Hey Candi! What are you reading???

Book Review: VOW TO PROTECT by JL Beck & Monica Corwin

Blurb: (taken from Goodreads)

They call me a monster.

Murderous and hateful.

Beautiful but broken.
Nothing can calm the ever raging storm inside of me. As the ruthless leader of the Doubeck family there is a certain standard of brutality I have to uphold.

To be gentle or kind is a weakness I cannot afford.

That is until the day I meet her.

Beautiful, innocent, and so very afraid.

Valentina is a rival family’s daughter, and the little temptress has purposely tangled herself in my dark web.

She seeks me out, needing my help, but the price for what she wants will be steep.

Since my father’s death I’ve needed a wife to solidify my family name and this woman has piqued my interest.

We strike a deal intertwining our futures.

I’ll put a ring on her finger, own her body, keep her safe, and kill them all.

I make a vow to protect her at all costs.

That is until her secrets come to light, and I’m left with the choice of becoming the monster she’s only ever heard rumors about.

**This is a dark forced marriage mafia romance, that ends on a cliffhanger. It contains dub-con/non-con as well as other scenes that may be triggering to some readers.**

Review:

Adrian is a crime boss. Valentina is the daughter of a rival crime boss. She comes to Adrian for help.

Valentina takes damsel in distress to heart. She’s dependent on Rose, her best friend and cousin before her marriage, then becomes dependent on Adrian. She’s clingy, which I did not care for.

I enjoyed the story and found it entertaining, but Valentina annoyed me. I didn’t care much for her as a lead character.

The book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m hoping that the book that follows portrays our heroine as a strong independent woman and not this damsel needing her husband around at all time.

Trigger Warning: Rape/Brutality to women/organized crime/forced marriage.

Book Review: TAINTED BLOOD by Catherine Wiltcher and Cora Kenborn

Blurb: (taken from Goodreads)

Santi Carrera is the war I never saw coming.
A beautiful liar.
Ruthless.
Captivating…
The architect of my own undoing.

He twisted my loyalty into an ultimatum.
He chained me to his side with a vow of deceit.
I should despise him for all he’s done to me…
But behind those dark eyes, I see his pain.
I recognize his conflict because it’s ours to share.

Now, I’m a pawn in a new war.
Stolen by a stranger, I’ve been taken to a foreign land.
My fate rests in the fragile truce between our families.
They will tear this world apart to find me.
But he’s the only man who can save me.

*𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 2 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑒𝑡. 𝐵𝑎𝑑 𝐵𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑, 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 1, 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑜𝑛.
**𝑇𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑟𝑎 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑒𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑.

Review:

*TRIGGER WARNING: Human Trafficking/Brutality towards women

We pick up where we left off in the first book, with Thalia and Lola gone and Santi and the rest of the crew are clueless as yet.

With the realization of the disappearance of the girls, Santi’s feelings for Thalia is revealed. He will do anything to find his wife.

Action packed. Great dialogue. And of course romance.

We go on this journey with these cartel bosses to find the women they love. We see alliances being formed. Families bonding.

A story of love, family and revenge. A story of women rising from the ashes.

This is part two of the Corrupt Gods duet. Book one must be read to understand this book.

Enjoyed this duet.

Book Review: WINNING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

Blurb:

Working on the ranch and settling down is all Grayson’s ever wanted in life. When he meets the woman who could make that a reality, he learns she hates him with every fiber of her being.

He knows she’s being unreasonable since their bickering is the hottest foreplay he’s ever had.

Mackenzie Bishop’s an elementary school teacher and can tolerate a lot, until it comes to Grayson. He may act like he doesn’t remember what he did, but Kenzie will never forget. Not when the memory of that night still lingers in her mind years later.

She denies her attraction, but she can’t hide it forever, especially when there’s no escaping him.

Although she refuses to give him the time of day, they form a truce and everything changes—just not in the way he expected.
**Winning the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

Review:

Read in one sitting, I loved it so much. Mackenzie and Grayson were always meant to be.

