New Release + 5 Star Review: Throne of Truth by Pepper Winters – The Truth and Lies Duet – Book 2

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Throne of Truth, the thrilling conclusion to Crown of Lies from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, is now LIVE!

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Throne Of LIes

Truth And Lies Duet – Book 2

By Pepper Winters

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Synopsis:

TWO YEARS

Since my life changed for the second time and not necessarily for the better. Two years since I traded prison bars for streets and hunted a runaway who I’d met in an alley.

TWO DAYS

Since I forgot how to lie, woke to fists, and chased after the girl who’d been stolen from me.

TWO HOURS

To save her, rescue her, keep my lies intact. She looks at me full of hate. I look at her full of confession.

TWO MINUTES

For our relationship to switch from mutual dislike to floundering with unknowns. I’ve hurt her. Now, she’s hurt me. I guess we’re even.

TWO SECONDS

For her to listen, to see, to finally know who I am. The answer comes with hardship. The answer isn’t what she wants to hear.

TWO BREATHS

For me to walk out the door.

TWO HEARTBEATS

For it all to be over.

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Truth And Lies Duet

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“I met the boy I wanted. But then he vanished and a new man claimed me instead. My father approved, my colleagues congratulated, and behind closed doors, I was bedded by a stranger.”

***

Crown of Lies

Truth and Lies Duet – Book 1

By Pepper Winters

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

“I met the man I wanted. But then he vanished, and a new man claimed me instead. My father approved, my colleagues congratulated, and behind closed doors, I was bedded by a stranger.”
Noelle Charlston lives a fairy-tale life: a doting father, a powerful job, and a future blessed with financial security.
However, two meetings with two men changes her happy existence forever. First, she meets the man who makes her heart sing. Three years later, she meets the man who makes her blood quiver.
Broken-hearted from a teenage romance, Noelle’s freedom is no longer hers. It belongs to the stranger her father believes is her perfect match. The stranger who pulls his lies over everyone he touches.
Including her.
Seduced and manipulated, Noelle gives into the mysterious Penn Everett. The lies he spins, the truth he hides, the mystery he weaves—it’s all enough to slowly erode the woman she is and turn her into something else.
Until her past collides with her present.
And it’s her turn to lie.
To everyone…including herself.

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5Star

Michel’s Review

After reading Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters, I was counting down the days for Throne of Truth to release.  In typical Pepper Winters fashion, the first book ended on a huge cliffhanger.  Once again Pepper Winters has taken me by surprise.  What I was expecting in Throne of Lies did not quite play out.  Pepper took the story in a fresh, new direction.

I am not going to say much more because there would be too many spoilers.  I will say that Pepper took her writing to another level.  She took on the American justice system.

Penn and Elle had a different type of conflict to deal with.  It took their relationship in a new direction.  The one thing that didn’t change was their passion for one another.  That is the one truth that has always existed.  That truth is their foundation for the future.

The one thing I noticed with the Truth and Lies Duet is that Pepper adapted better to American slang and terminology.

I highly recommend the Truth and Lies Duet.  Pepper Winters always delivers an enthralling story that is addicting.

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pepperPepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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New Release + Review: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg

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sweetrivRyder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

 

Amazon | Amazon UK

 

He takes a step toward me then hesitates, but before I can process anything else, his lips are on mine.

And not just on mine––not just a brush of lips against lips—but I’m talking all in. Hands on my cheeks, tongue licking between my lips, body pressed against mine, groan in the back of his throat, type of all in.

I don’t react at first. I’m stunned. Flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the anger to the surprise to now this without any warning at all.

This is Ryder.

My rival.

My supporter.

My crush.

The thoughts flicker that this is what I’ve wanted. But they soon shift to panic. To insecurity I don’t kiss well enough. That this is all a joke and I’m the butt of it.

But then I feel. Everything. All at once.

And I know this is real.

It’s like I can’t catch my breath and have too much air all at the same time.

My body is on fire. And not just from his touch but from that burn deep inside that feels like it’s exploding and imploding all at once.

So this is what it feels like to really be kissed.

It’s a fleeting thought before the sensations, the moment, the emotions, consume me whole.

His hands move my face to change the angle of the kiss. His fingertips on the line of my jaw singe my skin. His lips move expertly against mine, and all I can do is feel. All I can do is want.

Thinking isn’t an option.

The anger from before has morphed to want. The adrenaline has recharged with desire.

There is no rivalry.

There is no graduation ceremony tomorrow I’m missing to catch my flight.

There is no panic over if I’ll ever see him again.

It’s just him.

And me.

The scent of his cologne in my nose. The heat of his body against mine. The taste of hunger in his kiss.

 

4.5 Star

Michel’s Review

K. Bromberg’s latest release Sweet Rivalry turns two competitors into red hot lovers.

Ryder Rogers and Harper Denton have been competitors since their college days.  Harper always managed to beat Ryder.  Rather than being resentful or jealous, Ryder admired Harper’s sharp mind and competitive spirit.  Harper was always intimidated by Ryder as a man but when it came to competition, he was just another shark in the waters. They were both attracted to one another but never took the attraction to the next level.

Years later they meet once again and are competing for the same project.  For Harper it means getting back in the game.  For Ryder it is another feather in his cap.  The one thing that hasn’t changed is their attraction for one another.

They may be competitors but they are also meant to be partners in life.  This will be a true test of their integrity while reaching for the true prize, their love for one another.

Once again K. Bromberg wrote a sexy, fun romance loaded with sexual tension, creative dialogue, and red hot love scenes.

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HeadShot ColorNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14th.

