Mercenary - Bella Di Corte

Mercenary
Bella Di Corte
(Gangsters of New York, #3)
Publication date: November 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

I had something to live for.

The moment I saw him, I knew.

His eyes would hypnotize.
His lips would speak the most beautiful promises.
His body? Made for pleasure.

But if Corrado Capitani thought that he could fool me into thinking he was a good man, he was wrong.

The moment I saw him, I knew the truth.

Those eyes hid his poisonous heart.
Those lips were vessels of deception.
That body? Made for inflicting pain.

He wasn’t sent from heaven. He was sent to drag me back to hell.

I had something to die for.

Alcina Parisi had a price on her head, and she’d eluded the best. She thought no one would ever find her, but I did. Everyone in our world called me Scorpio–the man who never let the enemy go. But she was a weapon, not an adversary, and I’d claimed her as mine.

Mercenary is the third of three books set in the savage world of the Gangsters of New York series.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Bella Di Corte has been writing romance for seven years, even longer if you count the stories in her head that were never written down, but she didn’t realize how much she enjoyed writing alphas until recently. Tough guys who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the strong women who force them to feel, inspire her to keep putting words to the page.

Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook meals that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She mostly takes pictures of her family (when they let her) and her three dogs.

Bella grew up in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.

She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to email her at belladicorte@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out.

Website / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Bookbub / Goodreads

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My Review

This third book in the Gangsters of New York series features Corado and Alicna. I don't actually remember coming across them in the previous two books, but there is certainly a connection here. Particularly with our hero and heroine from Machiavellian. This story is about the love between Corado and Alicna and also how she copes with being part of his life and if his way of life really is everything to him.

I have to admit that I thought I was going to struggle with this one a little. The start of the book has a lot of different characters and I found myself getting a little lost as to who was who. It didn't take too long for me to get my head around it all and work it out though.

I really enjoyed this final instalment to the series and I think it worked well being the last, as it fitted well with that first book. I liked Corado and Alicna as a couple and enjoyed reading about the development and growth of their romance.

In Pursuit of Happiness - Freya Kennedy

In Pursuit of Happiness by Freya Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that light-hearted chick-lit type reads aren't usually my go-to when it comes to something new to read. I happen to love books by Freya Kennedy's alter ego Claire Allan which are a bit more my line, being thrillers. Even so, seeing as I do enjoy her writing, I thought I'd give this one a go when I spotted it on NetGalley. I have to admit that I'm glad that I did.
This book tells the story of Jo and her attempts to sort out what she actually wants out of life. Since getting her heart broken while living and working in Spain, she's been taking the easy route. Not pushing herself to chase her dreams and letting life just unfold around her, rather than trying to chase her dreams.
I enjoyed this story. Jo and the other characters in her life were really enjoyable. There's a great humorous streak that runs through the book, particularly from cantankerous old Harry who runs the local shop. He has some wonderful ideas about life and what he should or shouldn't stock that had me giggling to myself.
This was an enjoyable and entertaining read and I'm really glad that I gave it a go. It seems that there is a previous book that features many of the same characters The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn. In Pursuit of Happiness works fine as a standalone, but I think I might go back and give it a go all the same. I'll certainly be on the lookout for any future novels from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


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Secret Shores - Ella Carey

 From bestselling author Ella Carey comes an utterly gripping and sweeping historical novel about
terrible choices and heartbreaking family mysteries. The past holds more secrets than we can ever imagine…

1946. Young, beautiful artist Rebecca survived the devastating war that claimed the lives of so many of the men and women she grew up with. Her friends have returned as empty shells or not at all. But although peace has been declared, Rebecca is still fighting at home. Her controlling mother will stop at nothing to prevent Rebecca from following her dream to become a painter.

When Rebecca meets dashing young Edward, a pilot during the war, she discovers both love and an escape. Edward makes her feel truly loved, alive and excited about her future and art. But when Edward takes Rebecca to visit his childhood home on the sweeping coast, their trip ends in tragedy. Edward’s father commits suicide and, consumed by grief, Edward is faced with a terrible choice: love or family?

