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Feature Post and Book Reviews: Mercy Kilpatrick Books 1-4 by Kendra Elliot

Hi, everyone!

Hopefully by now you have all checked out my Feature Post for Kendra Elliot’s new book “A Merciful Fate” and entered the Rafflecopter giveaway.

This Feature Post and Book Reviews are to entice you to read the whole series! I LOVE Mercy and I highly recommend this series. Below you will find my reviews of Mercy Kilpatrick Books 1-4 by Kendra Elliot and the author’s social media info.

Happy Reading!

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RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

A MERCIFUL DEATH (Mercy Kilpatrick #1) by Kendra Elliot is the start of a new series that is a cross between romantic suspense and mystery/suspense. This type of series is always difficult to categorize for me, but it is similar to Melinda Leigh’s Morgan Dane series and/or Marie Force’s Fatal series which are must reads for me. The balance between romance and mystery/suspense varies depending on the plot in each book.

FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick grew up in rural Eagle’s Nest, Oregon in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains. Until the age of eighteen, Mercy was raised in a family of preppers. After a falling out with her father that had him disowning her, Mercy left town to build her own life. Her lifetime of being prepared for disaster has stayed with her though and is a necessary part of her life even though she hides it from her colleagues.

When there are a series of elderly male preppers murdered in Mercy’s hometown. What would normally be a local case catches the FBI’s attention when the preppers large caches of weapons are also stolen. This raises the possibility of domestic terrorism. Her FBI supervisor sends her and her partner to work with the nearby Bend office and local law enforcement.

Eagle Nest Police Chief Truman Daly is the nephew of one of the murdered men. Raised in the community only on summer breaks, he is just starting to be accepted in a community that has its own ideas about the government and police. As Truman works with Mercy on the murders, he learns of her family ties to the community and begins to suspect, she did not completely leave her prepper life behind.

Mercy discovers that these current murders are eerily familiar to two unsolved murders in the town’s past. With her sister now involved, Mercy and Truman must capture a killer who has been free in their community for much too long before her sister suffers the same fate.

Mercy is a wonderfully unique and flawed character. I find her so interesting and want to know much more about her and her family. Truman has his own interesting history and I hope this budding romance continues. He has his work cut out for him with such an independent heroine who does not like to share her secrets. The plot was interesting and tied in well with the older cases, but this is also why I gave this book four stars instead of five. I found Mercy’s brother’s actions not believable. (No spoilers, so you will have to read it and see if you agree.) Overall, a good start to this series and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

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RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

A MERCIFUL TRUTH (Mercy Kilpatrick #2) by Kendra Elliot is the newest book in this continuing romantic suspense/mystery/suspense series. I have been looking forward to reading more about Mercy!

FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and her partner, Eddie have transferred to the Bend FBI field office. Eddie likes the wilderness of central Oregon over Portland and Mercy wants to be closer to Truman and her family. Mercy is getting closer to her sisters and mother, but her father and brother blame her for the violence and change in her family from book #1.

Eagle’s Nest Police Chief Truman Daly is investigating a series of small fires that he believes are being started by teenagers. When a barn is set on fire, everything changes when two county sheriffs are shot and killed when they respond. Arson has become murder. At the next fire the murdered body of an unidentified man is found at the scene. No one is talking and Mercy and Truman have no idea why these fires are being set or who is setting them.

As they investigate the unidentified dead man, Mercy’s niece is learning that the teenagers her new boyfriend is hanging out with are trouble and that her boyfriend is having second thoughts about working at his job on a large secluded ranch outside of town. There are rumors of many outside men coming to town and living on the ranch. Mercy’s brother is also somehow tied to the ranch and reciting a lot of anti-government hate rhetoric.

The closer Mercy and Truman get to the truth, long buried secrets are exposed and their personal danger escalates.

I loved Mercy in the first book and I am now hooked for good. Her character is so interesting. The balance between her life as an FBI agent and her hidden life as a prepper makes for very interesting reading. I love that Truman “gets” Mercy and her unique life and does not try to change her. Mercy’s family and all of the secondary characters are becoming more fleshed out and interesting. The plot builds in intensity and wraps everything up at the end. This book can be read as a standalone, but like so many other similar series, the relationships grow and change in each book as in real life, so I recommend reading them in order. This has become a must read series for me!

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RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

A MERCIFUL SECRET (Mercy Kilpatrick #3) by Kendra Elliot returns you to Mercy Kilpatrick’s world of rural central Oregon. This series gives you intriguing mystery/suspense plots and a view into the world of preppers, survivalists and anti-government sovereign citizens.

FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick is surprised at night on a rural road close to her hidden cabin by a young girl who flags her down from the side of the road. Mercy is led through the woods to a cabin where the girl’s grandmother is dying from multiple stab wounds. The Sabins, three generations of women; grandmother, mother and daughter have lived isolated in the woods and are rumored to be witches.

