Tuesday 29 November 2016

Pre-Order Blast & Giveaway ~ The Pawn (End Game Series #1) by Skye Warren


THE PAWN by Skye Warren is available for preorder EVERYWHERE!

“Positively sinful, and outrageously sexy! Emotions run high and readers will be left gasping.” – New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones


Book Description:

"Sinfully sexy and darkly beautiful, The Pawn will play games with your heart and leave you craving more!" - Laura Kaye, New York Times bestselling author

The price of survival...

Gabriel Miller swept into my life like a storm. He tore down my father with cold retribution, leaving him penniless in a hospital bed. I quit my private all-girl's college to take care of the only family I have left.

There's one way to save our house, one thing I have left of value.

My virginity.

A forbidden auction...

Gabriel appears at every turn. He seems to take pleasure in watching me fall. Other times he's the only kindness in a brutal underworld.

Except he's playing a deeper game than I know. Every move brings us together, every secret rips us apart. And when the final piece is played, only one of us can be left standing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE PAWN is a full-length contemporary novel from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren about revenge and seduction in the game of love. It's the first book in the brand new ENDGAME series.


Pre-Order Links:

❧ Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2fytsxI
❧ Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2gtesht
❧ Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2dlJzNZ


About the Author:


Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat. 

Contact Skye: 


Giveaway:

And one lucky reader will win a $125 Gift Card to Amazon to buy even more books

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE ➤

Monday 28 November 2016

Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt ~ Crown Jewels by Ella James

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Crown Jewels by Ella James
 Publication Date: November 20th, 2016
 Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Book Description:

From USA Today bestseller Ella James... 

After that close-up of his package on the sailboat in Morocco, TMZ started calling him Crown Jewels. 

Not that I keep track of Prince Liam. Definitely don’t stalk him online like my friends do. I’m out of that scene now. My family’s reality show might still be running, but I’ve been off-screen for a while. When people pass me on the sidewalk, they might squint, but most of them don’t scream “Lucy Rhodes” and ask about my love of Lucky Charms or how my broken toe healed. 

Prince Liam—my stalking his Instagram—that’s just for fun. It’s my dirty little secret. Trust me, I’m the only woman in the world who doesn’t actually want him. 

Except I’m back in the Hamptons for the first time in two years. I’m at a party, and Prince Manwhore is here as well. I tell myself that smile has no effect on me. That his ridiculous charisma is a parlor trick I see right through.

After our one night together, no one knows that I succumbed. It doesn’t matter. It meant nothing. Not until I see those two pink lines.

** Crown Jewels is an 80,000-word contemporary romance novel with no cliffhanger ending.

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Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 3 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“After our one night together, no one knows that I succumbed.
It doesn’t matter. It meant nothing.
Not until I see those two pink lines.”


This was a lighter read from Ella James, the books I have read in the past of hers have always been darker and more suspense based, whereas this is more a contemporary romance with a little suspense woven in.

Crown Jewels is the story of Prince Liam, an Island of Gael Blueblood and Lucy Rhodes an ex-reality TV star. Prince Liam was having a final hurrah travelling before having to go back to Gael to take control of his royal duties. With mutual friends, it was at a society party where Prince Liam and Lucy Rhodes finally meet in the flesh.

Lucy Rhodes was part of a reality TV show, think of The Kardashian’s or The Osbourne’s. Her whole family are the social media darlings of reality TV but Lucy slinked out of the show a couple of years before after a life changing event for her. Now trying to keep anonymous and out of the limelight it is rare for her to frequent these type of gatherings, but her girlfriends are extremely convincing and don’t take no for an answer.

Prince Liam was adorable, despite being labelled The Playboy Prince, his internet reputation did not seem to be a correct representation of the man himself. There was a lot more to the man. He was protective, loyal, caring and most importantly trustworthy. Despite his upbringing, his heart was in the right place and he was a man of morals.


“He was dominant but not dominating, gentle but not patronizing, kind but not phony.”