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

 

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg

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sweetrivRyder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

 

Amazon | Amazon UK

 

He takes a step toward me then hesitates, but before I can process anything else, his lips are on mine.

And not just on mine––not just a brush of lips against lips—but I’m talking all in. Hands on my cheeks, tongue licking between my lips, body pressed against mine, groan in the back of his throat, type of all in.

I don’t react at first. I’m stunned. Flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the anger to the surprise to now this without any warning at all.

This is Ryder.

My rival.

My supporter.

My crush.

The thoughts flicker that this is what I’ve wanted. But they soon shift to panic. To insecurity I don’t kiss well enough. That this is all a joke and I’m the butt of it.

But then I feel. Everything. All at once.

And I know this is real.

It’s like I can’t catch my breath and have too much air all at the same time.

My body is on fire. And not just from his touch but from that burn deep inside that feels like it’s exploding and imploding all at once.

So this is what it feels like to really be kissed.

It’s a fleeting thought before the sensations, the moment, the emotions, consume me whole.

His hands move my face to change the angle of the kiss. His fingertips on the line of my jaw singe my skin. His lips move expertly against mine, and all I can do is feel. All I can do is want.

Thinking isn’t an option.

The anger from before has morphed to want. The adrenaline has recharged with desire.

There is no rivalry.

There is no graduation ceremony tomorrow I’m missing to catch my flight.

There is no panic over if I’ll ever see him again.

It’s just him.

And me.

The scent of his cologne in my nose. The heat of his body against mine. The taste of hunger in his kiss.

 

 

 

HeadShot ColorNew York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14th.

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

 

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Reviews: Four Crows by Lily White

 

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Four Crows

By Lily White

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Buy: Amazon / B & N / I Books / Kobo

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Synopsis

“You’ll have to forgive me, Darlin’, for all the unforgivable things I’m about to do…”

Loyalty is never easy – especially when you’re forced to choose between family and the man you would do anything to possess…

Born into a world that no child should endure, Magpie “Maggie” Crow is doted on by her loving father and over protective brothers. As much as she loves them, she fears them, especially when she learns secrets they’ve kept hidden.

Elliot McLaughlin joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school to provide for his wife and son. He’d never intended to become a father so young, but was willing to do what it took to give his family everything they needed.

After Elliot’s family goes missing, he returns from war to an empty home. Obsessed with discovering who took his family, he investigates their disappearance and plots his revenge.

Passion brings Maggie and Elliot together. Obsession pushes them apart. As a bitter battle begins between Elliot and the Crows, Maggie’s heart hangs in the balance.

**Disclaimer: This book is intended for audiences 18 years of age or older. The subject matter of this book discusses sensitive topics that may be a trigger for some readers.**

 

 

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Exclusive Excerpt

Standing by the edge of the bed, I locked my eyes with his and allowed the towel to slide down my body.

He didn’t move a muscle, didn’t pull his intense gaze from my eyes. “Are you sure, beautiful? Are you sure you can do this?”

Nodding my head slowly, I watched him with timid fascination. “You seem to ask me that question a lot, Elliot. And there hasn’t yet been something I couldn’t do when you were standing there next to me.”

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4 Star

Tracey’s Review

Since his wife and son went missing fourteen years before, Elliot McLaughlin has been fighting his demons. Returning from serving his country to find all that he loved gone without a trace has left him a broken and bitter man, and the only thing that he wants is revenge.

Maggie Crow’s upbringing has been what you might call unconventional. She knows that strange things happen at the parties that her father and two brothers have, and she’s learned that it’s best not to understand exactly what goes on behind those closed doors, best to let the music drown out the screams.

When I read the synopsis for FOUR CROWS by author Lily White, I knew that this was a book that I wanted to read. I have not read any of Lily’s other books, but this one sounded so dark and captivating that it went right to the top of my TBR, and I could not wait to get going with it. And I can say with certainty that I have not read a book like this in, oh, ever. This book is, indeed, dark, rife with violence and uncertainty, with loss, betrayal, and, finally redemption, and it’s sure to be one of the books that I’ll read this year that will stay with me for a very long time.

I do enjoy a darker, less HEA read sometimes, but, let me tell you, this book is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot, a lot of violence, both implied and overt, so, if that’s not your thing, you might want to steer clear. But this book is fascinating to me, too, a picture of such twisted evil that I could not stop reading.

With all of that being said, though, FOUR CROWS is more than just a dark read. The freeing up of people bound by the things tethering them to the life that they’re given, the decision to be more than they are, the ability to rise above and create beauty from the pain, Lily’s written a book that demonstrates all of these things. I don’t want to give anything away, because I really believe that a book like this one should be gone into without preconceived notions or spoilers, but I will say that this book is much more hopeful than I would have thought. Do I recommend it? Absolutely yes, although proceed at your own caution, because the triggers are there, and they’re not pretty. That being the case, though, FOUR CROWS is an easy 4 stars for me, and I will look forward to reading more by Lily in the future.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

4 Star

Michel’s Review

I have a very vivid imagination and with every book I read, it plays out in my head like a big screen film.  When I saw the blurb for Four Crows by Lily White, I knew this was a book I wanted to read.  I love dark, twisted tales that are loaded with suspense and intrigue.  Add a romance to the mix and it’s pure gold for me.

Four Crows begins with a very dark moment told through an innocent child’s point of view.  The innocent reasoning combined with the twisted reality automatically gives the reader chills.  It sets the story in motion.

