Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Book Review: The Hotshot vs the Reporter (On the Track #2) by Nicole Dykes

 


Blurb

Royal
I’m the hotshot—both on and off the track. I know how to work the crowd and show off. And I’m good at it.
I’ve had to become very effective at putting on a show.
But my agent is not a fan of my over-the-top antics. So she did something I still can’t believe . . .
She called in the press—the media. Specifically, the reporter who hates everything I stand for. And now, he’s tasked with showing the world a different side of me.
Yeah . . . Good luck with that.

Soren
I’m a sports reporter, but I’m so much more than that.
My social media following has allowed me to be more. To do more. To try and help my corner of the world do better and be better.
I believe in accountability. I believe in integrity. And that sports professionals are obligated to be a moral compass to their fans.
I’m loud and outspoken about that point. Maybe more so with Royal Dutton—the loudmouth, crude racer with absolutely no morals.
And now, I’m supposed to find the redeeming side of him. I took this job to find something deeper within him. The good guy inside.
Yeah . . . This is going to be impossible.


Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Could a grumpy, conceited man find love with a reporter that hates him? Royal was definitely playing up his part as the Hotshot of the car racing world. It was hard to like him at the beginning. As his story came out, I softened, just like Soren. Soren tried his best to be honest in his reporting and social postings, in reporting what he saw. Time spent with Royal showed him that he also needed to be honest with himself and his motives. The two had an instant connection and held back for a bit before giving into the feelings. They helped each other heal from their pasts and move forward to a future together. I enjoyed the feeling of family from all the secondary characters.

I received a copy of this story through Chaotic Creatives, and this is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: Grandpa's Cabin (Book 1) by Ross Victory

 

Blurb

At eighty-four years old, widower and award-winning geneticist Bernie Crenshaw has reached the end of his life. Bernie gifts his only grandson, eighteen-year-old Inglewood high school senior Nova, his multimillion-dollar property located in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills.

Hours before his death, Bernie informs Nova that he did terrible deeds years ago. Bernie reveals that he never got caught because his freedom was contingent on an agreement he made with a "woman in the shadows" to keep the cabin in the family's bloodline. Nova promises his grandfather that he will never sell the property.

Years after Bernie's death, Nova hosts a wild twenty-first birthday party weekend filled with alcohol, music, and OnlyFans web cameras. After a handful of eerie encounters in the surrounding Los Angeles forest, Nova's friends allege that his grandpa's cabin is the burial ground for people who disappeared during their childhood.

The birthday weekend shifts from celebration to terror as the friends piece together that the man Nova knew as "Popsi" matches the profile of one of the most notorious wanted criminals in Los Angeles-"L.A. Love Hunter."

Will Nova preserve the Crenshaw family's sadistic legacy, or will he choose the rare and valuable gift of friendship?

Amazon: Grandpa's Cabin: Book 1 - Kindle edition by Victory, J. Ross. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Grandpa's Cabin: Book 1 by J. Ross Victory | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Grandpa's Cabin eBook by J. Ross Victory - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Grandpa’s Cabin: Book 1 by Ross Victory - BookBub

Goodreads: Grandpa's Cabin by Ross Victory | Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was an interesting read, and it did not end here. There is a book 2. Nova Crenshaw was the beneficiary of his grandfather's home and more. His past held secrets that his mind had pushed to the back, protecting him. His three friends joined him at the mansion, and things got out of control. Hallucinations, memories, and surprises changed their lives completely. This story was not quite what I thought it would be, the actual events were definitely not something I would have considered. More explanation and adventures will continue in Grandpa's Cabin 2.

I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: The Creole Duchess (Duchess Series #3) by Rue Allyn

 

Blurb

A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and two nations at war, is love even possible?

New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to keep freedom of choice for herself and others. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as British businessman, Caleb Elmond. A relationship with Caleb would find approval with her mother, but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and could destroy them both.

With the Battle of New Orleans looming, can these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives?

The Creole Duchess, Duchess Series Book Three is the long-awaited conclusion to the Duchess Series.

