May 24, 2023

Review: SUMMER READING by Jenn McKinlay

SUMMER READING by Jenn McKinlay

Publication Date: May 16, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

When a woman who’d rather do anything than read meets a swoon-worthy bookworm, sparks fly, making for one hot-summer fling in New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay’s new rom-com.

For Samantha Gale, a summer on Martha’s Vineyard at her family’s tiny cottage was supposed to be about resurrecting her career as a chef, until she’s tasked with chaperoning her half-brother, Tyler. The teenage brainiac is spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition, and there’s no place Sam, who has dyslexia, likes less than the library. And because the universe hates her, the library’s interim director turns out to be the hot-reader guy whose book she accidentally destroyed on the ferry ride to the island.

Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father, whose identity he’s never known. He’s taken the temporary job on the island to research the summer his mother spent there when she got pregnant with him. Ben tells himself he isn’t interested in a relationship right now. Yet as soon as Sam knocks his book into the ocean, he can’t stop thinking about her.

An irresistible attraction blossoms when Ben inspires Sam to create the cookbook she’s always dreamed about and she jumps all in on helping him find his father, and soon they realize their summer fling may heat up into a happily ever after.

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This book turned out to be a delightful story. At first, I wasn’t sure about Sam, and it took a little bit for me to get to know her. The writing almost made her defined by her dyslexia and not who she was as a person. Her personality did come through after a bit, and I found that I liked and could relate to her. Ben was almost too good to be true, so his immediate attraction to her was confusing. It was a pleasure to read how their personalities came through and the relationship grew. I also loved watching Sam’s relationship with her brother evolve. That made me smile as much as the romance part of the book. I have to say that I think the book was a bit wordy, but the story is a true feel-good escape and nice introduction to Martha’s Vineyard. I do believe the next book will be about Sam’s Friend, Em. I liked her and look forward to what Ms. McKinlay has in store for her.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Paperback

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Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romantic comedy series. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Visit her website at: www.jennmckinlay.com

Or follow her:
Facebook: JennMcKinlayAuthor
Instagram: @mckinlayjenn

http://amzn.to/2wdM5Pv

Posted in 5 Stars, Donna's Reviews, romance reviews, Teasers
Tagged #NetGalley, #SummerReading, Jenn McKinlay, SUMMER READING by Jenn McKinlay
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March 22, 2023

Review: JANE & EDWARD: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards

JANE & EDWARD: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards

Publication Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

This powerful reimagining of Jane Eyre, set in a modern-day law firm, is full of romance and hope as it follows the echoing heartbeats of the classic story.

A former foster kid, Jane has led a solitary life as a waitress in the suburbs, working hard to get by. Tired of years of barely scraping together a living, Jane takes classes to become a legal assistant and shortly after graduating accepts a job offer at a distinguished law firm in downtown Toronto. Everyone at the firm thinks she is destined for failure because her boss is the notoriously difficult Edward Rosen, the majority stakeholder of Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP. But Jane has known far worse trials and refuses to back down when economic freedom is so close at hand.

Edward has never been able to keep an assistant—he’s too loud, too messy, too ill-tempered. There’s something about the quietly competent, delightfully sharp-witted Jane that intrigues him though. As their orbits overlap, their feelings begin to develop—first comes fondness and then something more. But when Edward’s secrets put Jane’s independence in jeopardy, she must face long-ignored ghosts from her past and decide if opening her heart is a risk worth taking.

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I can’t believe this is a debut novel for Ms. Edwards. I loved it and could not put it down. I’ll admit that I don’t remember the storyline of Jane Eyre, so I was not stuck comparing different aspects of the story.

