Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Red Sin by Aleatha Romig {a review}

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new romantic-suspense novel in the world of high finance, where success is sweet and revenge is sweeter. Red Sin is the first book in the Sin Series, and it has captivated me. Red is the color of blood, sacrifice, danger, and courage. It’s also associated with heat, passion, and sexuality. When two people meet unexpectedly with an inexplicable attraction that defies common understanding...it can be called RED SIN. Reader friends, I think you'll enjoy this one.

In Red Sin we pick up where we left off. Julia is about to meet the person who she is interviewing with, and she is hoping she'll get the job. That is until the man turns around, and suddenly she is face to face with the man from the cabin. The man who took care of her. The man who she gave herself to. The man that she cannot stop thinking about. Donovan (Van) is just as surprised as Julia. Yes, he had wondered if there was a chance that Julia was interviewing to write his story, but he wasn't 100% certain. From this point on so much happens. Van looks into the family business, discovers a few things, and is determined to help. Meanwhile Julia is discovering quite a bit about herself, her family, her family business, and the man she is falling for. Together these two are also finding a new routine, and are growing closer.

My recap of this book doesn't even do it justice. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I didn't want to give any spoilers, and so I had to censor myself on the recap. Honestly though, I am captivated by this story. The prequel was a nice, easy read with plenty of steamy moments. This full length novel though, it has the steamy moments, it has the passion, it has the curiosity being built around Van, and you start to have doubts about side characters pop up in your head. Or maybe that's just me. I have so many questions about Van, and I am hoping more will be revealed about him as the story continues in future books. I really enjoyed how Julia's confidence built with Van by her side. She was able to speak to her parents, and Skylar, openly and honestly. She held nothing back. And when that conversation was over, she wasn't beating herself up about it. She was confident, strong, and determined. It was amazing. I also liked how she pushed Van to open up a bit about who he is, and things from his past. I am so ready for Green Envy to be released. Is it January 18 yet? I need to know what happens next after what Van revealed. What happens next for Julia and Van? How about Wade Pharmaceuticals? What is going on with the Butlers? I have my eye on Mrs McGrath also, and my spidey sense is tingling.


Reader friends, you need to go read Red Sin. Donovan is the big bad wolf, and Julia would be our little red riding hood. It's so good. SO GOOD!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Red Sin. As I said above, I am beyond ready for Green Envy!

Laura



Red is the color of blood, sacrifice, danger, and courage. It’s also associated with heat, passion, and sexuality. When two people meet unexpectedly with an inexplicable attraction that defies common understanding...it can be called RED SIN.

Julia and Van found one another in a shaken snow globe. Stranded in a blizzard, they embraced being two individuals with no last names. The plan was to walk away from each other with no regrets—until that plan changed.

Julia’s life was delivered a staggering blow the day she discovered her fiancé’s infidelity. The night she met a handsome stranger, one who showed her the possibility of a life filled with more than the fulfillment of expectations, she took a chance.

When it comes to business, Donovan Sherman is a wolf—a bloodthirsty carnivore who leaves wounded prey and victims in his wake. He learned from the best, his onetime nemesis and now-mentor, Lennox Demetri, who showed him that opportunities are only ripe for those willing to risk it all, a lesson Donovan took to heart.

With Julia McGrath, Donovan must decide if this beautiful woman who showed him the meaning of red sin will fall victim as his prey or if after experiencing the unbridled passion, there is more that he wants.


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Meet Aleatha Romig
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.
In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.
In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.
Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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Thank you to Aleatha Romig, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Red Sin.

The Hustler by Gina Azzi {cover reveal}

 

 Release Date: January 6

Theodore Edward Sims was supposed to be my hot summer hook-up, a stranger I slept with in Hawaii. Now, he’s my stepbrother’s new hockey teammate. 


When we met, Theo was a sexy surfer in Maui, riding waves by day and rocking my world at night. After being played for a fool by my ex-fiancé, Theo proved to be a source of instant gratification.

  

He was refreshingly honest, engaging, and incredibly charming. Theo built me up when it felt like my world was crumbling down.


Turns out, he’s just like my ex. A liar.


To avoid the media scandal of my failed engagement, I hightail it to Boston, where I’m forced to cross paths with a new version of Theo, aka Eddie Sims, Boston Hawks right wing. Here, he isn’t the well-connected, alluring surfer but a determined, angry hockey hunk with something to prove. Especially to me.


Except I’ve written him off. Once a liar, always a liar.


But Theo isn’t backing down. Instead, he’s hustling for my forgiveness.


If I give him another chance, will he live up to his apologies? Or am I just lying to myself? 

Pre-Order Your Copy Here:

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Meet Gina Azzi


I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family. 

 

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

 

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina


Connect with Gina

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Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Violent Attraction by Jocelyne Soto {a review}

 

At the end of August, I had read a book called Vicious Union. It was the first book in a new series, and I loved just about every moment of that book. As that book was wrapping up, the stage was being set for Violent Attraction, and my curiosity was piqued. After all, I LOVE the brother's best friend trope, so I just had a feeling that this was going to be a good book. I just had to wait until October 19 for it to be released. Ahh bookworm problems.

