Book Tour: Mensa's Match (Riot MC Biloxi #9) by Karen Renee with an excerpt and my review

Mensa’s Match

Series: Riot MC Biloxi, Book 9

by Karen Renee

Release: January 14, 2025

Genre/Tropes: MC Romance; Opposites Attract; Found Family; He Falls First; One Bed

Cover Model: Zach Fox

Photographer: FuriousFotog/Golden Czermak

Cover Design: Karen Renee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207805852-mensa-s-match

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/mensa-s-match-riot-mc-biloxi-9-by-karen-renee

Blurb:

Kenneth “Mensa” Ragstone has street-smarts in spades. As a member of the Riot MC, he’s survived by trusting his gut—and it’s screaming that Whitney Blume spells trouble. From the moment their paths cross, she sets him on edge. The more determined he is to avoid her, the more he runs into her. That’s a red flag Mensa won’t ignore. His Riot MC brothers say he’s overreacting—she’s just a new woman in town. But Mensa earned his road name by trusting his intuition.
She’s everything he doesn’t want in a woman. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

 

Whitney Blume isn’t looking for trouble—or bikers. She has a type good guys, clean-cut, funny, and friendly. Everything Mensa isn’t. After a career-ending betrayal, the former FBI agent is keeping a low profile and reconsidering her life. But staying out of trouble proves difficult when her sassy attitude and undeniable attraction to Mensa pull her closer to the world of Riot MC.

After an ambush at the Twisted Talons bar turns deadly, Mensa and Whitney barely escape. With the vice president of a rival MC hunting them, they take refuge in a roadside hotel. One room. One bed. And a lot of unresolved tension. Giving in is inevitable, but their one night of passion sparks something deeper—and deadlier.

They return only to find the rival MC is targeting Whitney, and Mensa will stop at nothing to protect her. When his woman is abducted, Mensa does whatever it takes to get her back, but will it be enough?

Buy Links:

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/4E2yqo

Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/MensasMatch_KR

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3PishAO

Apple: https://bit.ly/4a2RcCa

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/42gSbNp

Smashwords: https://bit.ly/3DB1AVJ

Google Play: https://bit.ly/40htY89

Excerpt:

I shot Mensa a dry look. “Those bikers have better things to do than search for me.”

Both of them ignored me. 

Aunt Nadia narrowed her eyes on Mensa. “How long are you Riot boys gonna let this go on? There was a time when this would have been dealt with and the dust would have settled.”

Mensa’s head dipped just a fraction. “That time is gone, Nadia. We went legit years ago now, and we’re going to keep it that way. Police investigations don’t move as swiftly as Brink did.”

The immediate change in Aunt Nadia’s demeanor made me brace. It only made Mensa grin.

“I ought to wipe that smirk right off your face, young man.”

Mensa shifted his gaze to me. “You didn’t tell her anything.”

My eyes widened. “Don’t you drag me into this. You dug your own hole, genius.”

Aunt Nadia glared at me. “What did he tell you?”

I pressed my lips together and debated the most diplomatic response. “It doesn’t matter, Aunt Nadia. It’s your story to tell, or not, and I’ll respect that either way.”

“Damn straight you will.”

I glowered at Mensa. 

“Why are you mean-mugging me, Blume?”

“Because she’s pissed at me, when you’re the one who brought all this up in the first place.”

Aunt Nadia pointed a bony finger at Mensa. “Get her mess taken care of. She can’t be tip-toeing around town for months on end.”

“It’s been two weeks,” I muttered.

Aunt Nadia glared at me. “Three, young lady, or did the four days you spent in Jackson, slip your mind?”

I peeked over her shoulder and into her mug. Two-thirds of it held black coffee. “Drink your coffee, Aunt Nadia.” I lifted my eyes to Mensa’s. “And you need to learn – never mess with her before she’s had at least one cup of java.”

That earned me narrowed eyes from both of them. 

“Did you print those labels Friday afternoon?” Aunt Nadia asked.