Utterly distraught, Rebecca goes out to the shore by moonlight to paint. Under the stars, she stares into the waves, thinking about her life. The next morning she has disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only a pencil on the sand. Finding the truth will change everything for those who were left behind…

Fans of My Name is Eva, Rhys Bowen and Lucinda Riley will fall head over heels in love with Secret Shores.  

Author Bio:

Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.

Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.

http://www.ellacarey.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ellacareyauthor/

https://twitter.com/Ella_Carey

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3mCH9tX

My Review

Secret Shores is a novel set in two time periods. It tells the story of Edward and Rebecca's doomed love story back in in the 1940s and Edward's editor's story in the 1980s.
Tess is a successful editor but like many women, she finds herself struggling with the restraints of being a woman in a man's world. She has to work twice as hard, be twice as good and still she might not be seen as being as good as her male counterparts. When she loses her most successful author to new colleague James, it seems that everything is going wrong. The more that Tess reads Edwards novel and the story of his past, she can't help but reassess her own life and what she wants from it.
This is an emotional read that sucks you in once you start. It's hard not to feel a connection with both Edward and Rebecca as their romance unfolds in the 1940s and Tess as she deals with things in the '80s.
I really enjoyed the story and although I did sense where one or two things were heading, that didn't diminish my appreciation of the story at all. If you like love stories that stretch through the years and stories that wrap you up emotionally, dragging you along with the highs and lows, then I think that you'll love Secret Shores.

Marauder - Bella di Corte

Marauder
Bella Di Corte
(Gangsters of New York, #2)
Publication date: August 7th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

He stole my heart out of revenge.

There was one thing I always thought was mine to give: my heart.

I never imagined a marauder would steal it out of vengeance—vengeance that had nothing to do with me. His greatest enemy happened to be the man in love with me, and somehow I became nothing but a pawn. I was no damsel in distress, though. More like an archer, ready to battle.

And my target? The marauder himself.

Cashel “Cash” Kelly.

Kelly might have been as gorgeous as he was ruthless, but he had no idea what I’d do to steal it back. Or better yet, get even.

She was determined to keep what was mine.

They say hearts can’t be stolen unless they’re willing to be. Tell that to the man everyone on the streets called “the marauder.”

Me.

Because by the time I was through, Keely Ryan’s heart would be mine. And my enemy’s? As good as broken. Trouble was, the archer was precise with her aim, and her arrow was pointed at my heart.

Goodreads / Amazon / Bookbub

Author Bio:

Bella Di Corte has been writing romance for seven years, even longer if you count the stories in her head that were never written down, but she didn’t realize how much she enjoyed writing alphas until recently. Tough guys who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the strong women who force them to feel, inspire her to keep putting words to the page.

Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook meals that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She mostly takes pictures of her family (when they let her) and her three dogs.

Bella grew up in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.

She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to email her at belladicorte@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Bookbub

My Review

After reading and enjoying Machiavelian, the first book in the Gangsters of New York series, I was looking forward to seeing what Bella di Corte would come up with next. I knew that Mari's friend Keely was going to be the main female character this time. She wasn't my favourite character last time, not that she was awful, but I just didn't warm to her. I was interested to find out how she would fare in her own book.

To begin with, Keely is seeing a policeman called Stone. Irish gangster Cash Kelly has a grudge against him and as a result, decides to take Keely away from him. Once they are together, it's clear that there is much between Cash and Keely than revenge. I wasn't entirely sure why Keely was with Stone in the first place, it didn't seem to work as a relationship, but it certainly drove the reason for her to get together with Cash and that worked much better.

There's a lot to get through in this book with more than just Stone out to bring down Cash. Alongside this, he has to face his past and deal with his feelings for Keely. We also have little glimpses of events from the previous book, but I think that this would still work fine as a standalone if you haven't read Machiavelian. With so much going on, I did think that the pace did struggle a little in some places, but on the whole, this was a very enjoyable read.

I enjoyed the relationship between Cash and Keely, even if it did result in her name being Keely Kelly. They worked well together and I enjoyed Keely as a character in this book much more than I did in the first. 

There's another book to come shortly from this author in this series and I'm looking forward to reading it. 

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Mine to Keep - Rhenna Morgan

 

Bonnie Drummond is from the wrong side of the tracks, raised in a family of liars and criminals. No
matter how hard she tries to stay on the straight and narrow, she always finds herself sucked back into the family drama, forced to sacrifice everything she’s earned to protect her family.

