Chained Hearts Duet (Chained Hands and Locked Hearts) by T.L. Smith

 

 

Blurbs:

Sailor

My husband sold me.
Not only did he sell me, but he told me he loved me while doing the deal.
What lies he tells.
Only fools believe him.
Unfortunately, one of those fools was…
.. me.

Keir

Not in the habit of buying women.
I didn’t need to.
I was a king of my realm, the devil you whispered about in your sleep.
So when his debt fell due, he sold me his wife.
And I was happy because I wanted to play with her like any fool would.
And play with her, I did.
Pity, in the end, I would have to kill her.

When the king of the underworld wants you.
You have no place to run.
No matter how hard you try, no matter where you go.
He will find you.
It’s just a matter of, do you want him to find you.
Or do you want to run.

 

My review:

Dark, dirty and utterly fascinating. I don’t read bully romances as a rule. But I do occasionally read mafia romances. This duet sucked me in and tore me up. I hated Keir but loved Sailor despite the s**t show that was her life.

Keir was raised to be a heartless killer. Till now he has done just fine living without love. When Sailors husband gives her up as collateral for his debt to Keir she shows spunk and sass that intrigues Kier. He soon becomes fascinated by her as she seems to be the only person on the planet that doesn’t kowtow to him. I kept reading as their relationship changed throughout Chained Hands and had to find out what happened in Locked Hearts.

 

Buy links:

Amazon Chained Hands

Amazon Locked Hearts

B&N Chained Hands

B&N Locked Hearts

Soul Taken (Mercy Thompson #13) by Patricia Briggs

 

 

Blurb:

The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of “fun” is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe—and hope he’s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway.

But Wulfe isn’t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else?

The farther I follow Wulfe’s trail, the more twisted—and darker—the path becomes. I need to figure out what’s going on before the next body on the ground is mine.

 

My review:

Well worth the wait. Mercy and the gang are back and are hip deep in trouble again. This is an exciting page turning rollercoaster ride.

An ancient artifact is stealing lives and souls and Adam feels it’s the packs duty to find and stop whoever is using it. Marsilia and her seethe go missing after she tells Mercy and Adam that they need to find Wulfe. Warren is in a mood, And Sherwood gets his memory back. It’s a juggling act to keep all these coals from burning them down.

I love Mercy and the pack but boy does the author love torturing them. I guess you appreciate life more when you know it could end in an instant. Mercy and Adam are dealing with issues left over from the last book but cleaving to one another and the pack. This is a fantastic addition to the series.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Hopeful in Yellow (Colors of Scandal #16) by Sandra Sookoo

 

 

Blurb:

As long as a lady has hope in her heart, it doesn't matter the obstacles she faces on the path to love.

Miss Evelina Aston is the youngest child of a viscount. Through no fault of her own, she’s fallen headfirst into the scandal of the Season. With her father on the brink of bankruptcy, when she’s caught alone and in a compromising position with an earl, he calls for an immediate proposal. It doesn’t matter that the man she’s being forced to wed is a rake high on the instep, she has no say in the proceedings.

Charles Bowling, Earl of Ethersham—and heir to the Duke of Tarkington—is in rather a spot of bother. Caught literally with his pants down in a lady’s retiring room at a ball, he’s mired in further disgrace when a woman—not the one he was waiting for—comes flying into the room, trips, and lands at his feet. Parental outrage ensues, and before he can protest, he’s wedded to the shy lady, and they’re bound for his father’s country estate in the Lake District to begin their life of married inconvenience.

With tarnished reputations and gossip trailing in their wake, both Evelina and Charles are forced to endure each other’s company. As the July days go by, desire flares as hot as the summer sun while they explore the woodlands and fells, but differences and misunderstandings keep widening the gulf in their relationship. Unless they find trust and compromise, they’ll never be able to build something worthy of the future and perhaps love.

 

My review:

There is power in love and forgiveness.

Charles Bowling, Earl of Ethersham suffers from PTSD. He can’t let go of the past so has no future.

Evelina Aston feels frustrated and helpless as those around her make decisions for her (without her input) she feels invisible.

When Charles and Evelina are found in a compromising position they are forced into marriage.

Can Charles change his womanizing ways? Can he forgive himself for deeds done in war? Can he learn to love himself so he might love others?

Will Evelina find a way through to Charles’ heart? Can she show him that in love there is hope?

Find out in this sweet, sassy and sexy tale of love and forgiveness.

