Review: Binding Vows

Friday 31 January 2020 No comments


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have to say, time-travelling Scottish druids who have come from the 16th century to meet present-day druid virgins was a bit too close to my limit with a book theme but I actually did enjoy the story and the characters.

As always, the story was very well written. It was a bit too close to insta-love but if you remember the pull of the druid magic then you can almost believe it possible.

The story started off almost comical with Cassy and Tara bumbling their way through a renaissance faire but when the gypsy Gwen correctly determines Tara to be a virgin, Tara and Cassy find themselves at the forefront of the celebrations. Tara, becoming increasingly unhappy with the amount of unwanted attention from the men looking to deflower her, finds herself hiding from the festivities and that's when Duncan finds her.

Duncan is challenged with making sure Gwen or Grainna is unable to lift her curse through Tara but in trying to stay ahead of the witch/gypsy, he finds himself hand-bound/married to Tara which means she must return to his home in 16th Century Scotland with him.

Once in Scotland Tara is devastated to find out she will not return home or see her friends and family again but with time, she finds herself beginning to fall for Duncan and his family.

As expected, the drama doesn't end with Tara's arrival in Scotland as Gwen/Grainna sets about tracking Tara down once again and Tara turns to the druids for help.

As I said, this is a bit far-fetched but it is a nice story with a little bit of humour, some drama and a healthy dose of romance.

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Review: Feather

Wednesday 29 January 2020 No comments


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I'm not a fan of books about angels but knowing how much I enjoy Olivia Wildenstein's works I was prepared to give it a go.

Firstly, as I said, angels are not my thing so the title initially put me off. Then, readers are presented with a long list of angelic terminology and french translations which was slightly concerning. I imagined having the flick back and forth to understand what was going on in the storyline but that wasn't the case, apart from some the of angel terminology, which I needed to revisit on the odd occasion.

As soon as I started reading the story I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised and found that I became quickly engrossed. The direction the story was taking was fascinating and the blend of earth and Elysium and how both sides overlapped was intriguing.

The character Leigh (don't get me started on how to pronounce her name) was likeable and her desire to earn enough feathers to ascend to Elysium seemed to be the main crux to the story. When she is challenged to convert a triple (a sinner worth 100 feathers), Jarod Adler, her innocent way of life is corrupted by his beguiling ways and they find themselves instantly attracted to each other (perhaps too instantly for some to believe). Jarod is a mafia boss and yet Leigh decides to try to persuade him to right some wrongs in order for her to complete her task and to earn her remaining feathers. Jarod is not an easy man to change though and whilst spending time together, Leigh starts to realise that Jarod may be hiding more than his dark business dealings.

I enjoyed Jarod and Leigh's story on earth but when it became a bit too much Romeo & Juliet-y I started to lose interest (I know, but I rarely read the blurb about a book before reading it!). I can't put my finger on when my interest with the story started to wane but the ending pretty much left me confused and disappointed. When Leigh reached Elysium it was a brief affair and I thought Asher would play a bigger part than he did at the start of the book. I naively envisioned a love triangle but that never transpired.

The story left me questioning what exactly had just happened and wondering if I paid enough attention whilst reading it. That said, I don't feel the need to re-read it at this point. It has left me intrigued whether the next instalment will answer some of the questions Feather has left me with but that seems to be Celeste's story. I will no doubt read on though, even if just to recover my equilibrium.

Whilst this story was once again very well written, it hasn't left me with a thirst for more feathers!

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Review: Say It Again

Tuesday 28 January 2020 No comments



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Just what the conclusion to this amazing series needed not one, not two but three kick-ass women!

I didn't think Sasha could meet her match but when she returns to the school where she was trained and moulded she comes across another orphan, Claire, who is as bright and strong as she is, and only 18.

Sasha, bored of her drama-free life, heads to Richter to find answers and a new direction but what she stumbles across finds her wanting to help the students there avoid the trappings of their destinies. When Sasha is approached by AJ Hofmann in a bar she presumes he is just hitting on her until she realises he is the brother of her old and now dead classmate, Amelia Hofmann. Seeking answers to why Amelia was killed, AJ asks Sasha for her help and before long they are investigating numerous deaths and one missing person.

