"Duke of Sin" By: Elizabeth Hoyt Review

Duke of Sin

By: Elizabeth Hoyt

Synopsis

A MAN OF SIN
Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans. 

A WOMAN OF HONOR
Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous. 

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH
Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . . 

My Thoughts
     Elizabeth Hoyt is back in rare form with her newest addition to the Maiden Lane series. Having been a fan of hers from her first novel, The Raven Prince, I was delighted to pick up this newest tale of love, loss, and redemption. While this book is the tenth in the series, I am ashamed to say I have missed the last two or three, and wasn't confused at all when I picked this one up, so Duke of Sin can absolutely be read as a stand alone.
     Montgomery has returned from his exile with a score to settle. Hoping to gain redemption and ruin those who had wronged him, Montgomery ventures into a seedy underbelly. Bridget Crumb, Montgomery's newest housekeeper, has secrets and her own agenda. In a world filled with intrigue and never knowing who your friends or enemies truly are, Bridget and Montgomery find kindred spirits within one another. Only Hoyt can have this mysterious Duke find common ground with a destitute, secretive housekeeper who ultimately find their happily ever after.
      As I mentioned before, I had missed a few of the last novels. Boy, am I fixing this ASAP. Hoyt's worlds are just so nuanced and layered, and once you start it all just clicks. Romantic to its core, Hoyt writes unique characters, each and every time, which I adore. No cookie cutter heroine or hero, their traits and characteristics give you an insight into who they are, their motivations, and ultimately their fates. Gorgeously written as always, with plenty of sexytimes, romantic to the core, and just plain lovely, I can't recommend Duke of Sin highly enough. Just a great story, with fabulous characters, written in Hoyt's trademark wit I can't recommend this book highly enough. 

"Showmance" By: L.H. Cosway Review

Showmance

By: L.H. Cosway

Synopsis

Damon Atwood was Hollywood’s golden boy. Having won an Oscar at the tender age of thirteen, he had the life many could only dream about. But his success came at a price, and after a short but fruitful film career, he chose to live a life of obscurity on a remote Scottish island. Almost a decade later he’s finally ready to make his return, starting with a lead role in a musical on London’s West End.

As a choreographer’s assistant, Rose Taylor has always faded into the background. She watches shows come to life from the side lines, but has never craved the attention of stardom. When rumours begin circulating of Damon’s involvement in her latest gig, she doesn’t predict how she will be thrust into the limelight, nor how the mysterious and strangely introverted man will need her to teach him how to be a star again.

Rose knows that show crushes don’t last. Actors fall for each other during the intensity of a production, often losing themselves in their roles. These kinds of affairs burn bright and then they fade. The question is, should Rose let herself shine with Damon, or guard her heart from being broken after the final curtain call?

My Thoughts
      Opposites attract in the newest Cosway offering featuring brand new characters in the bright lights of the theater.  A fan of Cosway since her debut, I found Showmance a bit more mild than her usual offerings but no less sweet or heartfelt. Can these two truly opposite people in the cutthroat world of acting truly be together or is it only for one magical evening?
     Damon was a famous child star. Rose is a choreographer's assistant, used to being in the background and not getting noticed. Not that she minds really, until gorgeous Damon shows up and fireworks erupt between them. Age old insecurities, crazy ex-boyfriends, and supportive roommates fill out a interesting, yet heartbreakingly romantic novel that only L.H. Cosway can provide.
     I am a huge Cosway fan. I adore her words and when I saw her in Tulsa in 2015, I gushed like a schoolgirl. However, I wouldn't suggest this as a first novel to read of hers if you are a first reader. Her trademark wit is very apparent, but the sexiness of her earlier novels is a bit downplayed within this story. If you are fan of the slow burn, definitely give this a try. An all around wonderful romance though, I enjoyed the banter and the utterly unique world Cosway has created.

Book Details

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing

Date of Release: May 16, 2016

ISBN: 9781533016751

"Fight to the Finish" By: Jeanette Murray Review

Fight to the Finish

By: Jeanette Murray

Synopsis

Kara is a single mom working hard to keep life running smoothly for herself and her son, but a custody battle is wearing her down. When her friend suggests asking a JAG officer for some unofficial advice, Kara agrees—and soon finds herself officially head over heels...