I smiled. “Yes, and they’re on the appropriate boxes already. I’ll go triple check the orders, and seal them up.”

Aunt Nadia nodded, then turned to Mensa. “You can go help her, so you’re both out of my hair. And no necking back there.”

I swallowed back my laughter, because I’d forgotten how ornery Aunt Nadia could be without her caffeine.

Also Available:

Harm’s Way

Brute’s Strength 

Roman’s War

Cynic’s Stance

Gamble’s Risk

Block’s Road

Tiny Problem

Finn’s Fury

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3CY86SW

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3WnB9qf

Apple: http://bit.ly/3kpHbZZ

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3HcXYbI

Author Bio:

Karen Renee is the author of the Riot Motorcycle Club, Beta, and O-Town series of books. She once crunched Nielsen ratings data but these days she brings her imagination to life by writing books. She has wanted to be a writer since she was very young, but it's taken the last twenty plus years for her to amass enough courage and overall life experience to bring that dream to life. Some of those life experiences came from the wonderful world of advertising, banking, and local television media research. She is a proud wife and mother, and a Jacksonville native. When she's not at the soccer field or cooking, you can find her at her local library, the grocery store, in her car jamming out to some tunes, or hibernating while she writes and/or reads books.

Social Media Links:

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/authorkarenrenee

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/160322688125031/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/karenrenee.bsky.social

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/karenreneewrite

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karen-renee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenreneeauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17912815.Karen_Renee

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorkarenrenee/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkarenrenee 

Website:  http://www.authorkarenrenee.com

 

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I really enjoyed this story. I loved Whitney's fierceness, determination, and intelligence. She had wanted to arrest Mensa, but as she came to know him, she realized that he was not that bad. Mensa was very protective and possessive of Whitney, and he definitely treated her like a queen. His ability to be easily annoyed with her but ability to keep it mostly inside was quite a feat. Their connection, the heat generated between them, and the love made this a wonderful, gritty story.

Preorder: Be With Me (Timeless Love #2) by Campbell Linden

Be With Me 

by Campbell Linden 

Releases on January 27th!

https://geni.us/BeWithMeCL

Available on All Platforms

A Sexy, Second Chance, Reformed Playboy, Starting Over, Later In Life, Standalone Romance from Author Campbell Linden.

This reformed bad boy is going to prove that he's worth a second chance...

Entertainment CEO Jack Talbot hasn’t always made the best decisions when it comes to women. He's been a notorious player and the king of situationships. He wasn't planning on settling down anytime soon, so after an intense dalliance at the Cannes Film Festival with his movie producer, Julia Ackerman, he froze. Even though everything felt so right, he ended things abruptly, went home and returned to his on-again, off-again volatile girlfriend. Things were more comfortable that way. Or so he thought.

But that rightness feeling hits him in the face three years later when he sees Julia again at a chance meeting in New York. But this time he's no longer scared, and immediately knows that she's the one who got away. Determined to win her back, Jack sets out to woo a reticent and distrusting Julia with a laser-sharp focus he usually reserves for business. But complications ensue from his ex who won't leave him alone as well as a colleague who can't seem to take no for an answer. While Jack has never been more serious about ensuring his future happiness with Julia, obstacles seem to crop up everywhere. 

Will Julia allow Jack back into her heart again? Will Jack be able to overcome past mistakes and prove that he is worthy of her love?

Be with Me is about second chances, later in life romance and finally committing to lasting love. 

A stand-alone novel, Be with Me features the family of characters first introduced in Stay with Me, Campbell Linden's first romance novel. 

Blitz: The Loathe Boat by Cindy Dorminy with an excerpt and a giveaway

The Loathe Boat

by Cindy Dorminy

Release date: January 20th, 2025

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220233414-the-loathe-boat

Blurb:

The Loathe Boat is about to set sail! All aboard!

Chrissy Parks already has one failed marriage under her belt, and despite being on good terms with her ex, she has no desire to put another ring on her left hand anytime soon. Life is good with Deacon, her amazing boyfriend, so there’s no need to rock the boat.