Jane was so calm on the outside, seeming to take life day by day. But on the inside her thoughts were spot on and relatable to me. I liked her immediately. I loved how she grew to find that she always had strength and courage inside her. Then there is Edward. He was a quirky and temperamental tornado that most saw as a jerk. But Jane and the reader saw through that early on. He too had his demons to overcome. I think they recognized and related to each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Yes, he screwed up badly, but I couldn’t dislike him for it. I even admired and understood Jane’s response. That made it a joy to see how the story resolved itself. Witty dialogue, fast paced writing, and a lovely romance.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Melodie Edwards has a BA from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree from McMaster University and Syracuse University (2023), studied comedy writing at the Second City Training Centre, and works in communications. Jane & Edward is her first novel.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Donna's Reviews, romance reviews, Teasers, Uncategorized
Tagged berkley romance, JANE & EDWARD: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards, Melodie Edwards
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February 7, 2023

Review: THE PHANTOM by Gena Showalter

THE PHANTOM (The Warlord Series Book 3) by Gena Showalter

Publication Date: February 7, 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter delivers The Phantom, the newest book in her dark and sexy Rise of the Warlords series.

As the son of a war god, Roux Pyroesis has suffered unending pain—he’s caused it, too, dispatching his foes with alarming ease. Now, he’s tasked with cutting out the heart of a powerful queen who rules an ancient prison realm inhabited by the most vicious immortal females in existence.

Blythe the Undoing is a decorated harpy warrior determined to annihilate Roux, the invader who killed her beloved consort. Nothing will stop her. Even if she must trap herself for eternity by sneaking into the brutal realm and taking the crown, pitting herself against the merciless male she’s sworn to despise.

Having never known desire, Roux is ill prepared for the stunning beauty who challenges him at every turn. For the survival of his army, duty comes first. Always. But what happens when the flames of Blythe’s hatred burn out and she craves him too…but only one of them can live?

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Cori 5 Stars

Gena Showalter never disappoints! This was my first read this year because I knew it would be a good and I want to start the year off right. THE PHANTOM is an enemies to lovers troupe with instant chemistry between the characters. Gena Showalter is master at creating unique and exciting new paranormal worlds that draw the reader in. I instantly got swept up again in the Warlord series world and drawn into Roux and Blythe’s story. It kept me glued to the pages and had plenty of action, steamy hot romance, some humor and unforgettable characters.

The Warlord Series is a spin-off series from The Lords of the Underground Series but you do not need to read it before picking up this series. I highly recommend the LOTU series though. It’s one of my favorites. Each book in the Warlord series is a standalone but I recommend reading them in order.

I highly recommend this book and this series for paranormal romance lovers. Gena Showalter always delivers an unforgettable story that I end up rereading. She’s on my auto-buy list.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the Author

411A3C05-FDF9-4C09-BE5D-F743C622384C Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she’s appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfan

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

August 9, 2022

Review: RUTHLESS by Gena Showalter

RUTHLESS (Immortal Enemies Series Book 2) by Gena Showalter

Publication Date: August 9, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

Don’t miss the second book in New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s captivating and unforgettable Immortal Enemies series…

Forbidden. Powerful. Ruthless.

Micah the Unwilling, fae King of the Forgotten, can tame even the most violent of beasts. Forged on the battlefield, this iron-willed warrior considers his soldiers his family, and he will stop at nothing to reclaim their dispossessed land. Gearing for war with a sadistic enemy, he is disciplined and focused—until a feral beauty he encountered long ago wanders into his camp.

Viori de Aoibheall wields a terrifying ability to sing monsters to life. Having spent her childhood in a forest, raising herself and her frightening creations—the only friends she’s ever known—she’s ill prepared for the scarred royal and his fearsome brutality. Not to mention the ferocity of their connection and the carnality of his touch. But the real problem? Her brother is Micah’s greatest foe. And though the sensual king makes her burn, she must stop him, whatever the cost.

