Showing posts with label 4.5 Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4.5 Stars. Show all posts

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Review ~ The Eddie Flynn Series by Steve Cavanagh



One of my favourite crime series ever! From a lawyer's POV, suspense, intrigue, twists aplenty!


Book Description: The Defense ~ Eddie Flynn #1

Eddie Flynn used to be a con artist. Then he became a lawyer. Turned out the two weren't that different.

It's been over a year since Eddie vowed never to set foot in a courtroom again. But now he doesn't have a choice. Olek Volchek, the infamous head of the Russian mafia in New York, has strapped a bomb to Eddie's back and kidnapped his ten-year-old daughter, Amy. Eddie only has forty-eight hours to defend Volchek in an impossible murder trial - and win - if he wants to save his daughter.

Under the scrutiny of the media and the FBI, Eddie must use his razor-sharp wit and every con-artist trick in the book to defend his 'client' and ensure Amy's safety. With the timer on his back ticking away, can Eddie convince the jury of the impossible?

**Featuring an extract from Steve Cavanagh's new thriller, The Plea**

Buy Links:




Book Description: The Plea ~ Eddie Flynn #2

When David Child, a major client of a corrupt New York law firm, is arrested for murder, the FBI ask con artist-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn to persuade him to testify against the firm.

Eddie is not someone who is easily coerced, but when the FBI reveal that they have incriminating files on his wife, he knows he has no choice.

But Eddie is convinced the man is innocent, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. With the FBI putting pressure on him to secure the deal, Eddie must find a way to prove his client's innocence.

But the stakes are high - his wife is in danger. And not just from the FBI . . .

Buy Links:




Book Description: The Liar ~ Eddie Flynn #3

***WINNER OF THE CWA GOLD DAGGER AWARD 2018***

A MISSING GIRL. A DESPERATE FATHER.
A CASE WHICH WILL TEAR THEM APART.

'Plotting that takes the breath away' Ian Rankin

'A fantastic thriller writer' Mark Billingham

* * * * *

WHO IS DEADLIER ...

Leonard Howell's worst nightmare has come true: his daughter Caroline has been kidnapped. He can't rely on the cops, so Howell calls the only man he trusts to get her back.

THE MAN WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH

Eddie Flynn knows what it's like to lose a daughter and vows to bring Caroline home safe. Once a con artist, now a hotshot criminal attorney, Flynn is no stranger to the shady New York underworld.

... OR THE ONE WHO BELIEVES A LIE?

However, as he steps back into his old life, Flynn realizes that the rules of the game have changed - and that he is being played. But who is pulling the strings? And is anyone in this twisted case telling the truth...?

Buy Links:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Gqi8Ri (paperback)



Book Description: Th1rt3en ~ Eddie Flynn #4

THE SERIAL KILLER ISN'T ON TRIAL.

HE'S ON THE JURY...

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

'Books this ingenious don't come along very often.' Michael Connelly

'THIRTEEN is my favourite read of the year.' Sarah Pinborough

'Outstanding.' Lee Child

'Smart and original. This is a belter of a book.' Clare Mackintosh

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

'To your knowledge, is there anything that would preclude you from serving on this jury?'

Murder wasn't the hard part. It was just the start of the game.

Joshua Kane has been preparing for this moment his whole life. He's done it before. But this is the big one.

This is the murder trial of the century. And Kane has killed to get the best seat in the house.

But there's someone on his tail. Someone who suspects that the killer isn't the man on trial.

Kane knows time is running out - he just needs to get to the conviction without being discovered.

Buy Links:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Ifec7H (pre-order)

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna 

The Defense ~ 4.5 stars
The Plea ~ 4.5 stars
The Liar ~ 4.5 stars
Th1rt3en ~ 5 stars

 I read Twisted by Steve Cavanagh after a recommendation in the group Crime Fiction Addicts and absolutely loved it. This led me to look at other books by this author, and so the Steve Cavanagh marathon began, I could not put this series down. Four books devoured in three days and they weren’t short! Early starts and late nights were the order of the day with my earbuds permanently fixed, and I soon realised I had found another favourite crime author. 