The banter. The pranks. I was very entertained. I couldn’t stop laughing at the pranks they came up with – original.

It was great to see how Grayson came to Circle B ranch and to get his backstory, as we read about both these characters in the previous books of the Circle B Ranch series.

Kenzie just made woman look good. A kindergarten teacher with the need to give back. Follows in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a teacher then going out of her way for her students.

Grayson is hurt and needs a new start. Why not get a fresh start on a ranch where he can meet the love of his life who is his match in every way.

This book was another reminder of why I enjoy reading Kennedy Fox books.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

The Circle B Ranch Series is available on all platforms. Start from the beginning, you won’t regret it.

Rating:

Book Review: LEGACY by Nora Roberts

Synopsis

Thoughts of her lived in that angry and patient brain. But there was time, so much time yet. And there were others. Many others who would come before.

Adrian Rizzo is a beautiful young woman with a successful business, and a wonderful family and friends. She’s worked hard to build a happy life for herself. When she receives a death threat in the post, she puts it down to jealousy and tries to forget about it. But Adrian doesn’t realise that it’s more than just spite. Someone is very unhappy about her happy life and will stop at nothing to bring it all crashing down.

My Thoughts:

Well one thing is for sure. Nora Roberts never disappoints.

I loved this book. It took me a while to read because… life; but I didn’t want it to stop. It was page turning from the first chapter.

Another thrilling book with a strong female lead and just as strong secondary characters. Women may the target but they’re are certainly not weak and useless.

This is a story of family, friends, community. The book has three parts namely: Ambitions; Changes; Legacies.

A story of building yourself up. Taking control of your life. Doing what is best for you and your family. A story of grief and loss and pushing through the hard times.

Murder. Love. It has it all. A little doggie love story too. and some seriously smart attentive kids.

I rated this a thrilling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy for review.

Book Review: WHILE PARIS SLEPT by Ruth Druart

Synopsis: (taken from Goodreads)

A family’s love is tested when heroes-turned-criminals are forced to make the hardest decisions of their lives in this unforgettably moving story of love, resistance, and the lasting consequences of the Second World War.

After. Santa Cruz, California, 1953. Jean-Luc and Charlotte Beauchamps have left their war-torn memories of Paris behind to live a quiet life in America with their son, Sam. They have a house in the suburbs, they’ve learned to speak English, and they have regular get-togethers with their outgoing American neighbors. Every minute in California erases a minute of their lives before — before the Germans invaded their French homeland and incited years of violence, hunger, and fear. But their taste of the American Dream shatters when officers from the U.N. Commission on War Crimes pull-up outside their home and bring Jean-Luc in for questioning.

Before. Paris, France, 1944. Germany has occupied France for four years. Jean-Luc works at the railway station at Bobigny, where thousands of Jews travel each day to be “resettled” in Germany. But Jean-Luc and other railway employees can’t ignore the rumors or what they see on the tracks: too many people are packed into the cars, and bodies are sometimes left to be disposed of after a train departs. Jean-Luc’s unease turns into full-blown panic when a young woman with bright green eyes bursts from the train one day alongside hundreds of screaming, terrified passengers, and pushes a warm, squirming bundle into his arms.

Told from alternating perspectives, While Paris Slept reflects on the power of love, loss, and the choices a mother will make to ensure the survival of her child. At once a visceral portrait of family ties and a meditation on nurture’s influence over identity, this heartbreaking debut will irreversibly take hold of your heart.

Review:

This book had my emotions all over the place.

I loved it. A beautiful story of love, sacrifice, trust and resilience. A story of starting over. A story of suffering.

Beautifully written. Captivating. I wish I had one full day to just sit and read it because once I started it I didn’t want to put it down.

I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my emotions running wild. It took me a while to get back to reality.

If you love historical stories and those that tug at your heartstrings then this book is for you.

Get cozy. Grab your favourite beverage and sit back and travel back in time to Paris with this book.