Elliott McLaughlin’s wife and four year old son went missing fourteen years ago.  They disappeared without a trace while he was serving his country.  For fourteen years Elliott has lived with the guilt of not being there and protecting his family.  He has searched high and low.  He has researched missing women and children throughout the country.  The one thing he has found in several of the missing cases leads back to the Crow family.

The Crow family is transient.  They move throughout the country under the pretense of a business involving storm clean up.  When they are in certain areas, women and children come up missing.  How are they connected?  Elliott intends to find out.

When the Crows return back to their home base, the town where Elliott’s family went missing, Elliott’s ready for them.  He has discovered the best way to gain information is through Maggie Crow, the youngest and only daughter of the Crow clan.  Once he meets Maggie and gets to know her, he realizes that she is an innocent victim of her family as well.  Rather than destroying Maggie along with the Crows, he hopes he can save her as well.

As the story plays out and the Crows once again begin their evil deeds, it will be up to Elliott to put an end to their atrocities .  Although Maggie is innocent of their deeds, she is still a Crow.  She may choose family over justice for those who lost their lives at her family’s hand.

Lily White wrote an intense thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.  There were some disturbing scenes that were graphic enough to get the overall picture but not overly graphic to where the reader was cringing.  Through it all, Elliott and Maggie were finally able to face the demons and move on with their lives.  Nothing can replace the loss of life but there can be peace found once the bad memories are put to rest.

I would highly recommend this dark romantic thriller.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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Author Bio

Lily White is a dark writer who likes to dabble on the taboo side of eroticism. She is most known for her Masters Series (Her Master’s Courtesan and Her Master’s Teacher), Target This, Hard Roads, and Asylum. She’s co-authored Serial (a four part serial series). When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, Because of Ellison (contemporary romance), and Standard Romance Story (Romance Comedy). Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.

In addition to writing, Lily is an avid reader, gummy bear slayer, and a gold medalist in puppy naps.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Mister Wrong by Nicole Williams

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Mister Wrong

By Nicole Williams

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

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Synopsis

Cora Matthews grew up with the Adams boys, twin brothers and best friends who wouldn’t let anything come between them except for one thing—her. One of them became her best friend, the other, her fiancé.

She always knew she’d wind up marrying one of them, and Jacob Adams is the very epitome of Mister Right. At least he is up until he fails to show up for their wedding day. Not that Cora realizes it. At first.n

As Jacob’s best man, and identical twin, Matt makes a split second decision, but one that will affect the three of their lives forever—he steps in to take his brother’s place. In front of the altar, exchanging vows with the woman he’s secretly been in love with for years.

Cora eventually finds out about the groom swap. The morning after the wedding. As if realizing she just slept with her fiance’s brother wasn’t disturbing enough, she’s forced to confront her feelings for Matt Adams she thought she’d buried years ago.

Matt’s wrong for her. In every way. But through the course of her real honeymoon with her fake husband, she starts to uncover truths both Adams brothers were hoping to keep hidden, for opposite reasons. One to protect himself, the other to protect her.

She married the wrong brother, but what if he’s been the right one all along?

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Excerpt

“So?” I crossed my arms and leaned into the banister behind me. “Did you? Like my brother?”
She sighed, turning toward the open door. “Jacob . . .”
“What? It’s a fair question.” I shoved off the banister, feeling hope and heat tangling in my veins from the look on her face, from the sound of her voice. She’d felt something for me, whether it be the most passing of crushes or something much deeper. Realizing that had me feeling drunk from something other than alcohol. “Besides, you’re stuck with me now. Won’t matter what you ’fess up to.”
Cora started through the doorway. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Grabbing the suitcases, I followed her. I wasn’t letting this go. Never. Not if she threatened death or castration or anything else. “Why not?”
She broke to a sudden stop a few feet inside the room. “Because I don’t want to focus on the past. I want to concentrate on the future. That’s not going to work if you keep asking me questions about Matt.”
There was a sharpness in her voice—one she didn’t use too often. She didn’t want to keep talking about me, which only made me want to continue talking about me. I’d struck a nerve, but I wasn’t sure how deep that nerve went.
I needed to know how deep it went. I had to know. My whole life, I’d been under the impression that Cora saw me as nothing more than a good friend and substitute brother. She cared for me, but not in the same way I cared for her.
Or did she?
“This thing with Matt . . .”
Her back stiffened.
“Was it a thing? Like ancient history? Or is it still a thing?” I closed the door and wondered why I could feel my heartbeat in my eardrums.
She kept her back to me, standing in the middle of the dark room like a lone ship on a vast ocean. “I married you.”
Yeah, she did marry me.
“But if he’d made a play for you, way back before all of this”—I waved my finger between the two of us, not that she could see it—“would you have given him a chance?”
“He never made a play for me.” Her voice sounded faraway, like she was out of reach when she was less than an arm’s length away.
“That doesn’t answer my question.” I stepped closer. “If he had? Would you have?”
Her back was moving faster from her quickened breathing. This conversation was making her uncomfortable. Why was that?
“Stop, Jacob. Enough.” She spun on me, swaying in place just enough that I reached out to steady her. She shook my hand away like it was white-hot. “I’m not going to get into another fight with you over Matt. I’m done. I picked you. I married you. What else do I have to prove?”
“That you don’t—”
“I don’t love Matt!” Her arms flung out at her sides as her voice spilled across the room. ‘There. I said it. Are you happy now? Are you happy we’ve managed to get into another argument over this infatuation you’re convinced I have for your brother? On our wedding night of all times?” She glared at me with bleary eyes. I couldn’t tell if that was from tears or from alcohol. Maybe both.
“Cora, I’m sorry.” I ran my hands through my hair, wondering what in the hell I was doing—for the millionth time that day. Deceiving her, betraying her, and now accusing and angering her. Maybe I didn’t know the first fucking thing about love. Maybe Jacob knew more about it than I did, because I wasn’t sure love was supposed to hurt as badly as this did.
“Just . . . enough already.” As she shouldered past me, I reached for her, but she shook me off. “I need to be alone.”
She slammed the front door behind her a moment later, leaving me alone with my idiocy.
“Cora,” I called to an empty room. I wasn’t thinking when I rushed toward the door after her. “Cora!”
The moment I pulled the door open, something crashed into me. It made a sharp breath rush out of my mouth as I staggered back a few steps.
My arms barely had time to wrap around her before Cora’s mouth was on mine, moving in such a way that made staying upright next to impossible. Before I had a chance to catch up to the fact that I was kissing Cora in an entirely different way than we’d kissed at the wedding and reception, her fingers were working at my belt. Quickly.
I didn’t know she’d already gotten it undone before she’d moved on to my zipper. The sounds she was making as she kissed me, the way her body felt aligned against mine, the way her mouth knew the intricate balance of submission and domination . . . one moment at a time, Cora was crushing the last remnants of my resolve. Destroying the final pieces of my views of right and wrong.