But this time they’ve gone too far—crossed the wrong people—and to save them she’ll have to put her life on the line.

Roman Kozlov, enforcer for a New Orleans mafiya family, is the poster child for the life Bonnie is struggling to escape. But he's also as alluring as he is dangerous, and it doesn’t take long for their lives to begin to mesh.

With Roman, Bonnie finds the family she never had.

As their race for answers heats up, so too does the budding romance between them. And with danger nipping at her heels and love threatening her heart, Bonnie must come face-to-face with her past if she wants to have a future.

NOLA Knights

Book 1: His to Defend

Book 2: Hers to Tame

Book 3: Mine to Keep

Buy Mine to Keep 

Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335081162_mine-to-keep.html 

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335081162 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mine-Keep-Protective-Romance-Knights-ebook/dp/B089YWMQQ1 

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About Rhenna Morgan

A native Oklahoman, Rhenna Morgan is a certified romance junkie. Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack romantic escape full of new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who fight to keep the women they want. For advance release news and exclusive content, sign up for her newsletter at http://RhennaMorgan.com. You'll also find all of her social links there, along with her smoking hot inspiration boards.

Connect with Rhenna Morgan

Website: http://rhennamorgan.com/ 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RhennaMorgan 

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8596977.Rhenna_Morgan 

My Review

Mine to keep is the second of the NOLA Knights books that I have read, although it is actually the third in the series. I believe that it is also linked to another series by Rhenna Morgan. Depite this, it works well as a standalone novel.
This is the story of Bonnie and Roman. Bonnie has had a hard life, her mother was killed after driving drunk. Her father has spent his whole life getting into all kinds of trouble and is now dying. Her brother isn't much better, being involved in hacking and all kinds of other criminal activity. When her brother and father are taken from their house, she turns to her friend Cassie for help. She knows that Cassie's husband is some kind of Rusian Maffia member and she soon meets his close friend Roman.
The attraction between Roman and Bonnie is instant and it's quite nice to see someone like Bonnie, who has clearly had a hard time of it all, actually having things go her way for once. Roman is a very dominating character, which isn't always my favourite thing, but they work well as a couple here.
I really enjoyed this read and didn't want to put it down and do other things (that I should have been doing) always a good sign. I'm looking forward to seeing if there's more to come in this series.

Ask No Questions - Claire Allan

Ask No Questions by Claire Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read a few thrillers by Claire Allan now. While they were all very good, I think that this one might just be the best yet.
Journalist Ingrid Devlin usually just reports on stories, but when she starts to look in the events surrounding the death of an eight-year-old twenty-five years previously, she soon finds that she is part of the story itself. As Ingrid starts to look at whether the right man was found guilty at the time, it soon becomes clear that there are lots of people who don't want her to look too closely and stir things up.
Ingrid is an interesting character, while she is caught up in the drama here, it's clear that she's usually an observer and possibly not too bothered who she upsets in her drive to get the story. With this story, she was on the scene as a ten-year-old at the time and so has a much more personal connection to the story. The disappearance had a huge impact on the community at the time and as we meet different characters through the book, it's clear that there are few, if any that don't still bare the effects of the events of Halloween twenty five years ago.
This is a thrilling and gripping read. There are quite a few twists and turns to navigate your way through, I didn't see all of them coming by any means and once I started, I didn't want to put this one down until I got to the end. A fantastic read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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The Protector - Abigail Owen

The Protector by Abigail Owen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was torn between wanting to make this one last, to savour every little bit and just wanting to greedily read it and find out what was going to happen. You may notice that with the date of starting and finishing being the same, which one of these two won. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Fire's Edge series and the associated Inferno Rising series, I just can't help myself.
Not only are these gripping reads, but I was particularly looking forward to Lyndi's story. It's been obvious in previous books that she has some pretty serious heat and unresolved passion with Levi. Being a female born dragon, she isn't valued as a member of society. She is sterile and as such will never have a mate, the way that the male dragons dream of. Still, the connection and draw she feels towards Levi simply can't be ignored. They've spent the last two hundred years sniping at one another and trying not to get too close, but now, when it looks as though Levi might have to leave, they can resist one another no longer.
I loved this story, it was all that I had hoped for and featured some things that I had hoped that it might. This is part of a series, I have read them all, but I'm still fairly confident to say that it would work as a standalone. That said, these books are so good, that I really think that you should go back and read them all if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Night Train to Paris - Fliss Chester

