especially not when their families will apparently stop at nothing to keep them apart.
**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.*
4 Stars
Ronin and Julia both have a past that made them both work really hard to have what they do. They found each other and a love that gave them more than they could ask for. Open and honestly with one another, able and always willing to talk. Communication has been their key all along the way. The devotion they share allows Julia and Ronin to be themselves, discover their wants and needs and know genuine love and happiness. Ronin and Julia share a very unique relationship and are very open minded people with big hearts and a lot of love.
Circumstances beyond his control sent Kincaid into a downward spiral. Tragic events and losing his loves was more than he could handle. Darkness overtook when the hurt and pain became too much. It took quite a while for Kincaid to find his way back to himself. Although he’s not completely there he’s trying really hard. Kincaid showed up on his ex’s doorstep with an apology and a hope for more. Shock hit him on two fronts, one, his ex was married and two, they both welcomed him like family.
Captured in Ink is an emotionally deep and beautiful story. Ronin and Julia have an amazing relationship. They’re honest and bold, willing to talk to each other and not afraid to express their dreams, wishes or fantasies. Together they are amazing. Kincaid was a love lost that became a love returned. They approach their wants openly and honestly, knowing it could be a thing of wonder and beauty or we could go completely down the drain ruining a marriage and what could be a friendship. Once the nerves settle and they fall into being who they are, something amazing happens to these three people that have a dark past but found something more.
Review: Pound by Jayne Rylon
Pound
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Original Crew Returns, Book 4
With the crew reunited to work on a massive career-expanding project and spend their off-time relaxing together, what could go wrong?
They’ve learned not to tempt fate, but are also committed to doing whatever is in their power to make their crew happy, sated, and whole for the rest of their lives.
So when someone threatens one of their own, they will do anything—including bringing in some of their more qualified friends—to figure out who wishes their time in Middletown was over before it has really begun.
This is a standalone book set in the Powertools universe. All your favorite Hot Rods and Hot Rides characters will be making appearances as well. So come make new book boyfriends or hang out with old ones!
3.5 Stars
The Crew has faced many challenging changes as they have moved themselves to Middletown. Everyone is starting to adjust and settle into their new home except for James who has seemed to have lost a bit of himself as the crew has transitioned into new and different roles.
Pound finds James questioning his role in the crew. Being a part of the crew, his crew, was it for him. Being a foreman is a great job but it’s not what he feels. James hangs up his tool belt and does some soul searching. He tries a few different hats to see what fits, confides in his crew and takes the nudging from a few good friends. The crew is as solid as they have always been and sexy as even. They have embraced the challenge set before them, worked through it and tightened the bonds that they share. With the support and love of his husband, wife and the crew he holds so dear, James works through his funk and finds a way to not only help himself but helping others too.
Pound shows a very unexpected side of a character I thought was extremely solid. James is a loving, pleasing man. Rough when needed yet tender and kind. All of the crew have challenged themselves with the major move and all the crazy things falling upon them. They continue to show that family is more than blood and beyond soul deep. Jayne Rylon delivers sexiness and emotions with the latest from the crew of the Powertools, Pound.
Review: Bailed Out by Rebecca Zanetti
Bailed Out
Rebecca Zanetti
The Anna Albertine File, Book 2
The Past Never Stays Buried
Anna Albertini is settling into a routine while ignoring the fact that the blue-eyed Irishman she’d allowed into her bed has up and disappeared on her. Two weeks without a phone call is no big deal, but still. With her hottie Italian boss goofing up the prosecuting attorney’s office, she at least has something to fix. Until she appears in court, across from her sister Tessa’s dirtbag ex. Then she has a mission.
Unfortunately, Anna isn’t the only person who wants the ex put behind bars…or in the ground. Which is not a problem until she and a local cop find the ex-boyfriend deader than dead…with both her sister and Aiden standing over the body.
As a prosecuting attorney, it’s Anna’s job to build a case against Tessa and Aiden. As a sister, it’s SO her job to get Tess out of this mess. As Aiden’s…what? Lover—girlfriend—friend from the past—it’s Anna’s job to figure out who the heck he really is. She has to dig out the truth, regardless of her ambitious boss or the cranky cop trying to thwart her every move. Sometimes a woman has to take matters into her own hands, regardless of the consequences.
5 Stars
Anna Albertini is a laugh out loud riot.
Bail Out is one of those books that one you start reading you can’t put down. Picking up where Disorderly Conduct left off and find Anna thrown into predicaments, some beyond her control. When the bad boy of a man that is a forerunner in Anna’s mind and her sister are found together over the dead body of said sisters ex, the problems have just begun. The fact that Anna is a Prosecutor, has a very large family in their own way of doing things and a heart bigger than she knows what to do with, it’s just the beginning of this crazy and suspenseful tale.