Amazon: The Creole Duchess: A Regency Era Strangers to Lovers Romance (Duchess Series Book 3) - Kindle edition by Allyn, Rue. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The Creole Duchess (Duchess Series, #3) by Rue Allyn | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: The Creole Duchess eBook by Rue Allyn - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: The Creole Duchess: A Regency Era Strangers to Lovers Romance (Duchess Series Book 3) by Rue Allyn - BookBub

Goodreads: The Creole Duchess: A Regency Era Strangers to Lovers Romance by Rue Allyn | Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was an interesting story. The New Orleans setting was definitely different. It had a little of everything in it. There was a little voodoo, lots of historical descriptions, and an historical education on class differences. Celie and Caleb moved beyond those differences despite Caleb's secret omissions and his brother's antics. I loved how Celie knew her mind and went after her independence. Caleb was so sweet and protective of her.

This is my unsolicited review.



Audiobook Review: Highlanders Never Surrender (Wicked Willful Highlanders #2) by Julie Johnstone, narrator Tim Campbell

 

Blurb

On the path of vengeance, he unwillingly collided with love.

No one desires retribution against their enemy more than Highlander Cormac MacLean. Yet his foe has the favor of the king and Cormac lacks irrefutable proof of the man’s nefarious deeds, so revenge must be planned with calculated care. But when Cormac’s hot-headed brother impulsively attempts to kidnap their enemy’s stepsister, Cormac finds himself fleeing with the wounded beauty after she sustains an injury trying to protect him. He has every intention of returning the troublesome lass to her home, until it quickly becomes apparent that she may be the one person who can free his sister from the dark place in which she dwells. At every turn, the strong-willed woman shows bravery and loyalty, and instead of wanting to keep her at a distance as vows given and family allegiance demands he must, he aches to touch her, protect her, and possess her forever.


Desperate to escape her impending wedding to a suspected murderer, Brigid Campbell is not exactly dismayed when she’s snatched from her stepbrother’s clutches by a Scottish barbarian who she incidentally ends up saving from an arrow aimed at his heart. Still, when she awakens from her injury at Cormac’s home, she is quite upset that her dearest companion was left behind to face the wrath of her stepbrother. So, when her overbearing captor announces he’ll be keeping her to assist his sister, she makes a demand of her own—he must help her rescue her companion. When the officious man refuses, she takes matters into her own hands bringing her the startling discovery that behind the Highlander’s mask of dislike for her lies a compellingly complex man who willingly charges into peril to save her. At each brush with danger that ensues, he’s there to aid her, filling her with hope that despite the feud that brought them together, she may have finally found a family to belong to and a man to trust and to give her heart.

Brigid fuels Cormac’s desire and makes him question his oaths, but it takes his enemy making a master move for him to face the truth that since the day he met Brigid, there could only ever be one choice for him—banish his ghosts, silence his guilt, and show the woman he loves unquestionably that she is his and he is hers—if only it’s not too late.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Highlanders Never Surrender (Wicked Willful Highlanders Book 2) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

Audible: Highlanders Never Surrender by Julie Johnstone - Audiobook - Audible.com

Bookbub: Highlanders Never Surrender (Wicked Willful Highlanders Book 2) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

Goodreads: Highlanders Never Surrender by Julie Johnstone | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

Another story that kept me reading/listening. Brigid was determined to get away from her family. Cormac and his family wanted revenge on that same family. An impromptu kidnapping brought both sides together and allowed for a mending. I loved how Cormac taught Brigid to swim and more despite the distrust between them. When necessary, he protected her. I enjoyed Brigid as she tried to better herself, accepting the caring from Cormac's clan, and wanting to share her knowledge.

The narration of Tim Campbell was as wonderful as always. I enjoyed listening to the different personalities as he read.

This is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: Interfering (Portland Icehawks #4) by Jami Davenport

 

Blurb

Heidi

I've never had a man be kind to me unless he wanted something, so when a gorgeous hockey star shows interest, I don't believe it's genuine. I was a throwaway child of a drug addict and I learned to survive in dark places. Now I'm determined to get my life on track, and I don’t need complications, especially from a drop-dead gorgeous professional hockey player with delusions of rescuing me. I don't need to be rescued by him or anyone else. I'm doing it on my own.