Mercy is later to learn a judge, hundreds of miles away is found slain in the exact same way brings her friend and fellow FBI agent from Portland to investigate both murders. Not one to be kept on the sidelines, Mercy along with Chief of Police Truman Daly insert themselves into the investigation. An old friend from Mercy’s high school days is implicated along with the daughter of the slain woman.

Rumors and secrets keep hindering the investigation until the explosive surprise climax.

This series just keeps getting better and better. The mystery plot in this third book is fast paced and the resolution was a surprise to me. This book also contains some flashback scenes from one of the suspects which add depth and understanding to her character and others. Mercy and Truman’s relationship takes a big leap after the climax of this story and I cannot wait to read more. I found it difficult to put this book down and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

***

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

A MERCIFUL SILENCE (Mercy Kilpatrick #4) by Kendra Elliot is a cross between romantic suspense and mystery/suspense genres. Each book has a standalone mystery/suspense plot, but it also has a building romance involving the main characters of the series which may or may not be prominent in each story. The current book leans more towards being a police procedural with emotionally charged murders in the past and present with extremely high stakes for Mercy and Truman.

FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpartrick is called to the scene of a washed out road which exposes human skeletal remains. As she works to discover the identity of the remains, she remembers two families that were murdered in the exact same manner 20 years ago. The killer has always maintained his innocence and is still in prison. Copycat or has the wrong man been in prison all these years?

When the sole survivor of one of the old murdered families returns to town, Mercy is not sure what to make of the woman. She asks for Mercy’s help because she believes she is being stalked. Mercy feels she knows more than she is telling about that long ago murder. Is she somehow a part of the current murders or is she a lose end that needs to be eliminated?

As Mercy works her case, Eagle’s Nest Chief of Police Truman Daly has a unique traffic stop with a young man who shows illegal ID and claims to be a sovereign citizen. While jailed, he sends Truman a letter claiming he owns him 3 million dollars for an illegitimate arrest. Truman does not know whether to take this seriously or as a joke. These sovereign citizens do not want anyone interfering in their business. Truman and his police vehicle disappear and there is blood on the driveway.

I could not put this book down!

Mercy and Truman both go through so much in this book. Even as they are apart, it is the fight to get home to the other that gives them their strength. Mercy realizes no amount of prep can prepare her for everything. She learns it is OK to sometimes rely on family and friends. Truman’s love for Mercy is his strength and reason to continue on even when he thinks he cannot. This was definitely an edge-of-your-seat read with both cases having such high stakes.

I believe you should read this series in order as the characters grow and change in each book as in real life. I highly recommend this series. Mercy is a memorable character.

***

Author Biography

Kendra Elliot has landed on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list multiple times and is the award-winning author of the Bone Secrets and Callahan & McLane series, as well as the Mercy Kilpatrick novels: A Merciful Death, A Merciful Truth, and A Merciful Secret. Kendra is a three-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award, an International Thriller Writers finalist, and an RT Award finalist. She has always been a voracious reader, cutting her teeth on classic female heroines such as Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Laura Ingalls. She was born, raised, and still lives in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her husband and three daughters, but she looks forward to the day she can live in flip-flops. Visit her at www.kendraelliot.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.kendraelliot.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KendraElliot

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150778.Kendra_Elliot

Release Blitz/Feature Post and Book Review: Burning for Autumn by Freya Barker

Hi, everyone!

You all by now know how much I LOVE Freya Barker’s romances and this is her new one Burning for Autumn (On Call #1) starting off a new series in Susan Stoker’s Police and Fire Badge of Honor world.

Below you will find a description of the story, my book review and Freya Barker’s author info and social media links. Also you have a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card at the end of this post. Good luck on the Rafflecopter giveaway and I know you will fall in love with this HOT romance!

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Title: Burning For Autumn (On Call, #1)

Author: Freya Barker

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 8,2019

Cover Designer: Freya Barker

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2AIqy1l

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Book Description:

When Autumn McCoy accepted a temporary work contract in Durango, she thought it would be a safe way to add some spark to her existence. She may be getting more than she bargained for when she finds herself the target of impending danger.The outspoken forty-two-year-old isn’t prepared for that spark to ignite flames threatening to engulf every aspect of her life.

Buried under the weight of responsibilities, all interim Chief of Police, Keith Blackfoot, wants is to get back to good old-fashioned detecting. He gets his chance when an encounter with a feisty redhead seems to incite a wave of arson cases. Although a visit from friend and firefighter, Roman “Chief” Proudfit, provides some direction, he’s left to battle an invisible menace fueling fires that could leave his town—and his heart—in ashes.