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4 Star

Michel’s Review

How can Mr. Wrong be so right and Mr. Right be so wrong?  Cora Matthews is about to find out on her honeymoon after she marries the wrong Adams twin.

Cora, Matthew, and Jacob grew up together.  Matthew and Jacob Adams were born privileged.  Cora was the daughter of the help.  Throughout their childhood the Adams twins were competitive for Cora’s attention until one finally bowed out and the other took advantage of the opportunities his brother made possible.  Jacob Adams won the girl but didn’t know how to take care of his precious prize.  His excessive need to outshine his brother leads to giving his brother the one thing he wanted most, he gave up Cora.

When Jacob didn’t show up at the wedding, Matthew couldn’t bare the thought of Cora being hurt and humiliated.  He knew his brother had over indulged at his bachelor party and left with another woman.  Matthew is not about to let Cora find out.  Rather than tell the truth about Jacob’s whereabouts, Matthew steps into Jacob’s place at the alter.  He’s hoping his brother will show up before the reception is over.

Jacob never showed and Matthew got to enjoy the honeymoon in a tropical paradise with the girl of his dreams.  Everything was so right even though everything was wrong.  When Cora finds out about the duplicity, paradise is no longer perfect.  When Jacob finally shows up, paradise becomes a war zone.  In the end Cora will have to choose who is the right Adams brother for her.  She needs to open her eyes and listen to her heart.

Nicole Williams wrote a twins love triangle that was loaded with angst and undeniable tension.  The strife between the Adams Brothers is intense, adding a woman to the mix made it explosive.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was happy to see  the right man win the girl.

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4887264Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Don’t Speak by Katy Regnery – Modern Day Fairytale Series – Book 5

 

 

 

Title: Don’t Speak
Series: Modern Fairytale #5 (Standalone)
Author: Katy Regnery
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 27, 2017

 

Blurb

From New York Times bestseller Katy Regnery comes a new twist on a beloved fairytale.In this modern retelling of The Little Mermaid, a fisherman’s daughter from an Outer Banks island untouched by time, meets the son of the North Carolina governor at a fancy party she helps to cater.Laire, who wants more from life than her little island can offer, is swept away by wealthy, sophisticated Erik, who is, in turn, entranced by her naiveté and charm. The two spend a whirlwind summer together that ends on the knife-point of heartbreak and forces them to go their separate ways.

Years later, when fate finds them together once again, they will discover the terrifying depth of the secrets they kept from each other, and learn that shattered hearts can only be healed by a love that willfully refuses to die.

All novels Katy Regnery’s ~a modern fairytale~ collection are written as fundraisers. 10% of the e-book sales for in March and April 2017 will be donated.

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited
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5Star
Michel’s Review

As little girls we all believed in fairytales. We grew up wanting to be just like the princesses. We wanted to find our own Prince Charming and have the happily ever after. As adult women, we still believe in the fairytales. We may have created our own in our lives but we still enjoy the ones we read in the books. That is why the romance genre dominates the publishing industry.

 

Katy Regnery knows what the readers want. We want the fairytale with a little more of a modern twist and sense of reality. She has taken the beloved fairytales from our childhood and turned them into new fairytales we can relate to as adults.

 

Don’t Speak is loosely based off the beloved fairytale Little Mermaid. Rather than the princess being named Ariel, her name is Laire. Rather than losing her speaking voice, she lost her freedom of making her own choices and voicing her opinions. She still fell in love with the charming Prince Erik but just like the original fairytale, he was out of her reach. They were both from very different worlds and social standings. Ursela was still casting her evil spell to keep these two apart. But like any good fairytale, true love always wins. It may take years and a little help along the way from people like Mrs. Sebastian, but in the end they will find their happily ever after.

 

Like the original story, this one is just as breathtaking. This version gives the Princess something more, a voice through experiences that empower her as a woman and as an individual. She works for her voice by becoming educated and working hard. She becomes emotionally stronger through single motherhood. The prince doesn’t validate her life, he completes the happily ever after she began building on her own.

 

I absolutely loved this book. It was more than a fairytale romance, it was a story about building a life and working for the happily ever after. A story all women can admire and relate to.

 

Katy Regnery has created a true modern day fairytale.