Lucy Rhodes was a woman that despite her family’s affluence was extremely grounded. Lucy had her own place and a job she loved. Lucy shunned the limelight in the hope of normalcy as she took steps to take back her life. She was strong and resilient but the nightmares were never far from her mind. The party threatens to knock her progress backwards, but the caring voice, touch and cuddle from Prince Liam goes a long way…maybe a little too far.


“But you’re just Liam to me. I don’t do reverence.”


I really enjoyed the story and I loved the characters but there is a lot going on in this book and sometimes I just felt that the quantity outweighed the quality. The characters were a little lost in a sea of plot at times and I got whiplash from how things moved so fast, particularly towards the end. This part of the book felt a little rushed and as if it was added as an afterthought compared to the depth of the beginning and middle part of the book. However, I do love an epilogue and this epilogue was perfect, a perfect end to the whirlwind, rollercoaster ride of Liam and Lucy’s story.

Excerpt:


I awaken in darkness.
The room is pitch black, and someone’s arm is locked around me. For a blind, horrific second, fear grips my heart, so hard and painful that I gasp.
And then I smell him. I’m not sure exactly where I am right at his moment. But I smell aftershave and soap, a little bit of sunscreen and a little bit of sweat, and my body knows it’s him.
Prince Liam.
Liam, prince of the Isle of Gael, is lying in this bed behind me. A few careful, quiet breaths and I’m pretty sure…he’s sleeping.
Holy Hello Kitty. Prince Liam is sleeping next to me. My body flushes, bliss and horror.
How’d we get here? What the hell is going on? And then I feel his fingers in my hair. His hand is in my hair—right now! He fell asleep rubbing my hair.
My eyes fly to the windows: dark. What time is it? My clutch is somewhere in this room. I’m not sure where.
I shut my eyes and try to keep my breathing even as I run the night’s events back through my mind. Downstairs, talking to the Playmate. Bryce. My body jerks at the memory, and I can feel Prince Liam’s body rock a little bit against mine. Big and wide and hard. He’s bowed around me like a shield.
Heat blooms in between my legs.
I freaked out, and he saw me. I embarrassed myself, walked in on some kind of threesome.
Why did he come back?
It’s his room, you moron. I’m probably in his guest room. I draw a deep breath in and feel his sturdy arm tighten around me. I feel his face against my neck, the roughness of his scruffy beard. Warmth spreads through me. Then he stirs some more and makes a low sound in his throat. And then I feel his mouth against my neck. His lips—
He’s kissing me.
I don’t mean to make a sound, but then I feel him press himself against my backside. Terror bubbles in me.
“Stop!”
I pull away, and he’s awake. His eyes, I see them in the dark. They’re wide. He pushes up on his arm and holds his big hand up.
I watch him rub his eyes. He looks around. He looks confused.
“You fell asleep,” I offer.
He blinks at me as if he didn’t understand my words. Then he reaches for me. He takes my hand and cradles it in his two hands. He looks into my eyes.
“Are you all right?” he asks me, voice low, words rolling with that Scottish-sounding accent of his.
“I’m fine.”
He shakes his head slowly, at least I think I see him do that. Then he’s simply staring at me. With those hazel eyes.
Dear God, he’s gorgeous.
His hand traces mine. Then he lies back down and pulls me down beside him. He wraps me up against his body, and I notice he’s not pushing his dick against me anymore.
“You smell good,” he murmurs. “You have pretty hair.”
“Are you drunk?”
I think I see his lips twitch. “I don’t get drunk.”
I turn around to face him. He pushes some hair off my forehead. Then he kisses me. It’s so gentle, so careful, I can’t help responding. He tastes like cinnamon, like liquor. His mouth explores mine, his tongue gliding past my own, his big hand in my hair again.
He kisses me until I can’t breathe, and then he pulls away. “Tá tú álainn.”
I frown.
He smiles, that gentle, gorgeous smile. “Gaelic.” He tips his forehead to mine. He says something else I don’t understand, then kisses the side of my mouth, his lips feathering gently over mine.
I feel his knee move, as if he’s shifting his hips, and I can’t help pulling him closer for another kiss.
I touch his shoulders as I kiss him, and I can feel his body tense under my hands. His tongue glides back into my mouth, and he moans.
