Friday, May 31, 2019

Unsuitable by Lavinia Kent


Cougar... MILF... Mrs. Robinson.

Jordan Robinson knows firsthand that when a woman marries a rich older man, people are going to talk. But now, with her husband gone, Jordan lives a quiet life of seclusion, managing her charities and staying away from the limelight. Then everything changes after an unexpected kiss leads to the best sex of her life—and a secret affair Jordan never wants to end.

A sexy young mogul who’s used to getting what he wants, Clay has wanted Jordan Robinson ever since he was seventeen and saw her emerge dripping from a swimming pool in a white bikini. But now he’s all grown up... and now she’s his. But when their relationship is exposed, the fallout is devastating. Yet Clay’s a man in his prime—and Jordan’s a woman worth fighting for. They may have started as a fling, but Jordan Robinson belongs in his bed, in his life... and forever in his heart.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series – and I am really hopeful that Veronica gets her chance... Jordan didn't give her a chance to explain herself!

I very much enjoyed Lavinia Kent's Bound and Determined series, so was fascinated to see how her skills translated to a present day romance. I was suitably impressed – without a doubt her skills of describing hot and steamy moments translate just fine!

Apart from the hot and steamy encounters between Jordan and Clay, which definitely bring Jordan back to life, I really enjoyed watching her grow to understand herself. We get the superficial information about her life early on, but as she realises how her feelings are progressing with Clay, she also reveals more about her life with Mark. Her best friend Veronica, and Mark's daughter, Amelia, help her to unpack some of her issues. For a woman who has lived a full life as a wife and step-mum, she has missed a number of growing up steps, which she can finally lay to rest.

Once Dolly arrived, I think we all knew that things would work out, and I have a feeling that Marta may have lost a gig!



Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Lavinia

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http://readloveswept.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Unsuitable (Forbidden Cove #1) by Lavinia Kent to read and review.

Cowboy Rebel by Carolyn Brown


A wild Texas cowboy is about to meet his match in an ER nurse in this heartwarming romance from a USA Today bestseller, which includes a bonus novella from Annie Rains.

Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.

Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling–and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.

Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill by Annie Rains: When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help – the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.


Add to Goodreads –


Book 4
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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo☆☆☆☆
I enjoyed this book, the characters are well written and there was a lot to like about each one.

Tag is used to living his life to the fullest and when we find out why, my heart broke for him. His sense of right and wrong is sometimes skewed but he's a bad boy with a good heart.

Nikki is an RN who's worked hard for everything she has. She's crushing hard on Tag but is afraid that he's not as serious as she is.

Watching Tag come to terms with his past and find a way to keep Nikki by his side is what makes me keep this series on my to-be-read pile.


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Taggart is a twin. His brother, Hud, knows that Tag has a wild heart. But when Tag finds himself in the ER again, despite trying to do the right thing, he can't help but hit on the nice nurse. After all, he's known her a while. Tag's flirtatious nature is something he wears as armor. He's trying to fight past his demons and find his own way.

Nikki is working hard to maintain her friendship with Taggart and his family. She is worried about her best friend's thoughts on her crush on Taggart. However, Nikki has survived a lot in her young life and fighting off her attraction is just something else she'll have to endure.

This was a sweet story because you got to see friends and family all trying to help the two main characters. I'll admit that I really had a hard time with Nikki's mom. I can understand wanting to stay with family out of guilt, but Nikki's mom was just awful.

Watching Taggart and Nikki mature throughout the story – finding themselves, as well as developing a friendship that would become the basis of their romance – was a great way to develop the characters and the storyline. I really enjoyed this storyline and can't wait for the other people to get their own books.


Also Available in the Longhorn Canyon Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Cowboy Bold post.


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Cowboy Honor post.


Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Cowboy Brave post.



Carolyn Brown is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author and RITA® Finalist who has sold more than 3 million books. She presently writes both women’s fiction and cowboy romance. She has also written historical single title, historical series, contemporary single title, and contemporary series. She lives in southern Oklahoma with her husband, a former English teacher, who is not allowed to read her books until they are published. They have three children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. For a complete listing of her books (series in order) check out her website.