I love legal dramas and add the crime aspect into it, and I had the best dessert with a cherry on top. This was the perfect blend of both with serial killers, suspense and intrigue and one of the most lovable lawyers ever. Eddie Flynn was not your usual lawyer; bad boy turned good with the right guidance from one of the good guys, who is now a senior judge. Eddie was a con-man, and when up in court in front of said Judge Harry Ford, using his gift of the gab, he got himself off the charges The judge was impressed and told Eddie he had the gift and should think about law school. Under the judges’ tutelage, Eddie turned his life around until he became disenchanted with lawyer life. Now forced out of his self-imposed retirement, Eddie returns when a slew of cases come his way. Only defending the innocent, Eddie is tested to his limits over these four books with police and FBI impeding and helping in various guises. 

Eddie was definitely a natural and I loved the way the author put Eddie front and centre in these cases. Going above and beyond, proving his client's innocence, immersing himself into the investigations and solving them before the relative authorities. Eddie’s old con-man life helps in many ways and being able to think like a criminal only aids his case building and solving. 

Each book is different and unique and as this series progresses the plots just get twistier and more developed as Steve Cavanagh hits his stride and the gem that is Th1rt3en is testament to that. The in-court drama is what really brings this book to life as some others I have read centre on what happens outside. However, Steve Cavanagh takes you through the trials, with the opening arguments, cross-examinations and summations and even jury selection at some points. Steve Cavanagh brings the courtroom to life, and you are just as enthralled inside as you are out. 

With fantastic side characters, this series has something for everyone, and there is definitely never a dull moment. Eddie’s moral character and personality are what drives this series, and his stalwart, tenacious attitude both in and out of the courtroom are what cements him as a firm favourite of mine. With plot twists I never saw coming, every single one of these books kept me on my toes, adrenaline pumping. Not once did I guess the twists, each book had my jaw hitting the floor, each book had me second guessing everything. The relationship between Eddie and Judge Harry Ford is perfection and only adds to this series. Fast paced, action packed and taughtly written, this is one series that held me from the first page of the first book to the last page of the last. Now I feel bereft, Eddie Flynn is missing from my life, and I can only hope that Steve Cavanagh writes quick because I need my next Eddie fix.

Monday, 21 January 2019

Release Day Blitz & Review ~ We Shouldn't by Vi Keeland

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A Standalone Contemporary Romance 
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Vi Keeland

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Book Description:

Bennett Fox walked into my life on one hell of a crappy Monday morning.

I was late for the first day at my new job—a job I’d now have to compete for even though I’d already worked eight years to earn it, because of an unexpected merger. 
While I lugged my belongings up to my new office, a meter maid wrote me a parking summons.

She’d ticketed a long line of cars—except for the Audi parked in front of me, which happened to be the same make and model as mine.

Annoyed, I decided to regift my ticket to the car that had evaded a fine. Chances were, the owner would pay it and be none the wiser.
Except, I accidentally broke the windshield wiper while slipping the ticket onto the car’s window.

Seriously, my day couldn’t get any worse.

Things started to perk up when I ran into a gorgeous man in the elevator. We had one of those brief moments that only happened in movies.

You know the deal…your body lights up, fireworks go off, and the air around you crackles with electricity.

His heated stare left me flush when I stepped off the elevator.

Maybe things here wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Or so I thought.

Until I walked into my new boss’s office and met my competition.

The gorgeous man from the elevator was now my nemesis. His heated stare wasn’t because of any mutual attraction. It was because he’d seen me vandalize his car. And now he couldn’t wait to annihilate his rival.

There’s a fine line between love and hate—and we shouldn’t cross it.

We shouldn’t—but straddling that line could be so much fun.


we shouldn't release day live now banner 



Buy Links:

Amazon paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2sgA0oP 
Google Play ➜ http://smarturl.it/f6prjg 

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when it goes live! ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5 

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all!

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***



“I didn’t see you coming, Texas. Didn’t see you coming.”


Vi Keeland merges two of my favourite tropes with a delicious office romance inter-laced with a hilarious at times enemies to lovers. The banter between these two was fantastic and a great catalyst to a slow burn from hate to like to love. This book though has a good dose of the feels, and it is this emotion together with the character connection that really cemented this book as another winner. Vi Keeland has this knack of delivering relatable, swoon-worthy characters that embed themselves into your heart and soul and Annalise and Bennett are no different. My heart definitely melted into a puddle of goo with these two.