As a Judge Advocate, Graham has seen his share of nasty custody disputes—and he plans on keeping his distance from this one. But this purposeful, passionate woman has a way of drawing him ever closer to the edge. And when Kara’s ex starts to throw his weight around, Graham will have to choose between toeing the line or stepping into the ring...

My Thoughts

     I adore Jeanette Murray’s writing. She writes lovely characters with rich backgrounds and histories, while not leaving out the heat I’ve come to expect from her books. Somehow I had missed the first two books in this trilogy, so I read this one a wee bit out of order. However, it in no way made my enjoyment any less…it just made me buy the first two and go on a reading binge!

     Kara is a single mom, raising her son, and just trying to get by. Between the demands of her job and the demands of raising an allergy specific young boy, she doesn’t have much time for a love life. That doesn’t stop Graham though, a lawyer on base who is drawn to this driven young woman.

      I think I adore these books, so very, very much, because Jeanette writes real situations. Life is messy. We have weird feelings. We are embarrassed. We often want what we can’t have. We get mad, we get angry, and we are often confused. We worry. We love. All of these emotions are clear in her work and create such a realistic love story, you become completely immersed within this world. The relationships are real, the brotherhood is extremely loyal and strong, and the love story is utterly lovely.

     As I said before, I read the series out of order. However, it did make me go back and read the first two, not because I was confused but because I absolutely adored the people within the story. Sad that the trilogy has ended but was glad I was along for the ride. Brava Ms. Murray, excited to see what comes next! 

Book Details

Date of Publication: March 1st, 2016

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 9780425279281

"Hearts of Blue" By: L.H. Cosway Review

Hearts of Blue

By: L.H. Cosway

Synopsis

 She upholds the law. He breaks it. 
Two blue hearts, both alike in braveryIn not-so-fair London, where we lay our sceneFrom gun crime to petty theftWhere family is blood and survival makes hands uncleanIn this place, we find two hearts who should be foesAnd yet, amidst the turmoil their love still growsMisadventure abounds and the divide will bring them strifeBut with luck, death doesn’t always mean an end to life.

My Thoughts

     LH Cosway has a true gift. This romantic tale of cops and robbers takes you to places you’ve never gone nor do you ever want to leave. Once again thrust into her world of romance, intrigue, and a bit of the unusual, Cosway’s fans will be delighted while new readers will want to read more.

     Reader’s of the series will recognize Karla and Lee from previous books. Karla is currently working as a police constable but she finds herself unable to deny the attraction she feels for probable thief and notorious badboy Lee Cross. Lee knows nothing can happen between himself and the police woman, but he is drawn to her again and again. When the choice is given to Lee; he is forced to choose between love or family.

     First and foremost, Cosway writes relationship stories. All of the characters in her books may not be blood related, but they have strong friendships that are often tested and loyalty is always given. I think that’s probably the #1 reason I am so drawn to Cosway’s work (beyond the extremely well done naughty parts!), this idea of family is what you make, not what you are born with.

     I adored this sweet and erotic romance of opposites attracting. The whole “will they, won’t they” totally worked and I cheered louder than anyone for that first kiss. Lee and Karla have to come to terms with who they are, what they want in life, and decide if they can actually work together. Creative, unique, and romantic, Hearts of Blue is your not-so-classic love story and is once again pure perfection from one of my favorite authors.

Keep ‘em coming L.H. Cosway, 

I can’t read them fast enough.

Book Details

# of Pages: 273

ASIN: B016QYD3XE

Date of Publication: November 19, 2015

Blog Tour!!! HEARTS OF BLUE By: L.H. Cosway

Happy Release Day to L.H. Conway and her new book HEARTS OF BLUE. Take a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway. As a special treat, the author is having a poll on her FB page asking readers to pick a scene from the book that they would like to read from the hero's POV. Stop by her page to vote and the scene that gets the most votes by the end of the Release Week Event will be posted on the author's blog at a later date. Vote HERE!

She upholds the law. He breaks it.