Connect with Carolyn

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http://forever-romance.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Cowboy Rebel (Longhorn Canyon #4) by Carolyn Brown to read and review.

Ocean Light by Nalini Singh


New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love...

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment—taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling...

Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine...

But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back—even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy...

Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah☆☆☆☆☆
Oh wow – I love the BlackSea world introduced in this story! At book 17, I’m so glad that this story takes us back to the things I most loved about this series in the very beginning. Bowen’s immersion in the BlackSea clan introduces readers to a whole new world and a whole new mythology. It’s a welcome departure from the increasingly complicated and theoretical unravelling of the Psy-net and a return to the more character and romance driven stories at the start of this series.

I love Bowen and Kaia together and I love them as individual characters. Bo has been in the background of this series for some time now and his story makes the wait worthwhile. Kaia is completely new to me – and she’s wonderful. I don’t want to talk about her too much because she should be a complete surprise (and a complete joy) for readers.

The highlight of this story is the introduction to BlackSea. I reacted with the same kind of awe and wonder I felt when first immersed in Sascha and Lucas’ worlds in book one. Subsequent books have expanded the psy-changeling world but BlackSea is unique and different to anything we’ve seen before in this series. I almost think this book could stand alone – but after 17 books I’m probably the wrong person to make that call. I loved this story and I can’t wait for the next one.


Also Available in the Psy-Changeling Trinity Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Silver Silence post.




New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China, the Highlands of Scotland, and the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer. Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand. You can contact her directly through her website. While visiting the site, Nalini invites you to join her newsletter for up-to-date news about both the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series, as well as fun exclusive extras, including free short stories set in her worlds.

Connect with Nalini

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity #2, Psy-Changeling #17) by Nalini Singh to read and review. Review copy purchased by the blog.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe


Silver-tongued lawyer.
Keeper of secrets.
Breaker of hearts.


He can solve any problem…

In serving the wealthy power brokers of New York society, Frank Tripp has finally gained the respectability and security his own upbringing lacked. There’s no issue he cannot fix… except for one: the beautiful and reckless daughter of an important client who doesn’t seem to understand the word danger.

She’s not looking for a hero…

Excitement lay just below Forty-Second Street and Mamie Greene is determined to explore all of it—while playing a modern-day Robin Hood along the way. What she doesn’t need is her father’s lawyer dogging her every step and threatening her efforts to help struggling families in the tenements.

However, she doesn’t count on Frank’s persistence… or the sparks that fly between them. When fate upends all her plans, Mamie must decide if she’s willing to risk it all on a rogue…

Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Avon – HarperCollins



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆☆☆
The Rogue of Fifth Avenue is the first installment in a brand-new series, Uptown Girls. Shupe is relatively new-to-me, having only read two novels by her previously, the final two in the Four Hundred series. The author has me hooked, quickly rising to the top of my favorites list in historical romance. Shupe's dry wit is endlessly entertaining for this serious reader, when more other-the-top comedic situations always swiftly have me losing interest.

To be honest, I generally don't remember the authors' names, going by series to what I want to read next, but when I saw this book, I had to have it – didn't even bother reading the blurb, because it didn't matter.

There's nothing like a true heroine, strong and independent, whose emotions run deep, never coming off as a damsel in distress or vapid, as often this genre is stereotypically frowned down upon because of these plot devices.

Mamie is a true heroine, who fights for others, but she isn't a selfless martyr when it comes to herself either. She's a fighter. She uses the perceptions of others to her advantage – all seeing her as a society darling, without a brain in her head, while she uses this as a cover to be a Robin Hood of sorts in the seedy gambling underbelly of the city. Type A, first-born personality, Mamie wants to be her father's son (in this era, typically the male heir continues the family legacy, but there are only daughters).