“By day we fight like enemies, by night we fuck like warriors.”


Annalise has just come out of an eight-year relationship and is rather jaded with love, the complete opposite to her usual hopeless romantic. Add to the fact that the ad company that she has worked so hard for is merging with another and her job is on the line, her life is nothing but crises. Going head to head with Bennett is not what she anticipated and with the loser being transferred to Texas, she is not going to go down without a fight.


“You know that old saying…keep your friends close and fuck the shit out of your enemies.”


Bennett was incredibly handsome, smart and successful in his job, a job he had done for a long time. Finding out that this is now on the line, Bennett prepares himself for the biggest fight of his career and it doesn’t help that his nemesis is a little spit-fire and drop dead gorgeous. Bennett has to dig deep in more ways than one, but nothing could have prepared him for the hellion that shows us a totally different side to him.


“Beast syndrome is when a man constantly roars at you to scare you away. Perhaps he was less than magnanimous in his early days, which he thinks defines who he’s forever banished to be. So he tries to keep people from getting too close. But he’s not really the villain he thinks he is, and every once in a while, a peek of the prince underneath shines through.”


At times I was laughing, others sighing, the rest swooning—the perfect recipe for a contemporary romance. As I said above, the banter was perfect, the move from hate to love intoxicating, the chemistry was hot, hot, hot, the character connection on point and add a dose of emotion and it is perfect. Vi Keeland drew me into this story hook, line and sinker and the characters didn’t let me go until the end. Seeing the other side of Bennett and really understanding his back story was the biggest highlight and only endeared him to me even more. There is something for everyone in this book, and I can see this being another winner. Bring on the next one Vi Keeland.

About the Author:


Vi Keeland


Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in two dozen languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six. Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when books go live! ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5 

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all! 

Find Vi here:

Instagram: @Vi_Keeland - http://instagram.com/Vi_Keeland/

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Blog Tour & Review ~ The Princess, The Prick and The Priest (Confessions #4) by Ella Frank

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Confessions: The Princess, The Prick, and The Priest, a fun, flirty story in the contemporary MMM Confessions Series from USA Today bestselling author Ella Frank is available NOW!

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Book Description:

Everyone said our love wouldn’t work.
That it was too hard, too complicated, too messy.
Oh how I enjoy proving everyone wrong.
My men are smart, sexy, sophisticated—
and most of all, crazy about me.
The only problem is trying to explain 
that to my big, opinionated Italian family.
But after all we’ve been through, we deserve a
happily ever after. And if there’s one
thing I know about my guys, they always 
manage to have a few surprises up their sleeves.

TPTPTP-AN

Buy Links:

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! 


Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2LWbQHs

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Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“…I don’t know if you two are brave or just crazy to take him on for life.”


I have absolutely adored this series by Ella Frank, and in this book Ella Frank delivers the ultimate happy ever after, the cherry on top, the love lottery win and this reader had a smile from ear to ear throughout the whole book. These three stole my heart in book one, and by book four, these three had cemented their place.

I loved everything about this book, from the Bianchi family, to a new Priest, to a threesome destined from the beginning. Ella Frank really opens the reader's eyes to the innermost feelings of all three of these men, how they are all on the same wavelength and each has each other's best interests at heart. How there is no two, just a three and everything revolves around that three.


“Make sure Robbie knows that he’s just as important to the both of you as the piece of paper you share with Priest.”


The Bianchi’s are a cool family, and their love and acceptance of this trio was there for all to see. This family open their hearts to this unusual dynamic, and Robbie’s dad summed it up beautifully… “we wish you luck. It’s probably good there’s two of you, anyway. That boy is a handful.” Open-minded, hearts full of love, this family didn’t care about the who’s, all they cared about was that their boy was happy. Someone as gregarious as Robbie was never going to settle with just one.

It was the little things in this book that made all the difference, the attention to detail, the little nuances, things that seem small and yet meant so much. I don’t want to spoil anything but there was this one thing that melted my heart, and it seems our Prick and Priest melted something else too.


“But your heart? Your heart, we want to steal forever.”


As I said above, the change in Priest was extremely significant, such a momentous occasion and one that brought a tear to my eye. Finally comfortable, free and utterly in love with two men, this Priest was a joy to behold, and that comfortable feeling only filtered through to the two men that loved him more than life itself.


