Monday, September 30, 2019

SAPPHIRE FLAMES (HIDDEN LEGACY #4)

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart. 

Release Date: August 27, 2019
Avon HarperCollins Publisher
Hidden Legacy #4, Catalina Baylor #1
Urban Fantasy
Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Sapphire Flames is the 4th book in the Hidden Legacy series and the 1st book with Catalina Baylor being the main character of the series. Catalina is the head of House Baylor and they are in the final weeks of new house protection when Sapphire Flames begins. I feel like all of the Baylors have the same moral code when it comes to taking care of friends, family and those in need, and Catalina was everything I wanted in the new head of the house.

Catalina's style and magic is very different from Nevada's, and I liked she delegated more responsibilities to various family members.  Even when there were issues along the way, she showed a strength I wasn't aware she had from the first 3 Hidden Legacy books. I felt like Catalina's strength was more internal and she was learning on the fly, and it was very refreshing for me. Her sense of right and wrong worked for me and I loved seeing her begin to come into her own as the story progressed.

Alessandro Sagredo gave me all the happy sighs when he was on the page. I loved the banter between him and Catalina. OMG the chemistry and attraction between these two gave me all the feels. I can't wait to see where they go as this series progresses, as I think I love them even more than I loved Nevada and Rogan...and I had mad love for those two.

Sapphire Flames was a great read. I loved getting to spend more time and learn more about each of the Baylor family members with each new installment. Ilona Andrews became an auto-buy/auto-read author for me as soon as I read the first Kate Daniels book, and I have to say my love for the Hidden Legacy series is every bit as strong. I can't wait to see where we are taken next in this wonderful Urban Fantasy series.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

Friday, September 27, 2019

LETHAL NIGHTS (BRUTE FORCE #3)

Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man―and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…

Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But her ex-husband moved among some shady characters, and now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost―one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon…and never letting go?



Release Date: September 24, 2019
St. Martin’s Press
Brute Force #3
Romantic Suspense
Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:
Lora Leigh is one of my unicorn authors. I have devoured her novels for years! I was so excited to dive into her newest book.

Ilya is a typical Lora Leigh hero, which I adore. He’s growly, stubborn, alpha, and oozes hot sexy times! Emma is the kind of heroine that I really like. She’s spunky, sassy, independent, and kind. She also has that vulnerability that I like to see in a heroine. 

The chemistry between the two was off the charts. It just kept building and building. By the time things came to a head, I thought I was going to scream “thank god!”. Lora Leigh knows how to keep the reader on their toes when it comes to the rising lust between her characters. 

As much as I liked this book, I struggled a bit. There’s constant mention of dragons. Dragon tribes, dragon bloodlines, dragon mates, and other mystical type of stuff. I started to wonder if I was reading a paranormal romance rather than romantic suspense. I think the flow of the story would have worked better had those things not been so prominent. I started to skim over those parts. 

One thing I can always count on with a Lora Leigh novel is the intricately woven suspense storyline. There was a great balance of romance and action. 


This book wasn’t my favourite in the series. It didn’t grab me quite like the first two books did, but I am definitely looking forward to the next installment! 

 Rating: 3 Stars (B)

Thursday, September 26, 2019

WRAPPED UP IN YOU (HEARTBREAKER BAY #8)

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Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis

Release Date: September 24, 2019

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Wrapped Up in You, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Jill Shalvis.

It’s love. Trust me.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

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Download your copy today!

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2LzsGxn

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kp5icy

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Excerpt:
     He held her gaze for a long beat before taking the bag and unzipping it, finding the dishes she’d put together for him. “Not tacos,” he said in surprise.

     “Making tacos is my job,” she said. “This was for something else.”

     “And what’s that?”

     “An apology for being … grumpy last night.”

     “You weren’t.”

     She gave him a get real look and he smiled. “Okay, maybe a little. But it was understandable. You’d just gotten an unfortunate and unfair surprise.” He gently tilted her face up to his. “You doing okay this morning?”

     “Yes,” she said. “Of course.”

     “Of course,” he repeated and shook his head. “Smart, tough, and resilient,” he murmured, his gaze on her face.

     Now it was her turn to smile. “Some might say stubborn, impulsive, and doesn’t know when to quit.”

     “Yeah,” he said. “But I find those things very attractive.”

     Honestly, she didn’t know how to take half the things he said. They made her feel both terrified and exhilarated at the same time. “You’re a strange man.”

     “So I’ve been told.” He looked over the food. “You poison any of it?”

     “No, and only because I’d never waste food.” But to prove it, she grabbed the fork she’d packed and took a bite of her eggs. “Mmm,” she moaned before she could stop herself, but hey, she’d worked out and been on the move ever since, and she was starving. Plus, she made damn good eggs if she said so herself.