Night Train to Paris by Fliss Chester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the first Fen Churche mystery, A Dangerous Goodbye and was very excited when I spotted this second instalment was due out. If you've ever looked at the kind of books that manage to get five stars, it's generally the historical murder mysteries, but only if they are well written. There's something about that genre that just does it for me. The Fen Churche Mysteries definitely fall into that category. Night Train to Paris, the second book in the series, is, fortunately, just as good as the first.
Fen is now in Paris, her new friend and ally, James Lancaster has joined her for the journey and together they find themselves plunged into another murder mystery. I have to admit that Fen, (and this goes double for James) was a little behind in this one. I had a good idea who and done it and why from quite early on in the book. Not that it reduced my enjoyment at all, I still really enjoyed the unfolding story.
This was a brilliant read and I can't wait to see what's next for Fen. I have one or two ideas where she might find herself ultimately, but who knows if I will be right or not. Either way, I'm looking forward to reading more of her adventures and hope that I don't have to wait too long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Counterfeit Lover - J.C. Farmer

Counterfeit Lover
J.C. Farmer
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: November 24th 2020
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller

Darrin Clark is an impoverished young man, madly in love with his long-time friend Janie. He is desperate for a job, and any way to win Janie’s affections. Then a Hollywood studio promises to make him a movie star—if he will submit to a face-modifying procedure they are developing.

Darrin’s love overcomes his fear, and he allows the movie studio to alter his face. Soon his dreams come true. He is extraordinarily handsome, rich, and popular, full of the confidence he needs to earn Janie’s love. Yet, changing faces doesn’t seem enough, and the studio wants him to sacrifice more of his identity than just his appearance.

His plan to win Janie’s heart becomes complicated when she unexpectedly joins the cast and changes her face too. Now a gorgeous star, she’s pursued by prominent, powerful men, and beneath the glitz and glamour, Darrin finds himself in a world of death and deceit, where anyone can have any face.

Several of his friends have been murdered by a mysterious killer, and the ability to alter appearances seems to make the criminal invincible. Soon, Darrin abandons his pursuit of Janie, simply hoping to keep her alive.The only way to outsmart the ruthless villain is to risk everything. How drastic a transformation is Darrin willing to make for love?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:

Jerome Connelly Farmer has had a successful career as an engineer, inventor and technology consultant. He has three engineering degrees from Stanford and an MBA from the Anderson School. He has several patents and spent many years managing engineering teams and consulting for high-tech firms, movie studios, and Fortune 500 companies.

J.C. was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He is an airplane pilot, sailor, scuba diver and avid traveler; he has explored Tibet, camped in the Australian outback, canoed through the Amazon River, and retraced segments of Ernest Shackleton’s famous rescue in Antarctic. J. C.’s passion for wildlife photography has taken him to all seven continents, including searching for Komodo Dragons in Indonesia, wild macaws in the Peruvian jungle, endangered species in the Galapagos Islands, Duck-billed Platypus in Australia, and White Rhinoceros in Botswana.

J.C. is the author of the romantic thriller Counterfeit Lover and the children’s book Santa’s Dashboard. Writing combines his love for adventure, invention and exploration.

When he is not traveling, J.C. lives in Solana Beach, CA.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

My Review

Counterfeit Lover is an unusual book, I think that I would call it a thriller over and above anything else, but even in this, it is very different. The story is about actor Darrin Clark, he's been in love with his close friend Janie for years and years. He finally gets the chance to win her over and become a well-known actor when he actually becomes a famous actor from the past.

The whole premise of this story is unusual and very interesting. There is a lot going on although it's not really clear why people are doing what they are doing or indeed who is behind everything. This book really keeps you guessing throughout. Even worse than that, you don't even get to find out at the end. I saw that this was book one, but didn't realise that it was the kind of series that follows on and leaves you on a cliffhanger at the end of the book.

There is a romance of sorts, although it really isn't a big part of the story and I have to admit that I didn't fully connect with this side of the story. I do wonder if this is something that will play out in more depth in the next book.