“Robbie’s been great at teaching us just how fun life can be when you travel a little lighter.”


Perfect ending, perfect epilogue, perfect series. I loved everything about it, and Ella Frank can do no wrong with her MM or in this case MMM. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.


Start the series with Confessions: Robbie today!


Add To Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EWp3Aq

Excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE

I’m not sure why everyone dreads their thirties.
As far as I’m concerned, it’s going to be
the best decade ever ~ Robbie

Six Months Later… “LOVERS, I’M HOME,” Robbie Bianchi called out to his boyfriends, as he juggled several shopping bags in one hand and kicked the front door shut behind him. He stuffed his car keys into the pocket of his shorts, and as he evened out what he was carrying, he took the stairs that led him up to the first floor of their new home. With the same smile on his face that he’d left with that morning, Robbie headed across the hardwood floors past the dining room, and into the kitchen, where he spotted a note waiting for him: We’re upstairs, princesse. Come find us when you get home. Robbie grinned at the messy crown drawn above the i in princesse, but then quickly did as he was told. With one hand on the steel rail, he took the stairs two at a time, and as he reached the second floor where the bedroom was located, he walked inside to find it empty except for the fish swimming around the tank that lined the wall facing their bed. Dropping his shopping bags on the end of the mattress, Robbie headed up to the final floor, where he knew his men were waiting for him. He opened up the glass door that led to the penthouse deck, and when he stepped outside and the warm rays washed over him, Robbie took in a breath of fresh air. Ah, he’d always loved summer. Everything about it. The sun, the smell of the freshly cut grass, and the clothes—or lack thereof—Robbie thought, as he reached for the edge of his white tank top and drew it over his head. As he tucked it into the back of his shorts, Robbie scanned the wide deck, his eyes roaming over the wooden slat floor, the hot tub over in the corner, and the glistening water of the lap pool surrounded by the potted greenery bordering their rooftop oasis. This space had been the final selling point with all three of them when they’d made the decision to leave the condo after what had happened there with Jimmy. It was the perfect place for Julien to relax and do his yoga, for Priest, who loved a good soak to clear his mind, and for Robbie, for whom it was all about the calm he got from finally seeing his men happy and at peace. And that was exactly how he found one of them right now. There, stretched out on one of the sun loungers, was the brand-new reason that Robbie loved summer—an almost-naked Julien Thornton. Dressed in tight, black, barely there swim shorts that left little—okay, nothing—to the imagination, the only other thing Julien was wearing was a pair of Aviator sunglasses. His rich, olive-colored skin was glistening with water droplets as he lay sprawled out with his hands behind his head, and oh my God was he a feast for the eyes. As Robbie walked to the end of the lounger, his eyes roamed up Julien’s toned legs to his muscular thighs, and ended at the bulge that tight material was cupping like a glove. Oh yes, this was hands down the best part about summer now, and luckily for Robbie and Priest, tanning was a favorite pastime of their seriously sexy Frenchman. Bonjour, princesse.” Julien’s honey-toned voice wrapped around Robbie, informing him that he’d been caught staring. But he didn’t care—not one little bit. “One second, please. I’m concentrating here,”Robbie said, his gaze trailing up all he could see to finally land on Julien’s face. “Now, sorry, what were you saying?” Julien chuckled as Robbie walked alongside him. “Bonjour, princesse.” “Oh, yes,” Robbie said, and bent down to brush a kiss across Julien’s lips. “Bonjour, Jules.” Robbie went to straighten, but before he got too far away, Julien took hold of the back of his neck and craned up for a deeper kiss. Robbie’s lips parted, and Julien slipped his tongue inside, making Robbie’s cock jerk to attention, as he braced his hand on the back of the lounger and sank into the deliciousness that was all Julien.

About the Author:

EllaFrank

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!” Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Phillips.

Connect with Ella:

Stay up to date with Ella by joining her mailing list: www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn
Join Booke & Ella’s Naughty Umbrella: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas/

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Release Day Blitz and Review ~ Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

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Hate Notes is LIVE!!!

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A standalone romance novel published by Montlake Romance 
By: New York Times Bestselling Authors Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward 
Release Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Book Description:

It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.

Something blue.

I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.”

Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.

