Monday 30 April 2018

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: LORD OF FORTUNE by DARCY BURKE


Lord of Fortune, an all-new historical and romantic standalone from Darcy Burke is LIVE!

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Lord of Fortune
Legendary Rogues #3
By Darcy Burke
Releasing April 24th, 2018
Intrepid Reads




Dashing adventurer Penn Bowen is dedicated to preserving Britain’s history and his carefree, bachelor lifestyle. He’s happiest when he’s in pursuit of knowledge and the occasional liaison with the right woman. So he’s more than a little perturbed when the wrong woman inserts herself into his latest quest—proving that a valuable artifact in Oxford’s museum is a fake. Amelia Gardiner is smart and capable...and determined to prove that Penn is wrong about the treasure her grandfather found.

Amelia won’t allow Penn to denigrate her family’s legacy, and she certainly won’t join the ranks of women who throw themselves at his feet. As secretive and dangerous factions infiltrate their hunt, Amelia and Penn must work together to stay one step ahead. But passion ignites between them and suddenly their alliance is more than a simple convenience. When peril strikes too close, they’ll risk everything they hold dear: family, honor, and a chance for the greatest treasure of all—love.

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In Lord of Fortune (Legendary Rogues #3) by Darcy Burke, Penn Bowen knows a lot about antiquities and leads an exciting life as an adventurer, but he faces his toughest challenge yet. Trying to prove to Amelia that the valuable artefact her grandfather found and which now resides at the Oxford Museum is a fake doesn't get off to a great start, but he's determined to find the real treasure no matter what. However, being around each other isn't easy, but Penn is determined to make the most of the pair teaming up together. Will Penn be able to win Amelia over, or are the secrets she's keeping too big for the pair to ever have a chance at happy ever after?

I haven't read any of the previous books of this series, but I really enjoyed this third book of Ms. Burke's Legendary Rogues series due to the wonderful main characters that find it hard to trust each other at first; and dialogue that had me intrigued to keep reading in order to find out whether the hero was right or wrong when it came to what he believed about the valuable artefact her grandfather found. As for the way this story started, it sets the fast-pace of the book and drew me in immediately because of what the hero is doing. However, things get very interesting when the heroine enters the picture. Will she get her way? 

Both the main characters are fascinating due to their back stories and their growing relationship. Yet, what I liked most of all is the obstacles these two had to overcome to be together. Will the heroine finally be free of her past? Will the heroine be able to be with the hero, especially when there's something big that's holding her back?  Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, even though it isn't easy for her to trust after what her jerk of a husband did in the past. I also liked how she challenged the hero, especially in the beginning because she wants to do right for her family name. Will she be able to prove the hero is wrong? While the hero, he's good at what he does in searching for antiquities and I loved his enthusiasm for what he does. I also liked how confident he was that he'd get to the bottom of the mystery of whether the artefact was indeed a fake. Yet, I couldn't help but sympathize with the hero because of what he learns about his parentage and that everything he believed was a lie. Can he handle the truth to be able to fulfil his new role?

Overall, Ms. Burke has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me hoping for the best for these two, as they have a big obstacle to overcome to be together; and the ending had me worried for the main characters because of what they go through, but had me loving that these two finally get their shot at happy ever after. I would recommend Lord of Fortune by Darcy Burke, if you enjoy Historical Romance or books by authors Jess Michaels, Erica Ridley, Christi Caldwell and Ella Quinn.




 
Penn enjoyed watching her animated expression change as she’d relayed the tale. “You’re a romantic.”

Her brow pleated for a moment. “Not particularly.”

He wasn’t sure he believed her, but he’d have to take her word for it since he barely knew her. Though he hoped they were rectifying that. He did? Did he hope to know her better? Certainly, if it meant gathering information he needed to find the real heart and dagger. As to that—he needed to convince her to accept his partnership, especially if the Order was involved.

“The Order’s primary objective is to keep the Thirteen Treasures—and really anything to do with them—from being found or publicized. They want them to remain a legend.”

“But one of them is in a museum.”

He lifted his right shoulder. “Or not.”

She rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. “Does the Order agree with that assessment?”

“I can’t say for certain—let me be clear: I am not a member. Members are, for the most part, descendants of the knights.”