Holy shit. I kiss him deeper and his body rocks against mine. His hands are on my head; he pulls me closer, till we’re pressed together, chest to hips.
He says something low and very soft, something that sounds like, “On all that is holy…”
Then his hand is on my shoulder, squeezing. His hand is squeezing, then he’s grasping my breast.
I grind myself against him, gasping between kisses. My body burns with heat and fear. My heart riots. Adrenaline almost overcomes me at the feel of his hard body up against mine, his chest pumping, his breath warm. I’m losing it when his hand leaves my breast and slides around my hip to cradle me against his body.
God, I’ve never been handled this way, as if…I’m everything. He’s rough then gentle, firm then tender, desperate all the while. I can feel the warmth of his breath, can hear the pattern of his ragged inhalations.
His scratchy cheek presses against mine, and I can feel his body heat. He leans away, his chest still pumping. I put my hand between his pecs. I can’t help it. He’s so…perfect. My fingertips wander to the seal above his heart, the royal tattoo he got when he was younger.
I trace my finger down his chest, and the prince’s abs harden. “Christ.” That was a flinch, I think.
I swear to God, I can feel the heat pulse in between my legs. Something overtakes me, something big and brash and heady: power.
I rub my fingertip over the hair that trails down toward his pants, and that’s when I see his stiff erection.
My brain explodes with memories of perfection wrapped in wet boxer-briefs. I’m not thinking. I just touch.
He sucks back a sharp breath. I trace the plump, perfect head, hating the fabric barrier between my hand and his skin. Liam groans, his length jutting toward me.
I look into his eyes and find them hazy. “Lucy…”
“You want me to touch it?” My voice is sultry, not my voice at all. 
I’m rubbing him before he has the chance to answer. His breath catches. Then he moans low in his throat and starts to pant. His eyes are shut, I find as I rub his thick cock through his pants. His hand hovers over my mine as if he wants to grab me. His long fingers curl into a fist.
I drag my fingers down the length of him, surprised to find he’s even bigger than I thought. His heavy eyelids lift a little. My Lord, he’s fucking gorgeous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more perfect male, and this one, shirtless, panting as he presses up against my hand—he turns me on so much I want to screw him.
Holy hell, I want to screw Prince Liam.
I try to grip him through his pants, fondle his balls, waiting for him to jump up and throw me on the bed. Waiting for him to scare me.
But he doesn’t.
He just locks his big fist up over my arm and leans his head back on the pillow, groaning through his locked jaw as I unbutton his pants and come to his black boxer-briefs. I can see his head so well. I see the rim of it. I rub a fingertip over it and he mutters a curse.
His hand uncurls, the side of his fingers touching my wrist. I reach inside his boxer-briefs and wrap my hand around him. Still, he doesn’t grab my arm. I watch his face as I firm up my grip and stroke him. I can feel his hips tremble. I fold his fly back, try to pull his briefs down. He lifts his hips and pulls them down himself. I look with wide eyes at what has got to be an eight-inch dick and the weighty balls below. Crown Jewels.
I touch his balls and watch them draw up underneath my fingertips. I run my hand from the base of his cock back up toward the tip. His eyes open on a deep breath.
“Fuck…”
Oh my God, is that a little bit of precum? I feel a rush of heat between my own legs as I blink at it. For the first time in two years, I clench. I feel greedy. Needy.
Holy hell, I have to have him.
My head spins as I climb on top of him, straddling his hips as his eyes rise to meet mine. He flexes beneath me, and a zip of fear streaks through me. That he’ll throw me off and get on top of me. That he’ll grab my wrists and squeeze. Instead, Prince Liam peers up at me with hooded eyes, smiling a pirate’s smile as his hand rubs my knee.
I pull my dress up and struggle with my thong. My hands are shaking too hard to pull it off. I rub myself against him, panting. Liam groans.
“Christ almighty…” His jaw is locked as he rasps, “Lucy.” Then he rips my thong.
He says something else in what I realize must be Gaelic. Then he’s reaching down, stroking himself. With the fingers of his other hand, he parts my lips. He rubs a finger over me, making me tremble.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful…”