Knowing that she can't investigate Amelia from inside the secure fortress that is Richter, Sasha asks Reed for his assistance and before long the whole security team is involved. AJ is stunned to find himself being flown around the world on private jets and staying at luxury mansions but he soon comes to realise that Sasha and her friends wield a lot of financial power.

This story takes readers across Europe and back to the US as Sasha tries to reveal just who is recruiting the students from Richter. With AJ at her side though, she finds herself becoming too comfortable with having a man supporting her emotionally and the tough egg starts to crack as her outer shell starts to weaken thanks to the attention AJ bestows upon her. AJ is the perfect man for Sasha. I really had no idea who would be able to tame her wild and independent ways but AJ knows just how to handle her emotionally and physically.

I really enjoyed the sexual tension between Cooper and Claire and would love to see how their working relationship pans out. Olivia was also a force of nature and a real challenge to Sasha's skills. Poor Lars experienced her strength first hand with a really funny but brief scene and show of dominance.

I'm sorry to see this series end and I can't wait to dive into new stories from this author. That said, I'm sure there could be more First Wives stories yet to be written and I'd love to read Claire and Olivia's stories!!!

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Review: Savaged

Friday 24 January 2020 No comments



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I wonder how many readers said "I didn't see that coming" a time or two whilst reading, or listening, to this book.

As expected, this is another hit from for Mia Sheridan. The story had layers upon layers with so much heartbreak and emotion for the children who were so cruelly exploited, especially Jack.

The story is told in two parts, firstly that of the child Jack, who struggles to survive in horrific conditions in the wild and secondly, the story is between Lucas and Harper Ward who's paths become intertwined when Lucas is brought into the police station for questioning following the death of his neighbour.

Lucas has always lived off the grid, never even venturing into town, but with the death of his neighbour, life as he knows it is about to change. When Harper is brought in to help the Agent tasked with investigating two mysterious cross-bow deaths in the town she comes across the enigmatic stranger, Lucas. Knowing practically every part of the land that surrounds the town, Harper assists the police to find their way around the crime location and that leads her to Lucas' door with questions pertaining to his neighbour but also to him, his life and how he will live now he is unable to trade with his deceased neighbour.

Harper survived the death of her parents in a crash and became a wilderness guide, partly in the hope that one day she will stumble across her parents and their car which was never found after the accident. The mystery and suspense in this story begins to unravel with Harper and Lucas' interaction but I didn't expect just how closely aligned their lives from childhood would be. When Harper starts to understand just how Lucas has lived and what he has endured, she decides to help him especially when he unexpectedly gives her the answer to her prayers.

This story was epic. It was such an emotional roller-coaster and packed in so many twists and turns that really did keep me guessing right up until the stories conclusion. Jack was a wonderful character who was perfectly portrayed on Audible and Harper was the perfect person to complement his sensitivities. Parts of this story resembled the Hunger Games but only in so much as seeing children fighting to survive a situation which was not of their making. What happened to them was cruel and unforgivable but to see Jack become the man he did was incredibly rewarding.

This was a standalone story and definitely one that I will revisit a time or two.




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Anniversary Boxed Set Just 99 Pennies

Wednesday 22 January 2020 No comments

Anniversary Boxed Set to celebrate Sawyer Bennett’s
seven-year publishing anniversary

This boxed set features SEVEN books
for just 99 pennies!!!



Celebrate SEVEN years of publishing with this Sawyer Bennett Anniversary Boxed Set! Known for her hot heroes, strong heroines, and ability to capture the hearts of her readers no matter the trope, Sawyer Bennett is offering this boxed set featuring seven of the titles that have made her one of the bestselling authors in romance. This boxed set includes the following titles:

Off Sides – He’s the privileged son of a U.S. Congressman. She’s struggling to make her own way, working two jobs and attending college part-time. Off Sides is an opposites attract, new adult standalone.

On the Rocks – He’s a former professional surfer who has returned home to open The Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Outer Banks. She drunkenly threw herself at him five years ago, but as his little sister’s best friend, he knew he couldn’t go there. On the Rocks is a second chance, friends-to-lovers, standalone contemporary romance.

Legal Affairs – Two days ago they had a torrid one-night stand. Today he’s her new boss. Legal Affairs is a workplace standalone contemporary romance.