“How can that be possible if it’s all a legend?”

“The Order wants everyone to think it’s all a legend. I didn’t say they believed that.” Mr. Tarleton returned with Penn’s breakfast. After the innkeeper left, Mrs. Forrest shook her head.

“That seems ridiculous. What is their reasoning?”

“That the treasures are too powerful, that if they were to be found, they would cause strife and conflict.”

He sliced off a piece of ham and brought it to his mouth. “War?”

She stared at him a moment, and her shoulder twitched as if she suppressed a shiver. “My grandfather told me once that he gave the heart to the museum because it was far too valuable to keep. He feared someone would steal it.”

Penn relaxed slightly. Her sharing such a thing with him was progress. Her brow furrowed once more and stayed that way as she spoke. “What he said in the letter… Was he afraid of this Order? Do I need to be concerned?”

It was the perfect opportunity to bind her to him, to encourage her reliance, but he’d also said he wouldn’t lie. “You do not need to be afraid. Concern, or wariness, is always a good thing. Even if you decide to associate with me.”

She gave him a dark but curious stare. “And what do I need to be wary about with you?”

He didn’t think she meant any sort of innuendo, but his brain took that route automatically. Lout. “I don’t plan to steal anything from you. I merely want to share information so that we may get to the heart—pardon the pun—of the matter.”

She rolled her eyes again, but this time, the edge of her mouth ticked up with humor. He suppressed a smile before taking another bite of ham. After he swallowed, he said, “I only meant that being guarded will serve you well. That said, you can trust me.”

She let out a short laugh. “One of the first things you said to me was that you didn’t trust me, and now you expect me to trust you?”

He had said that, blast. And he’d meant it. Did he trust her now? Not completely. But then the list of those he trusted completely was quite succinct—his parents and his sister. “How about we give it a try?”

There was something about her… Something he wanted to discover. She, like all women, was a mystery. The difference was that he wanted to investigate this one.




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Darcy Burke

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her reader club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit.

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: SAVE ME by CECY ROBSON



Save Me
O'Brien Family #5
By Cecy Robson
Releasing April 25th, 2018
Self-Published

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RT Book Reviews proclaims that the O’Brien Family series from award-winning author Cecy Robson “has the hottest brothers ever!” And in SAVE ME, it’s time for Seamus, the family’s most notorious bachelor, to find true love.

Three weddings. No date. What’s a hot stud to do when all the women on his speed dial are either serving dinner to their families or serving time?

Out of all the O’Briens, Seamus is the best-looking, most creative, and, did I mention, best-looking? Single at almost forty wasn’t a big deal until every sibling in his large and loud Irish family found “the one.” Now, he’s desperate for a wedding date, one he doesn’t have to worry will make out with the limo driver or rob the bride and groom blind.

Allie Mendes is the good daughter, who’s spent her life living in her perfect sister’s shadow. But when her sister steals the man Allie was supposed to marry, that shadow she’s lived in threatens to swallow her whole. Allie wants to believe a bright future awaits. But when she begs God to save her from this disastrous twist of fate, the last person she expects Him to send her is Seamus O’Brien.

Allie needs a stand-in boyfriend to avoid appearing as lonely as she feels. Seamus needs a decent woman without an ankle bracelet or a rap sheet as long as his muscular arms. The two make a deal to pose as each other’s perfect date. But weddings mean romance and a chance at forever neither had planned.

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In Save Me (O'Brien Family #5) by Cecy Robson, with all his siblings finding love, Seamus O'Brien's family are hoping he'll finally find 'the one'. But for now, he'll settle for finding a wedding date. Luckily, Allie Mendes is the perfect woman for him to ask since she needs just as big a favor from him. But when playing her fake boyfriend starts to feel all too real, will Seamus be able to convince Allie to give them a shot at happy ever after?

What a wonderful ending to such a brilliant series Ms. Robson has penned in this fifth book of her O'Brien Family series, which encompasses the fake relationship trope; compelling dialogue that was a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the main characters back stories and their interactions with their families, especially that of the heroine and playful banter that had me loving the growing relationship between the hero and heroine; and two enchanting main characters that I loved from the moment they're introduced to each other because Seamus had me laughing with the things he says to the heroine. Does he really need to use such excuses like he does?