Deacon Youngblood has other plans. He pops the question just days before they plan to set sail on a role-playing-themed cruise. When Chrissy flips out and turns down his proposal, he begins to think that she may not be over her ex.

The situation escalates into a breakup, but neither will relinquish their cruise ticket. Chrissy climbs aboard the Sovereign of the Sea with the goal of clearing her head and enjoying all the cruise has to offer. Deacon follows with the hope of winning her back.

Chrissy has a nagging feeling that Deacon is hiding something from her. And he’s not the only one vying for her attention. Chrissy must search her heart and decide who she wants. Or maybe she should abandon ship. 

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/40BDPpB

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-loathe-boat-cindy-dorminy/1146469822?ean=9781958231586

Excerpt:

Relinquishing my ticket to her would be the right thing to do, but there is no way on Earth I’m going to let her share my stateroom with her ex-husband. I’d rather be stuck on the Titanic with her than let her have any sexy times with that twenty-first century Eddie Haskell ~ Deacon

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends January 30

• $25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235914/

AUTHOR BIO:

Cindy Dorminy writes about love when it’s least expected. Quirky dialogue and sassy, southern heroines are a must in her romances. When she’s not in her she-shed working on her next novel, she enjoys walking her dog, gardening, and weightlifting. She shares her house with her musician husband, an awesome daughter, and a miniature dachshund who would eat all the food if he could figure out how to open the refrigerator. She resides in Nashville, TN, where live music can be heard everywhere, even at the grocery store.

Author links:

https://www.cindydwrites.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authordorminy

https://www.instagram.com/cindydorminy/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15101100.Cindy_Dorminy

 

Cover Reveals: Sweet Surrender by Clara Pines and Christmas Promises by Tess Thompson (Sugarville Grove Series)

Welcome to the small town of Sugarville Grove!

- Escape to Vermont with this wholesome and sweet romance series -

Sweet Surrender by Clara Pines releases on February 18th

Christmas Promises by Tess Thompson releases on February 20th

https://geni.us/SugarvilleGroveSeries

FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!

SWEET SURRENDER

Becca can handle his rambunctious twins in the classroom. But teaching Zane to open his heart would take a Christmas miracle…

Zane Lawrence doesn’t need anything but the family dairy farm and his seven-year-old twin boys for his life to be complete. The single dad works hard all day and chases the boys around the farm all night. His life is a little chaotic – but there’s a delicate balance to it.

So when a pretty young teacher at the boys’ school tries to interfere with some big ideas about their education, Zane isn’t about to let her throw their world off-kilter. After all, she’s new to the school and Sugarville Grove. And it’s bad enough that she’s meddling in his business, but the fact that he’s desperately attracted to her makes him furious with himself.


New teacher Becca Hawthorne sees the Lawrence twins struggling despite their potential and reaches out to their dad right away, excited about her first opportunity to make a real difference. It's crystal clear how much Zane Lawrence loves his boys, so Becca doesn’t expect him to be so offended at her attempts to help. Anyone can see that the man has deep wounds, but his reaction to her feels almost personal. She’s not about to let it stop her from fighting for his kids, though.

When he finally relents, Becca is sure that her dealings with the single dad are over. But for some reason, she suddenly finds herself bumping into Zane Lawrence at every turn. Whether it’s the store, the post office, or the flurry of holiday events in town, she can’t seem to stop seeing the handsome cowboy everywhere she goes.

Did Santa send these lonesome souls a pair of holiday matchmakers for Christmas? And how long can they keep denying what seems so obvious to everyone else before they finally surrender?

CHRISTMAS PROMISES

Laney Gray thought she had her life all figured out—until her fairytale wedding turned into a public betrayal. Jilted at the altar and humiliated by the very people she trusted most, Laney flees the city for Sugarville Grove, the picturesque small town where she once spent her happiest summers. Seeking solace in her aunt’s charming bookstore, Laney hopes to piece her life back together in time for Christmas.