Goodreads book link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42967192-burning-for-autumn-police-and-fire?from_search=true

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My Book Review:

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

BURNING FOR AUTUMN (On Call #1) by Freya Barker is the first romantic suspense in a new series in Susan Stoker’s Badge of Honor World focused on Police and Firefighters. I LOVE Freya Barker’s writing and was very excited to see her entering one of my favorite romance worlds. This book is smoking hot and does not disappoint!

Autumn McCoy accepted a one year work contract for a special program in a new burn unit in Durango. She is sad to leave her girlfriends behind in San Antonio, but she believes she needs to shake up her staid life. She knows she needs to get out and when she takes up the invite of a new friend to meet at The Irish, a local pub where firefighters and police hangout, she runs into an arrogant, but handsome man. Two strong personalities butt heads, but there are sparks there that Autumn is not sure she wants to explore.

Acting Chief of Police, Keith Blackfoot is sick of the politics and responsibilities of being Chief. He wants to go back to being a detective only. He takes a break for the night and runs into a feisty redhead who sets off an interest that he has never felt before. When that redhead seems to have caught the attention of a serial arsonist, he will do anything to protect her even as she fights his protectiveness at every step of the way.

Autumn and Keith are both strong, independent characters who have to learn to trust that what they have found with each other is special before an arsonist destroys their future in flames.

Once again Ms. Barker’s writing pulls me into a story and makes me believe. She breathes life into her characters and expertly twines suspense throughout the romance. I especially love her characters because they are middle age and have either been burned by love before or are career oriented and never bothered with a long-term relationship. I enjoy reading about characters with worries about folds or wrinkles from age when they enter into a new sexual relationship occasionally instead of 20 somethings with perfect everything. She makes her characters very sexual. They are older and know what they want in bed and out and it is HOT!

I highly recommend this book!

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About Freya:

Freya Barker inspires with her stories about ‘real’ people, perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.

She is the author of the Cedar Tree and Portland, ME Series, the Northern Lights Collection and the Rock Point Series. She is also co-author of the SnapShot Series.

To see Freya’s complete backlist, or to find out what is coming down the pipe, visit freyabarker.com.

Social Media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FreyaBarkerWriter

Twitter: http://twitter.com/freya_barker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freyabarker.writes/

Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/FreyaBarker

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/freya-barker

***

Giveaway:

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card

Html:

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Link: https://bit.ly/2s6k1JA

Feature Post and Book Review: Defending Chloe by Susan Stoker

Hi, everyone!

I am very excited to share this Feature Post and Book Review for DEFENDING CHLOE (Mountain Mercenaries Book 2) by Susan Stoker. This is Ronan and Chloe’s story and it is as action packed and sexy as the first in the series, Defending Allye. Below you will find a great feature interview with Ronan Cross, the book’s hero, an excerpt from the book, my book review, information about the author and a Rafflecopter giveaway.

I absolutely love the Mountain Mercenaries and I know you will, too! Good luck on the Rafflecopter giveaway and happy reading.

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Meet “Mountain Mercenary” Ronan Cross From Defending Chloe

1) Greetings Ronan, or can I just call you Ro?

Ro is fine.

2) I understand that you are part of Mountain Mercenaries, a secret group of ex-military men who save women and children from dangerous situations. Can you comment on this group?

No. As you said, it’s a secret group.

3) What about your handler Rex? He is particularly secretive.

Rex is amazing. I’ve never met him, but I don’t have to have met him to know he’s one scary bad ass dude. He knows people from all levels of law enforcement, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had the President’s phone number programmed into his phone as well. But, like anyone in this line of business, he’s got some demons. Me and my fellow Mercenaries just hope they don’t come back and bite us in the ass one day.

4) There have been some major changes within the Mercenaries lately — especially with the introduction of Allye your teammate Gray Rogers’ significant other. How has having a civilian woman in the mix changed things? Does it make you think of anything that you may want in your future?

Allye is great. Love her. None of us had ever thought much about women…or at least having anything permanent with any specific woman, but seeing Gray with Allye makes me realize that one day I’d love to have a relationship like theirs. I want a woman who can stand up tome when I’m being a wanker but who isn’t adverse to letting me be a guy. And before you ask, what I mean is that I know myself, I’m gonna want to open her door and pay for shit. I’ll have no problem telling my woman that I love her, but I don’t want someone who will lose their shit if I track a little bit of mud in the house. Does that make sense?

5) Definitely. So what do you do for fun? You know, when you aren’t saving damsels in distress!

I’m a mechanic. I tinker with cars for fun. There’s nothing like taking in a car that won’t run, and turning it inside out to figure out what the problem is. The best feeling ever is when that beauty is driven off after I’ve given her new life.

6) And finally, tell us a bit about women in your life. Do you have a special someone?