I’ve given this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this copy to review

Book Review: KISSING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

Blurb:

After drinking a bottle of wine, Harper tells her business rival that she recently got engaged. Once the hangover wears off, Harper realizes she now needs a fake fiancé or to admit she lied. Wanting to avoid the backlash, she asks her childhood best friend for a favor.

She can pretend she’s not in love with him, but her traitorous body reveals otherwise.

Ethan Bishop will do anything for Harper, even if it’s crazy and means risking his heart. Pretending to be engaged to the woman he’s always loved proves to be difficult—especially when repressed feelings bubble to the surface.

He only wants to help, but everyone in his life sees through his façade.

It’s hard to know what’s real or fake when their private moments turn intimate. When they cross the line and fall between the sheets, the truth is undeniable.

Just as they feared, their friendship’s no longer the same. However, one thing’s certain—there’s no going back now.

**Kissing the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

Binge Read books 1 – 5 that is now available

Review:

Pretending to be in love with someone you’re truly in love with is hard work.

This is the case for these two love birds, Ethan and Harper. They’ve been pining for each other for years and basically keeping their feelings to themselves for the sake of their friendship.

Once again, Kennedy Fox kept us laughing and frustrated with the Bishop family. Grandma Bishop made her usual appearance showing us all who really is the boss of the family.

I love this family and I’m loving this second generation series. I’ve read all the Bishop stories and it’s a hoot with every book released.

Can’t wait for the next book to be released.

Start the Bishop Brothers Series with Taming Him and follow it up with the Circle B Ranch Series where you meet the grandchildren.

Ethan and Harper got 💚💚💚💚

Book Review: MY REWARD by Jennifer Hanks

Blurb:

In Noah Striker’s world, control is everything.

Throughout his life, he’s learned the ramifications of trusting another person and refuses to be seen as weak or vulnerable again. The only person he wants the world to see is the hard, unbending man he’s become.

But that all changes when he’s assigned to protect Beth Sullivan.

For four years, he watches quietly from a distance, never understanding his need to keep her safe or the loyalty he feels, but when another threatens her, keeping his distance is no longer an option.

Neither is denying the passion that’s always lingered between them.

With an enemy on the hunt, Noah Striker will face the fight of his life.

But can he relinquish the control he’s always believed saved him in order to save her?

Review:

I waited so long for this book and it has finally arrived.

The story continues with the Elite Security family. And like all the books in this series I couldn’t put it down.

Beth and Striker are both quiet, hurt souls. They don’t know how to behave around each other, but what they know is that there is a pull towards each other.

A story of starting over, friendship, brotherhood, family and love.

Jennifer Hanks knows how to write a good romantic suspense.

I loved it.

Striker and Beth got 💛💛💛💛

Book Review: THE WHISPER MAN by Alex North

“If you leave a door half open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken.
If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home.
If your window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass.
If you’re lonely, sad and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.”

Synopsis:

When Tom and his son Jake move to Featherbank, they’re looking for a fresh start.

But this sleepy village has a dark past – fifteen years earlier a serial killer haunted it’s streets. In the days before he struck, his young victims claimed to hear whispers in the night.

Of course, an old crime need not trouble Tom and Jake.

Until another boy goes missing.

And then Jake says he hears a whispering at his window…

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn’t read it in one sitting was because it creeped me out at night and I love to read at night. So I opted to read it during the day, which helped a little bit.

It’s a story of a boy who is different. A policeman needing to close a 20 yr old case. A dad trying desperately to understand his son.

I loved the characters. I enjoyed the different POVs we got read. Well written.

Definitely on my recommend list.

The Whisper Man received 4.5 stars from me!

Cover Reveal: CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM by LJ Evans

Book Details:

Title: Charming and the Cherry Blossom

Author: LJ Evans

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: July 16, 2021

Genre: standalone, contemporary romance

Tropes: new adult, fairy tale, magical realism, small town, first love, soul mate, slow burn

Hardback ISBN: TBD

Paperback ISBN: TBD

eBook ASIN: TBD

Format: eBook, paperback, and hardbackTag Line: “Love turns every story into a fairy tale.”