Immortal Enemies

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Cori 5 Stars

Loved RUTHLESS! This is the second book in Gena Showalter’s Immortal Enemies Series and features characters introduced in book 1. Kaysar’s sister, Viori, and Kaysar’s enemy, King Micah. I was immediately swept up in their story. Romance, mystery, humor, heat, and action kept me flipping the pages all night long. Gena Showalter has created a unique and exciting new fantasy world with new characters for us to fall in love with. I’m totally wrapped up in this series and can’t wait for more! I highly recommend this series for paranormal romance lovers and if you haven’t read any of her books this series might be a good one to start with because there are only two books so far. Then you can pick up her other series once you become obsessed. She’s one of my favorites and on my automatic buy list.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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✦ HEARTLESS (Book 1) ➢ Review | Kindle

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About the Author

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

July 27, 2022

Review: BAYOU SWEETHEART by Lexi Blake

BAYOU SWEETHEART (Butterfly Bayou Series Book 5) by Lexi Blake

Publication Date: July 26, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Sparks fly in Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou when a Hollywood starlet falls for a local deputy in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he’s taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department. Now that he’s settling into life on the bayou, he’s trying out the dating scene. Every single woman in town seems to be pining after the handsome newcomer. But so far, nothing’s worked out, and he’s had some spectacularly bad dates. Major’s getting ready to give up on love when a new lady roars into town to film a movie and turns his world upside down.

Actress Brynn Pearson is trying to make a successful transition from child star to leading lady. Now that she’s landed her first lead in a major film, nothing can stop her. She’s committed to focusing solely on her work, so romance is the last thing she needs—too bad she can’t get her mind off the dreamy deputy she keeps running into. He’s gorgeous, and something about him makes her feel safe. As Brynn’s feelings for Major deepen, she starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than her career.

When a family crisis throws Major’s life into a tailspin, he turns to Brynn for support, and hopes their budding relationship will shine brighter than Hollywood lights.

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I completely enjoyed this contemporary romance. Major (yes, that is his name) instantly grabbed my attention because of his inner dialogue during the opening scene, then he never let go. Even when he sometimes acted like “an annoying man”, I couldn’t get mad at him. Thankfully he had his perfect match in Brynn. She was also likeable and someone I could relate to. They were both just coasting through life with no time to realize they weren’t really living. I loved their journey of not only love but finding themselves and inner happiness.

The flirty banter between Brynn and Major, and camaraderie between the townspeople and friends made this a book I couldn’t put down. Especially those characters that kept me wondering if I liked them or not. It all blended into a lovely story about family, friendship, small town life, and finding true happiness when you least expect it. The epilogue was a perfect ending….I’m still smiling.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

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Posted in 5 Stars, Donna's Reviews, romance reviews, Teasers
Tagged BAYOU SWEETHEART by Lexi Blake, Butterfly Bayou Series by Lexi Blake, Lexi Blake
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June 28, 2022

Review: RED ON THE RIVER by Christine Feehan

RED ON THE RIVER by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: June 28, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan goes all in with this sexy romantic thriller set among the dangers—both man-made and natural—of Nevada’s breathtaking landscape.

Vienna Mortenson isn’t your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there’s no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She’s not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.

Vizzini’s job constantly puts him in harm’s way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn’t exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he’s determined to win her back, and he’s ready to lay all his cards on the table.

As their friends’ wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna’s heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them….

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This was an interesting mystery/thriller. I just love the camaraderie between Vienna and her girlfriends. It adds a fun and easy contrast to the stoic operatives surrounding them. We met these people in Murder at Sunrise Lake, but it is a stand-alone story and the reader can easily get to know the characters, especially when the girlfriends get together and chat.

I liked Vienna and her complex life story. Her unique extrasensory gift added a nice element to the story as well. Her likeability and relatability was secured by her friends instead of her love interest. I didn’t really get a connection to Zale. He wasn’t a constant fixture in the story, and when he was, it wasn’t enough to feel their connection. They did seem to compliment each other’s strengths – so there is that.