Not yet. Although I have to tell you, I met the most intriguing woman the other day. There was just something about her that I can’t forget. Of course, there’s the little matter of figuring out who gave her the bruise she was sporting on her back and making sure she’s safe, but otherwise….

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Excerpt: Defending Chloe by Susan Stoker

Chloe stared at all the clothes on the bed. Allye had arrived with a dozen bags in hand and told her she’d picked up a “few things” to tide her over.

“A few things?” Chloe asked in disbelief.

Allye laughed. “Ro said money was no object, and he wanted you to have enough things so you could have a choice of what to wear and not have to do laundry every night. I had to guess at your sizes, but I got some stuff with elastic waists just in case I was wrong in my assumptions.” Then the other woman began dumping the bags and showing off what she’d bought.

A shy smile formed as Allye’s words sank in. The thought that Ro wasn’t thinking about money, only her comfort, made Chloe feel good. Really good.

Allye smiled back as she said, “Ro doesn’t have to let you stay here, Chloe.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rex has a ton of contacts. And I mean a ton. This is what the Mountain Mercenaries do. They help get women out of bad situations. Ro could’ve asked Rex to set you up with one of the underground resources he has. You know, a safe house? You’d be just as safe there as you are here. But for some reason, Ro refused to even consider it. I know for a fact Gray suggested it. But you’re still here. He gave me his own money to get you stuff to wear. And he insisted that I find this for you.” Allye pulled out a bottle from a small bag she’d been holding.

Chloe recognized the brand of lotion she used.

“I’m going to say this only once, then I’ll never bring it up again . . . but I feel like I kind of have to.”

Chloe tensed.

“Don’t hurt him,” Allye said. “These guys . . . they’re total bad asses. Professional soldiers. They can kick ass like you’d never believe. They go into situations no one else would dare. They take chances, and they’ll do whatever it takes to rescue women. I don’t know the other guys all that well yet, but I know Gray, and I have a feeling that deep down, they’re all scarred in one way or another. They’re all committed to saving women and children from the evils in the world, and there must be a deeper reason behind that than just wanting to do the right thing. And if Ro is anything like Gray, once he’s committed, he’s committed. He’ll move heaven and earth to make sure you’re happy, content, and safe. That’s how Gray is with me. I know without a doubt that Gray will never cheat on me, and he goes to great lengths to make sure I’m satisfied . . . in every way, if you know what I mean.”

Chloe stared at Allye with wide eyes as she continued.

“Ro strikes me as the same kind of man. I’m still getting to know the guys on the team, but I feel they wouldn’t be as close as they are if they didn’t have the same values and beliefs. Ro acts like the standoffish Brit more often than not, but he feels as deeply as anyone I’ve ever met. He likes you, Chloe. I was surprised when he actually left you here alone. He thought you’d bolt. Hell, I thought you’d leave. But you didn’t. And that means something to Ro.

“All I’m saying is that if you’re using his help to get away from your brother, good, I don’t blame you . . . but don’t lead him on. Ask if you can go into witness protection. Or into the underground program the Mountain Mercenaries have set up. Don’t stay here and make him think there’s something between you if you don’t feel that way.”

It was a long speech from the other woman, and Chloe felt the butterflies in her stomach again. She hadn’t thought much about how Ro was feeling because she was so uncertain herself and felt so out of control. But the idea of Ro keeping her around for a personal reason was appealing. More than appealing. She thought about how he’d washed her hair, how his hands had felt on her scalp. A man who was simply rescuing yet another woman from a bad situation wouldn’t do that, would he?

Allye cleared her throat, and Chloe realized she was waiting for her to say something. “I won’t lead him on,” Chloe said quickly. She hadn’t thought she’d want a boyfriend for a very long time after living under her brother’s controlling thumb, but Ro was nothing like Leon. He was bossy and tended to do things without asking her, but Chloe somehow knew if she objected or pushed back, Ro would listen to her and be flexible.

“Cool,” Allye said with a relieved sigh. “Now, shall we figure out which of this stuff you like and want to keep?”

Chloe smiled tentatively at the other woman. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends,” Allye said, handing the bottle of lotion to Chloe and turning back to the bed.

Watching her dig through the clothes and start to put them in some sort of order, Chloe gripped the plastic bottle tightly. Allye would never know how much her words meant. It had been a long time since Chloe’d had a friend. A true friend.

***

My Book Review

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

DEFENDING CHLOE (Mountain Mercenaries Book #2) by Susan Stoker is a fast-paced romantic suspense that I read completely in one sitting.This is the second book in this new series, but it can easily be read as a standalone with the character crossover explained briefly so as not to be confusing.

Ronan “Ro” Cross is a Brit and ex-SAS in the Mountain Mercenaries.In between assignments, he loves to fix car motors from the garage of his remote property. When a beautiful, scantily clad woman appears in his driveway,he is shocked and then incensed when he notices a large bruise on her back. He offers to help her, but she does not trust any man.