I was kept guessing the whole way through this story and I have to admit that I still have not idea where this one is going. This is a really interesting and different read and I really enjoyed it.

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To Be Your Only - Rae Kennedy

To Be Your Only by Rae Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the third book in this series, To Be Your Last, that I was quite excited to read this one. Although this is a series, the books work well as standalone stories. In this case, there are links to the previous book, but it really won't matter if you haven't read it or if you read this first and then go back.
In many ways, this is a completely different book to the last. Kyla is the kind of young woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and says exactly what's on her mind. For some people, she might be a little bit too much, but for Eric, it's clear that she perfect. I loved the humour in this book which worked really well, enough to put a smile on your face without the fear that it was all trying too hard.
While she sets out to woo her crush of many years, Wes, it's clear to Eric and us the reader that actually she's going after the wrong man. It isn't long before she sees who is really in front of her and they manage to move towards a happily ever after.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There were several things that I particularly liked about this book. The slight role reversal in terms of experience was fun, particularly when it didn't mean that anyone was completely innocent. I also just love friends to lovers stories and this one is that and more. There wasn't a huge amount of angst or misunderstanding either, which I particularly liked.
This was a brilliant read and I'd be keen to find out what Rae Kennedy comes up with next and possibly going back to read the first two books that I've missed.




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A Body in Seaview Grange - Dee Macdonald

 A Body in Seaview Grange

Practice nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village, but there’s soon to be a murder on her doorstep…

Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings.

So when Kate is asked to do some nursing at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange, she jumps at the chance. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home.

Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…

It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling. It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And will they kill again?

If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this page-turning novel will have you reading late into the night!  

My Review

A Body in Seaview Grange is the second book in the Kate Palmer Mystery book. I enjoyed meeting her in book one and was excited to go back and see what she got up to next.
This time, Kate has been working at upmarket retirement flats, Seaview Grange in her role as a nurse at the local GPs. After her first visit, she hears that one of the women fears that someone might be trying to kill her. To begin with, she doesn't pay any attention to this until the same woman is rushed to the hospital and later dies. Kate can't help but get involved in the mystery and tries to find out what happened and who might be a murderer.
I do enjoy a good mystery read and this book certainly falls into that category. There are plenty of red herrings and clues to keep you guessing. Kate seemed to be able to get to the bottom of everyone's secrets, finding out who might have a reason to commit murder. It did keep me guessing until we were almost at the end. I was a bit more onto it than Kate though and spotted both who done it and would have avoided getting myself into quite so much trouble in the process.
This was a really enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to finding out what Kate manages to stumble across next. 

Author Bio:

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.

She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!

Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

https://twitter.com/dmacdonaldauth

Buy Links:

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Illegal Formation - Shanna Swenson

Illegal Formation by Shanna Swenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Illegal Formation is the fourth book in the Gods of the Gridiron series and also perhaps the darkest. Our hero and heroine, Quillan and Vada have both been hurt and faced pain in their past. They seem themselves as damaged and it takes a while for them to realise that while they might be broken when they are together they are complete once more.
I have to admit that I struggled with Quillan at times, I'm not a huge fan of overbearing controlling types and he clearly shows lots of characteristics of this type of character. This book also deals with abortion, which can be quite a contentious topic. This probably isn't the place to enter into my thoughts on the topic, but it is quite a brave thing to talk about in a book. There's always the danger that by putting your characters into either the pro-choice or controlling women's bodies categories, then it might make readers who hold alternate views off that character.
Quillan is quite sweet when he finally understands what Vada is coming to mean to him. He does have to go through a few stages of trying to control her. I'm not entirely sure that someone as strong as Vada would have willingly agreed to all that he wants. It all works out in the end and for the purpose of an enjoyable read, I can let it go.
I liked Vada and Quillan as a couple, they both have a darkness that is part of who they are, but that also means that they work well together and make a good couple. I enjoyed this final instalment in the Gods of the Gridiron series.

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The Christmas Spirit - Alexandrea Weis

The Christmas Spirit
Alexandrea Weis
Published by: Rosewind Books
Publication date: October 27th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

SOMETIMES IT TAKES ONE BROKEN HEART TO HEAL ANOTHER.