 

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Also Available
A MODERN FAIRYTALE COLLECTION

 

Don’t Speak is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection, which includes six standalone, completely unrelated novels inspired by beloved fairy tales:
The Vixen and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast) – available now (FREE!)
Never Let You Go (Hansel & Gretel) – available now
Ginger’s Heart (Little Red Riding Hood) – available now
Dark Sexy Knight (Camelot) – available now (99c!)
Don’t Speak (The Little Mermaid) – new release
Swan Song (The Ugly Duckling) – available late-2017
Series Links
 AMAZON US / UK
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013.

Twenty-five books later, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled, New York Times and USA Today Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other standalone novels and novellas.

Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1-4, became a New York Times E-book bestseller.

In 2016, Katy signed a print-only agreement with Spencerhill Press. As a result, her Blueberry Lane paperback books will now be distributed to brick and mortar bookstores all over the United States.

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Author Links

Release Boost + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Switch by Adriana Locke – The Landry Family Series – Book 3

 

 

 

Title: Switch
Series: Landry Family #3
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: February 20, 2017

 

Blurb

 

Mallory Sims is late for her first day of work.

After spilling her tea, she discovers she has no gas in her car. Add that her arm keeps sticking to her dress from syrup left on the console of her car, flustered feels like an understatement.

Then she sees her new boss.

Graham Landry is the epitome of NSFW in his custom-fit suit, black-rimmed glasses, and a look so stern her libido doesn’t stand a chance. Being flustered is just the start of her problems.

Her punctuality is only the start of his. With a pink slip in hand, he’s been waiting on his new secretary to show up only to let her go. Then she rushes in with her doe eyes and rambling excuses, smelling like bacon and lavender. The termination paper falls to the side as she falls in his arms.

This is a disaster in the making. Not because of his pinpoint exactness or her free spirit, but because when they’re together, the sparks that fly threaten to burn the whole place down.

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Excerpt

We both know we aren’t just talking about a moved stapler or a mishmash of files. As that really sets in, the air around us gets heavier. Hotter. Hazardous.“Those things always lead to dangerous situations,” he says, his eyes trained on me.

I shift in my seat, the throb between my legs growing stronger by the second. “People do it every day and survive.”

“They may survive, but don’t things get messy?”

“Only if they do it right.”

His chair flies backwards and he’s to his feet and next to me before I know what’s happening. He doesn’t ask that I stand, but he doesn’t have to. It’s implied and my body reacts accordingly to his silent command.

We stand face-to-face, our breathing ragged. Our chests heave with the anticipation, the possibility, of what might come next.

“You are, quite possibly, the most dangerous of them all,” he says, his voice rough.

“Why is that?” I breathe.

“There’s no plan for you.”

“But you’ve already penciled me in, haven’t you, Graham?” I ask, finding the courage to play this little game with him. Being strictly professional is incredibly hard, and this is way too easy.

I can flirt with the best of them in a bar or on a college campus. But here, with him, it’s a game all its own. A level I had no idea I’d ever be a contender in. Maybe I’m not, but I’m going to play the hell out of it while I’m here … even though if I keep it up, I might not be here for long.

“What do you want, Mallory?”

“I want to do all the things you ask of me and do them better than you ever expected they could be done.”

A rumble emits from his throat as his eyes darken. My knees go weak and I grab the table with my left hand to ensure I don’t fall.

He licks his lips and flips his gaze to my mouth. I think I whimper as I lift my chin, waiting to see what he does next. My entire body is on fire for this man, my heart thumping so hard I’m sure he can hear it.

He moves so my back is pressed against the table, our food long forgotten. His hands are on either side of me, caging me in. Our eyes locked together, he leans in, a slow smirk spreading across his gorgeous face.

“Excuse me, Mr. Landry. Ford is here to see you,” Raza chirps through the line.

We exhale simultaneously, a giggle escaping with mine. There’s nothing funny about this, but the energy has to come out in some way.

“Mr. Landry?” she asks again.

“I’ll be right out. Thank you, Raza.”

“Oh, you’re so welcome, sir.” The line clicks off and Graham marches across the room and punches a button. The light on top indicates he’s not to be disturbed.

I busy myself with cleaning up our lunch, and before he’s at my side again, I have everything bundled up.

“Thanks for lunch,” I say like nothing just happened.

“Mallory …” He runs his hand through his hair, leaving one lock sticking up. Knowing what that will look like if we walk out together, I reach up, hesitating for a split second, before smoothing it out.

His hair is silky against my fingers. He jumps when I touch him at first, but doesn’t back away. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing went on in here. I refuse for it to look like something did. That’s the way rumors get spread, Mr. Landry.”

“Mallory, I …”

I get a final look at his face, reach up and straighten his tie as his eyes go wide, then turn towards the door. “I’ll send Ford in.”

“Mallory!”

“Yeah?” I turn to see him over my shoulder. He’s standing by the table, his hands in his pockets looking frazzled. When he doesn’t respond, I place my hand on the knob. “I’ll have that file back to you before I leave today. Thanks again for lunch.”

I walk out before I can change my mind.

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5Star

Tracey’s Review

Family is the most important thing in the world to me, and there’s nothing more I’d like than to have my own.

Oh, I have been waiting for this one. Graham Landry, serious, buttoned-up, handler of all things Landry, I just knew that there was more going on underneath that suited-up exterior. And, boy, is there. Our Graham has been doing a pretty good job of hiding what a bad boy he can be, but, when the walls come down, make sure that you have a fan and a cold drink handy, because, O.M.G.