Frank is an attorney, one tasks with 'fixing' things for upper society, but he has a shady past from the bad side of the city. Employed by Mamie's father, he has a problem because he's attracted to the off-limits daughter. Frank is tasked with babysitting Mamie, which is a major problem for our independent heroine. The sparks fly, the tension is fierce, the banter is witty and infectious.

I've been trying to be less spoilery in my reviews as of late, so I'm not going to hit on the plot points. The Rogue of Fifth Avenue is fueled with delicious angst from several sources, which made it a page-turner of a read. I had to know what was going to happen next to a feverish degree. I'm not going to lie, I read this novel in a few hours, pages flying by, without a single interruption.

My final impression is why I gave the book five stars. Does it have faults and flaws? All books do. However, the fact that after I finished the novel, I wanted to dive straight into Joanna Shupe's backlist and read from the beginning, working my way back to rereading this novel again... it was an easy five-star rating for me to give.



Joanna Shupe has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on and soon started crafting her own racy historical novels. In 2013, she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical. She now lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.

Connect with Joanna

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http://www.avonromance.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Rogue of Fifth Avenue (Uptown Girls #1) by Joanna Shupe to read and review.

Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson


DEFINITELY, MAYBE... OR LOVE, ACTUALLY?

English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene—and quickens Bonnie's heart.

With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer—conveniently close to Theo—she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she's falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo's life makes Bonnie feel like she's wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?

Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo☆☆☆☆
This book was a lot cuter than I thought it would be. We see plenty of Cassie and Jaime from the first book, but this book is truly about Theo and Bonnie.

They take the long way around to get to the romance but when they do, it is explosive. I have to admit that Theo's mom is a bit of work and I'm sad that Bonnie didn't confront her in front of everyone.

True love prevails, but the devil is in the details.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and I would recommend that you read book one first as it sets the scene for this lovely romance. We also get to catch up with the duo from that story, which was fun too.

Bonnie behaved herself impeccably whilst in London, even though her attraction to Logan's friend, Theo, was pretty overwhelming. But her fiancé, Gabe, was back home, and having known him since she was six, she had no intention of derailing her plans. Now life is back to normal in Chicago, and she is looking forward to Gabe finishing his PhD and them finally getting married. Seeing Theo again at an event with Logan and Cassie reminds her that she should be at home with Gabe. Sadly, this early evening results in her discovering that Gabe is not the man she believed. Feeling that she has lost all that she had held dear, she escapes to a hotel.

Cue Theo, a man who is hiding his true identity and who knows that he has to marry wisely to keep the family seat, staying in the very same hotel as Bonnie, and seeing her revives all those feelings again. And so starts a rebound affair, with no intention of permanence – or at least that is what they both tell themselves. Obviously, we know that the challenges thrown in front of them will somehow be cast aside, although the solution comes from a very unexpected quarter.

Great addition to the series, and I am already waiting for the next installment!


Also Available in the Sometimes in Love Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Getting Hot with the Scot post.



After earning her Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—taught high school English and Theatre for several years. An award winning author and a two-time RWA Golden Heart® finalist, she writes smart and funny contemporary romance and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin. She lives happily ever after with her husband, two redheaded daughters, a dog that's more like a small horse, and a pair of hermit crabs. Getting Hot with the Scot is her debut novel.

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The Reading Lushes Facebook Group


http://www.stmartins.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Smitten by the Brit (Sometimes in Love #2) by Melonie Johnson to read and review.

Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans


Big-city sophistication meets carnal hunger in this devilish contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.

Heir apparent to her father’s company, Lizzy Banks needs a man. The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.

James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?

Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…

Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary☆☆☆☆
Lizzy works for Banks LTD, they make men's suits, and she is the boss’s daughter. She is always trying to show daddy that she can do the job, but he thinks she should be doing more like charity work.

So when it is time to find a man to be the face of the new Banks LTD men's line, Lizzy is going to find that man. She just didn't know where she was going to have to go to find him.