Courtney Winston is a writer on a deadline. Eager to finish her book and get over a recent break-up, she ditches Christmas with her family and retreats to a secluded cabin in the mountains.

Appliances rarely work, and cell service is spotty, but Courtney senses there is more to her rustic rental—something dark and haunting.

Then Peter, the attractive Stone Mountain Lodge owner, and a meddling cook, Mrs. Finn, keep coming around, shattering her peace and offering advice on how to fix her heavy heart.

Courtney grows closer to Peter, but Mrs. Finn warns her of his troubled past. Undaunted, Courtney sets out to win him over. But being with the brooding stranger may end up costing her more than she ever imagined.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, advanced practice registered nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable.

Weis writes romance, mystery, suspense, thrillers, supernatural, and young adult fiction and has sold approximately one million books. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.

She is a member of both the International Thriller Writers Association and the Horror Writers Association. www.AlexandreaWeis.com

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My Review

The Christmas Spirit is really about two types of 'spirit' Firstly, our heroine Courtney is not feeling the Christmas spirit herself. After splitting up with her boyfriend and not looking forward to her mother's fully on Christmas celebrations, she's only too happy to lock herself away to work on her book and spend Christmas alone. It soon becomes obvious that she isn't completely on her own, even though her cabin is very isolated. Every day she sees owner Peter, the cook Mrs Finn and a black cat.

Although this is a romance, it isn't one in the way that most romances are. The story is as much about taking risks and finding out who you are. All is not as it seems in this out of the way cabin and Courtney has to embrace Christmas and the chance of love while she is there.

This is quite an unusual story with a few twists and turns. I did guess where it was heading before we got there and there are a few clues on the way. I really enjoyed it though, a perfect festive read. 

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Addictive - K.E.Osborn

Addictive by K.E. Osborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes when you read a book, you immediately torn about one of the characters. That's certainly the case with this book and I have to say that it does add a whole new element to the story. While our heroine Prinnie has a complicated past, it's nothing on our hero Wraith.
If this were a different book, from a different point of view, I think he could well be the villain of the piece. Not because of the way that he treats Prinnie, although that is complicated in itself, but because of the other things that he does. I remember reading once that if you show a character loves another, then it helps to win the reader over. There's no doubt that Wraith loves Prinnie, completely and utterly and I think that is the reason that we can relate to him and feel for him in this book.
This is the first Houston Defiance MC book that I've read. I suspect that it might not be the last. I enjoy books that push the boundaries and make us question our perceptions about people. I'm not sure that I'd call this a dark romance, although there is certainly a dark element to the story. Whatever it is, I enjoyed it. Prinnie and Wraith make a great couple and I enjoyed reading their story as it unfolded.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


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Limitless - Kaylene Winter

Limitless
Kaylene Winter
(A Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance, #2)
Publication date: October 9th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

“She snuck up on me and stole my heart…”

Sexy Viking drummer Jace Deveraux used his genius marketing skills to help propel Less than Zero (LTZ) to the top.

Friends-with-benefits was the only thing he was capable of.

Until free-spirited social media influencer Alexandria LeRoux made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Their secret, spontaneous global hookups were decadent, erotic, extraordinary.

For the first time in his life, Jace wants it all

Including a future with Alex.

Will one fateful night destroy his chance with her forever?

“I’ll travel the world for him…”

Ethereal animal-lover Alex had one goal in mind:

Conquer playboy Jace before they both left Seattle.

Her plans for him certainly didn’t include forever.

But their first time was so sublime, it ruined her for anyone else

What’s a girl to do?

Enjoy him in as many countries as possible, that’s what.

Except Alex has her own dreams and they’re already in motion.

Will Jace ever follow her for a change?

Their lives orbit on different courses, but gravity always seems to pull them back together…

Unless a blast from the past blows their chance to smithereens.

LIMITLESS is book 2 in the Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance Series.

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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.

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My Review

Limitless is the second book in the Less Than Zero series, a contemporary romance series that follows the members of a rock band. There is clearly a crossover between each of the books, but this one works fine as a standalone novel, which is how I read it. That said, I really enjoyed it and was intrigued enough about the glimpses of the characters that appeared in the first book, that I'd like to go back and read that one. I'd also like to read the next books in the series.