     Again their eyes met, and that now familiar spark went right through her. She wanted him. Quite badly, if going off her racing pulse meant anything. He was so … what, exactly? Steady? Tough? Intense and yet somehow easy-going, not to mention also extremely easy on the eyes?

     “You didn’t have to cook something special for me,” he said, sounding touched.

     “You helped me last night. I repay my debts.”

     “I didn’t do it so you’d feel indebted to me,” he said and cocked his head as he studied her for a beat. “Someday you’re going to have to tell me about the apparent assholes who’ve been in your life to make you so distrusting of me.”

     “Oh, don’t flatter yourself. It’s not just you. I don’t trust anyone. And it wasn’t just me paying back a debt,” she admitted. “I wanted to cook for you.” And because that made his smile warm, which in turn made something inside her warm as well, she shrugged and backed up a few steps, needing breathing room. “I also wanted to thank you for your help,” she said, feeling annoyingly awkward as he shoved stacks of plans to one side of the table and started pulling everything else out of her bag with a deep male hum of pleasure when he caught sight of the pancakes.

     “Are those blueberry?” he asked very seriously.

     She nodded.

     “Fair warning, if they’re as good as the eggs, I really am going to drop to my knees and ask you to marry me.”

     That startled a laugh out of her. “Fair warning, if you drop to your knees, I’m going to use my considerable kickboxing skills on you.”



About Jill:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill:


Liza's Review:

Wrapped Up In You is the 8th book in the Heartbreaker Bay series of books from Jill Shalvis. Kel O'Donnell, Caleb's cousin,  and Ivy Snow, taco truck owner, are both pretty guarded individuals thanks to things for each of their pasts. Kel is a by the rules cop in Idaho, while Ivy is finally ending her nomadic lifestyle in San Francisco. 

I enjoyed Ivy and Kel's story. While they were pretty opposite in certain things, there was enough alike about them and chemistry between them, for me to keep wanting them to spend more and more time together. They did seem to dance around their attraction way longer than I expected, but it also seemed to work for them as a couple. As with any book by Jill Shalvis, there are moments where I'm laughing out loud one minute, and crying a bit at others. I had wanted Kel's book since forever, and while I still love him, he mad me mad on more than one occasion in Wrapped Up In You. I think because I've always seen him as such a great guy, when he acted what I felt like was out of character, it took a bit for me to get past it. 

Honestly while I enjoyed the romance in Wrapped Up In You, the friendships Ivy finally realized she had with all the women in the series gave me all the happy feels. They each had each others backs always and the friendships with the women were every bit as important to Ivy moving forward with a romance as it was to her everyday life. I love how the friendships that develop in a Jill Shalvis book end up being every bit as important to the main characters as the romance.

Wrapped Up In You was a great addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series of books. I love with each new book, we get to spend time with favorite characters from the series and I know I'm going to have an emotional romance that will keep me reading way past my bedtime.


Rating: 4 Stars (B)
Review copy provided by publisher

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

ALL THE WAY RELEASE BLITZ

About the Book


I know it’s time to move on from my rocky past and get back out there and start dating again.

It’s just that every time I think about it, I get all nervous and sweaty.

Good thing I have a secret weapon to help me—my best friend, professional hockey stud Owen Parrish.

He’s the king of hookups, and promises he’ll be my guide through the world of online dating. With his help, I know this won’t be as hard.
• • •
I’ve never been this hard in my entire life.

My friend Becca wants my help hooking her up with some douchey guy from a dating app.

I said I’d help her—but now I’m noticing all kinds of things I can’t ignore, like how pretty she is behind those baggy clothes and messy buns.

I want to be the one to help her, to show her the ropes in the bedroom, and it turns out, Becca’s game to let me take a more hands-on approach.

But what happens when she’s ready to take her newfound confidence and move on? I’ve never been boyfriend material, but for her, I want to try.

Your favorite hot jocks are back with an all new standalone novel. If you like sexy, confident men who know how to handle a stick (on and off the ice), and smart women who are strong enough to keep all those big egos in check, this series is for you!


Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/2X2ilSB


About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.
Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 70 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.comfor the latest book news, and fun extras.

Subscriber to the newsletter: http://www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter/

RELEASED BLITZ: WRAPPED UP IN YOU

WUIY - RB banner.jpg

Kel’s been burned once too many times to believe in love, and yet Ivy makes him want things he never imagined. But when her surprising past intrudes, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a lie. Is he willing to fight for a true love story?

Wrapped Up in You, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Jill Shalvis is LIVE!

WUIY high res.jpeg

It’s love. Trust me.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

FB AN.jpg

Download your copy today!