The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed.

He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did not result in a happily ever after.

But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined.

Something new.

But I have no idea how this one is going to end . . .

Hate Notes final paperback cover

Photo/Cover Details:
Photo Credit: Tijana Vukovic
Model: Dusan Susnjar
Teasers by: Luna Sol

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Buy Links:

Add to Goodreads: http://smarturl.it/xys920 
Amazon EBookUK: https://amzn.to/2CYX6XE
Amazon EBook US: https://amzn.to/2zkycOA
Amazon Print UK (Currently on sale!): https://amzn.to/2EY84PB
Amazon Print US (Currently on sale!): https://amzn.to/2AIgfeJ
Amazon Audio UK: https://amzn.to/2CXt5qR
Amazon Audio US: https://amzn.to/2SGWYS2

Please Note: Because Hate Notes is published by Montlake Romance, a division of Amazon, the ebook and paperback will only be available on Amazon. If you are an Amazon Prime or Kindle Unlimited member, you should NOT pre-order the eBook. The Hate Notes ebook will be free for both Prime and KU members on release day!

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To read an excerpt of Hate Notes, click here.

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Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
ARC received for an honest review


“I am enough.”


Once again Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward deliver a heart-warming, smile-inducing, enemies to lovers workplace romance that turned into an unputdownable read. The first book to keep my interest in more than two weeks. Both characters stole my heart as I navigated their path to love and forever. Both characters completely endearing, each with their very own opposite personalities and yet together, they just worked. Each complemented the other perfectly, they brought out the best in one and other, and each were what the other needed, yet never knew they wanted.


“I think it’s better to spend years treasuring a memory that might hurt sometimes than to never make one at all.”


I loved the meet cute, the circumstances were a novel introduction and out of a true romance book. A circumstance that melted my romance lovers heart. Charlotte goes to a boutique to sell her un-used wedding gown and while browsing stumbles upon another that catches her attention. Trying it on, Charlotte notices a blue note stitched into the gown from the groom, and in her romance novel addled brain Charlotte concocts a beautiful love story that she wished was her own. Charlotte ends up exchanging the dress for hers and a little internet stalking later, plus a bottle of wine, Charlotte finds herself face to face with the bridal gown romantic, only he is nothing like what she expected.


“Maybe Stan can work on getting a sensitivity chip installed into your grandson. He seems to be missing one.”


Reed Eastwood was a real estate mogul in the family business, selling properties in the tens of millions and what most would deem living the life. On the outside, he was the consummate professional, and his aloof persona was an impenetrable wall that his family were desperate to crumble. Nobody could get through to Reed, but it seems Charlotte may just be his kryptonite.


“Reed thinks he’s a burden. But the truth is, he has a burden, and it’s easier to handle when it’s shared.”


Charlotte’s personality shone from the pages, and she was incredibly infectious. Having hit rock bottom, Charlotte was finally finding her feet thanks to a conversation with a complete stranger in a ladies rest-room. One that would change her life for the better. The chemistry that Reed and Charlotte have just oozed from the pages and Reed’s concerted effort to keep her at arm's length was comical and completely fruitless. The heart wants who the heart wants, and despite his best efforts and his meddling grandmother, Reed didn’t stand a chance.


“You want to feel me for one night? I’ll make you feel me for days.”


With a great twist I never saw coming and the best epilogue, my heart was fit to burst after a journey of laughter and a few tears. The book was perfectly balanced, the flow was great, and the story all-consuming as these characters take over your heart and soul. I was rooting for these two from the beginning and as I said, THAT EPILOGUE!! Great book from these two, these two always write gold.


“One man’s overlooked blessing is soon another man’s gain.”


Hate Notes Teaser

About the Authors:

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Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in two dozen languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Sign up for Penelope & Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when it goes live! https://www.subscribepage.com/Vi&Penelope

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all! 

Find Vi here:

Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKeelandFanGroup/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vi.keeland https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Vi-Keeland/435952616513958
Website: http://www.vikeeland.com
Twitter: @vikeeland - https://twitter.com/ViKeeland
Instagram: @Vi_Keeland - http://instagram.com/Vi_Keeland/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vi-keeland
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6887119.Vi_Keeland


Penelope Ward photo


Penelope Ward


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism. With over 1.5 million books sold, she is a twenty-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. 

