Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Book Review: A Wicked Game (The Ruthless Rivals #3) by Kate Bateman

 


Blurb

A Wicked Game marks the third book in Kate Bateman's popular regency romance series, Ruthless Rivals.

If there’s one thing impossible for a Davies to resist, it’s a challenge from a Montgomery. . .

A teasing bet.

Shipwrecked and imprisoned thanks to an incorrect map, Captain Morgan Davies has returned to London to exact sweet revenge on the cartographer responsible for his suffering. He’s also vowed to claim the winner’s prize—three kisses—in the bet he made with his long-time nemesis, the prickly, smart-mouthed Harriet Montgomery. His incarceration has clarified his feelings for her, but convincing the infuriating woman he wants to marry her is going to be his greatest challenge yet. When Harriet’s revealed to be the very mapmaker he seeks, Morgan decides to combine revenge and seduction into one delightful package. . .

A dangerous enemy.

Harriet’s always wanted witty scoundrel Morgan, and now he’s back; as handsome and as taunting as ever. She has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s failing eyesight and a rival mapmaker copying her work to play wicked games with a dastardly Davies—however tempting he might be. But when a threat from Morgan’s past puts them both in danger, Harry discovers that she and Morgan might not be enemies at all . . .

Amazon: A Wicked Game: The Ruthless Rivals - Kindle edition by Bateman, Kate. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: A Wicked Game: The Ruthless Rivals by Kate Bateman, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: A Wicked Game eBook by Kate Bateman - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: A Wicked Game: The Ruthless Rivals by Kate Bateman - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman - BookBub

Goodreads: A Wicked Game (Ruthless Rivals, #3) by Kate Bateman | Goodreads








My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was an entertaining story with a fun couple. I loved the family rivalry, though there were more connections bringing the families together. Harriet was an intelligent, sneaky, and passionate woman. Morgan had suffered somewhat during his time in the war, but his feelings for Harriet helped him come back to her. His determination to make Harriet his brought smiles and cheers from me. Maps, adventures, danger, and more pulled me into the story, and I recommend this book.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.


Audiobook Review: Finally You (Luna Harbor Book 1) by Claudia Burgoa


 Blurb

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a snarky and sassy small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, a second chance romance and big laughs.

Sometimes what you're looking for is right where you left it.

Every summer Mane Cantú came to Luna Harbor to visit his grandfather.

When we were teenagers we fell in love.

We promised to be each other’s forever.

He promised to come back for me.

Spoiler alert: he broke all of the promises.

I grew up, but that big heartbreak was it for me. I built a successful lavender farm and a shop and that’s now my only priority.

All is well until Mane’s grandfather falls ill and all the Cantú family comes back to Luna Harbor. For good.

What’s worse is that Mane’s now famous. Like, real-life famous, not Luna Harbor famous. He made a name for himself with his band and he and his perfect face dare to open a bar next to my store with his bandmates.

Well, he may have started the war, but I plan to finish it.

Except now we’re seeing each other everywhere, and I’m starting to remember the way we used to be.

Still, I’m sticking to my guns. I’m not falling for the prodigal son.

Until one kiss changes everything.

Amazon: Finally You (Luna Harbor Book 1) - Kindle edition by Burgoa, Claudia. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Finally You by Claudia Burgoa - Audiobook - Audible.com

Goodreads: Finally You (Luna Harbor, #1) by Claudia Y. Burgoa | Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a second chance/reunion story. Nydia and Manelik knew each other as children. Circumstances and misunderstandings tore them apart. As they work through their issues, their love returns. Nydia was so independent, trying to keep her head above water financially, hanging onto her family land. She tried to be nonchalant but was unsuccessful. Manelik was a bit arrogant and hard, until he started to realize that he was missing something. Their chemistry was hot. I enjoyed the story.

I had a chance to listen to the audiobook after having read it. The narration by Noah B. Perez and Stephanie Nemeth Parker did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life, making the story that much more entertaining. I enjoyed the emotions they put into the voices.



Book Review: It's Like Riding a Bike by Kayt Miller

 


Blurb

Recently divorced Prudence Coleman has a new life, a new job, and new goals. She’s getting her life on track now that her manipulative mama's boy of an ex-husband is a couple hundred miles away. Her new job working with her best friend is a dream come true. She’s taken up bicycling to get her a** back in shape after letting herself go a little bit. The only problem? A jerk named Nate.