What she doesn’t expect is to run into Nolan Hayes—the quiet, bookish boy who stole her heart one magical summer. Now an English professor with a steady presence and a smile that still makes her knees weak, Nolan is no longer the shy teenager Laney remembers. But as their paths cross amidst twinkling lights and snow-covered streets, the connection between them feels as familiar—and as powerful—as ever.

Laney may be a city girl out of her element in Sugarville Grove, but as she works to rebuild the bookstore’s holiday traditions, she finds herself drawn not only to the town’s simple charms but also to Nolan’s quiet strength. Yet, both carry scars from the past—hers from a shattered engagement, and his from a heartbreak he’s never shared.

Can the magic of Christmas help Laney and Nolan find the courage to take a second chance on love? Or will old wounds keep them from the happy ending they’ve been waiting for all along? 

Cover Reveal and Preorder: Playoff (L.A. Phantoms #4) by Kat Mizera

Playoff 

by Kat Mizera 

Releases on February 20th!

https://geni.us/PlayoffKM

Available on All Platforms

Remember those age-old deals made between high school sweethearts?
The one where, if you’re both single at thirty, you’ll get married?
Well, guess who just walked back into my life…

Turning thirty shouldn’t be a big deal—unless you’re a minor league hockey player starting to realize the big leagues might never call. It’s a tough pill to swallow.

But then, out of nowhere, I get my shot. The L.A. Phantoms are in the playoffs for the first time in decades, and with their roster decimated by injuries, they call me up.

I’m ready to warm the bench, but with a solid season behind me, they’re willing to give me some ice time. This is the chance of a lifetime. Until she walks in.

My first love. The one I never forgot.

She’s the head of PR for the Phantoms, and we haven’t seen each other in years—not since the night we agreed to forego love to chase our dreams, and maybe find our way back to each other someday.

I just didn’t expect that day to be today.

Dating her could risk everything we’ve both worked for.

How are we supposed to choose between the future we’ve dreamed of and the past we never let go of?

 

Release: When Stars Dream at Midnight (The Midnight Stars Saga #3) by Tess Thompson

When Stars Dream at Midnight 

by Tess Thompson 

Available now!

https://geni.us/WhenStarsDream

FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Unveiled truths. Unrequited love. A world torn apart.

Mireille

When war threatened Europe, my parents sent me from our vineyard in France to safety in America, where I found a new life, with friends who become family. But even in a land untouched by the bombs, the shadows of war loomed over my heart. As secrets from my past emerge and the world around me is torn apart, I must confront the grief of loss, the weight of duty, and the delicate balance between love and loyalty.

Peter

I’ve always stood in the background—quiet, loyal, and resigned to love a woman I could never have. While her heart belonged to my best friend, mine was hers, a silent devotion that I buried beneath duty and the horrors of war. When tragedy sends me home, scarred and broken, I don’t expect to find healing in the life I left behind. But as grief turns into something deeper, I must decide if I have the courage to face a future shaped by love, hope, and loss.

The third installment in the Midnight Stars Saga follows Mireille Perrin, the baby Estelle entrusted to her twin sister Mauve in When Stars Fall at Midnight. Now grown and navigating the heartache of war, Mireille’s journey will unearth family truths, test her resilience, and challenge her heart in ways she never expected. 

In this American Historical romance, Tess Thompson delivers a heartwarming, sweeping family saga filled with long- buried family secrets, unspoken desires, and characters torn between love and duty. A clean wartime that explores the power of second chances and healing nature of love is perfect for fans of 1940s historical fiction and WWII love stories. This sweet, inspirational tale will tug at heartstrings while reminding readers of the enduring resilience of the human spirit. 

Book Tour: Daring Destiny (Charming Irish #2) by Kaylene Winter with an excerpt

Daring Destiny

Series: Charming Irish, #2

by Kaylene Winter

Release date: January 13th, 2025

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216999691-daring-destiny

Blurb:

Daring Destiny is a sweltering saga of billionaire intrigue, opposites-attract, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers with an unexpected life-changing twist.