Jimmy is a YouTube daredevil; he will do anything on a dare as long as money is involved. It has been this way since his parents died and he was left to raise his little brother. He only wants a better life for Charlie. So, when the smart, well-dressed woman shows up at the local dive bar offering him money, he can't refuse it.

Lizzy thinks she can pass Jimmy off as the new face of Banks LTD as long as she turns him into a gentleman. But what she doesn't realize is that she likes him just the way he is. The more they work together, the more the feelings between them grow.

Can Lizzy and Jimmy aka James fool everyone until the end of the new campaign? Can a good girl fall in love with the guy from the wrong side of town? Will she lose everything, including her father, to be with James? Will Jimmy change his whole life just to be with Lizzy?

I really liked this story and the idea of Lizzy and Jimmy. I think it is another good story from Katy Evans, it's not awesome but it's good to me. I hope you give it a chance and that you like it too.


Mary Jo☆☆☆
This book was hard to read. To me, there was little to no spark between James and Lizzy. At times, I felt that the character of Lizzy was trying too hard and that James’ entire character got lost.

I found myself skipping pages towards the end just to see how Lizzy and James wound up together.



Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut Real shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 10 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Connect with Katy

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Montlake –


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Million Dollar Devil (Million Dollar #1) by Katy Evans to read and review.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Runaway Heir by Ruth Cardello


When a woman runs from family, fortune, and secrets, love follows in New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello’s dazzling romance.

The Boston Westerlys are reuniting for a wedding—a longtime wish for its matriarch. If only Nicolette, the youngest of the clan’s siblings, could find love. With her true parentage suddenly in question, she feels like more of an outsider than ever. It figures that the one guest of any comfort is her grandmother’s greatest enemy. Now, Nicolette’s only impulse is to run. Disappearing to a small Iowa town, she can build a future on her terms without the Westerly name or money—or the secrets that have divided the family for years.

Despite his damning history with the Westerlys, Bryant Taunton recognizes a kindred spirit in Nicolette. He is drawn to the beautiful loner. When she vanishes, he follows. But Bryant has his own secrets, and gaining Nicolette’s trust won’t be easy. It might even require the help of the family she left behind.

Now, for Nicolette and Bryant, coming to terms with the past is the only way to make both their dreams come true, and to finally find a way home.


Add to Goodreads –


Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series – and one which I have been looking forward to a lot. Finally, Nicolette gets her story. As the youngest Westerly, she has felt lost for a long time, and definitely deserves to find her place in the family. I would recommend that you read them in order, as we meet all the family and catch up with their stories too.

Nicolette has never accepted anything from anyone, and so she lives pretty much hand-to-mouth working as a photographer/go-fer on projects around the world. She does, however, attend her brother's wedding, and try and feel some happiness from those around her. But her lack of certainty about her place in the family makes for a difficult time. Then she sees Bryant across the room, and suddenly feels... something.

Bryant is really the good guy in this story – his thoughtfulness is something most of us can only dream of, but I loved how he develops his relationship with the very gun-shy Nicolette. He benefits from plenty of funds and running his own business, but he realises very quickly that the way to Nicolette's heart has nothing to do with his wealth or status (something that plenty of men fail to get!).

We get our usual interference from Delinda, although her royal fiancé is pretty effective at softening her attitude. Their exchanges cannot fail to raise a smile! In fact, as Nicolette changes her approach, we see the women's relationship improve and develop at last.

I have really enjoyed all these very different romances, and would recommend them to you as a whole, although each one has been fun in its own right too. They would make a great holiday read.


Also Available in the Westerly Billionaire Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our In the Heir post.


Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Up for Heir post.


Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Royal Heir post.


Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Hollywood Heir post.



Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of eleven children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, and New York before coming full circle and moving back to Rhode Island, where she lives with her husband and three children. Before turning her attention to writing, Ruth was an educator for twenty years, eleven of which she spent as a kindergarten teacher. She is the author of seven previous novels including Bedding the Billionaire, which was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Connect with Ruth

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Montlake –


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Runaway Heir (Westerly Billionaire #5) by Ruth Cardello to read and review.