Sign up for Penelope & Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when it goes live! https://www.subscribepage.com/Vi&Penelope

Find Penelope here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penelope.ward https://www.facebook.com/penelopewardauthor Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PenelopesPeeps/
Website: http://www.penelopewardauthor.com
Twitter :https://twitter.com/PenelopeAuthor
Instagram: @penelopewardauthor http://instagram.com/PenelopeWardAuthor/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/penelope-ward 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7105545.Penelope_Ward

Tuesday, 16 October 2018

Release Day Review ~ The Dauntless (Spy Girl #5) by Jillian Dodd


Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the fifth book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

Huntley Von Allister’s cover is firmly in place. 
She’s brilliantly completed her first four missions. 
But she is done.
Done working for Black X.
Done trying to untangle the mystery of what got her mother killed. 
And very, very done with love. 

She’s given herself a simple mission—to recover the precious memories of her final days with her mother by visiting the places in the photos left behind. 
Well, that, and to discover who owns the emerald rings, like the one she found on Dupree. 
And completely destroy their secret society.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“In most seafaring cultures, they say the captain should go down with his ship. I love my country, but I fear it’s sinking, and it will take me under.”


This series is so addictive, every time a new instalment comes out I am on it and read through at a rate of knots. As with all previous instalments, this book is action-packed, fast-paced, addictive and all-consuming and the attention to detail was phenomenal. The amount of research and effort is astonishing, and the reward is definitely for the reader to reap. Our amazing heroine goes rogue in this instalment as Huntley Von Allister gets closer and closer to getting the answers she desperately craves, but are the answers ones she wants to hear?

This series is now five books in, yet it doesn’t feel that way. This is a series that is worthy of a TV serial, and I would love to see it on screen. The possibilities are endless with a heroine such as Huntley. Huntley is a trained killing machine, but one thing she has been starved of is love and affection since the death of her parents. Huntley finds it hard to trust, rightly so, but the friendships that she makes throughout this series are ones to be cherished. Yet, it has got to that point where Huntley has to go back and assess everybody. Who can she really trust, who has their own agenda, who is really on her side?

The Dauntless picks up where The Valiant left off, and the cliffhanger is answered quickly, thank god. Huntley resumes the trail of breadcrumbs that she has been left, still finding trouble wherever she goes that is answered as only Huntley knows how. Like I said above, the attention to detail and research is second to none and this all adds up to deliver one incredibly addictive story that I just couldn’t let go. Reading as fast I could while still digesting every word my heart was running a mile a minute as Huntley navigates her way around something is more than just a game.


“I have been so honest with you, Huntley; I’m practically transparent.”


Huntley’s relationship with Lorenzo is still up in the air, and I continue to champion these two along despite the hurdles they have still yet to jump. With the action ramping up to another epic cliff-hanger, that I never saw coming, Jillian Dodd certainly knows how to keep the reader's attention rapt and hanging off every single word.


“Lorenzo is more. He brings more joy and beauty to my life. More love. More happiness. But with that, sadly, seems to come more rouble, more danger, more pain, and more heartbreak.”


I cannot wait for The Phoenix to be released and it literally cannot come quick enough. Jillian Dodd is the queen of cliffhangers in this series and while this one was relatively tame compared to the others, what was revealed, was definitely not. Jaw meet floor. Absolutely adored it, bring on the next one.

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Release Day Review ~ Beast by Lisa Edward


Book Description:

Life had always been good to me, and I made sure to keep it that way. My mom had given me the only tool I’d need to succeed—manipulation. Add to that the fact I was beautiful, confident, and rich, and I was on my way to having it all.

My name is Annabelle, and I was the stereotypical head cheerleader, dating the star quarterback. The school was mine, and I couldn’t wait to be crowned prom queen.

One night, my world changed forever. All I believed my future would hold was ripped from my grasp in a ball of flames. I lost my identity, my boyfriend, and my friends. Suddenly, I was the monster nobody wanted around.

A scarf hid my true identity, and I was left staring at the beast in the mirror. My appearance now matched the ugliness I once had inside, but I’d do everything I could to prove I still had some beauty buried deep within.

Sometimes, you have to lose who you are to become who you were meant to be.

**Beast is the first in a series of fairytale retelling novels.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“Those who matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter.”