I did receive an advanced readers copy (arc) of Violent Attraction, and friends, it lived up to the hype in my head. Santos and Isabella are simply wonderful.

So what happens in this book? Well for starters we begin at the wedding. After what happens there, we go back in time to when Isabella was 12. From that point on, we see how the relationship between Isabella and Santos begins to evolve. We also learn that Leo has pretty much told Santos to leave his sister alone.  Their relationship keeps progressing, and suddenly we are back at Isabella's wedding day where we see that initial scene play out. We also see the aftermath of that, and how it goes on to change their relationship once again. Knowing what has happened in the past, knowing how she has been hurt, can Isabella take another chance on Santos? Can these two ever find their way to their happily ever after? Or will her father always stand in their way?

Can we take a moment to ogle that gorgeous cover? The design was done by Books and Moods PR, and I think it is absolutely fabulous. It fits right along with the cover from Vicious Union, and it has me anticipating the cover for Vindictive Blood. So let's talk about the book. I still love the main characters, and I still strongly dislike Ronaldo, as well as Emilio. I get why Ronaldo set up the arranged marriage for his eldest daughter, but it still gutted me since she was so distraught.  Witnessing Santos go through the grieving process, and his desire to find the person responsible, tugged at my heartstrings, and brought on the emotions. Seeing how Santos and Isabella had to really fight for this relationship, and figure out ways to make it possible, showed how much they truly wanted this. Then there was Leo and Santos trying to find a way for Isabella to not have to go through with the wedding to Emilio, and it took a lot of effort to get to the point that they were. I just loved this story. From start to finish I could not get enough. Then Jocelyne had to go and set the stage for Vindictive Blood, and oh my word. I am so ready for Camilla's story, and to find out about that bombshell that was dropped! Is it November 23 yet?

I truly hope that you will read the Flor de Muertos series by Jocelyne Soto. While each story follows a different couple, I do recommend that you read them in order. It will give a better understanding of the characters and the situations that they find themselves in. Highly recommend this series, and cannot wait to read more from Jocelyne Soto.

Thank you for stopping by to read my thoughts. I greatly appreciate it.

Laura



She was a Cart​​el Princess. 


I was a soldier. A helping hand. A life that didn’t matter. 

 

None of that stopped me from falling in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her. 


This Cartel Princess was everything to me. 


And I was able to show her, but only in secret.


After years of hiding I had finally found the courage to tell her father, but he announced he’d arranged a marriage for her. One that will bound families. 


One that is all about power and money.


The man that she is set to marry is a dangerous man. He doesn’t love her. He only wants her for the money and power that she comes with. 


I need to try my hardest to stop this arrangement. 


No matter how much blood I shed. 


Isabella Morales is mine. 


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Meet Jocelyne Soto

Jocelyne Soto is a romance author  born and raised in California. 

She started her writing journey in 2015 and in 2019 she published her first book. She is an independent author who loves discovering new authors on Goodreads and Amazon. 

She comes from a big Mexican family, and with it comes a love for all things family and food.

Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.


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Thank you to Jocelyne Soto, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Violent Attraction.

Hold Me Now by JH Croix {a review}

 


A brand new firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! Hold Me Now is Paisley and Russell's story, and if you enjoy a workplace romance featuring the frenemies to lovers trope, then this is a must read for you! Or if you enjoy a good slow burn, then go for it.


If you read Wild With You, then you may recall Paisley and Russell. Russell has been a hot shot for a while now, and Paisley is just starting with the crew. Not to say she doesn't have experience, because she does, it's just back in Washington state. You may also recall that Russell isn't too keen on having Paisley on the crew. He can't explain it, it just isn't something he wants. Paisley isn't his biggest fan either. Paisley recently found out that she needs to find a new place to live, and vacancies in the town are hard to come by. So when she hears of a great place, she jumps on it. All she knows is that she'll have the upstairs, her housemate will have their area, and they'll share the kitchen. It isn't until she moves in that Paisley finds out that she's living with Russell. One thing leads to another, and these two come to realize they don't actually dislike each other. Oh no. It's all passion. But a person from Paisley's past may change their chance for romance.


I knew, I just KNEW, that Paisley and Russell's story was going to be intense. I also knew it was going to be one heck of a slow burn. And Hold Me Now did NOT disappoint. Between the forced proximity, the denial, the hate to love, I was just a sucker for this story. Add in that little bit of romantic suspense, and I was all in. Paisley and Russell created some major sparks, and oh the steamy moments that occurred. Aside from the romance, there was also family stuff that both characters had to deal with. For Russell it was about his dad, and how he died. (That pulled on my heartstrings big time.) Then for Paisley, that was just a wild ride. I can't even really talk about it because spoilers. But just know, how that storyline played out, was so good. SO GOOD. I loved the hate to love. I loved the frenemies to lovers. I loved the slow burn. I fell hard for these characters (main and side). And that setting? FREAKING GORGEOUS! Also, that setup for the third book in the series? It sounds so good! Second chance romance is a favorite of mine, so bring it on J.H. Croix. BRING IT ON!