Though this is part of a series it can be read standalone.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Violins and Vampires (Vampires of the Daemonverse #1) by Cee Bee

 

 

Blurb:

Outlander meets Dark Prince in this tale of hidden magic, primal attraction, and vampire romance...

Lexa Uznetsov is trapped
To save my sister, I take on my father’s massive debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. My life becomes a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. There’s barely time to sleep, let alone find love. In desperation, I approach Caelin MacGregor, the handsome Scotsman who runs Empire Investments. After all, what’s the worst that can happen?

Caelin MacGregor is a lost king
Ages ago, I ruled a clan of Bloodkin vampires. My people are born to wield magic, drain humans, and live forever. That’s all over now. I’ve been alone for a thousand years. Today, I no longer care about the sunrise, let alone truly desire a woman. Then, I look upon Lexa. My world turns upside down…

Vampires of the Daemonverse
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires
4. Valor and Vampires

 

My review:

This is a great start and leaves you wanting more. This is a great mix of magic, vampires and lost love. Lexa is smart and driven to survive if not thrive. I enjoyed this and look forward to seeing where the author takes us.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Hot Lips (The Hot Cannolis #4) by Tara Lain

 

Blurb:

Sometimes there are too many closets to come out of.

For two years, Tito’s been hiding from his past in the midst of his uncle and aunt’s big, crazy, compound full of relatives in a tiny town in California.
Now his past’s come to get him – and threatens not only Tito’s life, but to reveal the secret that will get Tito kicked out of the family he loves.
Time to fight back!
Ari Cohen, a tough cop on the hate crimes task force, knows about hiding and fighting, since he spends his life undercover searching out bad guys.
Ari’s got a big secret too that perfectly matches Tito’s --both in and out of bed.
But don’t play hearts and flowers yet.
The price they have to pay for the match may send them running back to their closets – if Tito can stay alive long enough to get there.

HOT LIPS is a M/M romantic suspense mystery, packed with sexy secrets, danger, family love, and a crazy, one-eyed cat.

 

My review:

I LOVED THIS ADVENTURE! Tito works hard to come off as a computer geek. He has been hiding out at his cousins for the past two years, running from an event that has left him just this side of agoraphobic. But it looks as if his past has found him and he needs help. That help comes in the form of hunky hate crimes cop Ari Cohen. I loved Ari. As the mother of a gay Jew, I felt seen. This was a fabulous addition to the Hot Cannolis.

Buy link:

Amazon

Ruby Fever (Hidden Legacy #6) by Ilona Andrews

 

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Blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews is back with the newest book in the exciting Hidden Legacy series—the thrilling conclusion to her trilogy featuring fierce and beautiful Prime magic user Catalina Baylor.

An escaped spider, the unexpected arrival of an Imperial Russian Prince, the senseless assassination of a powerful figure, a shocking attack on the supposedly invincible Warden of Texas, Catalina’s boss... And it’s only Monday.

Within hours, the fate of Houston—not to mention the House of Baylor—now rests on Catalina, who will have to harness her powers as never before. But even with her fellow Prime and fiancé Alessandro Sagredo by her side, she may not be able to expose who’s responsible before all hell really breaks loose.

 

My review:

Ruby Fever is the end of Catalina and Alessandro’s arc. This is an action-packed installment filled with danger and answers to questions we’ve needed for a while. Catalina and Alessandro grow closer while battling common enemies and dealing with family manipulation on both sides. You’ll want to set aside some time for this as you won’t want to put it down.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Daddy's Searching (ABC Towers Book 4) by Pepper North

 

Blurb:

Sometimes all the data in the world can’t hide a Little from the Daddy who’s been searching for her...

Belinda Jenkins’ expertise is recognized by everyone at Edgewater Industries. As the Information Technology Specialist, she is the go-to source of assistance for every department. When the position she’s always dreamed of becomes available, Belinda is sure she’s at the front of the line to lead the company’s IT structure.

Corporate security consultant Pedro Morales has traveled all over the world. Ricocheting from one company to the next has made finding his Little virtually impossible. When he finally decides to put down roots, Edgewater Industries is the place he’ll be glad to protect.  With his honed knowledge, Pedro doesn’t have to search long to find where his Little has been hiding. 

 

 

My review:

Pedro Morales knows what/rather who he wants and who he wants is Belinda Jenkins. They connected via zoom, and he just knew she was the one for him. Now all he has to do is convince Belinda. I enjoyed watching Belinda grow and allow herself to fall in love with Pedro and Tinkerbelle.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Alpha Geek: Tucker by Milly Taiden

 

Blurb:

In this latest Alpha Geek installment, an orphan with a chip on her shoulder and a geek tasked with protecting the world must come together against all odds.