The suspenseful story did keep me guessing and I was satisfied with how it all played out. And I’ll let you know that you will learn a lot about playing cards and rock climbing. This was listed as a romantic thriller, but I think it is more a thriller with romantic elements – still enjoyable and held my interest until the end.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Posted in 5 Stars, Donna's Reviews, paranormal romance, romance reviews, Teasers
Tagged berkley romance, Christine Feehan, RED ON THE RIVER by Christine Feehan
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April 5, 2022

Review: LOVER ARISEN: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward

LOVER ARISEN: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward

Publication Date: April 5, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

True love brings a deadly threat to the Black Dagger Brotherhood in this sizzling new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Possessed by the demon Devina, Balthazar is once again on the hunt for the Book of Spells—and fighting an undeniable attraction to a woman. As a thief, he has stolen a lot of things…but he never thought his heart would be taken by another. Especially not a human.

As a homicide detective, Erika Saunders knows there is something otherworldly going on in Caldwell, New York. Mutilated bodies that cannot be explained are all over her case list—and then there are her nightmares in which she’s hunted by shadows and captivated by a mysterious man who is both a suspect and a savior.

When Devina’s wish for true love is finally granted, Balthazar and Erika unwittingly become the gateway for the rebirth of an old enemy of the Brothers. Will the very thing that brings them together lead to the ultimate destruction of the Brotherhood? Or will they have to lose everything in order to save the race’s most sacred defenders?

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This book had it all. Love triangles, death, good & evil, love, hate, violence, friendship, smiles, and tears. Yet it wasn’t a jumbled mess of storylines. It all wove nicely into an exciting tale that held on to me long after the last page was read. Erika and Balz were perfectly matched. Her intelligence and strength blended so well with his and their conversations flowed easily so you just knew they were meant for each other. I think she is my favorite shellan so far. She can handle herself and is strong without being cold. She is also not a damsel in distress. I love that he appreciates that in her. From time to time, their connection almost had a “fated” feel about it, but it blossomed nicely into a wonderful love.

I will not divulge any of the storyline because I want you to take this rollercoaster ride for yourselves. So, I will be vague on the following comments. Devina – the demon we love to hate is at it again, only tenfold. This set into motion some situations that made me bark out “WHAT?” a few times. Who am I kidding….I said a few other things as well. The book was full of surprises that make me wish book 21 was coming out tomorrow. I also can’t wait until others read it so I can talk about it all.

*Review copy provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Hardback

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✿THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD WORLD by J.R. WARD✿
AMAZON SERIES LINKS: http://amzn.to/2qf62lo
✦Dark Lover ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17wcZJV
✦Lover Eternal ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/179BzU8
✦Lover Awakened ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18Eqmsy
✦Lover Revealed ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/13g9tWr
✦Lover Unbound ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18tPt2h
✦Lover Enshrined ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17woxN4
✦ The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17FIm70
✦ Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella’s Story: A Black Dagger Brotherhood Novella (eBook – the printed version of this story is also found in “The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide” http://amzn.to/17wqaKE
✦Lover Avenged ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1I5iTcw
✦Lover Mine ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1dRq35K
✦Lover Unleashed ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1dR9pDy
✦Lover Reborn ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18EjoDX
✦Lover At Last ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/16GUthu
✦The King ➢ Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1aQ | Kindle http://amzn.to/12CBV4A
✦The Shadows ➢ Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2gm | Kindle http://amzn.to/1BAHVJT
✦BLOOD KISS (Legacy) ➢ Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3px | Kindle: http://amzn.to/1BlQjuG
✦The Beast ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-4JB | Kindle http://amzn.to/1KX7Jsj
✦BLOOD VOW (Legacy) ➢ Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7kK | Kindle: http://amzn.to/1RxpiwG
✦The Chosen ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8u8 | Kindle http://amzn.to/2nkaHil
✦BLOOD FURY (Legacy) ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-ayS | Kindle http://amzn.to/2oGiaMq
✦Dearest Ivie: A Novella Set in the Black Dagger World ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aEo | Kindle http://amzn.to/2F2HvUu
✦The Thief ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aHi | Kindle http://amzn.to/2w2pTH5
✦Prisoner of Night (Novella) ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aZ6 | Kindle https://amzn.to/2U7vxBo
✦The Savior ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b5b | Kindle https://amzn.to/2q3e6E8
✦BLOOD TRUTH (Legacy) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2VrQ5V8
✦WHERE WINTER FINDS YOU: A CALDWELL CHRISTMAS ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2Rtmlqh
✦THE SINNER ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/31tCaRE
✦ THE JACKAL (Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp Book 1) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2L3NKNv
✦A Warm Heart in Winter (The Black Dagger Brotherhood World) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2BVIM3x
✦LOVER UNVEILED ➢ Review https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bLV | Kindle https://amzn.to/2TY3TIj
✦CLAIMED (Lair of the Wolven, The Book 1) ➢ Review https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bPV | Kindle https://amzn.to/321gfDR
✦THE WOLF (Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp Book 2) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2MYDk5o
✦Lover Arisen ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/3xqQj1Z