I don’t know how he knows because his eyes are shut, but I love the way his face looks. Suddenly it’s all I can do to stay still. And then I can’t. I’m shaking as I pull his cock away from his amazing abs. My legs quiver as I rise up, holding his shaft, pushing his thick head against my entrance.
His lips are parted now, his eyes still shut. I sink down on him inch by slow, amazing inch and watch him writhe, knees coming up around me as I take him deep—so deep I can’t help crying out.
His hands squeeze my hips, not to hard. And then he’s lifting me off him, his muscular arms straining so my legs don’t have to. His powerful abs ripple with each thrust: he rises just a little, letting me sink down on him. I put my hands over his and use my legs to rise and fall, taking control of things. Taking control because I have to.
He doesn’t let me fully. Liam sets the pace, his big breaths punctuating the rhythm of our thrusting. I’m rising up, using the well-honed muscles of my thighs, but his hands around my hips are lifting, too.
When I sink, I lean over, pinching his nipples sometimes, reaching around behind myself to cup his balls. His groans are loud and ragged. His face is tense, almost pained, and I love it when I feel the goose-bumps on his diamond-chiseled hips.
Then he changes something up… Changes the angle. When he fills me up…I lose control. I can’t stop the sounds from pouring from my throat. Can’t stop the way I lean sideways against his raised knee, gripping it with my arm. I hear a whimper, and it’s mine.
“Oh God!” I’m so full. I don’t think I’ve ever been this full before…
“That’s right,” he murmurs, thrusting harder.
When he pulls out and lifts me up, I’m desperate for him, scrambling to get back on that huge cock. My skin tingles with sweat. My mouth is open; I can’t breathe—
I feel him harden, swell and tighten, stretching me. When I’m filled with him, I grind around. 
“Oh my God!”
I’m right there on the edge. He draws me off him, and I fumble to grab onto his arms and press myself back down. My fingers graze his hips, and then he pushes me down hard. I’m filled so deep and full, my body starts to quake. My stomach quivers, and my eyes flip open just in time to find he’s watching me.
His lips are curved, his eyes lust-hazed.
I do the only thing I can think of to equalize the situation, reaching around behind myself again to roll his big balls in my shaking fingers. One roll, followed by a gentle tug. I feel his cock thump hard inside me, causing me to lean down on him. That’s where I lie as heat fills me: there across his flawless chest.
For just a second, his hands cup my face. His eyes linger on mine, his mouth still open with pleasure, his thick pecs rising under me.
“Luce. Goddamn.”
It’s an exultation.
I feel so good there on him, I can’t move for a long moment. He just came inside me, and it feels so right.
I marvel at how…fine I feel. How tired and good and…good.
I stroke my nails up his side. “Mmm.” I grin.
Liam laughs, a throaty sound.
I feel his lips on my forehead as he leans up, the quick swipe of his palm over my hair. “You are fucking perfect, Lucy Rhodes.”
He pushes up on one elbow, holding me against him for a moment, one big arm around me.
Then I’m easing off him, and he’s moving lithely off the bed. “Let me get you something.”
I sink into the covers, waiting for the fallout: for a shudder, for a sob. But nothing comes.
He returns smirking, and grins broadly when our eyes meet. Instead of handing me the warm, wet cloth, he delves under the covers, his knuckles grazing my belly as he spreads the cloth over me and lays his hand there, as if offering some wordless blessing over my vagina.
I start laughing, and he laughs with me.
“You’re a real prince, Liam.”
He grins. “I’ve been told.”
And it’s so natural, I don’t feel funny cleaning up under the covers with him there beside me.
I stretch out on my back, catching my breath. I’m thinking how sad I’ll be to get up when he lies beside me, his big shoulder bumping mine.
“You were incredible,” he says in a gravelly voice. And somehow, it’s not patronizing or weird. Just very, very genuine.
I giggle like a dumb teenager.
He turns over on his side, propping his head in his hand as he looks down on me. Then he lies back flat, wraps an arm around me, pulls me close, and kisses just under my ear. One of his legs rubs mine. He makes a soft, male sound, then falls asleep as if we do this every night.
I lie awake staring at him in the darkness. Who is this man? I run my open palm over his hair, which he let down sometime when I wasn’t looking. He relaxes just a little more against me, and I like it. That’s the last thought that I have before I wake up to an empty bed.