Chloe Harris is in the middle of a nightmare. Her brother, Leon has taken over her life. She has gone from being an independent accountant/financial planner to being held as his prisoner. He is coercing her into prostituting herself at his sex club outside of Colorado Springs. He threatens her with his Mafia ties and believes she is completely at his mercy, but he does not know that a Mountain Mercenary has taken an intense interest in her and her situation.

With Leon’s Mafia connections, the Mountain Mercenaries may have taken on more than even they can handle, but there is no way Ro is going to leave Chloe and allow a club with unwilling women to continue to exist.

I absolutely love Ronan. Quiet, strong and yet gentle and an English accent – very HOT! Chloe is beaten down, but refuses to be completely broken. The romance begins very quickly and is extremely hot and intense, but Ronan never pushes Chloe into more than she wants and is willing to do. The suspense plot kept me turning the pages and the surprise plot twist regarding the reason Leon keeps Chloe alive and his prisoner was interesting. I did have a problem with the old-time Mafia code supposedly up-held by the head of the Mafia in the area though. For me, it was not realistic and was a small distraction from an otherwise strong romantic suspense. I do recommend this addition to the series and know you will fall for Ronan, too.

NOTE: The Mountain Mercenaries are in existence to protect woman and children wherever they are abused. These books all have some degree of sexual slavery or abuse. Some of the details are graphic, but I believe the author never crosses the line into exploitation.

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About the Book

Title: Defending Chloe

Author: Susan Stoker

Release Date: December 4, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Summary

Gorgeous women don’t just stumble onto Ronan Cross’s remote property. But this one—vulnerable, victimized, and needing the kind of help only Ronan can offer—tells a story that makes his blood boil almost as hot as his need to protect her.

Since her father’s death, Chloe Harris has become a prisoner. Her own brother, a flesh peddler and low-level player in the Denver Mafia, is forcing her to sell her body for an endgame Chloe never saw coming: control over a vast fortune. Her only way out is to run—straight into the arms of the one hard-bodied man she can trust.

Defending Chloe could rain punishment down on the Mountain Mercenaries. Her brother has Mob connections and the local police in his pocket. But Ronan still has an edge—the unshakable loyalty of his deadly teammates. As well as an unquenchable thirst for retribution…and Chloe.

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Author Biography

Susan Stoker is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Ace Security, Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, Unsung Heroes: Delta Force, and Mountain Mercenaries. Married to a retired army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri to California to Colorado to Texas—and currently lives under the big skies of Tennessee. A true believer in happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her website, www.stokeraces.com, or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker.

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.stokeraces.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Susan_Stoker

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8247140.Susan_Stoker

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Release Blitz/Feature Post and Book Review: Perfume Girl by Vanessa Fewings

Hi, everyone!

Today I have a Book Blitz and Book Review feature for a great new romantic suspense from a new to me author. Perfume Girl by Vanessa Fewings is impossible to put down! The suspense plot grabs you from page one and the romance is hot, hot, HOT!

Below you will find a description of the book, my book review, the author’s bio and social media info and a Rafflecopter Giveaway. Good luck on the Rafflecopter. I highly recommend you get this book and make sure you have a fan handy!

Title: Perfume Girl

Author:Vanessa Fewings

Genre:Erotic Romance/Contemporary Romance

Release Date:November 27th

Cover Designer: Najla Qamber (Najla Qamber Designs)

Hosted by:Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2R3AmcS

Nook: https://bit.ly/2OWzZPF

iBooks: https://apple.co/2EbkS4L

Nook: http://bit.ly/2RG0XgQ

Universal: https://books2read.com/PerfumeGirl

Goodreads book link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41143305-perfume-girl?from_search=true

Book Description:

True passion can’t be bottled.

A stolen formula. A seductive suspect. A dangerous romance.

Raquel Wren’s world has fallen apart. Her husband has divorced her. Close friends have abandoned her. The money has run out. The pieces of a once idyllic life have completely crumbled. And now, the only thing that can save Raquel from total ruin…

…has been stolen.

Raquel is the owner of the small town boutique store Perfume Girl, a quaint location offering bottled scents from around the globe, including her own personal formulas. Creating perfume has been a passion since she was a little girl, but her latest work, a scent years in the making, is her masterpiece. The one that will make her mark on the industry and save her life in the process.

But now it’s gone. Stolen right from her shop. All would be lost if Raquel didn’t feel she knew who was behind the theft. Devastated to her core, she decides to do something about it.

Astor Beauregard is the sexy, enigmatic owner of House of Beauregard, the renowned cologne empire based in the notorious city of South Beach, Miami. It’s within this luxurious kingdom that Raquel will delve to unravel the mystery of the crime, a path that will lead her directly to Astor, sparking an unforgettable passion while uncovering a shocking truth.