Lisa Edward puts her own spin on the age-old fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast and in turn, turns it on its head. I loved that this book contained a message, an outstanding message, one where lessons are taught and learned and most importantly learned from. How a person can grow from tragedy and rather than let it define them but morph them into a better person.


“I’m too different and people don’t accept different.”


This is the story of Annabelle and Tyler, where beauty is in the eye of the beholder, beauty is only skin deep, and you should never judge a book by its cover, albeit the dust jacket may have been a fair representation of the past.

Annabelle was a hard character to love in the first instance, superficial, bitchy, pretentious and was the ‘it girl’ and she knew it. Every girl wanted to be her friend or be her, she had a charmed life, was spoilt rotten and was one of the girls that came across as totally irredeemable. I had to question where the author was going with this story because, quite frankly, I didn’t want to read about her. I knew that something was going to happen and Lisa Edward did the impossible, she redeemed the irredeemable. By the end, I loved Bella, her metamorphosis was complete.


“Maybe being beautiful on the inside will have to be enough.”
“Oh babe. You were never beautiful on the inside.”


Tyler was one of those guys you couldn’t help but love. Selfless, with a huge heart and it took someone like him to see past Annabelle’s personality flaws. Tyler saw the woman underneath, he saw past the façade and encouraged Bella’s change for the better.

For a short story, this book certainly packed an emotional punch, and at times I did have tears in my eyes. People are so fickle in this day and age, appearances are the be all and end all, and little regard is given for the person underneath. I do feel that Bella was a product of her mother's beliefs and the upbringing that she was given and it took losing something that she took for granted for her to find her inner diamond, after all, even diamonds have flaws.

Absolutely loved this short and its message.

Friday, 14 September 2018

Blog Tour & Review ~ The Truth About Us (Truth Duet #2) by Aly Martinez


The conclusion to the heart-stopping Truth Duet by Aly Martinez just went live!

Today we are celebrating the release of the second book in The Truth Duet by Aly Martinez. The Truth About Us is now available! The first book in the duet, The Truth About Lies, is available too and both titles can be read for FREE as part of KindleUnlimited!


READ THE TRUTH ABOUT US NOW: 


  

THE TRUTH ABOUT US (The Truth Duet, #2)


Book Description:

Truth: Penn Walker entered my life like a summer storm—dark, ominous, and filled with thunder.

After witnessing my husband’s murder, I didn’t have much of a heart left to offer a man.

But Penn took it all.
Every jagged shard.
Every broken bit.
Even the dirty and twisted pieces that I wish never existed.

Lie: I didn’t need him to save me.
Lie: I knew exactly who he was.
Lie: Losing him wouldn’t destroy me.

But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“But that’s the thing about lies… they taint the truth until you have no idea what to believe.”


This duet has been a page turner from the first page of the first book to the last page of this one. Aly Martinez digs deep into her suspense-filled mind and has you gasping all over the place as Penn and Cora’s story comes to its dramatic conclusion. Just when you think you have it all worked out, she delivers another doozy, and everything goes to pot. The ending, I never saw coming, and the epilogue was absolutely perfect and was that delicious cherry on top of the biggest sundae. I have loved all the characters in this duet and knowing that Drew’s story is up next has left me with even more excitement. Drew’s integral part in this duet only comes to a head in this book and with what has been revealed, count me in, first in line for that book baby.


“My heart started.
The Earth spun.
And forever began.
One in. One out.”


I can’t really go into what happens in this book because that would give away huge spoilers, not only for this book but for book one also, so I am really struggling with what to write at all. I will say that at the end of book one, I had A LOT of questions and Aly Martinez answered them all throughout this book, even if she made me wait for a long time for some of them. As I said above, there were some curveballs in this book that I never saw coming, and throughout the whole duet, I have been on the edge of my seat. My heart has been in my mouth, and if my nails weren’t covered in shellac, they would be bitten down to the quick. From start to finish this duet has been thrilling, thoroughly entertaining, emotional and utterly captivating.


“I’m not one of those people who believe that everything happens for a reason. I’ll never be able to say that there was a reason why she should have died…but maybe you’re why I had to watch.”