While reading and loving the previous two books in the Landry Family series by author Adriana Locke, I’ve been taking note. Because, while I love Barrett for the way that he is willing to go beyond what is societally expected of him when he falls for Alison, and Lincoln, because of the sheer joy of his personality and the way that he puts Danielle first, I have been keeping my eye on Graham. Serious, all business, get the job done and clean up the messes Graham. Why? Because I just knew. I knew that Addy had a secret heartthrob and heartbreaker lurking below those still waters.

Family is everthing to Graham. He’s the one that keeps the well-oiled machinery of the Landry family businesses running smoothly. He’s got a compartment for everything, everything nice and neat and where it belongs, and, there is absolutely no room for change. Which is why watching Mallory Sims come in and rock Graham’s very absolute world made me clap my hands and my little heart go pitter pat.

Mallory is everything that Graham is not. Like Graham, she’s suffered some serious heartbreak, but she’s not letting that hold her back. Mallory, I think, is next to the description of ‘wide open and sassy’ in the dictionary. Poor Graham doesn’t know what hit him, and it’s about a minute and a half before his well-ordered world goes backside-up.

There is such steam, such heat, and such a breaking down of walls in SWITCH, and I could not put this book down for the love of watching these two characters go. And grow, because they do an excellent job of helping each other round out the rough edges and become the fullest versions of themselves. And, heat, did I say heat? Oh.My.Goodness, off-the-charts hot with these two. Seriously, guys, fan and cold beverage while reading, I’m telling you.

It wouldn’t be an Adriana book without a lot of family and a lot of love, and SWITCH has these things in spades. Barrett, Lincoln, Ford, Camilla and Sienna, all are present and accounted for, and they make this book the better for it. I especially love the relationship between the Landry boys, and was laughing out loud at some of their interchanges. And speaking of Landry men, Ford Landry, I’ve got my eye on you, because, while I think that Graham’s my Number One right now, I can’t wait to see what we get from Addy about you…Anyway, SWITCH is another winner for me, and an easy 5-stars, with all of its love, laughter, family, and, yes, the sexy factor, too. If you’ve read the previous two books in the series, this is a no-brainer, and, if you haven’t, you need to catch up, stat. Add these books to your TBR, because you do not want to miss out on the Landry family. You’re welcome. 🙂

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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Also Available
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

Author Bio

 

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

 

Author Links

New Release + 5 Star Review: Royally Matched by Emma Chase – The Royally Series – Book 2

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Royally Matched

The Royally Series – Book 2

By Emma Chase

 

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Kindle | Amazon Paperback | iBooks | Nook | B&N Paperback | Kobo | BAM | IndieBound

 

Royally-Matched-3D-bookSome men are born responsible, some men have responsibility thrust upon them. Henry Charles Albert Edgar Pembrook, Prince of Wessco, just got the motherlode of all responsibility dumped in his regal lap.

He’s not handling it well.

Hoping to force her grandson to rise to the occasion, Queen Lenora goes on a much-needed safari holiday—and when the Queen’s away, the Prince will play. After a chance meeting with an American television producer, Henry finally makes a decision all on his own:

Welcome to Matched: Royal Edition.

A reality TV dating game show featuring twenty of the world’s most beautiful blue bloods gathered in the same castle. Only one will win the diamond tiara, only one will capture the handsome prince’s heart.

While Henry revels in the sexy, raunchy antics of the contestants as they fight, literally, for his affection, it’s the quiet, bespectacled girl in the corner—with the voice of an angel and a body that would tempt a saint—who catches his eye.

The more Henry gets to know Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum, the more enamored he becomes of her simple beauty, her strength, her kind spirit…and her naughty sense of humor.

But Rome wasn’t built in a day—and irresponsible royals aren’t reformed overnight.

As he endeavors to right his wrongs, old words take on whole new meanings for the dashing Prince. Words like, Duty, Honor and most of all—Love.

 

 

Kindle | Amazon Paperback | iBooks | Nook | B&N Paperback | Kobo | BAM | IndieBound

 

 

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5StarCrown

Michel’s Review

Look out world… the Prince of Wessco … Prince Henry Charles Albert Edgar Pembroke is preparing to take the throne.  First he has to work out a few kinks.  Prince Henry has a tendency to attract the wrong kind of attention.  This devilish prince has a penchant for getting into trouble, partying a little too much, and chasing all the fair maidens.  Now that his older brother has given up his birthright, the responsibility has fallen on Henry.  Is he the right man to rule Wessco?  The old bat, her grandmotherly highness, the Queen of Wessco has serious doubts.  After several failed training attempts, she has sent Henry to the country castle to complete his tasks.  Seclusion might do the boy some good.

Henry is bored.  He doesn’t care about protocol or politics.  He’d rather get his toenails plucked than study the laws of the country.  In his boredom he agrees to film a television reality show where the prince chooses his bride.  It will be great fun with a great bunch of ladies in waiting.

Beneath the surface Henry is so much more than the party prince.  He really does care about Wessco.  His biggest fear is taking over and making mistakes.  But he has something to offer the country that her Queenship and his brother never could.  He has the heart of the people.  He has more compassion and understanding of the citizens in the kingdom.  He can connect with them on their level.

While filming the show, he soon learns being prince charming isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  It’s not as fun or spontaneous as he hoped.  Now he’s hiding and trying to escape the ladies in waiting.  When he meets Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum, the sister of one of the ladies in waiting, he has found a friend amongst the slew of prospecting princesses. Sarah is smart, shy, and challenges him at every turn.  She doesn’t care if she offends his royal blood, she sees the man beneath the crown.  The saddest part of all is she is not a contestant.  They have to sneak around to spend time with another.  Henry can’t wait for this diabolical show, one of his own making, to be over so that he can claim his queen.