Nate Visch has his life figured out. He owns his own motorcycle shop plus he's got a great family and friends he can count on. Life is good. No complaints. That is until the sassy brunette on the bicycle crashes into his life, literally. When that happens, everything in his seemingly good life is turned upside down. He likes her curves, sure. Who wouldn’t? What he doesn’t like is the fact that he can’t stop thinking about the stubborn woman with terrible taste in tunes.

Amazon: It's Like Riding a Bike: An Enemies to Lovers Romance - Kindle edition by Miller, Kayt. Contemporary Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Bookbub: It’s Like Riding a Bike: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Kayt Miller - BookBub

Goodreads: It's Like Riding a Bike: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Kayt Miller | Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Prudence had been so hurt and more that she was very hesitant to believe when true kindness came along. She was shy and lacking in self-confidence but determined to improve herself. I loved Nate's love for his kids, his friendship with his ex, and the perseverance to win Prudence's heart. They made an interesting couple, trying things together, and learning to love. The secondary characters, friends, kids, and such, added a great support system for them.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.



Cover Reveal and Preorder: The Way of Us (Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers #5) by Claudia Burgoa



𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬, an emotional, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship, accidental pregnancy contemporary romance, and the fifth book in the Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers series from Claudia Burgoa releases on March 14, 2023.

 
Cover Designer: @byhangle
Photographer: @wanderaguiar_photography
Model: @aarongill17
 
About the book:
 
Sometimes you have to stop planning and live in the moment.
 
What do you do when your grandma wants to set you up on a date?
You fake it. Simple.
At least, that’s what I thought ten years ago.
It was a little lie: I’m dating Heathcliff Spearman.
 
Tall, dark, and incredibly handsome Heath Spearman.
My best friend.
I never thought things would get out of hand.
But things snowballed, and my grandparents think he’s my fiancé.
 
Oops!
 
They say some moments can change your life forever. Five happened to me in less than two months.
 
1. My grandparents threaten to visit me.
2. Heath offers to play the role of my fake fiancé.
3. We kiss—the kind of kiss that takes your breath away.
4. The lines between us blur. We go from friends to friends-with-benefits.
5. The word positive appears on the pregnancy test.
 
I’m positively screwed.
 
Have I mentioned Heath doesn’t want children or a family?
Oh, and of course, my grandparents caught the lie…
 
What am I supposed to do now?
 
Tropes: Best Friends, Fake relationship, Close Proximity, Grumpy/Sunshine, Accidental Pregnancy, High Angst, Small Town, Billionaire



 
Pre-order your copy today!
 
Apple Books ➺ https://geni.us/TWOUApple
 
 
Influencers, we’d love if you could help us promote this book:
 
CB Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers 
 
 
#ClaudiaBurgoa #TheWayofUs #ParadiseBay #BillionaireRomance #Smalltown #Friendstolovers #Billionaire #GrumpySunshine #AccidentalPregnancy #FakeRelationship #SpearmanFamily #BrothersinBooks #ReformedPlayboy #Brokenhero #CoverReveal



Release: Sin's Betrayal (Ravage Riders MC #3) by Nikki Landis



Sin’s Betrayal

Series: Ravage Riders MC


by Nikki Landis


Release Date: November 30, 2022


Genre: MC Romance


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61410382-sin-s-betrayal

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/sin-s-betrayal-ravage-riders-mc-by-nikki-landis





Blurb: 

Mack Ravage is an outlaw with a bad reputation.


I should know. I created him with every breath, bad decision, and regret I've made over the last twenty years. That's why I shouldn't want her - the sweet, pretty, young single mom that walks into my clubhouse. I promise her safety. I swear the club will protect her and her daughter. Hell, I even let her stay and give her a room.


She's too wide-eyed, innocent, trusting, and too damn adorable for her own good. I'm not gonna touch her. I swear I'm gonna keep my distance. And then her eyes rake over me and burn like hot coals over my skin.


My Sergeant at Arms Valan thinks she wants him, but I know better. Her eyes only brighten when I'm in the room. Her smile grows broader when I look in her direction. And the heat - it cranks up a good ten degrees when our eyes meet.