The characters have driven this story forward with suspense and intrigue and a whole lot of heart. The little nuances, the constant play on the reader's imagination really carried this story forward, and you constantly felt the plot building to its crescendo. This story was intense, but underneath all that suspense and intrigue was a book full of heart, about moving on, healing, trust, but most of all a whole lot of love. Not just between the leads, but between all the characters, especially Cora and her girls. Characters that were selfless, thankless, protective, loving and kick ass in their own way. Each bringing something to the very end and what a battle to get there. When everything is steeped in negativity, grief and devastation and yet something beautiful grows and flourishes by the end. Aly Martinez nailed this duet from all angles, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.


THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES (The Truth Duet, #1) 

AVAILABLE NOW: 


Be sure to follow Aly's newsletter for news about the duet.




About the Author:

 

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children. Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person. She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side. 

AUTHOR LINKS:


Friday, 7 September 2018

Release Day Blitz & Review ~ Dirty Headlines by LJ Shen

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"Dirty Headlines is a fantastic enemies to lovers office romance with a perfect filthy asshole hero that I wish I'd written myself." - Laurelin Paige, New York Times bestselling author

Dirty Headlines, an all-new sexy, enemies-to-lovers romance from bestselling author L.J. Shen is LIVE!

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Book Description:

Célian Laurent.
Manhattan royalty.
Notorious playboy.
Heir to a media empire.
…And my new boss.
I could have impressed him, if not for last month’s unforgettable one-night stand.
I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory—namely, his wallet.
Now he’s staring me down like I’m the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I’m supposed to take it.
But the thing about being Judith “Jude” Humphry is I have nothing to lose.
Brooklyn girl.
Infamously quirky.
Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.
When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.
He knows it.
So do I.
Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.
But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.

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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!


Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2GuCKIB

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Our Review: 

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“How had this guy not been assassinated yet? He was a walking, talking personal offense.”


No-one writes an alpha arsehole like LJ Shen, and Celian was the epitome of one, albeit not as harsh as a usual LJ Shen hero, but commanding all the same. This book was addictive from the first to the last page and was a total page-turner, and I couldn’t eat this story up quick enough. I loved the setting, I loved the dialogue, the sex was insanely hot, and that love/hate chemistry was seriously off the charts. This ticked a lot of boxes for me, and I loved every morsel.


“I think I just talked to the real God around here, and Jesus got pissed.”


Jude was a fantastic heroine, struggling to make ends meet with an ailing father whose medical bills were piling up. Jude did whatever she needed to, to keep a roof over their heads and the love that she had for her dad was one that brought many a tear to my eye. Jude was incredibly strong, sassy and showed her mood by the colour chucks she wore on that day. Jude was incredibly motivated, knew her strengths and changed her work ethic accordingly; she just needed that chance.


“The girl was a lioness at work and a lamb in bed, the perfect combination for a predator like me. I wanted to fight her when we were in the office and fuck her when we were anywhere else.”


Celian was the heir to a media empire, he was insanely rich and incredibly good-looking, and he knew it. He played on his French, his acting skills are legendary, but underneath that cocky, arsehole persona was a man who was incredibly giving, it just took a lot of trust to uncover that side of him. Like Jude, his work ethic was incredible, he adored his job and did everything he could to excel. I loved everything about him.


“He wore his indifference like chipped armor, a white knight with a very dark soul.”


When these two first meet, Jude is not at her best, desperate times and all that. But, that one night stand was not her usual modus operandi. When Jude finally lands the job of her dreams and finds out said one-night stand is her boss, she just wants the ground to open up and eat her alive. Jude keeps her head up and proves herself through sheer hard work and determination, and despite preconceived notions, she proves herself to Celian. However, the chemistry from that one night is ever present, and although he ‘hates’ her, the lust follows closely behind.


“Part of me wanted to screw her, the other half to spank her. Those two didn’t necessarily contradict one another.”


The chemistry between these was intoxicating, that love/hate was perfection, the dialogue and banter were on point, the humour and wit had me in stitches and the plot totally addicting. While I thought the twists and turns were brilliant, there was one that I thought could have been left out and just caused a bit too much unnecessary drama. For me, it became a little overkill towards the end but didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. As I said above, I couldn’t put this one down and was an entertaining read from first to the last word. Great book and well worth a read.


About the Author:

LJShen

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people's’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

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