The Prince is in for a few lessons of life, love, and happiness.  He is going to learn to love his position in life.  He is also going to find that doing things the right way means so much more than taking the easy road.  The best thing of all of it is finding Sarah, his soon to be queen.

Emma Chase has once again delivered a fun romantic romp that is loaded with very real emotions.  I absolutely loved this book.

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Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

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New Release + 2017 Favorite + 6 Star Review: Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

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Keeper Of Lost Things

By Ruth Hogan

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

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Synopsis

A charming, clever, and quietly moving debut novel of of endless possibilities and joyful discoveries that explores the promises we make and break, losing and finding ourselves, the objects that hold magic and meaning for our lives, and the surprising connections that bind us.

Lime green plastic flower-shaped hair bobbles—Found, on the playing field, Derrywood Park, 2nd September.

Bone china cup and saucer—Found, on a bench in Riveria Public Gardens, 31st October.

Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. Forty years ago, he carelessly lost a keepsake from his beloved fiancée, Therese. That very same day, she died unexpectedly. Brokenhearted, Anthony sought consolation in rescuing lost objects—the things others have dropped, misplaced, or accidently left behind—and writing stories about them. Now, in the twilight of his life, Anthony worries that he has not fully discharged his duty to reconcile all the lost things with their owners. As the end nears, he bequeaths his secret life’s mission to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, leaving her his house and and all its lost treasures, including an irritable ghost.

Recovering from a bad divorce, Laura, in some ways, is one of Anthony’s lost things. But when the lonely woman moves into his mansion, her life begins to change. She finds a new friend in the neighbor’s quirky daughter, Sunshine, and a welcome distraction in Freddy, the rugged gardener. As the dark cloud engulfing her lifts, Laura, accompanied by her new companions, sets out to realize Anthony’s last wish: reuniting his cherished lost objects with their owners.

Long ago, Eunice found a trinket on the London pavement and kept it through the years. Now, with her own end drawing near, she has lost something precious—a tragic twist of fate that forces her to break a promise she once made.

As the Keeper of Lost Objects, Laura holds the key to Anthony and Eunice’s redemption. But can she unlock the past and make the connections that will lay their spirits to rest?

Full of character, wit, and wisdom, The Keeper of Lost Things is heartwarming tale that will enchant fans of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, Garden Spells, Mrs Queen Takes the Train, and The Silver Linings Playbook.

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6+star

Michel’s Review

Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan is a poignantly beautiful novel of love, life, and everything in between.  It captures moments in time that leave a memory, cherished or forgotten, on ones soul.  Every thing has a story and it’s important to preserve that story or finally allow it to be completed.  One man found the beauty in lost things after he lost the most important thing in his life.  He has made it his life mission to collect lost items and return them to their rightful owners at some point in time.  Every item gives meaning to a lost moment in time that marks a moment in a person’s life. Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things.

Anthony Peardew has spent forty years collecting lost things after he lost the love of his life when he was a young.  Not only has he collected lost things, he has also managed to collect lost people.  That is how he acquired Laura,his lonely, broken middle aged assistant who lost herself in a bad marriage.  He aquired a scarred gardener, Freddy, that lost his faith in the sincerity of people after he chose the life he lives now.  He’s also acquired a watcher,Sunshine, a young woman waiting for an invitation of friendship. As the keeper of lost things it is his duty to return what’s been lost.  The only way he can accomplish his task is to die and hand his the responsibility over to Laura.  Thus begins the a beautiful tale.

The secrets Anthony Peardew was hiding in his study left Laura completely dumbfounded.  He had given her the task of returning each item that was carefully labled with the date it was found, the location of where it was found, and a brief description of the item.    A knock on the door is all it takes to set the task in motion.  Sunshine has appointed herself Laura’s new friend.  Her special qualities and unique gifts quickly win Laura over.  As they begin Anthony’s task, Freddy becomes a part of their circle.  The three of them embark on a journey that leads them to finding the very things they lost in their own lives.  They also found new things such as friendship and love to add to their personal collection known as life.

Each lost item has a story.  Some stories are heartbreaking while others are freeing.  Some bring Anthony’s mission full circle.  In the end Anthony touched many lives by being the Keeper Of Lost Things. These stories add credibility to Anthony’s purpose in life.

 There is another side story loaded with colorful characters that coincides with Anthony’s lifetime of collecting that brings the story full circle. It’s the story of Bomber and Eunice and their forty years of friendship.

As I read this book I became completely immersed within this story.  It played out like a movie in my head.This novel is unique and told in a very British manner. The dry humor combined with the proper use of language and very traditional customs make this novel vividly come to life. I could easily see Liam Neeson as Anthony Peardew, Kate Hudson as Laura, Laura Potter as Sunshine, Luke Evans as Freddy, Jude Law as Bomber, Cate Blanchett as Eunice, Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren as Bomber’s parents, and Emma Thompson as Portia. This dream cast could bring this novel to life on the big screen.

This poignant story is vibrant and demonstrates the beauty of life itself. Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan has become one of my favorite novels.

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Author Bio:

15305372I was born in the house where my parents still live in Bedford: my sister was so pleased to have a sibling that she threw a thrupenny bit at me. As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on: The Moomintrolls, A Hundred Million Francs, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the back of cereal packets and gravestones. I was mad about dogs and horses, but didn’t like daddy-long-legs or sugar in my tea.

I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a ‘proper’ job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.

I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband – so I can’t be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is ‘antimacassar’ and I still like reading gravestones.