Before I founded my AI tech company, I spent my high school years silently pining over Astrid Gustafsson, the unattainable ice-blonde beauty. Fast forward a decade and I’m shocked when she asks to collaborate on a secret project. The opportunity is too enticing to pass up.

Our newfound friendship quickly ignites into a wildfire of desire, and my passion for Astrid intensifies, leaving me eager to risk everything for our future. The challenge is, relentless demands of my high-stakes empire threaten to smother the flames of our burgeoning romance.

When fate dramatically intervenes, will a life-changing twist dare us to embrace our destiny?

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4a7Vf05

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daring-destiny-kaylene-winter/1146325978?ean=2940185990919

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/daring-destiny/id6593659463

Excerpt: 

God, she’s incredible.

Astrid has no idea I’m watching her. 

In the year we’ve been seeing each other, other than heating up leftovers, I’ve never actually seen her cook. So, when I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect to find her dancing to a Taylor Swift song wearing my oversized T-shirt and pulling out bacon from the oven.

“I’ve never seen anything so sexy in all my life.” I make my presence known as I pad down the stairs.

She turns and smiles as at me in a way that makes my heart stand still. “That’s disappointing, considering the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen is you eating me out for an hour straight.”

“To be fair.” I laugh as I saunter over to her and kiss her forehead. “I meant you generally, not the cooking part. Do I have time for a quick shower?”

“Sure.” Astrid kisses my cheek and makes a point of leaning over to retrieve a pan from the cupboard.

Fuck. I see a flash of bare pussy. Immediately, my dick is standing at full attention.

I move behind her, grip her hips and grind my erection against her ass. “I see what you’re up to. I’m game for a quick appetizer fuck.”

“Stop it. Go shower!” She laughs and deftly moves away. “I’m getting the eggs ready, so I need to concentrate.”

I do, in fact make it quick. I’m seated at her counter ten minutes later wearing nothing but a pair of boxer briefs, which showcase how hard I am for her. 

“Sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” She glances down at my protruding package. “I’ll have him for dessert.”

“You didn’t have to do all this.” I pull her against me and slant my mouth over hers to kiss her thoroughly.

She pulls back and pats my cheek lightly. “One track mind, B. Let’s eat then we can fuck.”

Astrid sets bacon, eggs, and coffee in front of me and takes the seat next to mine. “How are you feeling this morning? Ready for your big meeting?”

“Yeah. I’m alright. I think this is going to wrap up soon.” I take a bite of the eggs, which aren’t terrible. “Maybe the worst of this CognifyAI situation is over.”

“I hope so.” She licks a piece of bacon suggestively and I swear it makes me harder.

“Now who has a one-track mind?” I devour the rest of my breakfast so we can get to the sex stuff. “Maybe cooking is one of your hidden talents.”

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (INT) ends January 30

• Signed copy of Daring Destiny + swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235913/

AUTHOR BIO:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

Author links:

https://kaylenewinter.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20367389.Kaylene_Winter

https://www.facebook.com/kaylene.winter.5

https://twitter.com/kayleneromance

https://www.instagram.com/kaylenewinterauthor/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylenewinter 

Check out these other blogs on this tour:

January 20th
–Lindsey Gray Excerpt
–Crazykalm Review
–Book Junkie Reviews Excerpt
–deal sharing aunt Interview

January 21st
–TBR Addictions Excerpt
–mykhailiukkamila Review
–MacKade ~ V.V. Strange Guest Post

January 22nd
–Live Through Books Blog Review
–Dawn’s Reading Nook Excerpt
–Always Reading Excerpt
–Versatileer Interview

January 23rd
–Romance Novel Giveaways Guest Post
–Wine Cellar Library Review
–Iron Canuck Reviews & More Excerpt

January 24th
–TTC Books and more Review
–Teatime and Books Excerpt
–Books R Us Excerpt
–A Soccer Mom’s Book Blog Excerpt