Two blue hearts, both alike in bravery
In not-so-fair London, where we lay our scene
From gun crime to petty theft
Where family is blood and survival makes hands unclean
In this place, we find two hearts who should be foes
And yet, amidst the turmoil their love still grows
Misadventure abounds and the divide will bring them strife
But with luck, death doesn’t always mean an end to life.

Hearts of Blue is a standalone contemporary romance that tells the story of star-crossed lovers Karla Sheehan and Lee Cross, a police constable and the thief who steals her heart.

Lee didn’t answer, and instead he took a step forward, forcing me to back up if I didn’t want us to collide. The problem with this meant my back hit the wall a moment later.

“You’re so pretty, Snap,” he said, voice low, as he dropped his face to my hair and breathed in.

I wasn’t wearing a hat, and my hair was tied up in a bun. My entire body trembled when he wrapped his arms around my waist, inhaled deeply and pulled me into a hug. This was a distraction, I knew it, and yet, I let him distract me. I wanted to be distracted, and I was just glad that the blinds in his office had been pulled.

Standing in his embrace for at least a minute with silence all around us, I was unable to move. I liked having Lee close, loved the feel of him and how he could make feel so…surrounded. Despite all the warning signs, my attraction to him only grew stronger. There was just something about him that called to me.

“Lee.”

His mouth moved against my hair. “What is it, Karla?”

“Why are you hugging me?”

“You looked like you needed to be held.” His response was low, and the affectionate undertone had me swallowing deeply. At long last I summoned the willpower to break the hug. His arms fell away from me easily, my stomach churning with confusion. What the hell was I doing?

I stared at the floor when I spoke. “I have to go.”

Heading for the door, I paused when he said gently, “Hey, I needed it, too.”

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

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L.H. Cosway Hearts of Blue Release Week Giveaway

♥ READ THE BOOKS ♥

Six of Hearts

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords | iTunes

Hearts of Fire

Amazon | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

King of Hearts

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Hearts of Blue

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"Last Hit: Reloaded" By: Jessica Clare Review

Last Hit: Reloaded

By: Jessica Clare

Synopsis

There was a time when Nick loved the fear he instilled in his enemies. His tattoos alone promised danger, but it was the look in his eyes that delivered on it. A contract killer since he was just a boy, Nick has now forged a new life and a new identity with the woman who followed him, captured him, and changed him.

He terrified Daisy. Once. But she couldn't resist, and she ignored every warning. It paid off. Now she's part of a new beginning, a fresh start in America helping him to leave behind a reckless and violent past as a professional killer. But the past is never easy to outrun, especially when so much of it thrives on revenge.

A new threat has emerged from the shadows, and now Nick and Daisy have no choice but to rely on Nick's killer skills to protect them from everything they've tried so hard to escape.

My Thoughts
     A continuation from the Hitman series featuring Nick and Daisy, Last Hit: Reloaded focuses on their lives after. After the murder and mayhem, while they are just trying to live their lives and continue. Yet, Nick isn’t able to leave his past behind and is continuously on the lookout for trouble. Daisy is trying to live a comfortable quiet life, but is having issues with making friends and fitting in at college.

     A short scene in the life of Nick and Daisy, I enjoyed entering their world again. I have a soft spot for Nick and the journey he has endured. A former hitman, Nick is hard but Daisy gives him just enough soft to make him a true hero. Never backing down and extremely loyal, Nick is a tried and true killer who tries to hide his true nature to be more of what Daisy wants and needs. Through it all, Nick and Daisy still have a strong connection, no matter what happens.

    An excellent addition to the series, with a few new characters added, I fell back into the world of the Hitman series with no problems. I’m looking forward to Last Kiss and returning to Russia. Without a doubt I feel that you need to read the previous books in the series, both for continuity and to enjoy the book and really know the past motivations of the characters.

Book Details

Publisher: InterMix

Date of Publication: January 20, 2015

# of Pages: 134

ASIN: B00O9A4AFS

Location: Minnesota

Codi Gary Cover Reveal!

I love me some Codi Gary

 and was thrilled to see her new cover this week! 

I Need a Hero

By: Codi Gary

Sergeant Oliver Martinez joined the military to serve his country—not plan parties. But after a run-in with his commanding officer, Oliver is suddenly responsible for the Alpha Dogs Training Program’s upcoming charity event. Worse, he’s got to work with the bossiest, sexiest woman he's ever met—who just happens to be the general’s daughter.