With the main characters, I absolutely loved this couple together. Seamus is confident, a good guy because of what he does for the heroine in coming to her rescue with her family and I liked how determined he was to help her. There were moments where he made me laugh, especially in the moments when he interacted with his family because anything goes when they're conversing. Then again, they don't leave the heroine out of their teasing either. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is that he would do anything for those he cares about, which is proven by all that he's done in the past and the present for his family and what he does for the heroine to show her how much he cares. 

While the heroine, she really surprised me. It's hard living in the shadow of her older sister and I could understand why she makes the decisions she does throughout this story. Why not finally stand up for herself and hopefully be able to move forward with her life instead of letting it hold her back from happiness. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she gave the hero a chance, even knowing that their plan could backfire. 

Overall, Ms. Robson has delivered an utterly captivating read in this book where the chemistry between Seamus and Allie was intense; the romance was hot once this couple's relationship progressed from platonic to physical intimacy; and the ending had me loving how Seamus shows Allie how important she is to him and proves to her that she is good enough. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly because of the hero's surprise for the heroine. What will her answer be? I would recommend Save Me by Cecy Robson, if you enjoy the fake relationship trope or books by authors Ilsa Madden-Mills, Daisy Prescott, Kristen Proby and Marquita Valentine. 


     




DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE O'BRIEN FAMILY SERIES

WHICH CAN ALL BE READ AS STANDALONES!



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Cecy Robson is an author of contemporary and new adult romance, young adult adventure, and award-winning urban fantasy. A double-nominated RITA® Finalist, Winner of the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and published author of more than twenty titles, you can typically find Cecy on her laptop or stumbling blindly in search of caffeine.

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Saturday 28 April 2018

REVIEW: UNDERCOVER WITH THE NANNY by CATHY SKENDROVICH


Undercover with the Nanny
By Cathy Skendrovich
Releasing April 23rd, 2018
Entangled Publishing



DEA agent Sawyer Hayes came to California in search of a drug cartel leader who slipped through his fingers in El Paso. The link to finding him is Kate Munroe, a nanny for one of his henchmen. The problem? He didn’t expect to be so drawn to a possible suspect. How is he supposed to do his job when his growing feelings for her are clouding his judgment?

Interior designer Kate Munroe’s life is a train wreck. Her parents’ deaths left her with their mounds of debt, she can’t get a job designing even a cubicle, and she’s bunking in her best friend’s spare bedroom. To make ends meet, she’s a nanny to a lonely little boy whose rich father works all the time. Romance is not on her radar. But her hot new neighbor could change her mind, with his broad shoulders and Southern charm. Too bad his secrets could destroy her.

BUY LINK:  Amazon



In Undercover with the Nanny by Cathy Skendrovich, DEA agent Sawyer Hayes is determined to take down the drug leader that got away from him and his team in El Paso. However, his only lead is Kate Monroe, the nanny of one of the leader's henchmen. But the more time he spends with Kate, the more Sawyer finds himself doing the one thing he shouldn't -- getting involved with a potential suspect. Will Sawyer be able to prove her innocence, so they have a shot at happy ever after or will Kate's trust issues send her running from the man she's falling for?

Ms. Skendrovich pens an utterly captivating read in this book, which I loved right from the beginning because it brought a smile to my face due to how the hero and heroine meet. Could the hero have been a little more sophisticated and co-ordinated in his approach or is what he does the perfect way to introduce himself? In all honesty, what he does is sure to get the heroine's attention whether it's good or bad attention, depending on how she reacts.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as the heroine doesn't trust easily and the hero is determined to find and take down the drug leader that hurt someone he cares about. Will the heroine be able to help the hero? Will the hero finally arrest the drug leader he's after? However, in saying that the dialogue was intense in this book, there are also moments where I smiled and cried a little, especially towards the end. Moreover, the heroine is strong, brave and I liked that she took a chance on the her. I also liked how good she was to the kid she took care of since she knows what it's like to have no one that's there for her. Not that the heroine's situation was the same as the boy's, but it isn't easy for her to watch the boy wanting his father's approval time and again and being left disappointed. Will she speak up to the kid's father?