Wicked Fall – He’s the hot-as-hell, millionaire who owns The Wicked Horse. She foolishly offered up her virginity to him years ago, only to be turned down flat. Wicked Fall is a HOT, second chance, standalone contemporary romance.

Code Name: Genesis – Years ago they were in love, but a string of lies and deceit destroyed what they had. Now she’s a superstar with a dangerous stalker, and he owns a nationally renowned protective services company. Code Name: Genesis is a second chance, romantic suspense standalone.

Uncivilized – Savage man, loner, warrior…he has lived amidst the untamed wild of the rainforest since he was a child. She is an anthropologist hired to help him transition back into modern society. Uncivilized is a modern Tarzan style contemporary romance standalone.

The Hard Truth About Sunshine – Four people with nothing in common but their destination, driving across the country to fulfill the wishes of a dying teenager, while trying to determine where they fit in. The Hard Truth About Sunshine is a gripping and poignant general fiction standalone.

Review: Headstrong Like Us

Tuesday 21 January 2020 No comments


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Oh Marrow, my heart just melts for these two men.

The instalment continues with somewhat of a culmination of Maximoff and Farrow's story with their wedding getting ever closer. With Jane continuing as their wedding planner, and with the nightmare that was Scotland behind them, it's time to breathe in and enjoy the day and hope and pray that Grandmother Calloway doesn't create a storm.

This book had a slow and steady feel to, unlike its predecessors, and there were more fun times than tension but it does enable readers to spend more time with the youngest members of the family which was nice. I guess the wedding was the best way of bringing everyone together for readers. That said, Maximoff and Farrow's pre-wedding preparations face an interesting and unexpected hurdle with a couple of cute additions and this just made the whole book so much sweeter.

I did find myself struggling with Maximoff's character at times in this instalment. For someone who holds the younger members of the family together and seen as the father figure of the famous offspring, I still felt that Maximoff was very immature at times and his vulnerability, which was previously adorable, started to slightly irritate me. Farrow is definitely still very much the glue which holds Maximoff together despite their battles for supremacy. As much as I love this duo, I did find their sexual encounters overly done and too repetitive on this occasion. I just didn't feel the love in every scene and found myself skipping over some parts. I also felt the writing was a little less seamless at times and unlike before, I felt changes in the writing styles and content.

descriptionSully is probably still my favourite female character and she even became a kick-ass heroine at one point, I can't wait for her story. We were also given a hint at what Oscar and Jack will be facing in the future and boy does their journey look rocky.

This book is definitely hit some high notes for me and this was made all the better for the audible narration. It's pure listening bliss on your ears!



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Review: Credence

Monday 20 January 2020 No comments


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


That had to be the fastest I've ever read a book, I simply couldn't put it down. Right from the first page, having not read the synopsis (it's not something I do), I knew this story was going to be something special and boy was it.

The characters didn't just talk to me in this book, they screamed out their story. Yes, it's a forbidden romance and yes, my sensibilities were screaming that this is just wrong, but somehow, all the wrongs just made one huge right!

From start to finish I was captivated and wondering just how the story was going to play out. With a 17-year-old who had recently lost her parents moving to her step-uncle's house to live with him and his 2 sons in the mountains which became totally cut off during the winter, you couldn't help but wonder just what would play out in those dark, cold, lonely days but jeez, I didn't see that coming.

But despite the erotic nature of this book, there were also some serious and moving messages. Tiernan may have taken an unusual route to understand her upbringing but when she got there it was a really poignant moment. Kaleb's story was also incredibly emotional and you just wanted to reach out and hug him, despite him being an ass for most of the story. Noah seemed to be the only unaffected person in the story but that also left him lonely and looking for something more. Jake, ahem, the "uncle" was a bit trickier to understand but he too found solace from his time with Tiernan, in a bit of an unusual fashion.

The story was extremely erotic at times and as I said emotional at others. You almost felt like you were climbing a mountain without ropes and safety gear and when you reached the top, you had no option but to freefall towards the story's conclusion all the whilst hoping that Tiernan and everyone else found happiness from their past, future and present selves.

This will be definitely a book to read again, in part to savour the complexity of the characters more slowly but also to treat myself once again to an extremely well thought out and written book.

This will be hard to beat as a top book of 2020 and it's only January. The pressure is on authors!!!