Myra struggles to overcome the abandonment she faced in her childhood. It’s left her with less than stellar interpersonal skills, but that doesn’t stop Nick from tasking her with meaningful cases. Of course, she never thought she would be one of his agents who ended up protecting her fated mate… until she meets Tucker.

Tucker is a genius nuclear physicist and engineer who travels around the world disarming and safely disposing of nuclear waste. In short, he’s never met a challenge he was afraid to face. When he meets Myra? He’s ready to fight for love.

Too bad they’re being targeted by some very dangerous people. That’s okay. Tucker doesn’t mind playing the long game. This geek will convince his tigress that compassion and love aren’t weaknesses, and that love is worth taking a chance on.

 

My review:

Action-packed steamy ride.  Tucker may be smart but he isn’t street smart. Myra is a shifter who was forced by circumstance to become street savvy. Between the two they may just save the world.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Midnight Howl (Midnight Mates Book 1) by Milly Taiden

 

 

Blurb:

Cassie Burch, high school vice-principal and recently single lady, has met the man of her dreams. Unfortunately, her heart isn’t ready for another relationship after finally dumping her worthless ex. When she agrees to a casual link, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Romance is about to hit her harder than she ever expected.

Alpha wolf shifter, Talon Ruiz, is restless and can’t figure out why. He just opened a high-end shifter nightclub, and the newness has already worn off. When his mate stumbles into him, he’s more than ready to keep her forever. And he’ll do whatever he needs to prove to her he’s worth her love.

The problem is Cassie doesn’t want a serious bond. And everything he does to try to romance her fails. He was kind of a jerk, but he’s changed. If he doesn’t figure out what he’s doing wrong, Cassie will leave him in the dust. And by pack law, if the alpha doesn’t mate, he must fight to the death to keep his status.

His heart and his life lay in Cassie’s hands. Can she love a man who turns into a wolf?

 

My review:

Midnight Howl is a hot and steamy escape. Check your brain at the door and just enjoy.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

In the Pines by Kendra Elliot

 

Blurb:

Clues to a hidden treasure. Clues to a family secret. Both lead to murder in a twisting novel of suspense by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kendra Elliot.

A national treasure hunt with a $2 million prize has driven obsessed fortune seekers to overrun the small town of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. The hunt’s cryptic clues and the lure of wealth have exposed the desperate side of human greed: theft, fights, trespassing—and even the motive to kill. Police chief Truman Daly craves peace in his town but has a murder on his hands instead. Now the big prize isn’t the only thing hiding in the pines. So is a killer.

When a young boy walks into the local café and claims his mother and baby sister have been missing for weeks, FBI special agent Mercy Kilpatrick investigates and exposes a disturbing twist in his story. Deep family secrets and lies that started sixty years ago have burst into the present, bringing with them deadly consequences.

Mercy’s and Truman’s investigations lead down a path of murder, revenge, and buried secrets to uncover two intertwined mysteries as dark as an Oregon forest.

 

My review:

I LOVE THIS SERIES! Multiple crimes and a treasure hunt can’t dim newly married Mercys happiness. A missing persons case leads Mercy and Truman to a couple of prepper kids with secrets of their own. This story is filled with twists that will blow your mind.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

SEAL with a Secret by Paige Tyler

 

Blurb:

Secrets are his job.

Navy SEAL Lane Roberts is used to danger––but not from within his own SEAL Team. However, secretly dating his teammate Noah’s little sister Laurissa might put Lane in more jeopardy than walking into Afghanistan carrying only an American flag. Noah has a huge problem with his sister getting involved with a SEAL, and both he and Lane have a problem with political pawns infiltrating the ballet company where Laurissa performs. Living on the edge every day is part of Lane’s job but letting the woman he’s falling hard and fast for risk her life doesn’t sit well. How can he keep his mind on protecting a diplomat’s family and salvaging government secrets if he’s worried about keeping his own beautiful secret safe?

This secret is personal.

Laurissa Bradley has had her heart set on Lane Roberts for quite some time. But between his SEAL missions and her work dancing with the San Diego Ballet Company, they’ve had to postpone all their dates. But when Lane is assigned protect one of the foreign dancers, it throws him and Laurissa together every day––and thankfully, some nights. It also puts Laurissa in the deadly path of international espionage and the hired killers who will stop at nothing to gain access to the information being traded by a member of the dance troupe. But despite what Lane and her brother think, Laurissa isn’t the fragile flower they imagine. And she isn’t about to let her hunky new boyfriend be killed by some terrorist––not without a fight. Who says only SEALs can save the world?