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About the Author

J.R. Ward is the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of vampire books. She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance and is a multiple RITA nominee. A graduate of Smith College, she was a double major in History and Art History with a medieval concentration in both and she still longs at times for a return to those days sitting in dark lecture halls, looking at slides of old triptychs and reliquaries. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a corporate attorney, serving for many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard Medical Schools premier teaching sites. Her idea of absolute heaven is a day filled with nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot and the Brothers, of course.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Posted in 5 Stars, Donna's Reviews, paranormal romance, Teasers
Tagged BDB, Black Dagger Brotherhood, BlackDaggerBrotherhood, J. R. Ward, JRWard, LOVER ARISEN, LOVER ARISEN by J. R. Ward, LOVER ARISEN: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward
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March 1, 2022

Review: PHANTOM GAME by Christine Feehan

PHANTOM GAME (A GhostWalker Novel Book 18) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

Two predators collide with unbridled passion in this intoxicating GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Jonas “Smoke” Harper has watched his brothers find their perfect mates, never imagining he’d actually meet someone who complements every part of him—even the monster that lurks within. But his instant connection with Camellia goes far beyond wanting the intelligent, beautiful, and lethal woman in his bed. They are two parts of a whole, linked to each other and to a larger network that exists everywhere around them.

Camellia has lived on her own for a long time, relying on her unique psychic abilities to keep her safe. She knows that Jonas was literally made for her, and that makes their addictive connection more dangerous than a thousand enhanced super soldiers. Once the larger threat looming over them is dealt with she’s going to get far away as fast as she can. Life has taught her that the only one she can truly trust is herself.

Jonas can sense Camellia is going to run—and the hunter inside doesn’t want to let go. Not when he knows how good they’ll be together. So he’ll just have to use all of his considerable skills to convince her to stay….

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I enjoyed this installment in the GhostWalker series, especially since we get back to Team One again. I like the close-knit dynamic of that group and how they pull together during a crisis. The start of this book was a bit slow due to detailed descriptions of things that bogged it down for me. I would rather it had been more character driven. That feeling quickly changed as I came to appreciate how the author blended their personalities seamlessly as the story progressed. Camellia was intelligent and self-driven, yet soft at heart. I’m glad that Jonas appreciated and was awed by her ability to accept and discover what her abilities were capable of doing. It was good to see him leaning on her for help with his own issues while still being strong. I’m usually not a fan of “fated love”, but they made it seem so natural and lovely.

The story itself was intense. Not so much physical battles, but battles that are unseen and can only be guessed at. The tension was fun and held me captive. I loved Jonas and Camellia’s unique abilities, it made for a fun and engrossing read. I won’t go into details on the storyline or their abilities, as I want the reader to make that journey without me giving it away. If it isn’t on the blurb…I am not going to share. Just know that I loved it.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

Amazon Series Link

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February 1, 2022

Review: THE IMMORTAL by Gena Showalter

THE IMMORTAL (The Warlord Series Book 2) by Gena Showalter

Publication Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter delivers The Immortal, the second dark and sexy book in her Rise of the Warlords series, featuring a cold, merciless assassin and a stubborn harpy warrior… one fated to die by the other’s hand.