When it comes to military men, Evelyn Reynolds is not interested. And with the opportunity to launch her new PR firm at the charity event, she doesn't have time for some sexy, arrogant jerk with a hero complex. Evelyn is determined to keep things professional—if only she can ignore how Oliver’s muscles fill out a t-shirt and the infuriating way he makes her heart pound.

But when tempers flare and a scorching kiss turns into so much more, Oliver and Evelyn will have to decide if this attraction is forever…or just for now.

Wanna preorder?

Amazon: http://ow.ly/QcCQC 

Barnes and Noble: http://ow.ly/QcDwy 

Google: http://ow.ly/QcDaR 

iBooks: http://ow.ly/QcDmL

Kobo: http://ow.ly/QcDYV 

HarperCollins: http://ow.ly/QcDHV 

Find Codi at:

codigarysbooks@gmail.com

Twitter: @codigary

Facebook: codigarysbooks

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583366.Codi_Gary

"The Duke & The Lady in Red" By: Lorraine Heath Review

Duke and the Lady in Red

By: Lorraine Heath

Synopsis

When Rosalind Sharpe gains the attention of the deliciously wicked Duke of Avendale, she’s torn between her distracting attraction to the notorious rogue and the knowledge that he—rich as Croesus—is the perfect target for a deception that will put her swindling days behind her.

However, Avendale is no fool. After he discovers the tantalizing lady packing up to leave London with his coins in tow, he confronts her with a scandalous proposition: she can have all the money she requires…for a week in his bed.

Desperate for the funds, Rose agrees, but on one condition: he must never question her motives. Avendale quickly sees beneath her mask and discovers she is more than passion and pleasure—she is everything he has ever desired. But claiming her requires he unveil her secrets and lose her forever. Unless he can put his own dark past aside and risk everything for a chance at love.

My Thoughts

     First off, I decided to read this book because the synopsis drew me in so. I adore Lorraine Heath’s writing anyway but somehow I had missed her newest series. I can’t tell you how glad I was to pick this one up, because it led me to two other great historical romances.

     Rose is a grifter, always looking for her next mark, constantly moving around the country. Fresh in London, she is quickly approached by the Duke of Avendale. Alone and used to being singled out for his money, Avendale is surprised to find himself drawn to Rose, a woman who doesn’t seem to want anything from him. Rose initially just views the rich Duke as a means to an end but as she grows closer to him and learns more about his life, she begins to want him for more than his fortune. Unfortunately for Rose, she has people depending on her and she must face unimaginable odds to help those she loves the most.

     The book starts off a little differently and it took me a bit to really understand exactly what is happening. Rose is shrouded in mystery and I initially didn’t like her. However, as Heath unveils the motives behind Rose and her illicit dealing with London’s elite, I couldn’t help but be drawn in and find common ground with this misunderstood woman. Avendale is a wonderful hero and you can’t help but find his honesty refreshing and loving.

    Heath is a master storyteller and it’s never been more clear than with her newest romance. Starting slow, I was drawn into the story of Rose, Avendale and a tribe of misfits looking to belong. Well written, fast paced, and with a fantastic finish, I immediately began reading the first two in this series.  As I said before, reading the previous two in this series is unnecessary but you will absolutely want to when you finish. Another great one, I can’t wait to see what Heath has planned next.

Book Details

Publisher: Avon

Date of Publication: April 28, 2015

# of Pages: 384

ISBN: 9780062276278

Source: ARC for Review

"Reclaimed" By: River Savage Review

Reclaimed

By: River Savage

Synopsis

When the woman you love is lost, how hard will you fight to get her back?
Following the birth of her daughter, Kadence Knight finds herself in a battle she never prepared for. With desperation and unhappiness threatening to overwhelm her, a sense of hopelessness pulls her away from the one thing she has always longed for: a family.
As Nix watches his wife struggle with something he doesn't understand, he can't help but feel disconnected to his woman. The Kadence he once knew has drifted into the darkness. In her place is a shadow of the woman she once was, one who is fearful of the impossible...failing their daughter.
This Valentine’s Day, Nix has one goal — to reclaim the woman who gave him everything.