Anna Albertini is like a danger magnet with a cloud of chaos not too far behind. Smart, honest and a hysterical riot. I truly love Anna. Her quick wit, loyalty and big heart make Anna go to great lengths to find the truth. The thoughts that go through Anna’s head make me bust out laughing. Anna is not the type of person that is going to wait for something to get done, she will get it done. Even if she has to put herself into the line of fire. She is a unique individual and I can’t help but wish I could truly have this woman as a friend.
Wow, there is nothing I can say that’s truly going to express how much I enjoyed this book. Bailed Out is overwhelming in such a good way. The story grabs you, pulls you in and keeps you there from beginning to end. As the layers to the characters unfold it gives this story so much more. The danger and suspense one thing but the romantic side it’s quite another. Anna is a passionate person by nature and to see the chemistry explode between her and Aiden is quite sizzling. Changes happen, truths are revealed and through all the danger Anna will have everyone laughing along the way. Rebecca Zanetti rocked this one hard.
Review: Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake
Bayou Dreaming
Lexi Blake
Butterfly Bayou Series, Book 3
New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake’s heartfelt contemporary romance set in Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou.
Roxanne King left the big city looking for a simpler life, but after years of proving herself on a SWAT team in New York City, being deputy in a sleepy Louisiana parish is something of an adjustment. She’s settling in, but she knows she made some mistakes in the beginning–Zep Guidry being the worst of them. Zep drifts through life on his looks and Cajun charm. Roxie learned the hard way he’s not for her.
Zep is a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants is Roxie. He’s just not sure how to get her. They spent one hot night together a year before and now all the lovely deputy seems interested in doing to him is arresting him. He’s not used to a woman he can’t charm, but Roxie seems immune. He’s determined to win her back by any means necessary. Including becoming the kind of man she desires.
And when Roxie’s past comes calling, it might be the opportunity Zep needs to show Roxie that the town bad boy might just be the man of her dreams.
4.5 Stars
Lexi Blake knows how to make you fall in love.
Bayou Dreaming is a fun small town romance with all the bells and whistles. Towns folks in everyone’s business, gossip is almost like news, a few folks have lost more than a few marbles, yet everything is not as it seems.
Zep has given the town the perception that he has one way when he is really so much more than what he lets people see. One of those people you truly don’t judge a book by the cover. With a heart as big as a Bayou itself and caring kindness that will hit you from left field. The man has more passion and compassion that you could ever imagine. I was intrigued with him from the first book of the series and now I think I might actually be in love with Zep.
Roxie is new to small town life but she is making it her new home. The newest deputy to the Butterfly Bayou has a story that comes with her. It’s smart and courageous. A woman willing to stand up for herself but has a hard time giving into what she wants.
I loved Bayou Dreaming. Zep’s bad boy reputation has left a lasting impression on Deputy Roxie. I loved their playful banter. One night together changes them both. Roxie soon learns there is way more Zep than she realizes. Roxie’s use of her authority with Zep is as cute as it is funny. The two are a great match, their chemistry is incredible and their passion is pure. Bayou Dreaming is a captivating read with amazing romance, some colorful characters. Lexi Blake captures readers once again with an entertaining and intriguing story with a crazy little town that just about anything could happen, and sometimes does.
Review: FAR FROM DESTINED by Carrie Ann Ryan
FAR FROM DESTINED
Carrie Ann Ryan
Promise Me Series, Book 3
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan continues her sexy new contemporary stand-alone series with a broken heart and the shattered soul that can heal them both.
Macon Brady remembers every moment he lay on the ground, a bullet in his chest, his life bleeding out with each pulse. Yet his nightmares aren’t the only thing keeping him up at night.
Dakota Bristol left her ex with nothing but the clothes on her back and her child in her arms. She’s been hurt before and wants nothing to do with the shadows in Macon’s eyes. The problem? Her son loves him, and the more time she spends with the man, the more she’s afraid she’ll come to love him just as much.
Danger always comes back to haunt those who run. It was a lesson Dakota learned before. Now, it might be the man she refuses to fall for who makes the greatest sacrifice of all.
A pact and a promise……
Macon almost lost his life helping a friend and would do it again in a heartbeat. Yet the aftermath of being shot has very much messed with his head. He finds an unconventional way of dealing with his stress. It may not be the best choice but he is trying to work out his head. Dakota left her past with the clothes on her body and her baby on her hip, never to look back. Hard work and perseverance have allowed her to become a small business owner and provide for herself and her son. Unfortunately the past doesn’t always stay in the past and came knocking right on Dakota’s front door.
Dakota and Macon have had this like to hate, can’t figure out what their feelings are for one another dance going on for awhile. Macon has even won over the heart of her precious baby boy. Yet Dakota’s past keeps her so guarded towards men, she doesn’t want to hurt herself or her son. Were they really looking for a relationship, no not at all but some way they were able to find something meaningful and deep and let the dance they have been avoiding begin.
Far From Destined is an emotional and heart hitting story in the Promise Me series. Macon and Dakota work so well together. I enjoyed their slow burn romance. Turning something deemed as fake into something very real. They were a team before they even realized it. The brooding veterinarian and the coffee shop momma make one emotionally entertaining read.
Coffee Books Life 