Halo Phaninon, assassin of gods, is as cold and merciless as a machine. For victory, he crosses any line. When tasked to kill twelve of mythology’s fiercest monsters in twenty-four hours, Halo eagerly accepts. Except, each morning he awakens to the same day, forced to relive new horrors. Only one other person retains their memory—the beauty who threatens his iron control.

Ophelia the Flunk Out hates her disaster of a life. She’s the family disappointment, a harpy warrior without a kill and powerless—or is she? Nearly every night she’s doomed to repeat her own murder, but each morning she arises to spar with Halo, the ruthless warlord increasingly determined to save her…and lure her to his bed.

Halo’s insatiable desire for the stubborn Ophelia drives him wild…and he only craves more. If he remains in the time loop, they stay together. But if he escapes, they lose each other forever.

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Cori 5 Stars

I started the year off with this book and it did not disappoint. I loved Halo and Ophelia together. A harpy was just what Halo needed to shake up his life. If I could be anything I think I would be one of Gena Showalter’s harpies. IMMORTAL kept me up all night flipping the pages. Lots of angst, humor, sexy times, danger and a great love story. I highly recommend this series! It is a spin-off from the Lords of the Underworld Series but it can be read as a stand alone series. I love the LOTU series and highly recommend it if you haven’t read it though. It’s one I read over and over and it never gets old. Gena Showalter is one of my favorites.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the Author

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December 6, 2021

Review: HUNTER’S HOPE by Alyssa Day

HUNTER’S HOPE (Vampire Motorcycle Club Book 2) by Alyssa Day

Publication Date: November 30, 2021

Genre: Paranormal Romance

EA1DB6A6-2AD1-492F-8114-2ADB80D2072F Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child…only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…

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Donna 5 Stars

I enjoyed this lovely escape from reality. Alice is understandably a bit quirky, which I enjoyed right away. Her pet rescue facility has a fun assortment of odd animals, which only adds to her likeability and the fun factor of the story. She and Hunter made a good couple, he appreciates her strengths even while trying to protect her. They each made the other stronger. Their romance edged a bit toward the too sweet side, but that was tempered with a sexiness I enjoyed.

There was danger directed at everyone, but it didn’t have me chewing my nails as I read. The suspenseful story wrapped wonderfully around the group dynamics of the vampires and werewolves. I loved their camaraderie and banter! It made me wish I were a part of it all.

It’s a fun quick read full of smiles, laughter, danger, and steamy romance. Now I need to go back and purchase book one while waiting for the next installment!

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Paperback

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Alyssa Day is the pen name (and dark and tortured alter ego) of author Alesia Holliday. As Alyssa, she is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author with more than a million books sold, and she writes the Warriors of Poseidon and Cardinal Witchesparanormal romance series and the Tiger’s Eye Mysteries, a paranormal mystery series. As Alesia, she writes comedies that make readers snort things out of their noses, and is the author of the award-winning memoir about military families during war-time deployments: Email to the Front. She has won many awards for her writing, including Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award for outstanding romance fiction and the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance novel of 2012.

Alyssa is a diehard Buckeye who graduated summa cum laude from Capital University Law School and practiced as a trial lawyer in multi-million dollar litigation for several years before coming to her senses and letting the voices in her head loose on paper. She has lived all over the country, including Florida, Mississippi, Washington state, Ohio, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Alaska, Michigan, Virginia—and she has lived all over the world: the Philippines, Turkey, and Japan. She loves to travel, and just got back from trips to St. Pete Beach, Florida, New York City, Atlanta, and Savannah, and is heading to Houston soon. She currently lives in Florida with her Navy Guy husband, two kids, and any number of rescue dogs.

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