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Review: Faking Forever

Wednesday 15 January 2020 No comments


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Now, I had to admit to secretly wanting Shannen's story to be about her re-kindling her love for ex-husband Paul, second chance love and all that but I have to admit, Shannon found herself a much better love interest in Victor.

It was Shannon's story that I have been looking forward to reading the most and, thankfully, it lived up to all of my insanely high expectations. Shannon, the quietest of the First Wives, has always sat back and observed her friends exploits whilst secretly spending her time nursing her broken heart. With her body clock ticking though, Shannon decides to take things into her own hands and with a trip to Mexico on the cards, puts a plan in action whereby she will return pregnant, or at least that is what she hopes will happen. The problem is, Shannon is not your one-night-stand type of woman and she is certainly not as feisty and outgoing as Avery.

When Shannon is hired as a wedding photographer to the bride-to-be, Corrie, she assumed this will be another straightforward job, that is until she meets an obnoxiously annoying man on the plane to Mexico. After arriving at the wedding venue, which is practically underwater thanks to a storm, Shannon finds the bride in tears and hinting that she has may have made a mistake by agreeing to get married. What Shannon doesn't immediately know if that the groom is the handsome but annoying man she sat next to on the plane.

When the wedding takes an unexpected turn, Shannon continues with her plan to meet Avery at another hotel and to put her plan to get-pregnant-by-any-possible-means into action. That is until she comes across a jilted Victor at the same hotel she and Avery are staying at.

Spending their time enjoying the sun and plenty of strong cocktails, Shannon soon comes to realise that she may have misjudged Victor and before long they actually start to enjoy spending time together. But, the question is, will they and can they keep their friendship going when they return home and will it blossom into something more special?

Gah, I love these books and the First Wives et al. They are all fascinating characters to spend time with albeit via the pages of a book but boy do they lead complicated lives. I thought that all of the drama would end with Avery's book but whilst not as dramatic, Shannon adds her own brand of chaos to this story.

Whilst I said I couldn't wait to read Shannon's story, I have to admit to having a secret obsession with Sasha and I can't wait to see if a man can tame her wild ways and if she can ever learn to trust anyone.

This is a highly recommended series, and author, if you are looking for a new reading direction. You won't be disappointed.




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Credence by Penelope Douglas is LIVE!!!

Tuesday 14 January 2020 No comments

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘!!


Three of them, one of her, and a remote cabin in the woods. Let the hot, winter nights ensue...

Tiernan de Haas doesn’t care about anything anymore. The only child of a film producer and his starlet wife, she’s grown up with wealth and privilege but not love or guidance. Shipped off to boarding schools from an early age, it was still impossible to escape the loneliness and carve out a life of her own. The shadow of her parents’ fame followed her everywhere.

And when they suddenly pass away, she knows she should be devastated. But has anything really changed? She’s always been alone, hasn’t she?

Jake Van der Berg, her father’s stepbrother and her only living relative, assumes guardianship of Tiernan who is still two months shy of eighteen. Sent to live with him and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado, Tiernan soon learns that these men now have a say in what she chooses to care and not care about anymore.

As the three of them take her under their wing, teach her to work and survive in the remote woods far away from the rest of the world, she slowly finds her place among them.
And as a part of them.
She also realizes that lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching.
One of them has her.
The other one wants her.
But he…
He’s going to keep her.

*Credence is a full length, stand-alone romance suitable for readers 18+.

Amazon US---> https://amzn.to/3a8RUyj
Amazon UK---> https://amzn.to/2Nqj8GT

Paperback---> https://amzn.to/35TJCqE

🌲Add it to Goodreads---> https://bit.ly/380Qmp9
🌲Pinterest Storyboard---> https://bit.ly/380PBMP
🌲Spotify Playlist---> https://spoti.fi/2Li0bVL

Review: Tracking Tahlula






My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I always seem to do things backwards and reading is no exception. After reading and loving Edge Of Reason (Arrow's Edge MC #1) and Trunk's story, I decided to go back to read his sister's story, Tracking Tahlula (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha).

I've really enjoyed meeting the varied cast in the On Call series and despite reading about the characters in a topsy turvy fashion, I have enjoyed each and every book. Now with talk of Blue's book in the pipeline, I am even more excited.