My Thoughts

     Reclaimed is the ultimate companion to one of my favorite Mc novels. Struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Kadence is at a crossroads. Trying to find a balance between being a Mother, a wife, and maintaining her career. Nix, the ultimate bad boy motorcycle man, is at his wits end trying to solve his problems at home and keep up his duty to the club.

    A companion novel to Incandescent, fans of the Knights Rebels MC series will adore this brief glimpse into the lives of Nix and Kadence after the miraculous birth of their first child together. River Savage breaks your heart but puts it back together as these two characters work through their problems and eventually reconnect.

    I think the thing I admire most about this book (beyond the smokin’ hot sex scenes and accurate portrayal of parenthood) is how River Savage tackles the taboo subject of life after baby. For some women, it sometimes is a battle and for Kadence she fights every step of the way. Savage shows its ok to not be perfect and relates the importance of keeping on, keeping on. Tackling this subject in a romance no less shows Savage’s talent in storytelling and the strength of her characters.

    A fantastic novella tackling one of life’s biggest challenges, Savage has another hit on her hands. A great companion to her full length novels, Nix and Kadence are showcased in both their best and worst. I can’t say enough great things about it and luckily, we have more Nix and Kadence coming up! Brava River, Brava!

Book Details

# of Pages: 80

ISBN: B00SXNYCU0

Date of Publication: February 16, 2015

Source: ARC review

"King of Hearts" By: L.H. Cosway Review

King of Hearts

By: L.H. Cosway

Welcome to the City, London’s most prestigious square mile, where finance reigns and Oliver King is a rising prince.

I used to rule the world.
There might be wolves on Wall Street, but there were crocodiles in Canary Wharf. Some of us craved money. Some of us craved power.
I liked money, and power had its advantages, but what I really wanted was to excel, to surpass the men who came before me. I never cared much for love and romance until I met Alexis.
I could feel it the very moment she walked into the interview, with her outspoken charm and vivacious personality. She cast all the others in shadow, made me laugh when life held no humour. Our friendship should have remained professional, but it wasn’t long before the lines started to blur.
You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I never foresaw where my plans would lead, and only in my darkest hour did I finally see the light…
You can have all the money and prestige in the world and still be the poorest man alive. And love, well, I hate to use a tired old cliché, but love can be the thing that truly sets you free.

My Thoughts

     What do you do when you think everything is lost? King of Hearts is a truly magnificent story of redemption and love. Fans of L.H. Cosway will recognize her trademark wit while enjoying the unique view of her truly scrumptious story.

    King is first viewed in Hearts of Fire. Drunk, dirty, poor, and a wreck, King travels with his sister’s circus in despair. Broken hearted and down on his luck, the other performers have wide berth to the dirty, sunken man. So this is where we originally see King…

    As King of Hearts begins, we are thrown into the past. Oliver King is a super successful investment broker with a fancy office and loads of money. Incredibly suave, King has the world at his feet. Women want to date him, men want to be him.

    This is the environment that Alexis Clark is hired into. Entranced by the enigmatic King, she is quickly swept up into his world. Alexis is a young 20-something finding her way in London. Smart, she is enchanted by the mysterious King and ultimately falls deeply in love with him. After something truly heartbreaking happens, King goes missing and Alexis is left alone with a secret she can never reveal.

    Fast forward a number of years and we are once again seeing King as the drunken mess that he has become. Concerned, Alexis receives a letter from a performer at the circus encouraging her to come and help. It is up to Alexis to bring King out of his stupor and once again make him the man he once was.

    An extremely well written book, I adored the before and after look at these two dynamic characters. Each one grows and changes as the years and memories take their toll. I recently tweeted LH Cosway worried that King may not get the happy ending he deserved, and she quickly reassured me. Without a doubt, King has a utterly lovely story and is given a perfect queen for his “King.”

Please note: King of Hearts can absolutely be read alone, but I strongly suggest reading Six of Hearts and Hearts of Fire because they are both absolutely wonderful!

Book Details

Date of Publication: July 16, 2015

# of Pages: 304

ISBN: 9781310520273

Location: London, England

Source: ARC for Review from Author