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About the Author:

Ella James is the USA Today bestselling author of fifteen teen and adult love stories. She's an angst-a-holic who loves exploring difficult situations and the emotions of the people caught up in them. Also, smut. But always, always romance.

Ella's obsessions include vanilla cream soda, hiking, other obscure, crunchy stuff like rock collecting, and the antics of her 2.5 little monsters. (Monsters 1 and 2 will meet Monster 3 in November). 

Connect with Ella:

Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway ~ Home Tears by Tijan



Title: Home Tears
Author: Tijan
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date: 2016


Book Description:

Dani’s survived a lot of sh*t storms. 

Her mother died. Her two sisters loathed her. One aunt hated her. The other was strangely distant, but the worst storm—being dumped by her childhood best friend/high school boyfriend/first love for her younger sister. 

There went the one person who was hers and with that, the main reason she stuck around. So, she left for ten years. But now she’s back, and nothing’s the same. 

With help from Jonah Bannon, a reformed—kind of—bad boy she remembers from high school, Dani uncovers family secrets that have spanned generations. And along with those, she’s about to face the biggest sh*t storm of her life. 

Only this time, she may not survive.


Receive an email alert once Home Tears is available for purchase



Excerpt:

“Why’d you push me earlier?” 

“It’s not important.” 

But it was. She felt it in her chest. It was so important, and she needed him to say it again. She was salivating for the chance. She wanted to reassure him, and this time she felt it in her heart. She knew she wasn’t going anywhere. She wanted him to see it in her eyes, that she meant every single word. 

She whispered now, “Ask me. Ask me again.” 

His eyes met hers, narrowing slightly. He was looking into her, reading her. 

She was letting him. There was no wall, no hesitation this time. She wanted him to know her, not just her body. All of her. A second passed. He was still searching in her. Another second. More. He waited a full thirty before asking, his voice so soft and tender, “What would you do if you found out another person cared about you? If you mattered to one more person?” 

“Nothing.” She was trying to convey her feelings through her eyes. She wanted him to know so badly. “I wouldn’t run. I wouldn’t walk. I wouldn’t hide. I’d do nothing except stand and embrace it.” 

His eyes darkened, an emotion passed in them, one that had her heart beating so fast again. “Yeah?” He let go of her hand, but touched the side of her face. He held her in the palm of his hand, and his thumb rubbed over her cheek. It was like he was smoothing away any lingering worries she might have. “What if I was that person?” 

She leaned toward him, her eyes going from his lips back to his gaze. Both were pulling her in, making her yearn for more. “Then I’d say, I feel the same.” Her breath held in her throat. They were talking in code, but it was out now. She was telling him how she felt, and a second later, his lips were on hers.

This. She turned, wound her arms around his neck. This was everything.

About the Author: 

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing Fallen Crest Six (untitled) along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores.