While the hero, he's confident, hard-working, doesn't back down when the going gets tough including when he butts heads with another agent, and I liked how persistent he was when it came to getting close with the heroine. Will she be the lead he needs to take down the drug leader he's after? Will the hero realize how important the heroine has come to mean to him before it's too late? I also liked how far the hero was willing to go to protect the heroine, especially once he and his team realize how costly the operation they're running could be by not knowing all the facts.

Overall, Ms. Skendrovich has penned a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong and undeniable; the romance was splendid and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me worried for the main characters because of the daring rescue that definitely had me wanting to bite my nails, yet I liked how everything worked out for the best and that the heroine gave the hero another chance after their relationship went awry because of his secrets. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because Kate and Sawyer are so good together and deserve every bit of happiness they've found. I would recommend Undercover with the Nanny by Cathy Skendrovich, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the sexy protector trope or books by authors Taylor Lunsford, Tonya Burrows, Allison B. Hanson and Tee O'Fallon. 






















































Friday 27 April 2018

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: TOTAL BRAVERY by PIPER J. DRAKE


True heroes will do anything to protect the women they love...


Total Bravery
True Heroes #4
By Piper J. Drake
Releasing April 28th, 2018
Forever



True heroes will do anything to protect the women they love...

As the newest recruit at Search and Protect, Raul has a lot to prove. Luckily, he's got the best friend and partner a man could ask for: a highly trained, fiercely loyal German Shepherd Dog named Taz. Together, Raul and Taz make an unbeatable team. But their first mission in Hawaii really puts them to the test when an international kidnapping ring sets its sights on the bravest woman Raul's ever met . . .

Mali knows her latest job has put one hell of a target on her back. And on this small island paradise, there's nowhere to hide. With a service dog like Taz, Mali feels safe. Sharing close quarters with a smoldering muscle-for-hire like Raul, she feels something else - an unexpected wave of desire. Raul feels it too. But when the kidnappers make their move, he's got to turn that slow-burning passion into hard-hitting action - and save the life of the woman he loves.


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More from the True Heroes series:

Extreme Honor
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Ultimate Courage
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Absolute Trust
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In Total Bravery (True Heroes #4) by Piper J. Drake, Mali knew her latest job could get her the attention of  some bad people, but to be targeted by a kidnapping ring was something she never thought possible. Luckily though, Raul and his German Shepherd partner come to her rescue. However, while Mali is lucky, there are some who aren't. Determined to help, Mali and Raul work together with his team to find out what's going on. But when things turn dangerous, will Raul be able to keep Mali safe or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

The way this story started sets the fast-pace of the story and drew me in immediately, as Mali is in serious trouble and it had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether she'd find a way to stay safe. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things get really interesting, as there's instant chemistry between them, but the hero needs to keep his head in the game to be able to help the heroine. Will Raul and his German Shepherd be able to help the heroine, especially once he and the rest of his team realize how bad the situation is for Mali. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to what the heroine is going through and whether Raul's team will be able to help her, especially when the heroine is determined not to stay in the background while the others investigate. Really, she's resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to help Raul's team, especially since she doesn't know what's happened to the others she was with. Will she learn the truth? Furthermore, I liked the bond she shared with her sister; a sister that has done her best to protect her baby sister and make things easier for her. While the hero, he's been through a lot and doesn't find it easy to trust, but I liked that he let the heroine in. She's good for him and vice versa. I also liked how determined the hero was to help the heroine, especially with how far he's willing to go to help, even though things could get dangerous for the pair if they don't keep their guard up at all times when they venture out from what's considered a safe zone for the heroine.

Overall, Ms. Drake has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the ending had me worried for the main characters because of what they're doing, but had me liking how things worked out for the best for the pair, especially since both are determined to do whatever it takes to make a relationship between them possible. I would recommend Total Bravery by Piper J. Drake, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Katie Ruggle, Katie Reus, Roxanne St. Claire and Maya Blake. 




A woman’s voice was on the other end of the line, strained and wary.

“Raul Sá.” He pulled the phone away from his ear to glance at the screen. No traceable caller ID.

“I was calling the Search and Protect Organization.” The woman hesitated. “I’m looking for Arin Siri.”

“She’s working right now. Must’ve forwarded her calls to my line.”

There was a long pause. “This is Mali, Arin’s sister. Please help me.” 




Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.
Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads| YouTube