It’s on the famous, sun-soaked, salsa-fueled streets of South Beach that USA Today Bestselling Author Vanessa Fewings releases PERFUME GIRL, a heart-racing romance novel that will have readers feeling the heat like never before.

In this new STAND-ALONE novel, a fiery romance is ignited, one that will burn its way to a stunning revelation.

My Book Review:

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

PERFUME GIRL by Vanessa Fewing is a romantic suspense that you will not be able to put down! With an intricate suspense plot that centers around the high stakes world of designer perfumes and a hero that is rich, secretive, domineering and ultra-sexy, you will need to have a fan handy for this one.

Raquel Wren thought she had it all until she came home from her perfume shop early to find her husband in bed with someone else. Now with the divorce, she is about to lose her perfume shop, too unless she can sell her newest creation. Before she has the chance, it is stolen from her shop. What the thief does not realize is that it is not finished. The scent is missing the final ingredient to make it spectacular.

Astor Beauregard is the sexy, exotic head of The House of Beauregard, one of the premier, multi-million dollar perfume houses. Not only is he the owner with his sister, but he is an exceptionally talented perfume chemist. He loves his company, takes care of his family and lives his life in the fast-lane, guarding his heart and his mysterious past. When his sister presents him with a new perfume, he is intrigued and excited.

Raquel believes her formula was stolen by the House of Beauregard. She gets hired by Astor to work on a new scent for men. Raquel is out to find proof of the theft of her perfume and save Perfume Girl. Astor believes Raquel is a corporate thief, but he cannot stay away from her. Neither can completely trust the other, but they have an explosive passion between them that neither can control.

There is absolutely nothing NOT to love about this book. Raquel and Astor are interesting and intriguing from the moment they appear on the page. Both have overcome traumas throughout their lives and when they come together, WOW! Ms. Fewings writes sex scenes that are explicitly hot and sensual without any kink or BDSM. The suspense plot is intricately intertwined throughout the story in perfect balance to the romance with a twist that surprised me at the end.

This is a standalone romantic suspense that I highly recommend!

About Vanessa:

Vanessa Fewings is a USA TODAY bestselling author. Her latest series is The Icon Trilogy, a romantic suspense about Zara Leighton, London’s most brilliant art investigator on the hunt for the notorious thief known as Icon.

Vanessa’s previous novels include the bestselling Enthrall Sessions, a romance series spanning eight books about a woman who gets swept up into Enthrall, L.A.’s premier club that caters to the secret desires of the elite.

Readers can also listen to Vanessa as she hosts the weekly podcast The Romance Show, a captivating podcast featuring authors and industry professionals in the romance world.

Prior to publishing, Vanessa worked as a registered nurse and midwife. She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. She has traveled extensively throughout the world and has lived in Great Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, Cyprus and the USA.

Born and raised in England, Vanessa now proudly calls herself an American and resides on the East Coast with her husband.

Vanessa can be found on her Facebook Fan Page, and in The Romance Lounge, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Goodreads. She enjoys connecting with fans all around the world.

Social Media:

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/VanessaFewingsNewsletter

Website: https://vanessafewings.com

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanessaFewings

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

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

Giveaway:

Prize: Signed Copy of Perfume Girl ( US Only) & £10 Amazon Gift Card (Open Internationally)

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Feature Post and Book Review: Chasing Shadows by Catherine Bybee

Hi, everyone!

This Feature Post and Book Review is for CHASING SHADOWS (First Wives #3) by Catherine Bybee. Below you will find an excerpt from the book, my book review, a book summary, author info and a Rafflecopter Giveaway. Even though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. (Fool Me Once, Book #1 and Half Empty, Book #2 have been previously reviewed by me on this website.)

I hope you enjoy this book and continue to enjoy this entire series as much as I have. Good luck on the Rafflecopter Giveaway!

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Excerpt: CHASING SHADOWS by Catherine Bybee

Avery’s head shot up at the sound of a female voice calling her name.

“Lori?”

Oh, damn…

When Lori was at their table, Avery detached from Liam’s side and stood for a hug. “What are you doing here? Where’s Reed?”

Lori eyed Liam while she answered the questions. “Reed’s on his way down. We’re going out to dinner. Wanted a drink first.”

What were the chances of Lori excusing herself before Avery was forced to make an introduction?

Lori reached out a hand toward Liam. “I’m Lori.”

Liam stood; a broad smile matched his broad chest. “Liam Holt.” Once he released Lori’s hand, he pulled out a bar stool. “Sit, we just ordered drinks.”

Avery wanted to elbow his ribs.

Instead, she smiled.

Liam signaled for Nikki.

“Liam, huh? Avery hasn’t mentioned you.”