Trent

I'm attracted to Heidi and have been from the moment I saw her. Timid Heidi brings out my protective instincts, but my interest goes beyond that. Sure, I know where she's been and what she's had to do just to stay alive, but instead of disrespecting her, I admire her ability to rise above her unfortunate circumstances.

Heidi's still harboring secrets, and they're driving a wedge between us. And that's not the only wedge, my sisters have invaded my little piece of paradise and set up an animal rescue on my small farm. I don't like chaos, and my sisters don't like Heidi. Not exactly a recipe for a happily ever after, but I'm bound and determined get what I want because losing isn't an option.

Amazon: Interfering: A Fresh Start Hockey Romance (Portland Icehawks Book 4) - Kindle edition by Davenport, Jami, Aguiar, Wander. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Interfering: A Fresh Start Hockey Romance by Jami Davenport | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Interfering eBook by Jami Davenport - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Interfering: A Fresh Start Hockey Romance by Jami Davenport - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Interfering by Jami Davenport - BookBub

Goodreads: Interfering (Portland Icehawks #4) by Jami Davenport | Goodreads





My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. Heidi was a brave soul. She did what she needed to in order to survive and decided to better herself and her circumstances. Trent overlooked her past, proud of her journey, and was able to love her despite others around him telling him to move on. I enjoyed their story, the secondary characters, even his sisters who were a bit pushy, and the idea of a rescue ranch for all to help with. Trent's teammates were also a hoot. I look forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy through 1852 Media, and this is my unsolicited review.



Release Boost: Brawler (Vegas Venom #7) by Colleen Charles


Brawler 

by Colleen Charles 

Available now!

FREE with Kindle Unlimited




Blurb:

I never expected my shot at the big dance would lead me straight into the arms of the one woman who’s completely off limits.

As the resident minor-league bad boy of Minnesota, I can’t believe it when I get the call every hockey player dreams of.

Dante Giovanetti wants me to replace the legendary Cash Hale on the Venom. But it turns out that it's not the lights of Vegas that blind me—it's Layla, Latham Newberry's sister, and her precious toddler, Violet.

I understand the bro code: no hitting on a teammate's sister.

But the more time I spend with Layla, the harder it is to deny the fire that burns between us. And the very real feelings she sparks inside me.

When her past comes back to haunt her, I know I'll have to step up my game and prove my love is stronger than any rivalry.

Because Violet and Layla need me. And now it’s my job to protect what’s mine.





About the Author:

Colleen Charles is the USA Today Bestselling author of Perfectly Imperfect Romance for perfectly imperfect readers.

Take a chance and join her... you won't be sorry you did.

Colleen loves to hear from her readers, and she answers all communications personally. You can find her at:

www.colleencharles.com - FREE FULL-LENGTH EXCLUSIVE NOVEL for new subscribers

Facebook: https://geni.us/CCFacebook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/booksbycolleen 


Release Boost: Interfering (Portland Icehawk #4) by Jami Davenport

Interfering 

by Jami Davenport 

Available on All Platforms




Blurb:

Heidi

I've never had a man be kind to me unless he wanted something, so when a gorgeous hockey star shows interest, I don't believe it's genuine. I was a throwaway child of a drug addict and I learned to survive in dark places. Now I'm determined to get my life on track, and I don’t need complications, especially from a drop-dead gorgeous professional hockey player with delusions of rescuing me. I don't need to be rescued by him or anyone else. I'm doing it on my own.

Trent

I'm attracted to Heidi and have been from the moment I saw her. Timid Heidi brings out my protective instincts, but my interest goes beyond that. Sure, I know where she's been and what she's had to do just to stay alive, but instead of disrespecting her, I admire her ability to rise above her unfortunate circumstances.

Heidi's still harboring secrets, and they're driving a wedge between us. And that's not the only wedge, my sisters have invaded my little piece of paradise and set up an animal rescue on my small farm. I don't like chaos, and my sisters don't like Heidi. Not exactly a recipe for a happily ever after, but I'm bound and determined to get what I want because losing isn't an option.