To find what to read next of hers, go to http://www.tijansbooks.com/

WALLSTREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Author Links


Giveaway:

Sunday 27 November 2016

Review ~ Dark Water (DCI Erika Foster #3) by Robert Bryndza


Book Description:

Beneath the water the body sank rapidly. She would lie still and undisturbed for many years but above her on dry land, the nightmare was just beginning. 

When Detective Erika Foster receives a tip-off that key evidence for a major narcotics case was stashed in a disused quarry on the outskirts of London, she orders for it to be searched. From the thick sludge the drugs are recovered, but so is the skeleton of a young child. 

The remains are quickly identified as seven-year-old Jessica Collins. The missing girl who made headline news twenty-six years ago. 

As Erika tries to piece together new evidence with the old, she must dig deeper and find out more about the fractured Collins family and the original detective, Amanda Baker. A woman plagued by her failure to find Jessica. Erika soon realises this is going to be one of the most complex and demanding cases she has ever taken on. 

Is the suspect someone close to home? Someone is keeping secrets. Someone who doesn’t want this case solved. And they’ll do anything to stop Erika from finding the truth. 

From the million-copy bestselling author of The Girl in the Ice and The Night Stalker, comes the third heart-stopping book in the Detective Erika Foster series.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars

 
“…you’ve found Jessica’s body, maybe there’s only one person who truly vanished into thin air. . . the person who took her.”


So, my DCI Erika Foster marathon came to a close with Dark Water, the third book in this crime thriller series. Each book is its own case, but back stories run throughout, so while each book can be read as a standalone, to understand the complexities of our fearless heroine I would read them in order. The reading order is The Girl in the Ice followed by The Night Stalker and then Dark Water.

Once again Robert Bryndza brought a completely unputdownable read to the table and as with the first two books I devoured this one too. After the ending of The Night Stalker Erika Foster has transferred from the Murder Investigation Team at Lewisham to the CID division at Bromley. Still smarting from being overlooked for promotion Erika moved stations for pride more than anything.


“Erika, even cats run out of lives. Use the ones you have left wisely…”


It is while searching for evidence in a disused flooded quarry for a huge drugs bust that Erika is once again thrust into a murder investigation. While Erika is no longer on the MIT, Erika pulls in some favours so that she can head up the investigation, one thing we have learned so far about Erika is that she sees everything through to the end. Erika was there when the body of the small child was found, it was now time for her to seek the closure for the little girl and her family.

Erika soon finds herself in the media spotlight as a 1990’s cold case of a little missing girl is once again resurrected. Now with a definite body, Erika slowly tries to piece together what actually transpired on that fateful day. Thrust into an investigation where some secrets are better left buried, Erika soon finds herself treading water, but our Pitbull never gives up. No matter how deep those secrets are buried, Erika Foster always gets to the bottom of them. The trouble with uncovering the truth…the ones closest become a target.


“We’ve got everything and nothing. . .”


With characters from the previous two books all making an appearance despite Erika’s transfer we are once again reunited with a fantastic team of investigators. The trust and camaraderie between them is great to read about and cements them as a “family” rather than co-workers. They all have each other’s back, despite the repercussions. I was particularly pleased to see Isaac; I love this pathologist with a passion.

Erika Foster is as tenacious as ever and her fearless attitude and her perseverance even when the chips are down make her a formidable opponent to any criminal. Her personal life is still on the skids, but throwing herself into her work is making inroads into her confronting her past. I only hope that as this series continues she finds some solace and maybe even a male detective to warm her bones at night.


“You need to find a place for yourself in the world; a place where you can be happy that doesn’t involve being a police officer.”


Once again Robert Bryndza delivered a layered, intriguing, suspenseful read, with many a red herring that totally led me on a merry dance. It is this layering though, the pass the parcel effect, that adds a deep connection to both characters and plot as each layer is stripped off leaving a treat for the reader. Absorbed into the world of Erika Foster once again I cannot wait for the next one.