He pulled Avery’s chair closer to his and waited for her to sit. “We haven’t known each other long.”

Lori sent a questioning look to Avery. Instead of adding to Liam’s explanation.

“I’ve known Lori for a few years. We live in the same building.”

“What do you do, Liam?”

Small talk … is that what this was going to be?

Lori signaled Reed when he walked in the door. “This is my husband.”

Avery laughed. “You love saying that, don’t you?”

Lori nodded.

“They’re newlyweds,” Avery explained.

Once again Liam stood when Reed approached the table.

“Look who I found,” Lori said.

Reed kissed Avery’s cheek. “I haven’t seen you here in a while.”

“That’s because you two never come up for air,” Avery teased.

“This is Liam … Avery’s friend.” Yeah, Lori wanted more details.

The men shook hands.

“Have I ever met one of your friends?” he asked.

Avery glared. “Smooth, Reed … really smooth.”

Lori nudged her husband’s arm. “Stop teasing.” She turned her focus on Liam. “Avery keeps her private life private.”

Avery tried not to flinch when Liam placed a hand over hers. “I’ve figured that out recently.”

“How did you two meet?” Reed asked.

Avery said “the gym” at the same time Liam said “a bar.”

Lori’s lawyer radar spiked. Avery saw it in her eyes. “Those two things are worlds apart.”

She caught Liam’s hand and squeezed.

“The first time I saw you was at Pug’s Bar. I approached you at the gym.”

“I knew it. That was you at Pug’s. How did you figure out where I worked out?” She’d been asking herself that question for over a week.

“That wasn’t hard. Leslie had a gym bag.”

“Who’s Leslie?” Lori asked.

Avery didn’t look away from Liam. “A friend. So your job at the gym wasn’t on accident?”“I might have approached Brenda about a side job so I could meet you.”

Avery’s jaw dropped.

“Who’s Brenda?” Reed asked.

“The owner of the gym,” Avery and Liam said at the same time. “How did you know I was there on Tuesday and Friday nights?” She wasn’t sure if his actions were exciting or scary.

“Appointment book. Brenda’s office is always open.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Lori placed a hand between the two of theirs. “You see Avery in a bar. You search out a location of her gym, follow her to it, get a job there, and now you’re both here having drinks?”

Liam offered a brief, unapologetic nod.

Lori grabbed Avery’s hand. “How well do you know this guy?”

Avery liked the gleam in Liam’s eyes. “He’s safe.”

“What he just described is a little too close to stalking for my taste.”

Reed placed a hand on Lori’s shoulder. “Simmer down, Counselor. If Liam had an ulterior motive, he wouldn’t have told us all that.”

“I wanted to meet you,” Liam said. “

Yeah, well, you’ve met her.” Lori wasn’t happy.

Nikki showed up with Avery’s and Liam’s drinks.

“My usual, Nikki,” Lori told her.

“Hon, our reservations are in thirty minutes. Maybe we should go.”

Lori looked at Reed like he was crazy. “We aren’t leaving him with her. He could be a sociopath.”

Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “I’m not.”

“That’s what they all say.”

Avery put a free hand in the air. “Chill, Lori.”

Avery realized that her other hand had somehow ended up back in Liam’s. His thumb stroked the underside of her wrist in a strangely calming way.

“Do you want a drink, Reed?” Nikki was still standing there, watching the four of them.

“No, thank you. We’re leaving.”

Lori pushed back her chair. “We’re going to talk about this later,” she warned Avery. “And you … just so you know, I’m an attorney, and my big, burly husband here is in private security. He has even bigger friends.”

Liam reached into his back pocket and removed his wallet. From it, he pulled out what looked like a business card. “I have nothing to hide.”

Lori glanced at it briefly before Reed snatched it from her fingertips. “C’mon. Let’s leave them to their date.”

Liam stood again and shook Reed’s hand before he ushered Lori out of the bar.

“That was intense.”

“My friends are protective.”

“Understatement.”

“You really went through all that just to meet me?”

Liam picked up his cocktail for the first time. “Worked, didn’t it?”

Avery let loose his hand and lifted her glass to his. “Yes, it did.”

***

My Book Review

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

CHASING SHADOWS (First Wives #3) by Catherine Bybee is a contemporary romance that had me on an emotional roller-coaster from the very first chapter. This is the third book in the series and Avery’s story. This book can be read as a standalone, but all of the women in the First Wives Club appear and interact in this book because of Trina’s wedding.

Avery Grant finally has the financial freedom to live life on her own terms. Her divorce contract left her financially well off and she is now working a job she loves. Avery is a one-night-stand kind of girl who avoids commitment since her divorce. This works well for her until a brutal attack (which occurs in book #2). After a long recovery, Avery starts taking Krav Maga classes vowing to never be a victim again.