Links:

Amazon US: TBD

Amazon UK: TBD

Amazon AU: TBD

Amazon CA: TBD

Playlist on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3uwHscW

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/CandCBGR

BookBub: TBD

Book Trailer: TBDGoodreads Giveaway: TBD

👩‍🎓 Old-soul college students

👑 A surprise inheritance

🏡Small town

🧚‍♀‍ Magical Realism

🏰 Fairy tale vibe💘 Complete standalone

Blurb:

Today was a fairy tale…

I inherited a fortune from a dad I never knew,

And a thoroughly charming guy asked me out.

–

Unfortunately, my fairy tale could disappear in ninety days…

Because there’s an impossible task to complete,

And a greedy cousin plotting against me.

–

Plus, I’m not your typical fairy tale princess.

I have a secret that might send my charming running,

And threatens my future if the press finds out.

–

If today was a fairy tale…

Why does my happily ever after look so far out of reach?

–

From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a contemporary romance filled with all the magic, hope, and love of a fairy tale plus the slow-burn, old-soul vibe her fans adore. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Today Was a Fairytale,” this small-town romance is pure escapism.

–

A full-length, standalone adult romance.

–

♬ “Where music & stories collide” ♬

About the Author:

Award winning author, LJ Evans, lives in the California Central Valley with her husband, daughter, and the terrors called cats. She’s been writing, almost as a compulsion, since she was a little girl and will often pull the car over to write when a song lyric strikes her. A former first grade teacher, she now spends her days reading and writing, as well as binge-watching original shows like The Crown, A Discovery of Witches, Veronica Mars, and Stranger Things.

If you ask her the one thing she won’t do, it’s pretty much anything that involves dirt—sports, gardening, or otherwise. But she loves to write about all of those things, and her first published heroine was pretty much involved with dirt on a daily basis, which is exactly why LJ loves fiction novels—the characters can be everything you’re not and still make their way into your heart.

Her debut novel, MY LIFE AS A COUNTRY ALBUM, was the Independent Author Network’s 2017 YA Book of the Year.

Connect with the Author

LJ Evans Books: https://www.ljevansbooks.com/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lj-evans

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/ljevans

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16738629.L_J_Evans

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ljevansbooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ljsmusicandstories

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ljevansbooks

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ljevansbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljevansbooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ljevansbooks/

Blog Tour: RUTHLESS SAINT by S. Massery

**RUTHLESS SAINT (Desantis Mafia #1) by S. Massery**
Release Date: May 18th

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54901790-ruthless-saint

AVAILABLE NOW!!! FREE IN KU!!!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3fjLqQC

Amazon International: http://mybook.to/desantis1

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094T5SPBN

ALSO AVAILABLE ON AUDIO!!

Narrated by Jacob Morgan and Stephanie Rose!

http://bit.ly/desantis1-US

http://bit.ly/desantis1-UK

Blurb:

He wasn’t the one I was supposed to marry.

He’s cold.

Brutal.

Calculating.

To his family, I’m a strategic move in their war.

To mine, an alliance offers protection against our enemies.

Still, there’s something about him that calls to me.

A dark edge threatens to revive me. His gaze steals my breath.

Even if my heart thinks this could work, my brain knows better.

We say “I do” with his brother’s blood on our clothes,

and the bars of my gilded cage slam closed.

Our wedding vows are forever – ’til death do us part.

But with enemies closing in from all sides, death might be closer than we think.

Trigger Warning: This story does contain a sexual assault scene.

About the Author:

S. Massery, AKA Sara, is a dark romance author from Massachusetts. She enjoys twisting, suspenseful tales with dark anti-heroes and sassy heroines.

Her journey started when she was a little girl, dreaming of stories and frantically trying to capture her dreams on paper. She completed her first novel, Something Special, in 2018, and she has been unstoppable ever since.

Connect w/S. Massery:

Website: https://www.smassery.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsmassery

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smasserysquad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsmassery

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18389182.S_Massery

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/s-massery

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kbZHk8

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