Tahlula also does things backwards, she's definitely a girl after my own heart. After deciding she wanted a baby, through unconventional means, she is happily living a quiet life as an author until she receives a fire risk warning from Evan Biel. Evan, assuming the beautiful mess he meets upon arrival at her property is married, given her baby bump, offers advice and walks away. When he finds out Tahlula isn't married, or dating he is right back up the mountain and determined to get to know her despite her being pregnant.

When Tahlula finds herself in danger from an unknown source, she knows she must do everything she can to keep her "little pea" safe. Fortunately, Tahlula has an abundance of testosterone around her and between Trunk and Evan, the local Police and Fire Departments and you'd be fooled into thinking that no-one could possibly put her in danger, but you'd be wrong.

Having read Trunk's story first, the reasons for the threats against Tahlula were not a shock but I was still stunned to read about how and why the perpetrators decided to target Tahlula.

With all this mystery, intrigue and danger and insanely manly men to compliment the suspense, I was totally engrossed by this story.

I really enjoyed the addition of Moose and Penelope Jacobs and their pet! There is always an innocent character in Freya's story that always wins me over and this time it was a donkey.

The banter between the fire department staff made elements of this story very funny and despite their dangerous activities, you could easily feel their camaraderie.

The friendships and bonds which developed between the women were also enjoyable to witness and despite the racial message running through the story, the book was overall very lighthearted and enjoyable to read.



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Live on Audible: Headstrong Like Us

Headstrong Like Us Currently listening to...

Headstrong Like Us by Krista Ritchie

It's time to satisfy my Maximoff & Farrow needs...

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You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Maximoff Hale & Farrow Keene, and according to Celebrity Crush—the ceremony for this American prince and his tattooed bodyguard is going to be the event of the century.

There will be no wedding crashers.

Including but not limited to: hateful people, rabid fans, nosy paparazzi, and other so-called media.

There will be no drama.

None whatsoever. Because when you put three famous families and their hot bodyguards together, nothing will go down.

There will be no fighting.

No brawls, fists flying, verbal slingshots, or rifts that tear into craters. Lovers only!

Everything will be perfect.

Nothing will go amiss during the happiest, most anticipated occasion of the year. But then again…

They don't call it the Hale Curse for nothing.


The Like Us series is a true series, one continuous timeline, that follows a family of wealthy celebrities and the people that protect them.

The Like Us Series Reading Order:
1. Damaged Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
2. Lovers Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
3. Alphas Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
4. Tangled Like Us (Jane & Thatcher)
5. Sinful Like Us (Jane & Thatcher)
6. Headstrong Like Us (Maximoff & Farrow)
7. Charming Like Us (Oscar & Jack)
8. Wild Like Us (Akara & Sulli & Banks)




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Review: Chasing Shadows

Monday 13 January 2020 No comments




My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Poor Avery but what a find in the lovely Liam.

Avery has been chasing her shadows or ghosts since her attack but so far her memory has failed her. Now, with her memory returning, she starts to remember bits and pieces about her attacker and is determined to seek revenge.

With Avery's confidence in tatters, she joins a Krav Maga class in the hope that she will never be a helpless victim again. Despite her training, she is unable to fight one-on-one with a man in the fear that it will trigger flashbacks. That is until her path crosses Liam's.

When Liam sees Avery almost flooring the unwanted attractions of a man in a bar he is determined to find out who this mystery woman is. Tracking her to her Krav Maga class, under the pretence of doing work for the owner, Brenda, Liam unexpectedly finds himself actively participating in Avery's class and her "target" for the night. Knowing she does not fear Liam and goaded by Brenda, the Krav Maga class instructor, Avery agrees to spar with Liam and before long, the duo are having drinks and dinner together after each session.

Liam falls fast and hard for Avery but with Avery's past, she finds it difficult to accept Liam into her life. Liam is determined to show Avery that she can have a relationship and fall in love but when he finds out about her attack he knows he must tread gently with her feelings and emotions.

Avery is once again supported through her troubles by her loyal friends and "First Wives". Also in the mix, much to my delight is Sasha. There's something about that woman that fascinates me.

As expected, the Audible narration is spot on with these characters. I don't know how Emma Wilder manages to pull off so many seemingly flawless foreign accents.

Catherine Bybee has managed to write so many amazing stories to date and I can't wait to read on. I fear, however, that I have almost cleared her back catalogue and the dreaded reading slump may await me!