 

My review:

This best friend’s little sister romance is an exciting adventure in San Diego. I loved Lane and Laurissa together. I was so over Noah’s  big brother overprotection interference. I loved the peek into the world of ballet. This is a terrific addition to the series but stands on its own just fine.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

 

Overkill by Sandra Brown

 

Blurb:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown delivers a riveting thriller in which a conflict of conscience for a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.

 

Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rebecca Pratt, for some time--not since their volatile marriage imploded--so he’s shocked to receive a life-altering call about her. Rebecca has been placed on life support after a violent assault, and he--despite their divorce--has medical power-of-attorney. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off of it. Buckling under the weight of the responsibility and the glare of public scrutiny, Zach ultimately walks away, letting Rebecca’s parents have the final say.

 

Four years later, Rebecca’s attacker, Eban--the scion of a wealthy family in Atlanta--gets an early release from prison. The ludicrous miscarriage of justice reeks of favoritism, and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. Rebecca’s parents have kept her alive all these years, but if her condition were to change--if she were to die--Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder.

 

It isn’t lost on Zach that in order for Eban to be charged with Rebecca’s murder, Zach must actually be the one to kill her. He rejects Kate’s legal standpoint but can’t resist their ill-timed attraction to each other. Eban, having realized the jeopardy he’s in, plots to make certain that neither Zach nor Kate lives to see the death of Rebecca--and the end of his freedom.

 

My review:

Overkill is an intriguing tale of two men. Zach is a former Super Bowl MVP quarterback, playboy all around celebrity type (minus the drugs). Eban is a spoiled rich kid, narcissistic psychopath. One woman brings the two into each others sphere. Rebecca was a party girl when she met and married Zach. Their short lived marriage didn’t change their lifestyles and they had an acrimonious divorce.

Eban met Rebecca at a party filled with sex, drugs and alcohol. He assaulted her and left her brain dead. Despite daddy’s money Eban was sent to prison for the attack but now he’s out after a ludicrously short time and he hasn’t a shred of remorse.

This book tells the tale of justice delayed but not denied. The dichotomy between Zach and Eban and the paths not taken will enthrall and entertain.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Always the One for Me (The Wilder Brothers Book 2) by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

 

Blurb:

The Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continue in this emotionally charged enemies to lovers romance.

It took two days for me to know Kendall was the one for me.

And it took two years for me to realize I had to leave in order to protect her.

When I walked away, I told myself it was for the best. But now we work together, and every time we’re in the same room, we end up fighting. If we didn’t, we’d end up naked. Or worse–spilling heartbreaking secrets.

If she knew the truth, she’d either walk away for good or convince me to take a second chance. The first thing would break me, and the second would break her. I can’t let either of those things happen…

 

My review:

The author calls this  an enemies to lovers but I saw it as a second chance romance.

Evan and Kendall got married young and quickly. Their love was passionate and ran deep or so Kendall thought until two years in Evan divorced her and broke her heart without an explanation.

Eight years later they meet again when she takes a job at his family business. It is intuitively obvious to even the most casual observer that the chemistry between the two is still there if not hotter than ever. It is time for answers and forgiveness.

This story will reduce you to a blubbering mess and leave you with a watery smile.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

Alpha Medicine: Paranormal Dating Agency (Shifter Hospital Book 1) by Renee Hewett and Mandy Rosko

 

Blurb:

Two wolf shifters, a matchmaker, and a hospital in the middle of the Colorado mountains. Sparks will fly.

Laura Boyd is used to cleaning up her twin sister’s messes, but this time, it’s worse than ever. While at a charity conference, Laura receives a call that her sister’s in trouble. When Gerri Wilder suggests a mountain hospital and recommends a specific doctor, Laura is relieved. Hopefully, this man will be willing to turn a blind eye to her sister’s mistakes—and hopefully, the secluded location will ensure no tabloids pick up the story.

Dr. Jordan Hill patches up bodies all the time, but sometimes it hits a nerve—like when a rich, spoiled princess endangers the lives of others. He’s not going to let things slide, and he can’t be bought, even if the patient’s sister turns out to be his fated mate.

Despite the two being at odds, their wolf shifter sides have already decided they’re fated mates, and they’re going to have to deal with it!

This paranormal romance is book one in the Shifter Hospital series but can be read as a standalone. This novella is part of Milly Taiden’s Paranormal Dating Agency shared world and features matchmaker extraordinaire Gerri Wilder.