None of this matters when the past decides to show up at our door. The Ravage Riders won't be bullied. This is our town. We own it, and we damn well do as we please. Valan? Our enemies? The age difference? None of that matters.


I'm the president of this club. I take what I want, and I want Charlotte. Nothin' is standing in my way.


*** Note: This book can be read as a standalone, but for best enjoyment should be read in order. It includes an age-gap, forced proximity romance, steamy scenes, biker slang, cursing, violence, dark content, a paranormal twist, and, of course, an HEA. If you like alpha males who take charge, this book is for you





Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

Universal: https://books2read.com/SinsBetrayal

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3FbYxBG

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3XFsUaL

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3XzkzoW

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3GPSunw


In The Series: 

Sins of the Father: https://books2read.com/SinsoftheFatherRRMC

Sinners & Saints: https://books2read.com/SinnersSaintsRRMC





Author Bio:

Nikki Landis is the USA Today & International Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author of over 50 romance novels in the MC, reverse harem, paranormal, dystopian, and science fiction genres. Her books feature deadly reapers, dark alpha heroes, protective shifters, and seductive vampires along with the feisty, independent women they love. There's heart-throbbing action on every page as well as fated mates and soul bonds deep enough to fulfill every desire.


Sign up for Nikki's regular newsletter and get a FREE book:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/d2cd720txo


Social Media Links:

Website: https://nikkilandiswriter.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkilandisauthor/

Reader's Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/nikkiscrossroads

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Nikki-Landis/e/B01HKGW4ZU/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/nikkilandis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/landisnikkiauth/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkilandisauthor/

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nikkilandisauth/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nikki-landis

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




Release: Pop Smoke (Owens Protective Services #4) by Giulia Lagomarsino with an excerpt



Pop Smoke

Series: Owens Protective Services - OPS Book 4


by Giulia Lagomarsino


Release: November 28, 2022


Genre: Protector/Alpha Romance


Cover Design by T.E. Black Designs - T.E. Black Designs

Model: Guy Higgins - https://www.facebook.com/guy.michael2117


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60718172-pop-smoke


Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/pop-smoke-an-ops-protector-romance-novel-owens-protective-services-book-4-by-giulia-lagomarsino





Blurb:

I am the shadow that moves in the night, the one that has you constantly looking over your shoulder.

I work within the bounds of the law when it suits me, but make one wrong move and I’ll throw the rule book out the window to end you.

My job requires a certain level of deception, an ability to put aside feelings and relationships to get the job done.

I can honestly say there’s not a single person alive I wouldn’t betray for the right reasons.

It’s who I am and I can’t change.

I won’t.

But there’s one woman that threatens to break me.

I knew it the moment I met her four years ago. So young and naive, it’s easy to see how a woman like her could fall for a man like me.

She doesn’t see through the lies and manipulations.

She thinks she knows the man I am, but she only sees what I allow.

I’ve done everything in my power to keep her safe from me, but now I have to do something that could nearly gut me.

I have to betray her.

I know she’ll never forgive me, but this isn’t just about the job.

Someone’s life is at stake, and unfortunately for her, his life is one I can’t allow to slip away.

She’ll never forgive me—that’s if she lives.

And I’ll never forgive myself.

But these defining moments in life are what make us who we are.

I know I’ll always be the man that will get the job done.

No matter the cost.


Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited):

Universal: http://viewbook.at/OPS-PopSmoke

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/3TRsGKD

Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/3hYxBfD

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/3VbDuV2

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/3EjeHaF





Excerpt:

“Thumper, down!” I shouted, just as I fired a round into his bionic foot, forcing him to his knees as he narrowly avoided a bullet to the head.

“What the fuck? Did you just shoot me, boss?”

“It was your foot or your head,” I retorted, returning my gaze to the tangos still in the building.

“You’re paying for my new foot,” he grumbled, hobbling over to join the rest of his team.

“Send me the bill,” I muttered, already focusing on the remaining tangos.

“Eli, how many more kids need evac?”

The Ditty Boppers had been tasked with slipping in through the basement window and freeing the kids inside. We didn’t have an exact number when we started this mission, so we couldn’t be certain we had all the manpower or transportation needed.

“Boss, we’ve got a problem,” his voice rang through comms. “We’ve got about twenty that require medevac ASAP.”