Liam Holt sees Avery after a class in a local bar and is immediately intrigued. Liam wants to be the man in Avery’s life. He is charming, sexy and willing to put up with all of Avery’s arguments against dating. She tells him she is a bad bet, but he will not be put off.

When Avery starts having flashbacks of her attack, new clues come to light. Avery is determined to find the man who nearly killed her no matter the consequences to herself or her relationship with Liam.

I could not put this book down! Avery is such a strong and complex heroine. I cried and laughed with her. She goes from carefree to victim to survivor to warrior in such an amazing character story arc. The author shows how Avery allows Liam into her heart step by step with love and laughter. Liam is the perfect book boyfriend in every way for Avery. This is a beautiful step-by-step romance that just hits all of the right notes. How the author handled Avery’s reaction to the discovery of her attacker was unique and had me in tears.

This is a great addition to the First Wives series that I highly recommend!

***

About the Title

Title: Chasing Shadows

Author: Catherine Bybee

Release Date: November 13, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Summary

Avery Grant doesn’t date. Her first marriage was a mutually beneficial contract that gave her the financial freedom she needed to step away from her controlling parents. Wealthy and single, the last thing she’s looking for is love sneaking in to mess up her life plans. And after a brutal attack, she’s determined to never be vulnerable again, even if the new man in her life helps her feel safe.

Mesmerized from the moment he sets his eyes on Avery, Liam is driven to learn everything about this tough, sexy, challenging woman. Breaking down her defenses won’t be easy, but Liam refuses to be pushed away. All he needs is a tiny crack in Avery’s armor to wiggle his way into her heart.

But when a terrifying lie about her attacker’s fate comes to light, Avery’s past returns to haunt her. Now she’s willing to put herself in danger to get the answers she needs. That means jeopardizing the best thing that’s ever happened to her: Liam.

About the Author

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written twenty-eight books that have collectively sold more than five million copies and have been translated into more than eighteen languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite Series, the Weekday Brides Series, the Most Likely To Series, and the First Wives Series.

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.catherinebybee.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinebybee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2905789.Catherine_Bybee

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Feature Post and Book Review: LuLLaY (Portland ME, A Christmas Novella by Freya Barker

Title: LuLLaY

Author: Freya Barker

Genre: Holiday Romance/ Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 1, 2018

Cover Designer: Freya Barker

***

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RFpXFd
iBooks: https://apple.co/2pNEBgY
Nook: http://bit.ly/2RH6F2j
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2pO2N2J

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/3nYkrB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41823583-lullay

***

Book Description:

Faith failed him.

Ambition drove her.

Serendipity brought them together.

They’ve never met, but their paths run in the same direction—home for the holidays.

Yet their reasons for leaving are as different as the reasons they return.

Meeting by chance along a 1400 mile stretch of highway when a snowstorm grinds traffic to a halt, they have no choice but to jointly ride it out.

Exposing a common thread, leading them from the past to the present, it’s through the innocent eyes of a toddler, they discover a future.

***

My Book Review:

RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars

LuLLaY: Portland ME, a Christmas Novella (Portland ME #4.5) by Freya Barker is a contemporary holiday romance novella and is the PERFECT heartwarming, sexy and HEA holiday read for the season. Even though this is part of the Portland ME series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Matteo “Matt” Savela is a bartender at the Skipper, who has watched all his friends find their perfect matches, but he does not feel it is in the cards for him. Matt is on his way home to pick up his sister. Driving across country during December can lead to unexpected snow storms and chance meetings.

Montana “Tana” Memphis Romer is driving across country with her three year old toddler, Flynn. She decided to drive across country rather than fly because Flynn has an ear infection. Tana wants to get home for Christmas and help her parents with some major decisions about their family bakery.

Tana and Flynn keep crossing paths with “Man” (Flynn’s name for Matt) along the way. When a snow storm hits, they all end up sharing a hotel suite until it blows over. Matt loves all kids and he and Flynn bond quickly. Tana is not so sure, but with all the kind things he does for them and the way he takes care of them she begins to care for Matt as much as her daughter.

With all the chance meetings and the same destinations, can fate be putting these two together for more?

Matt is the hero that every single mom would want to meet. Tana is an independent business woman and single mother. Flynn is too adorable and I could not get enough of her. These three come together, even with all the many real life problems to be solved before their HEA. The relationship comes together quickly, but it never feels forced. The sex scenes are yummy. All of the secondary characters are three dimensional and believable.

I always love Freya Barker’s characters! I want to be friends with all of them and I am always happy with their HEAs. The stories could happen anywhere and I just fall into the first scene and never want to put it down until I am done. This is another great read from this author!

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About Freya:

Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; with characters who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills, and their own slice of happy.

A recipient of the RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for best first book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya has not slowed down.

She continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

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Social Media:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook

Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub