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

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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.

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: THE LAST KING by KATEE ROBERT

Ultra wealthy and super powerful, the King family is like royalty in Texas. But who will keep the throne? New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert introduces a red-hot new series.

The Last King

The Kings #1

By Katee Robert

Releasing April 3rd, 2018

Forever

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THE MAN SHE HATES TO LOVE

Beckett King just inherited his father's fortune, his company-and all his enemies. If he's going to stay on top, he needs someone he can trust beside him. And though they've been rivals for years, there's no one he trusts more than Samara Mallick.

The rebel. That's how Samara has always thought of Beckett. And he's absolutely living up to his unpredictable ways when he strides into her office and asks for help. She can't help wondering if it's a legit request or just a ploy to get her into bed. Not that she'd mind either one. After all, she likes to live on the edge too.

But soon the threats to the King empire are mounting, and the two find family secrets darker than they ever imagined and dangerous enough to get them both killed.

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In The Last King (The Kings #1) by Katee Robert, Beckett King should be able to trust his family, but for years there's been a family feud. So, when his father dies and Beckett inherits the family company, he knows he's going to have to watch his back. However, there may be someone he can trust, even though they've been rivals for years, and that's Samara Mallick. Will Samara be willing to help him or will they lose their chance at happy ever after because the King family secrets put them in more danger than they could have ever possibly imagined?

Ms. Robert never fails to impress me with her writing and this first book of her Kings series is absolutely brilliant and completely hot right from the prologue, as Beckett is full of charm and Samara is hopeless in resisting him. However, in saying that, she knows better than to trust him because their rivals. Will she begin to realize that her loyalty lies with a woman that will do anything to get what she wants, even if it means breaking the law?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero because of the family feud that puts him at odds with the rest of the King family. Luckily though, he has one person on his side, especially when Samara begins to realize how ruthless her boss is and how far the woman is willing to go to get what she wants. Will Samara go along with the woman's plans when it comes to the contract she wants the heroine to secure? Furthermore, both the main characters are compelling and I loved the interactions between them, as she doesn't want to end up like her mother in falling for a rich man and then things don't work out. Will things work out for Beckett and Samara?

With the main characters, I absolutely loved Beckett. He's confident, faces quite the challenge in winning over the heroine, and I liked that he didn't back down when things became more and more dangerous for him. I also liked how protective Beckett was of the heroine, as she may become a target someone can use against him because she's come important to him. While the heroine, she's strong, independent, smart and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, despite her fears of abandonment. I also liked that the heroine was just as protective of Beckett as he was of her, especially when she realizes how much she has to lose. 

Overall, Ms. Robert has delivered a wonderful read in this book, which encompasses the perfect combination of steamy romance and intense suspense that had me on the edge-of-my-seat with every bit of danger this couple face, even though Beckett seems to be the target. Yet, what I liked most of all about the ending of this story is the way things worked out for the best for Beckett and Samara and that they were willing to fight for their future. I would recommend The Last King by Katee Robert, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Avery Flynn, Nina Croft, Kristen Proby and Tessa Bailey.

The Last King Excerpt

Copyright © 2018 Katee Robert

Heaven was Samara in a little green dress.

Beckett watched her walk across the lobby, her mile-long legs eating up the distance with ease. That glimpse of wildness she’d given him last night was in full effect today, her hair a mass of black waves that seemed to curl and snap around her shoulders with each step. Her dress fitted her like a second skin, sloping down over her breasts, her stomach, to her hips and thighs.

But it was her dark eyes that drew and held him. Anger and desire and something like guilt lingered there, and she held his gaze as she stopped in front of him. “Do I meet your expectation?”

“You’re beautiful.”

She arched a single eyebrow. “I know.”

That surprised a laugh out of him. Beckett turned to the elevator bank and offered his elbow. The gentlemanly move was over-the-top for their current circumstances, but he couldn’t be this close to her without touching her. Kissing her now, here, was a terrible damn idea, so he’d settle for the small touch. “No false modesty. I like that.”

“I think we’ve established that I don’t operate based on what you like.” Despite her words, amusement pulled at the edges of her lips, and she set her hand carefully on his forearm. “Every time I think I have your number down, you surprise me. Most guys get pissy pants if a woman doesn’t fall at their feet when they call her beautiful.”

“I’m not most guys.” He waited for the elevator door to open and led her onto it. “You can’t fit me into a box and write me off, Samara.”

“I’m beginning to see that.” She shook her head, her hair brushing against his shoulder. “My life would be a whole lot easier if I could.”

He couldn’t argue that, so he didn’t bother. Beckett took them up to the executive level. He noted the way she studied everything, obviously filing away every bit of information she could lay her eyes on. “What does Lydia pay you these days?”

She dropped her arm and stepped back. “Oh no. I don’t think so.” She pointed at him. “We went over this last night. I’m not for sale.”

“It’s an innocent question.”

“It is most definitely not an innocent question.” She looked like she wanted to take off her shoe and throw it at his head. “I don’t care what issue you and your aunt have. I’m not part of it. You don’t get to use me as leverage. I’m not a pawn for either of you to sacrifice in this pissing match you have going on.”

Shame tried to take hold, but he wouldn’t let it. Samara knew the game, no matter how much it apparently offended her. “I’m the bad guy for trying to offer you a job, but I’m sure you agreed to show up here solely out of the goodness of your heart.” He pretended to think about it. “Wait, no you didn’t—which you already admitted. You’re here because Lydia wants to do whatever it takes to sink Morningstar. Full stop.” He motioned at the offices behind him. “Wake up, Samara. I’m only playing the game she made the rules for.”

She took in the empty COO office on the other side of the glass wall. “She poached your employees.”

“Convenient timing, don’t you think?”

“You’re not still harping on that paranoid talk about Lydia meeting Nathaniel.” Samara hesitated and then moved to stand in front of him. She pressed her lips together and then very gently said, “Do you think maybe it’s a good idea for you to talk to someone?”

Beckett jerked back. “What?”

There was nothing but sympathy in her dark eyes. “I’m serious, Beckett. I’ve known you a long time, at least by reputation, and this delusion you have going isn’t like you. Is it possible that Nathaniel’s death is hitting you harder than you realize? That you’re fixating on Lydia instead of your own grief because it’s easier to deal with an enemy than face the fact you can never make things right with your father?”

Every word flayed him, cutting to the quick. Beckett gritted his teeth against the need to tell Samara that she was the one who wasn’t thinking clearly. To yell. To expel some of the ugliness that had been brewing in him for a very, very long time. “I didn’t call you here to offer you a job, and I sure as hell don’t need a shrink.”

She stood her ground as he advanced. Her heels put them at the same height and she still managed to look down her nose at him. “Then why did you call me here?”

Because I can’t spend another moment alone without going out of my mind.

He didn’t say it. To admit how long it had been since he’d felt a connection with another person was to hand Samara—Lydia—a loaded gun and invite her to point it directly at him. He didn’t answer her verbally at all. Beckett cupped her waist and slowly pulled her against him, giving her plenty of time to register his intentions.

“Beckett.” Despair colored her tone and she gave a desperate laugh. “What are we doing?”

“I don’t know.” Using a hand on the small of her back, he pressed her firmly against him. “I don’t want to stop.”

Samara hesitated, but finally placed her hands gingerly against his chest. He waited, letting her decide. Yes or no. Push or pull. Stay or go. She hitched a breath. “I don’t want to stop, either.”

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it 'a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension."  When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. 

Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: THE BASTARD'S BARGAIN by KATEE ROBERT

Celebrate the Release of THE BASTARD’S BARGAIN! 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert delivers the final installment in her sizzling O'Malleys family series, hailed as "The Godfather meets Romeo & Juliet." In THE BASTARD’S BARGAIN Dmitri Romanov must use his legendary focus and control to stay one step ahead of everyone else in the ever-shifting power plays of New York City.

The Bastard's Bargain

The O'Malley's #6

By Katee Robert

Releasing January 30th, 2018

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When Keira O’Malley was a child, she used to picture her perfect wedding. The flowers. The dress. Her husband. But nothing could have prepared her for saying “I do” to Dmitri Romanov—cold, domineering and always one step ahead of everyone else in the ever-shifting power plays of New York City. She agreed to his bargain to secure peace for her family, and she may want the bastard more than she’d ever admit, but she’ll be damned if she’ll make this marriage easy for him.

Dmitri knows better than to underestimate Keira for one second. Molten desire smolders between them, a dangerous addiction neither can resist. But his enemies are already on the move, and he needs every ounce of his legendary focus and control to keep them alive. Keira could just be his secret weapon—if she doesn’t bring him to his knees first.

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In The Bastard's Bargain (The O'Malley's #6) by Katee Robert, Keira O'Malley will do anything to protect her family, even if it means marrying Dimitri Romanov. Yet, she never expected to come to love the cold and domineering man whose enemies will do anything to see his empire fall. However, there's more to Keira than just a pretty face, and when the danger to their lives closes in, the pair will have to learn to trust each other. Will Keira and Dimitri come out on top, or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

I am sad to see this series come to an end, but what an ending it was. Really, it was thrilling, absolutely enthralling and a story that was unputdownable due to the incredible main characters that I loved from the very beginning because Keira is a challenge for Dimitri; dialogue that was the perfect combination of intense moments and splendid banter that had me glad Dimitri did the one thing he swore he wouldn't -- fall in love; and the fast-paced plot had me loving the obstacles these two faced on their journey to happy ever after such as Dimitri winning the defiant Keira over and whether they'd come out on top against the hero's enemies. Will Dimitri be able to keep Keira safe? 

As for the main characters, Keira is resilient, courageous and goes through a lot in this story, as she battles her demons. Suffering the loss of a loved one is never easy, and it's understandable why she does everything to numb the pain. Yet, I liked that Dimitri helped her past it with what he does because she can't continue the way she has been. I also liked how much of a challenge the heroine was for the hero. No way will she play the submissive wife and arm candy that he needs whenever he needs. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is how she finally stood up to her family when it came to what she wanted, so they'd stop thinking she needed to be protected. All she wants is peace between the criminal families, because she's already lost someone important to her and doesn't want to lose anyone else. 

While the hero, he's formidable, confident, ruthless, protective and I liked how determined he was to win Keira over. Certainly, she doesn't make things easy, but I liked that he didn't give up on her. I also liked how he would do anything to protect those under his employ and how he handled everything his enemies threw at him including the moment where they threatened Keira. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is how he handled Keira's family, because the heroine is important to him and Dimitri is determined to make her family understand that there is no way he'll ever let her go.

Overall, Ms. Robert has delivered a must read in this book as well as in this series where the O'Malley family fall one by one in love; the chemistry between Dimitri and Keira was potent and extremely convincing; the romance was steamy and did justice to this couple's wonderful chemistry; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat and worried for one of the main characters, but left me completely satisfied for how things worked out for this hero and heroine because Keira needs Dimitri just as much as he needs her. I would recommend The Bastard's Bargain by Katee Robert, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Kat Martin, Katie Ruggle, Rebecca Zanetti and Katie Reus.

Copyright © 2018 Katee Robert

Dmitri Romanov didn’t permit himself to breathe a sigh of relief. This was only the first step in a path that could potentially span years. It didn’t matter. Keira was here—was his. He had time.

He watched her look around the inside of the town car, cataloging everything with those witchy hazel eyes of hers. The faint scent of pot filled the car, giving evidence to what she’d been up to when he called. The woman was a mess, but he’d known that from the moment he met her. Dmitri didn’t do projects. He preferred to be the one holding all the cards—it allowed him to anticipate how the people around him would act in any given situation.

He’d never been able to anticipate Keira. Not from the moment she picked his pocket and walked away from him as if she didn’t give a fuck about the danger he posed to her.

Likely because she has a goddamn death wish.

He’d deal with that, just like he’d deal with the rest of Keira’s issues. In time.
Right that moment, time was the one thing they didn’t have. Keira’s oldest brother would be returning to Boston within hours, and Dmitri fully intended to marry her before Aiden realized she was gone. It was significantly more difficult to oust a wife than it was a fiancée.

He had Keira now. He wasn’t going to let anyone take her.

She kicked her feet out, propping her chunky black boots on the seat. The long line of her bare legs drew his gaze up to her tiny sleep shorts. They were barely more than underwear, hugging her hips and ass. Her shirt wasn’t much better, for all that it was long-sleeved. It revealed a slice of pale stomach and was fitted enough that he had absolutely no doubts about the fact that Keira wore no bra. Her small breasts pressed against the fabric, and she shivered beneath the weight of his gaze.

Get control of yourself. He leaned forward and nudged her boots back to the floorboard. Taking Keira was part of the plan—fucking her in the backseat was not. “There’s no need for an adolescent tantrum.”

She laughed, the sound rough and pain filled. “God, would you listen to yourself? You just showed up at my window to lure me into the night—to a chapel—and now you’re bitching about my shoes on the seats? Russian, you have your priorities seriously out of order.” She flicked her long hair off her shoulder. She’d dyed it a harsh blond that seemed designed to highlight how unhealthily skinny she’d become in the last year.

She’s spiraling.

Not anymore.

“Our current situation is no reason to throw propriety out the window.” He sounded stuffy, and he hated it, but with her sitting so close, wearing clothing she’d just been sleeping in…Dmitri dragged in a breath. “Keep your shoes on the floor.”

“Or what?” She turned to face him. The move pulled her shirt even tighter against her chest, revealing the faintest outline of her nipples. Keira saw where his gaze went, and gave a bitter smile. “All the games, all the bullshit, and that hasn’t changed.” She leaned forward and hooked his collar with her finger, drawing him closer despite himself. “Tell me something, Romanov.”

“Hmm?” He dragged his gaze up to her mouth. The wicked curve of her lips was matched only by the words she threw into the space between them with such abandon. The woman wouldn’t know caution if it slapped her in the face.

“You’re dragging me to your cave to be your Bride of Frankenstein.” She shifted closer, her bare leg sliding over his slacks until her thigh came into contact with his cock.

He should move her. Set her back and explain that no matter what she thought of the situation, she wasn’t in control. But the ring he’d put on her finger winked at him, a reminder that Keira wasn’t the sister of his enemy anymore. She was his.

Or she would be in a few short hours.

He bracketed her thigh with a hand, keeping her in place, but didn’t touch her anywhere else. There was no masking his reaction to her, not in their position. Dmitri didn’t bother trying. “Calling me Frankenstein is more than a bit dramatic.”

She looked up at him, her eyes holding a question he didn’t have a satisfying answer to. “I think it’s time to stop being in denial, don’t you?”

He recognized the direction she was headed. “You know I want you. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t.”

Just like that, the shutters slammed down on her expression. She sat back and he let her go, watching her pull herself together. Her spine went ramrod straight, and she stared at the back of the driver’s head rather than at Dmitri. She crossed her arms over her chest. “No lies between us. That’s what you said. You want me, sure, but don’t pretend any of this bullshit has to do with sex. You need to prove what an international badass you are by marrying the sister of your enemy. An eye for an eye—a wife and a sister. Remember?”

He knew exactly what she was quoting. The note he’d had delivered to Aiden O’Malley just over a year ago. By my count, you owe me both a wife and a sister. I’ll be content with one of yours. He hadn’t realized Keira had seen it.

Twin possibilities spun out between them. She was scared and vulnerable, and if he told her that it was her he wanted and not what she represented, she would believe him. It would even be the truth, at least in part. He hadn’t been able to get Keira out of his head from the moment he met her, and he’d manipulated events to ensure they reached this exact moment.

Telling her that wasn’t telling her the full truth, though. This wasn’t some great love story where he’d been pining for her while her family kept them apart. Dmitri wanted her, yes. He craved the feeling of her body beneath his hands, her taste on his tongue, and her smart mouth around his cock.

But his craving her had no real relevance in the grand scheme of things. He needed one of the O’Malley daughters to regain his status after the blows the family had dealt him over the last two years. Keira was the only option left.
Liar.

It didn’t matter what the truth was, full or otherwise. What mattered was ensuring Keira toed the line. He sat back, trying to ignore the throbbing of his cock, and studied her. “You knew what this was when you climbed out your window and stepped between me and your brother.”

She finally met his gaze, her hazel eyes fiery in their defiance. “Yes, I did.”

Read all the books in The O’Malleys Series

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT

THE WEDDING PACT
AN INDECENT PROPOSAL
FORBIDDEN PROMISES
UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION
THE BASTARD’S BARGAIN

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it 'a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension."  When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. 

 

Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram

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