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5 Star Review: Things We Never Said (Hart's Boardwalk #3) by Samantha Young

Friday 10 January 2020 No comments



Things We Never Said by Samantha Young

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another instalment in the Hart’s Boardwalk series and another duo of characters to love/hate and everything in between. Michael and Dahlia's story is emotive and thought-provoking and yet thoroughly refreshing and enticing but boy, did this story challenge my perception of right and wrong.

I was all over the place trying to decide who was to blame for Dahlia and Michael's situation. I wanted to blame Michael, then I wanted to blame Dahlia, then I wanted to blame Dillon, then I wondered if the author was to blame, and, oh my head is spinning again…..

Irrespective of who was in the right, or the wrong, here, what I was sure about was that this was a story which will remain in my thoughts for a long time to come. I may need to re-visit it again in order to review my perceptions from a different angle now that I’ve finished the story and heard all of the arguments!

What I do know was that this was another brilliantly written story by Samantha Young. It was gritty, very gritty, and it was perhaps more raw than some of her stories to date, but I loved it. Stories can’t always be all hearts and flowers, despite how much two people are destined to be together, and that’s what readers will find with Dahlia and Michael’s story. If you could have reached through the pages and banged their heads together the story would have been finished by 25% but they would have not had the opportunity to right their wrongs and to reason with their emotions, something which becomes very apparent as the story progresses.

The suspense element continues to worm its way through these stories courtesy of the Devlin family and despite them always having the upper hand they find themselves in for a shock in this instalment.

I always fall headlong into the Hart’s Boardwalk books. I love the setting, the characters and their complicated lives. I love how their lives intertwine and how we revisit the characters we have come to love from prior stories. We still have Emery’s mystery yet to be revealed and if love will ever be on the cards for her, Bailey and Jess and their respective partners continue down their HEA paths and now we also have Ivy’s complicated life to consider as well. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long for their stories.

This ebook was kindly provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley prior to release in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Review: Half Empty




My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So, I am clearly hooked on yet another series by Catherine Bybee. I don't know how she manages to think up so many amazing storylines and twists and turns. I keep thinking that each book that I've read can't be surpassed and then, bam, she wows me with yet another fascinating storyline.

There was clearly unfinished business with Ruslan and the death of his son, Fedor, and with the Everson wealth firmly in Trina's hands, thanks to Alice changing her will, Trina once again finds herself in danger but that's only after she meets and falls for country singing star Wade Thomas.

With the anniversary of Fedor's death coming up, Trina finds herself hiding out in Venice. With the other 3 first wives getting antsy about her delayed return, Trina decides to further delay her travel arrangements by using a weather depression as her reason for taking multiple flights home. When Trina arrives in Miami, exhausted and starving, she finds herself in a hotel bar and catching the eye of an unknown and unwanted admirer. When Wade talks to Trina he is stunned that she doesn't recognise him and finding it refreshing not to be judged on who they are, both Trina and Wade enjoy getting to know each other. When Wade offers her a flight home, Trina agrees and unsurprisingly the storm catches up with them: both the weather storm and the first wives storm!

With Wade and Trina tentatively entering into a new relationship and facing the wrath of Wade's mother, Trina decides it is time to start emptying the house where Fedor died and that's when Ruslan and his goons come out of the woodwork again. Ruslan is still clearly looking for reasons to challenge Alice's will and that's when Avery ends up beaten and battered in hospital.

As expected, the usual security men and first wives join forces along with the mysterious Sasha to find out who hurt Avery and to find a way to stop Ruslan once and for all.

This story really packed a punch, well more than a punch for poor Avery. The story was fast-paced and offered up a few new revelations.

The next story is about Avery and I can't wait to see if her injuries have changed her or if she will remain a fun-loving, feisty and confident woman.





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Review: Fool Me Once

Thursday 9 January 2020 No comments




Fool Me Once by Catherine Bybee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I just can't get enough of Catherine Bybee's books. With each series, we meet more determined and feisty female characters and the overprotective men they fall for. Each story enables me to switch off from reality and just sit back and savour a bit of wonderfully written romance with a healthy dash of danger and intrigue.