Saturday 26 November 2016

Review ~ The Night Stalker (DCI Erika Foster #2) by Robert Bryndza


Book Description:

If the Night Stalker is watching, you’re already dead… 

In the dead of a swelteringly hot summer’s night, Detective Erika Foster is called to a murder scene. The victim, a doctor, is found suffocated in bed. His wrists are bound and his eyes bulging through a clear plastic bag tied tight over his head. 

A few days later, another victim is found dead, in exactly the same circumstances. As Erika and her team start digging deeper, they discover a calculated serial killer – stalking their victims before choosing the right moment to strike. 

The victims are all single men, with very private lives. Why are their pasts shrouded in secrecy? And what links them to the killer? 

As a heat wave descends upon London, Erika will do everything to stop the Night Stalker before the body count rises, even if it means risking her job. But the victims might not be the only ones being watched… Erika’s own life could be on the line. 

The global bestselling author of The Girl in the Ice is back with a heart-racing, electrifying thriller. If you love Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Karin Slaughter, you’ll be hooked on Robert Bryndza.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars


“If the Night Stalker is watching, you’re already dead…”


Once again Robert Bryndza thrusts you into the world of police politics and a Rottweiler detective that won’t let anything go. DCI Erika Foster is once again presented with a case that is anything but predictable. With seemingly unconnected victims DCI Erika Foster has to dig deep to solve the mystery of The Night Stalker. This is one of those books that will have you checking under your bed for days, some things really do go bump in the night.


“My point is that bad people are everywhere. The world is filled with good, but it’s equally overwhelmed with bad.”


A reputable doctor is drugged and suffocated in his bed, a man who is newly separated from his wife and child and is seemingly breaking into the gay scene. DCI Erika Foster’s superiors want this passed over to hate crimes but Erika’s gut is telling her that this has nothing to do with the doctor’s sexuality. As in The Girl in the Ice, Erika soon finds herself ignoring commands and department politics and flies solo as she desperately tries to unravel the unfortunate demise of Doctor Gregory Munro.

When a Jeremy Kyle type TV presenter becomes the second victim it is soon apparent that there is a serial killer on the loose, affectionately dubbed “The Night Stalker.” This is a killer that stalks their prey, knows the ins and outs of their lives, drugs and subdues them, disconnects them from the outside world and then suffocates them with a “suicide bag.” Methodical, clever and leaves without a trace, The Night Stalker is one clever cookie and Erika Foster and her team are up against it.


“‘Did you watch from here?’ Erika said softly to herself. ‘How long were you here? How much did you see? You’re not going to get away with this. I’m coming for you.’”


With this book, Robert Bryndza also expands on the many character’s personal lives which really helps you to begin to paint a picture of each and every character, it is that character connection that has really made this an unputdownable series. Erika Foster is my spirit animal, a woman that is strong, fiercely independent, extremely intelligent and is a natural detective. She has the “nose” and is not afraid to put herself or her career on the line to reach an end result. Yes, she has her flaws, her personal life is shot to hell, but despite everything she has been through she is a Pitbull when it comes to her cases. Her superiors feel she is a loose cannon, but deep down they respect her and her results. While she bends rules, it is never for her own gain, it is to give closure to the victims and their families, she has a huge heart.

I have a huge soft spot for our forensic pathologist, Isaac Strong, I adored him in The Girl in the Ice and he has only cemented himself as a firm favourite in The Night Stalker. The whole team are characters that I have come to “know” and with every case they work, that connection only gets stronger.

With chapters in the voice and mind of our Houdini like Night Stalker, Robert Bryndza really ramps up the suspense and anticipation as the net closes. The unhinged and evil ramblings really add to that bone chilling feeling every time the Night Stalker is mentioned. With twists and turns aplenty and a brazen “I am untouchable” contact with The Night Stalker, Erika Foster and her team have to dig deep to solve this case. With a third victim, one that comes a little too close to home for Erika and her team, the battle really commences. The team are like family, no one touches the team and you never leave a man behind.