About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author Jami Davenport writes sexy contemporary and sports romances, including her Seattle Sockeyes, Steelheads, The Scoring series, and Portland Icehawks. A former computer geek, Jami has recently achieved her life-long dream of becoming a full-time author. She lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Army Ranger-turned-plumber husband and assorted animals who make guest appearances in her books. She's a lifetime Seahawks and Mariners fan and a proud season ticket holder for the Seattle Kraken hockey team.


Connect with Jami!
Subscribe to my newsletter to receive a free novel and be notified of new releases, special sales, and contests: http://eepurl.com/LpfaL
Website Address: http://www.jamidavenport.com
Twitter Address: @jamidavenport
Facebook Address: http://www.facebook.com/jamidavenport
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jamidavenport/ 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1637218.Jami_Davenport 




Teaser: Tattoos and Heartbreak (Trouble Next Door #1) by Quinn Marlowe



Tattoos and Heartbreak by Quinn Marlowe is available to preorder now!


Blurb:

He's got everything she ever wanted. She's got everything he's always needed. But it will take misunderstandings, heartbreak, and a contract for them to make it work. 

As an aspiring country-western star, there isn't much Lila Potter wouldn't do for a chance to make her dreams come true. So when word gets out that two bona fide superstars are giving away a prestigious recording contract, Lila is prepared to follow their tour for as long as it takes to get lucky. But when she unexpectedly falls into the arms--and then bed--of the nation's most troubled rockstar in the process, her entire plan is endangered. 

Singer Rivers Shine is the epitome of a bad boy. With a penchant for partying and an eye for pretty girls, his notorious playboy reputation precedes him. And his manager is fed up with his antics. Desperately in need of some good PR for her worst-behaved client, she issues an ultimatum: Either Rivers agrees to a campaign to rehabilitate his image, or his entire band loses its spot as the opening act for Olivia Johns and Connor Wheating. 

Rivers doesn't like it, but knows he has no choice. Agree to the plan or lose his band's chance at the biggest tour of their lives.

When he hears the plan, however, he rethinks everything. According to his manager, he just has to pretend he finally has a steady girlfriend and might actually be thinking about settling down.

And she already has the perfect woman in mind to pose as his new girlfriend.

The last girl he slept with, then ditched. The girl he can't get out of his mind. 

The girl who sees him for who he actually is.

If Rivers and Lila can convince the public that they really are a couple, Rivers and his band can continue their meteoric rise to fame, and Lila will get the recording contract she's always dreamed of. But then very real feelings start to get in the way of their very fake relationship, and things get complicated. The more they see of each other, the more real sparks begin to fly. After several late-night chats, a forced road trip, and more than one physical encounter that leaves them both shaking with desire, Lila and Rivers are forced to admit that there might be more to this relationship than they thought.

But is there a happily ever after waiting at the end of their publicity stunt? Or will they both be left with nothing more than tattoos and heartbreak?


#teaser #teasershare #teasertuesday #bookteaser #bookpreorder #comingsoon #tattoosandheartbreak #troublenextdoor #smalltownromance #rockstarromance #contemporaryromance #kissingbooks #steamyreads #romancenovels #books #readers #booklovers #bookbuzz #booknews #bookish




About Quinn:

Quinn Marlowe is the bestselling author of the Rossi and Southern Heroes series and a certified California girl. After studying English and film at UCLA, she decided to pursue storytelling full time. She loves red wine, cheesecake, perfect hash browns, really good punk rock, fast cars, autumn, and cooking, but she is most likely to be found spending time with her horses, snuggling her dogs, or taking orders from her small army of cats. She is a professional eye roller with a penchant for swearing like a sailor, and some of her favorite people (her nephews) are convinced she is a spy. She makes her home in San Diego with her loving husband and her prized collections of books and lipstick, neither of which ever fail to lift her spirits when she's feeling down. 