“Negative. There aren’t enough birds in the sky.” I switched targets, firing again as I laid out the next part of the plan. “Fox, you copy?”

“You got someone for me to kill, boss?” he said cheerily.

“Move to extraction point B. Kid gloves, Fox.”

“Boss,” he groaned.

“Dash, take control. Rae, make sure Fox doesn’t fuck this up.”

She sighed heavily as I heard her on the move. “When is that not my job?”

I grinned and moved to the next target. I couldn’t see Jack anymore, or the rest of his team. With any luck, they made it out of the building and were aiding in the rescue of the kids.

“Boss, we’ve got movement to the south headed your way.”

“How far out?”

“Two minutes. Coming in hot, boss.”

“Do you have the shot?”

“Negative. Too much tree cover.”

I shifted to my next target and took aim. “And you didn’t see them? Were you too busy vomiting?”

“I told you I don’t like flying,” he snapped. “I would move if I were you.”

“One more minute,” I said, scoping out my next target. 

“Boss, you really need to—”

But I tuned him out and returned my attention to the remaining tangos still threatening to destroy our operation. One by one, I picked them off, missing one by just an inch and alerting him to my location. He quickly ducked and ran for cover, hiding just a few feet from the entrance to the basement. If he made it down there, my men might be injured, along with those kids. Men did stupid shit when they were cornered.

“Boss!” Scottie was yelling in my ear, but I ignored him and kept my focus. 

“Come on, you fucker,” I whispered, eyeing the man in my scope. I needed him to move just a little to the right. 

“Thirty seconds!” Scottie warned.

The man moved and I took the shot, sending the bullet right through his skull. I watched as his head snapped back and he crumpled to the ground. Removing Sally 2 from my stand, I shoved my rifle in my bag and tossed it over my shoulder, abandoning the stand to whoever came through here. Taking off through the trees, I hauled ass toward the extraction point, but quickly realized I was already too late. 

The tangos on my ass were closing in quick, and heading to the extraction point would only put more lives in danger. I made a snap decision and bolted to the left, making sure to leave an obvious path in my wake. Making enough noise to raise the dead, I grinned when I heard them following.

“Lock, I’ve got tangos on my ass. I’m leading them away. It should buy you enough time to get out.”

“Negative, boss. We’ve got too many injured.”

“How much time do you need?”

“Boss, I don’t like where you’re going with this.”

As I ran through the trees, I knew it didn’t really matter if he liked it or not. I had boxed myself in, and there was no way I was getting out of this on my own. But I could lay down fire and draw their attention from what was going on at the warehouse.

“I’ll distract them. When you’re out, I’ll haul ass to the third extraction point.”

“You’ll never make it there,” he warned.

I grinned, even though he couldn’t see. “Watch me.”


In The Series: 

In the Trenches: An OPS Protector Romance Novel 

Universal: http://getbook.at/OPS-InTheTrenches


Nuclear Option: An OPS Protector Romance Novel

Universal: http://getbook.at/OPS-NuclearOption


Charlie Foxtrot: An OPS Protector Romance Novel

Universal: http://viewbook.at/OPS-CharFoxtrot


Praise for the novel: 

⁠"This is one of those amazing books to read but a test to review without spoilers. There are so many secrets revealed, characters questioned, danger, action, and plenty of steam." ~ Goodreads Reviewer⁠

“OMG!!!! The twist in the story. Really blew my mind!! Absolutely loved this story!! The things I found out in pop smoke really was amazing and answered so many questions.” ~ Goodreads Reviewer





Author Bio:

I'm a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, "No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book." I didn't think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn't already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven't been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.


Social Media Links: 

Website: https://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazybookladylover/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17110361.Giulia_Lagomarsino

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crzybookladyluv

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/giulia-lagomarsino

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Giulia-Lagomarsino/e/B0779R1L7C

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giulialagomarsino2414/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hJvcaUsEG5wQH_K_QDonQ

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





Preorder: Don't Fall for Your Best Friend (Magnolia Ridge #1) by Logan Chance

Don’t Fall for Your Best Friend Series: Magnolia Ridge Book 1 by Logan Chance Release :  May 3, 2024 Genre /Tropes: Romantic Comedy, Best Fr...