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2LzsGxn

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kp5icy

Release Blitz.jpg

About Jill:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill:



Monday, September 23, 2019

TAKE ME NOW (THE KNIGHT BROTHERS #5)

He acts like he barely knows her.

But she knows he’s the one.

Matt Banks was ready to tell Harper Sanders that he loved her, that he’d always loved her and that even though they were young, she was his forever girl.

Then her brother stepped in, wanting more for his sister than a garage owner. Too young to stand up for himself, Matt made her brother a promise that he’s regretted every day since.

After years of being ignored by the guy she’s always loved, Harper is on a dating binge. No one is Matt, but a girl can keep on trying. Then she gets stranded on the side of the road, and she has no choice but to call the only mechanic in town.

Matt comes to her rescue, and then to her bed. It’s an idyllic, passion-filled weekend—but there’s still the matter of his promise. And a man’s word is his bond.

NOTE: Take Me Now is a never before published SHORT story in the Knight Brothers series.

Release Date: August 29, 2019
CP Publishing
Knight Brothers Series
Contemporary Romance
Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

I loved Harper from the moment we met her in Take Me Down. She is best friends with Emily, who is now married to Parker Knight. Harper has been in love with Matt Banks forever, yet he acts like he doesn't see her. Take Me Know is a short story, so it moves really fast and it was absolutely perfect to me.

OMG I loved Harper and Matt's story so very much! Let me just say when Matt finally decides he is going after the girl he has wanted forever, he holds nothing back. I had always wondered why he and Harper weren't together and have to say him being a man of his word, even when it messes with his happiness, only made me love him more. Matt finally taking a chance and going after Harper had me cheering. I knew they were perfect for one another the moment they appeared the page together and Take Me Know as like a surprise gift from Carly Phillips. It had all the passion, love, romance and family I've come to love and expect in a really fast paced story.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

THE BOOK CHARMER (DOVE POND #1)

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins crafts an unforgettable story about a sleepy Southern town, two fiercely independent women, and a truly magical friendship.

Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.

If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.
Release Date: July 30, 2019
Gallery Books
Dove Pond #1
Romantic Fiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

The Book Charmer is the first book in the Dove Pond series of books from Karen Hawkins, and honestly the first book I've read by this author somehow. I absolutely adored this book.

Sarah Dove has always had books talk to her telling her who needs to read each book. As a bookworm, this seems like the coolest gift ever. I love we find out in this book that each of the 7 Dove sisters are each given a special gift. I firmly believe books talking to you is the best one. 

Sarah has always wanted to be the one to save her beloved hometown of Dove Pond, but the books are telling her the newest resident Grace Wheeler will actually be the one to save the town. However, Grace only has plans to say in Dove Pond for a year and then move back to the city with Mama G and her niece Daisy. Grace also seems to be all about doing her job and taking care of her family with no help from other when she first arrives. I loved seeing the growth of each of the characters in this book as the story progressed.

I adored the town of Dove Pond. I grew up in a small southern town and I love reading about small towns. Dove Pond was just as much a character in this book as all the people and books. While there is an element of romance in this story, the friendships seemed to be much more important and in the forefront of this book. I love seeing Sarah and Grace become such good friends as they worked together with so many other friends to save their town. Ms. Hawkins gave her readers a beautiful and emotion filled story and I wish I already had the next book in the series. While this is the first book I've read from Ms. Hawkins, it absolutely will not be the last.
  

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

ALL THE WAY TEASER BLAST

ALL THE WAY 
By Kendall Ryan
Release Day: September 24, 2019


About the Book


I know it’s time to move on from my rocky past and get back out there and start dating again.

It’s just that every time I think about it, I get all nervous and sweaty.

Good thing I have a secret weapon to help me—my best friend, professional hockey stud Owen Parrish.

He’s the king of hookups, and promises he’ll be my guide through the world of online dating. With his help, I know this won’t be as hard.
• • •
I’ve never been this hard in my entire life.

My friend Becca wants my help hooking her up with some douchey guy from a dating app.

I said I’d help her—but now I’m noticing all kinds of things I can’t ignore, like how pretty she is behind those baggy clothes and messy buns.

I want to be the one to help her, to show her the ropes in the bedroom, and it turns out, Becca’s game to let me take a more hands-on approach.

But what happens when she’s ready to take her newfound confidence and move on? I’ve never been boyfriend material, but for her, I want to try.

Your favorite hot jocks are back with an all new standalone novel. If you like sexy, confident men who know how to handle a stick (on and off the ice), and smart women who are strong enough to keep all those big egos in check, this series is for you!

Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/2X2ilSB



About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.
Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 70 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

Subscriber to the newsletter: http://www.kendallryanbooks.com/newsletter/