The First Wives Club comprises Lori Cumberland, the Alliance divorce attorney, Trina Petrov, recently widowed after her arranged marriage collapsed when her husband committed suicide, Avery Grant, the flirty and confident member of the group who is recently divorced and enjoying the high life of being wealthy and single, and lastly Shannon Wentworth, the former first lady of California, who, despite having an arranged marriage, fell in love with her husband who sadly couldn't wait to divorce her.

Fool Me Once follows Lori and the other three members of the First Wives Club as they head off on a cruise to support an emotionally broken Trina. With Lori assuming a cruise would solve their problems in the press and with Shannen, in particular, being well-known in California, a trip around the Mediterranean should be just what everyone needs. Things quickly start to escalate though when it is revealed that Trina has inherited her mother-in-law's fortune as well as her late husband's wealth and with a determined Russian ex-father-in-law out for revenge, the quartet finds themselves in need of a bodyguard, or two, or three.

When Lori arrives on the ship she immediately attracts the attention of Reed Barlow. Seemingly sailing alone, he quickly latches onto the group of single women, alongside some other interesting male characters. What Lori doesn't know if that Reed is a PI and he has been paid to find dirt on Shannen and her ex-husband by a political rival. Despite having a job to do, Reed falls fast and hard for Lori and the duo spend most of their time together. With Reed still trying to understand the background connecting the four women, he knows that he if he wants to keep Lori in his arms, he will have to be careful with what he reveals to his client.

With Lori in the dark about Reed's real job, she happily continues into a relationship with Reed when they return back in the US. With the dangers around Trina escalating though, it's not long before Reed finds himself in an impossible situation, thanks to the mysterious women on the ship, Sasha. When his back is placed firmly against the wall he knows he will have to come clean to Lori but will she forgive him?

As I've said before, the writing, storytelling and overall ambience of this author's books are 100% en pointe for me. Each book always feels different despite overlapping themes and story commonalities. I can become thoroughly absorbed in Catherine Bybee's books in the blink of an eye and before I know it, another book has ended and I'm reaching for the next instalment as fast as I can click onto Amazon. The Audible books make these stories even more special though. There are some really talented narrators portraying all of the characters and they deserve a lot of praise for bringing the books to life in such a rewarding way.


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Review: Sinful Like Us

Tuesday 7 January 2020 No comments



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh my! This story, via Audible, read by Stephen Dexter aka Thatcher is pure ankle crossing bliss!!!

Not wishing to take anything away from Holly Warren who portrays Jane perfectly but Stephen's interpretation of Thatcher gives you shivers.

This series really is one to cherish. I thought this spin-off series would be enjoyable but in some ways, it far surpasses its parental predecessors.

As expected, the instalment has drama by the bucket load especially where the Cobalts are concerned and poor Thatcher has no idea just what is in store for him.

Stories involving bodyguards and their clients will always hold a special place in my heart but these bodyguards and these clients will always win out for me. I can't wait to see what other future forbidden relationships are planned.

Next up, "The Wedding", and no doubt even more drama!







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Review: Edge Of Reason

Edge Of Reason Edge Of Reason by Freya Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was another captivating novel by Freya Barker who always manages to breathe fresh air into any genre/trope.

I hesitated to start this book when I saw it was about an MC club. I have a bit of a been-there-done-that attitude with such books but when I saw that Freya had put a spin on the concept, I was intrigued as to how she would handle the story she had planned. Needless to say, it was a refreshing change to have an MC in a book that was not all about unnecessary violence but instead used its might for the greater good.

Trunk (Titus) was definitely a larger than life character. A qualified psychologist, he uses his experience to work with children who have become societal outcasts. Despite his size and intimidating demeanour, he is gentle with those who mean something to him and this makes him immediately likeable despite his brusque manner.

Jaimie and her Son, River, were really enjoyable characters as well and River, to some extent, stole the show with his cute baby words and fascination with Trunk.

I must admit that I haven't read Tracking Tahlula and didn't find the story difficult to follow as a result but knowing there was a bit of a back story was slightly distracting. There's always that slight niggle in the back of your mind suggesting the story would be even more complete if you had the whole picture and background.

The basis of the story was a pleasantly convoluted one which kept me riveted and keen to find out who was behind the attacks which Trunk, his club and Jaimie found themselves embroiled in.

Overall this was a really good story and one that I would happily recommend to readers looking for an easy-to-read romantic suspense.






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