Follow Quinn Online!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qoxxq9
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3x9iX9Y
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3BpUy2g
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Qvq2s2
Instagram: http://instagram.com/Quinn.Marlowe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quinnmarloweauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/quinnmarlowe 

Web: https://quinnmarlowe.com  




Book Tour: Resolution (Heaven's Rejects #5) by Avelyn Paige

Resolution


Series: Heaven's Rejects, book 5


by Avelyn Paige


Release Date: October 24, 2023


Buy Links: https://geni.us/resolutionevents





Blurb:

All she wants is him. All he wants is her freedom.


Ginny Azzo has never had an easy life, but for the first time, she’s truly happy with where she is. Her focus is on her future with the man she loves, despite her older brother’s disapproval.


Lucas “Slider” Sterling spent a year behind bars for the Heaven’s Rejects MC. Now he’s out and ready to start his life with Ginny. But the danger’s not over, and Slider will have to make a choice.


His club or her freedom.


How much is he willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves?





Author Bio:

Avelyn Paige is a Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author of romantic suspense and motorcycle club romance. She lives in a small town in Indiana with her husband and five fuzzy kids.


When she’s not writing, Avelyn spends her days working as a cancer research scientist. Avelyn has been an avid reader her entire life, and it wasn’t until losing her father in 2015 that she started turning all those ideas in her head into stories. She hasn’t looked back since.


Facebook: http://bit.ly/2MP9tHD

Website: http://bit.ly/2Pedqrd

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Pdtbyz

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2KQ8avl

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

Sign-up for Avelyn's Newsletter: http://bit.ly/PaigeNewsletter  




Release: Devil's Crossroad (Pandora, Kentucky Series) by Vera Quinn

Devil's Crossroad


Series: Pandora Series


by Vera Quinn


Release: October 31, 2023


Genre: MC Romance


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200944777-devil-s-crossroad





Blurb:

Devil/Kylar and Callie/Baby Girl have had nineteen years of love, children, and motorcycle club living. Their love has never wavered through the many storms they have battled together. They have always communicated with each other and tackled every problem that comes with having a large family. They have been blessed with nine children. The problem is Callie wants one more addition to their family. Devil is tired and just wants time with his women. Devil decides to take Callie on a trip for Halloween holiday. His idea of a perfect is a trip is to Pandora, Kentucky. This is a holiday they will never forget.


Mysterious things happen in Pandora, Kentucky. The town appears to be a small out of the way place to relax and unwind. Population under 600 people. Down home friendliness.

There’s one day a year that the town shuts down before dark and doesn’t open back up until daybreak the next day. Halloween night.

The words trick or treat have a darker meaning in Pandora. Do you have a good soul and treat people with kindness or is your soul damned to hell for your life of sins and bad choices? In Pandora on Halloween night if you wander the streets, you could come face to face with your future of things to come, good or bad. Enter our Pandora box of delights or chills.

Each book done by different authors with their own story to tell. Each Pandora will be different. Come join us for your first Halloween treats.





Buy Links: Kindle Unlimited

Universal: https://a.co/d/am5y2u7

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM1KVBTG

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CM1KVBTG

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CM1KVBTG

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CM1KVBTG





Author Bio:

I have always been an avid reader that loves just about any kind of book. I am married to the love of my life and have two grown sons and five grandchildren. I live in a small town, Pittsburg, Texas, and I love small town living. I have so many stories in my head and not

enough hours to get them all out there. God has blessed me with a great imagination. Love my family, my state, and my country.


Social Media Links:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/veraquinnauthor

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1083552724996

Penny Anglene and Vera Quinn Readers Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969678186511768/

Penny Anglene & Vera Quinn Books page: @QuinnandAnglene

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/veraquinnauthor

Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/veraquinn

Website: https://www.veraquinn.shop

Twitter: www.twitter.com/VQAuthor

Amazon: author.to/VeraQuinn

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vera-quinn



Teaser: Dominic (Grim Road MC #8) by Marteeka Karland with an excerpt

  Dominic (Grim Road MC) by Marteeka Karland Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap Date Published: December 27, 2024 ...