 

My review:

Twins, one the responsible sister the other is a wild child. Laura is used to being the good one and cleaning up the mess after one of her sisters escapades. She doesn’t resent it too much. This time it could have been deadly. Amy ends up in the hospital after wiping out texting while driving. The damage is even more than her shifter metabolism can handle. Gerri Wilder recommends Dr. Jordan Hill and so that’s who Laura requests to care for her sister. He is grumbly, rude and a pita. He is also hot as smoke and Laura’s fated mate.

This is a fun tale of two shifters fighting their natures because of preconceived notions. I really liked Laura she was no pushover. It took a whole lot longer for me to warm up to the opinionated Dr. Hill. But when these two finally give into their wolves, oh my!

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Black Forest (Little Cakes #6) by Pepper North and Paige Michaels

 

Blurb:

Cardio is good for the heart, but it isn’t the answer to finding love.

Rebounding from her husband’s affair and their subsequent divorce, Sue Taylor is on a mission to make herself irresistible to men. Convinced that exercise will fix whatever made her ex look elsewhere, she joins the gym near Little Cakes and commits to putting in the work.

When fate leads Davis Irving to coach Sue through her first workout at his gym, the silver fox is captivated by the cheerful woman in his charge. He knows his search for someone special to care for has ended. Sue doesn’t need crunches, just the special training of an experienced and devoted Daddy.

 

My review:

Sue has self-esteem issues thanks to her annoying ex. True she could afford to drop a couple of pounds and working in a bakery doesn’t help. Working up her courage she decides  to check out the gym across the way from Little Cakes. Sue did not expect the silver fox of a gym owner to take a very personal interest in her and her continuing good health. Watching Sue blossom was the cherry on top. A terrific addition to the series.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton, James Patterson

 

 

Blurb:

Every song tells a story. 

She’s a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. 

She’s also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. 

Nashville is where she’s come to claim her destiny.  It’s also where the darkness she’s fled might find her.  And destroy her. 

 

My review:

“If you’re big star bound it’s a long hard ride…” The Ride by David Allan Coe

That’s what was playing in my head as I read this book. Success in Nashville is earned by talent, grit, determination, perseverance, and a great deal of luck. AnnieLee is a gifted young woman determined to make a future for herself. She won’t let anyone tell her she can’t. This book will immerse you in the side of the music business normal folks don’t see. It certainly isn’t all glamor and glitz.  

AnnieLee is the mystery in this book and when you find out her story it will make you think. I loved Ruthanna and Ethan and really enjoyed the ride.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N

 

Storm Echo (Psy-Changeling Trinity #6) by Nalini Singh

 

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us into the hearts of two fractured people in a world on the brink of a psychic Armageddon . . .

Silence has fallen. The Psy are free to feel emotion. Free to love. But Silence was never a prison for Ivan Mercant. The biggest threat to his future lies dormant in his brain—a psychic monster that wants only to feed. And now, the brutal leash he’s kept on that monster is slipping. He prepared for this day, for the end of Ivan Mercant . . . but that was before he met Lei.

As primal as she is human, this wild changeling brings color into his life, laughter to his soul. Then the dream shatters in a rain of blood, in silent bodies in the snow. Lei is gone. Vanished without a trace . . . until he meets strangely familiar eyes across a busy San Francisco street.

Soleil Bijoux Garcia is a healer who has lost everything. She exists in a world of desolate aloneness . . . till the day she finds herself face-to-face with a lethal stranger. The animal who is her other half knows this man, but her memories are tattered fragments. Sorrow and a need for vengeance are all that drive her. Her mission? To kill the alpha of the DarkRiver leopard pack.

But fate has other plans. Soon, a deadly soldier who believes himself a monster and a broken healer might be all that stand between life and death for the entire Psy race. . . 

 

My review:

Ivan Mercant is the head of security for the Mercant family enterprises. Ivan has secrets in a family that specializes in secrets. His control is absolute even after the fall. That is until he finds a ray of sunshine in the form of an ocelot shifter who favors bright colors and happiness.

Ivan is not your typical Psy. Raised with his cousins from the age of eight he owes everything he is to the Mercant matriarch Ena Mercant. Family is everything. It gives him a reason for being and something to hold on to, keeping him from becoming a monster.

Lei is a shifter without a pack. Her life has been one crisis after another. Her cat wants Ivan and refuses to take no for an answer.

I loved this story. We get to visit with some old favorites. I like that the story emphasizes the necessity of folks from different backgrounds working together to make things happen for the good of all. This is a fantastic addition to the series.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

B&N