 

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Roman by Sawyer Bennett – Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 7

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Roman

Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 7

By Sawyer Bennett

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

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Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett steams up the ice all over again as the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team’s hottest bad boy gets his first taste of something good.

In a league full of troublemakers, Cold Fury defenseman Roman Sýkora stands out—at least when it comes to negative publicity. When he’s not chilling in the penalty box, the sizzling Czech skate demon is racking up tabloid headlines for his scandalous behavior with the ladies. But now Roman’s feeling the burn from management to clean up his act, or else. Luckily he’s got an enticing distraction: a fun-loving barista who plays the ukulele and brings out a side of Roman he didn’t know he had.

Lexi Robertson came to Raleigh, North Carolina, to finally meet her father, Brian Brannon, and her half sister, Gray, both of whom work in the Cold Fury’s front office. That’s where she first meets sexy, intimidating Roman—who’s really a big softie at heart. As one relationship takes off, another begins: Brian seems to be clicking with Lexi’s boss at the coffee shop. But when the friction between Roman and her new family heats up, Lexi wonders whether she’s a pawn in their game. Feeling hurt and foolish, Lexi’s ready to quit while she’s ahead. Trouble is, Roman’s not ready to quit on her.

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Michel’s Review

One would think the Cold Fury Hockey series has reached it’s potential but like the team, Sawyer Bennett is switching up the plays, changing the roster, and scoring new goals that keep these books at the top of the game.  Every time I read a new Cold Fury Hockey novel it becomes my favorite.  I fall in love with each player. Sawyer Bennett has turned me into a Cold Fury Puck Bunny.  I can’t wait “to do” the next player.

Out of all of the Cold Fury Hockey novels, I can honestly say that this one could very well be the Stanley Cup winner in the series.  It’s not because Roman Sykora is the sexiest player on the team or because he’s the baddest of the bad boys on the team.  It’s not because Lexi Robertson has the special magic to land bad boy Roman Sykora.  It’s something even more magical than the swoon worthy romance, it’s the timing of this novel in the series.  It takes the Cold Fury Hockey world in a new direction.  It also gives the reader a very different perspective of some of the characters in previous books.  This book focuses on family dynamics and how each individual contributes to the dynamics in positive and negative actions.  It shows some very real character flaws that each individual possesses.  This made this series seem much more than a romance series.  It became real.

It all starts with Gray Bannon laying down the law with defenseman Roman Sykora.  She has ordered him to clean up his act on and off the ice.  She’s indicated it could cost him his position on the team.  As far as she is concerned his behavior is detrimental to the team.

As far as Roman is concerned he’s doing his job, doing exactly what he is being paid to do.  This is hockey not a friendly match.  He’s paid to fight and protect his team.  It doesn’t matter who starts it, it matters who ends it.  He’s doing his job and his personal life should not matter on the ice.  Nobody tells Roman Sykora what he can do with his free time.  That’s his choice.  He’s always been in charge of how he lives and the rules he lives by for most of his life.  For the sake of his career, he’s willing to bend a little but not a lot.  He doesn’t have a bad attitude, it’s just the way he is and he owns it.

Lexi Robertson has come to North Carolina to meet her father after finally finding out who he is on her mother’s deathbed.  She’s not there to cause trouble, she just wants to meet the man who gave her life, who happens to be the owner of the Cold Fury Hockey team, Brian Bannon. She wants to make some kind of connection.

What she encounters upon her first meeting is a little overwhelming.  First she meets the sexy defenseman, Roman Sykora, while waiting for her meeting with Brian. There’s an instant connection.  She quickly realizes they are cut from the same mold and march to their own beat.

Then Brian reacts quite differently than she expected.  Rather than being turned away, she is embraced whole heartedly.  In fact she has to slow him down and make him take the necessary time in their new father / daughter relationship.  He’s a good man with a good heart.

Lexi and Roman are starting something that goes beyond a one night stand.  For the first time Roman wants the lady to stick around in the morning.  He wants to spend time getting to know Lexi Robertson.  He’ll have to compete with Brian Bannon for her time, Even though Roman is not the family kind of guy, he’s understanding of Lexi’s desire for a relationship with her father and sister.  He’s willing to patiently wait for Lexi’s time because he knows how important it is to Lexi.  He’s learning to compromise.

Brian Bannon is thrilled by the revelation of a new daughter.  He wants to get to know Lexi and become a part of her life.  Becoming a part of her life includes getting along with her quirky boss / adopted mom, Georgia Mack.  For the first time in years Brian is attracted to woman and doesn’t know what to do about it.  His life has been hockey and his daughter.

Gray Bannon is on a completely different page than Brian.  She has a hard time believing that Lexi Robertson is her father’s secret lovechild.  She’s going on the defense and refusing to budge at all where Lexi is concerned.  To make matters worse, Lexi is dating Roman Sykora, the player she detests.  Readers are going to see a very different side of Gray Bannon.

In the end this odd little family are all going to learn what the word compromise really means.  Lexi and Roman are going to find what a real relationship really is.  Brian Bannon is not only gaining a daughter, he is also finding out that he is man with real desires he thought he lost long ago with his wife.  Georgia Mack is working her quirky magic on his heart.  Gray Bannon is also learning some new lessons in life.  For the first time she is having to share her daddy.

This book adds new colorful dimensions to the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey series.  Sawyer wrote this from Lexi’s, Roman’s, and Brian’s POV.  She showed that even the strongest people have insecurities but it doesn’t make them unlovable.  It makes them even more worthy of love.  That is the reason that this book is my favorite in the series.

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Author Bio:
sawyer bennettUSA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

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