It's a firefighter romance, set in Alaska. Do I need to say more? Go read it. Go fall for the setting, and the characters. Just trust me on this.


Thanks for reading my thoughts,

Laura




He’s my new roommate.
I can’t stand him, and he can’t stand me.

Russell Dane thinks he’s all that. Maybe’s he’s so hot he should come with a too-hot-to-handle sign, but he drives me crazy. Not the good kind of crazy either.

He thinks women shouldn’t be firefighters, he’s obnoxiously overprotective, and I can’t stand him. Unfortunately, my body is not getting the memo, but I’m stronger than a few confused hormones. Right?

It wouldn’t be so bad if we didn’t have to work together, and if he wasn’t my boss. It definitely wouldn’t be so bad if he hadn’t gone and kissed me.

Russell & Paisley’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, sassy tomboy heroines, roommate romance, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a broody, protective hero.


Grab Your Copy Here:

Add to your Goodreads TBR!


Meet J.H. Croix


USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 


Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 


Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


Connect with J.H. Croix

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Thank you to J.H. Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Hold Me Now.

Only One Regret by Natasha Madison {a review}

 

From USA Bestseller Natasha Madison comes a brand new Hockey series The Only One. I have been EAGERLY ANTICIPATING Mini Coop's story! If you have read ALL of Natasha Madison's hockey novels, then you know who Cooper Stone is. You also know that Matthew Grant, Cooper Stone's stepson, named his first born Cooper. This is his story.


At the beginning of Only One Regret, we find Cooper in the final moments before his divorce is official. His family isn't in town, so it's just him. Well him, and his best friend. She's always available to talk, and is a major support system for Cooper. Cooper never planned on getting divorce. He planned on remaining married, and raising their daughters together. But those plans were dismantled when his ex served him after practice. He was barely off the ice. And that was it. Now here he is trying to figure out the new normal. Erika is by his side though, and so it's making things a bit easier. All is going well until the night of his divorce party (that Erika made him throw). Things between Erika and Cooper are about to change. Can their friendship survive? Will Erika run away? Will she leave him?

Considering I have absolutely loved the twelve books (4-Something So, 4-This Is, and 4-Only One) that have come before Only One Regret, it should be of no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Cooper and Erika's story. How can I not love a book that features the friends to lovers trope? How can I not love a book that brings back so many familiar faces? How can I not love a book that makes me smile, swoon, and feel the emotions? I can't. I LOVED ONLY ONE REGRET! I (obviously) loved the characters. The setting was familiar, safe, and fun. The storyline entranced me. Seeing Matthew Stone act like the caveman that he is, had me laughing. That man has not changed one bit. Witnessing the banter between family members just brought me back to the beginning of the Something So series. Only One Regret was a reunion. It was a homecoming. It was needed. Not just by Cooper, but by me too. Getting to be reunited with these characters that I adore just makes me happy.  The one thing I wasn't expecting when heading back to Dallas, was the time jump that occurred. It had only been a few years, but still it made me pause. Knowing that Becca had stepped back from her role, and Erika had taken that over, I wasn't prepared. It wasn't a bad thing. Not at all. It just caught me off guard. I fully expected that from the way Only One Touch had ended, that we would pick up with Cooper's trade to Dallas. That wasn't the case. And that's fine. It's FINE. Moving on. I do love how the relationship between Cooper and Erika played out. I also love how the big Grant/Stone vacation showed just how much Cooper is like his dad. THAT had me rolling. The big dramatic moment for our couple, wasn't really that dramatic in my mind. To be honest, what happened is what I expected to happen. This moment was more like a little speed bump than a giant mountain that they had to climb. And that's okay. It worked for their story. In the end, it all worked out. Our couple walked away happy, and in love. Plus we had the set up for Only One Mistake featuring Michael Horton. (oooh I'm hoping for another family trip and/or get together!)

If you're like me, and have loved all of Natasha Madison's hockey romances, then it's a no-brainer that you need to read Only One Regret. If you're new to the hockey romances from Natasha Madison, don't feel like you need to start from the beginning with Cooper and Parker's story. Technically they are all meant to be standalones, but obviously you're going to see character crossover. So by starting from the beginning, you'll have the history, and know who these OG characters are as they make appearances here and there. I promise they are all quick reads. But if you'd rather jump in here with Cooper and Erika, that works too. Regardless, I truly hope that you'll read these books. They are some of my favorites.

Thank you for stopping by to read my random thoughts on the book. (and thank you for putting up with me laughing about Matthew Grant, and all his over the top ways.)

Laura



Cooper.
My name came with big skates to fill. .

At the top of my game, I had everything I wanted, or so I thought. .

Being traded to Dallas was not what I was expecting but neither were the divorce papers I was served. .

Now I’m a single dad in a city that isn’t my home. .

Erika.
Handed my biggest client when I was twenty-two made my dreams come true. .

Over time, our work relationship changed, and we grew closer, leaning on each other for support. .

He was my rock, my best friend..

Then one drunken night changed everything, and I saw what was in front of me all along. .

I just hope that when the dust settles, we won’t regret it.


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Meet Natasha Madison 


When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Only One Regret.