The romance between our main characters Jace and Alex takes place over a long period of time. We first meet them when Jace is 23 and Alex 18. He's reluctant to get involved with her because of the age difference, (although it's not really much of a difference really, so I think he's just being a bit silly) and also because their band is about to go off on tour. Their romance progresses, at intervals over the next 7 years or so. Never really able to be together, due to her dreams and career and his commitments to the band.

Jace is a very sweet character, although he still manages to live the rock star. There aren't attempts to hide the fact of them have different partners over the years that they are apart. It takes a while for them to finally find their way to one another, but I was gripped with the unfolding story, keen to discover how they were finally going to reach their happily ever after. This was a good read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. 

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Impossible Odds - Jill Ramsower

Impossible Odds by Jill Ramsower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Impossible Odds is the fourth book in the Five Families, this time it focuses on one of the cousins of the three sisters from the first three books. Giada is a feisty, strong woman and a lot of fun to read about. She needs someone who can match her strength without trying to stifle her. Primo is her ideal match and the chemistry between them makes for a fiery match.
Primo and Giada first meet when she steals a lighter off him and this sets the pace for their relationship from there on in. I like strong female leads and Giada is that with some to spare. Due to Primo's position in the cartel and Giada's family, there is plenty for each of them to overcome so that they can be together.
This is another great addition to the five families series. I think that all of the characters have been quite different so far and I'm enjoying seeing each of their stories amuse. In some ways, I did feel that this story wasn't quite done when we reached the end. That's not to say that we're left on any kind of cliffhanger or that Giada and Primo's story doesn't reach a happy conclusion, because there's no cliffhanger and in terms of their relationship all ends as it should. There is clearly more to go with the cartel and Giada's family, but I suppose I'm just going to have to wait and see if that's the case and how it might play out. Either way, I can't wait to read the final two books in this series next year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Pass Interference - Shanna Swenson

PASS INTERFERENCE by Shanna Swenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pass Interference is the third book in the Gods of the Gridiron series and deals with Paxton Guthrie, AKA Poseidon. He has no interest in a steady relationship or settling down in any way, but when Rebecca Ryan 'wins' a date with him, he finds that he can't help but want to be with her.
When Becca and Pax's date goes really well and they are caught in a slightly compromising position by photographers, they both find that their lives have been turned upside down. Becca loses her job and Pax is suspended from the team. To try and put everything right, they decide to pretend that they are much more involved than they really are. But, the more time that they spend together the more real their feelings become.
I do enjoy fake marriages that lead to love and while this isn't quite that, it does sort of fit into that theme. Becca is a studious quiet type and while she is very different to Pax, they work well together. Their relationship has a few stops and starts, but ultimately it's obvious that they make a good couple.
While this is the third in the series, it will also work well as a standalone novel. We see plenty of the characters from the previous stories, but it won't ruin your enjoyment not to have read about them. We do see little glimpses of the couple from the next story too, which I'm looking forward to reading.
This is a very enjoyable series, even if like me, you really know nothing about American Football. If you haven't read any of the previous books, then I would recommend you go and check them out.


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The Company Daughters - Samantha Rajaram

The Company Daughters: A heart-wrenching colonial love story by Samantha Rajaram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the moment I started reading The Company Daughters, I was captivated by this historical tale. Although it does contain a love story, it's not a romance and there is far more going on than that. The book is told from the point of view of Jana. It follows her from her role as a maid in Amsterdam, halfway across the world to Batavia as a 'Company Daughter' with the Dutch East India Company. Batavia was the Danish city where their trade was based, modern-day Jakarta. In an attempt to build a European city in Indonesia, poor women were shipped out to marry the men who had settled and were trading there. These were women who were impoverished and looking for a better life, but in many ways found themselves in just as difficult a position once they arrived.
The book is split into a number of parts, we, first of all, see Jana as a maid in a wealthy household in Amsterdam. When circumstances change we follow her gruelling journey of nearly a year at sea to reach her new home. Finally, we see the life that she has there.
There is love here, but as I said before, it's not a normal romance. Jana finds love where society at the time doesn't approve of. It's this and her own circumstances which make it difficult for her to love.
This was a gripping read and I found myself lost in Jana's world and life. It's a little different to anything that I've read recently and I think that just added to my enjoyment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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