“When everyone else seems to have departed the world, the insomniacs are alone, stranded in the half-light.”


I cannot wait to read more from this series, compelling and totally addictive.


“‘This is the problem when you create enemies, Erika. They go off and plot, and often flourish in the shade.”


Friday 25 November 2016

Blog Tour & Review ~ Secret Things (Hollywood Secrets #1) by Nazarea Andrews


SECRET THINGS by Nazarea Andrews
 is now live! 
An adult, contemporary romance (Hollywood Secrets, #1)


Book Description:

Camden is on top of the world.

He’s dating his best friend and co-star. He has a top rated TV show that just got renewed for a seventh season. It’s what he’s always wanted.

And he’s fucking miserable.

Dimitri is living the life he always wanted. He and Victor, his high school boyfriend, are social media darlings. His part just got renewed on his hit TV show, and the charity foundation he co-founded is taking off. It’s everything he ever wanted.

And he’s fucking miserable.

The only time either seem happy is when they’re together. And both of them are ignoring the attraction between them. There’s too much at risk. The show, their significant others, a friendship that is more important than a quick screw.

Oh, and Camden is straight.

Right?

But attraction isn’t always easy to ignore, and a lot can happen that isn’t meant to. When one of Dimitri’s fans gets involved, both men will have to decide how much and who they want.




Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 3 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“You’re my life, Dimitri. This shit is just a speed bump.”


Secret Things by Nazarea Andrews delivers a healthy dose of Hollywood drama while encompassing a cute MM love story. Where Hollywood friendships are all about who you trust and who you don’t, where relationships are a façade to boost ratings, boost tabloid fodder and be a smokescreen for other underlying issues. But what happens when that façade is smashed to smithereens when two hearts want what they shouldn’t have?

This book centres around three main characters, Camden, Cari and Dimitri. All three work on the same show and are best friends. Camden and Cari are a “Hollywood” couple, whereby, everyone thinks that they are together but in fact, they are not. These two are as close of friends as friends could be, but that is where it ends. Cari is more like a sister and even though they have their cuddles and they put on a good show, it is purely platonic.

Cari is a very complex character, I am still unsure as to what her issues are but am leaning more to being asexual, where she has no sex drive and no inclination to form a relationship. Given her propensity for affection though from Camden and to an extent Dimitri, I am not sure if she is just escaping from something that has happened in her past…as I said…an enigma.

Camden is your typical Hollywood heart throb, but he has been battling with his sexual attraction towards Dimitri for a long time. The more time they spend together the more he wants to take it further, but being that he has never pursued a man, he is reticent and hesitant in ruining a friendship. Cari knows how Camden feels, she also knows how Dimitri feels, so will she protect her own reputation or will she play match maker?


“Don’t let anyone shame you for loving something. Love madly, deeply, recklessly. Love with wild abandon, even when it’s dangerous and unreturned.”


Dimitri is already in a relationship, to Victor, who has been with him since they were kids. Their relationship has been on the skids but these two have been together for so long, neither can see a life without the other, but what happens when push comes to shove?

With Hollywood drama, reputations to uphold and directors and producers only too happy to wave their control wands these three are put into a very tenuous situation. The chemistry between Camden and Dimitri was palpable and with an attraction so potent the powers that be didn’t stand a chance against these two.

My only niggles were towards the end I felt it was a little rushed, the momentum created throughout the story was stilted as the mystery and suspense element of the story was wrapped up. For me, how this concluded seemed to be an afterthought or a last-minute decision and its execution just didn’t ring true to the story. The authors writing took a little adjusting to for me and I did feel a little lost in translation as some of the story was coming together. For me I lacked that intense character connection that I crave.

In summary though I liked the story and while I have seen it done before it had its own individuality that kept me turning those pages.

About the Author:

Nazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binging watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.

Author Links: