Friday, January 31, 2020

Dirty Girls by Lily White Release Blitz


They were the boys any good girl knew to avoid.

Rich and privileged.
Gorgeous and cruel.
The poster boys for rebellion… their tongues so sharp they cut to the bone.

We worshipped them despite their dangerous games.
We laughed even as we cried.

It was all fun and games until the first dirty girl died.

Now, as the bodies pile up, I believe I can endure their wicked ways. Only time will tell if I’ll escape.

Because when wealthy boys are accustomed to getting everything they want, not even the lives of those around them are too high an asking price.

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~



I was putting distance between us with each step, the numbers growing faint until I barely heard ten. They had to be a good distance away, but I didn’t think it would be enough.

Already, thin branches had grabbed at my hair and ripped individual strands from my head. My feet had stumbled over stones on the ground and roots that were growing too high up.

Every so often, thick patches of bushes would block my way, causing me to turn left or right to avoid them.

I was engulfed in darkness, the moon and stars hidden above the canopy of trees, and eventually the forest around me grew silent. I could only hear my heavy breathing. But I didn’t stop. Didn’t turn to see if I could hear footsteps behind me, didn’t slow down to give myself even a second to catch my breath. I just kept going without concern for where I would end up, as long as it was away from them.

For a moment I believed that I’d somehow outrun them, but when a tree blocked my path and I had to dodge to avoid it, a hand slapped at my arm causing me to scream.

I turned again and ran in a different direction with deep laughter booming from where I had been.

I was being corralled, but still I kept running, even when my body wanted to give out.



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie☆☆☆☆
Holy crap on a cracker!!!! What the heck did I just read? Sweet baby Jesus. I don't want to give anything away and I know for a fact I can't put into words what I just finished reading. Holy crap! I bit all my nails off, thought I knew who did it – I was wrong and I'm left here thinking "What the actual @#$%?"


Shelby☆☆☆☆☆
Lily White really knocked it out of the park with this book!

This is one of those stories that you need to experience for yourself. I refuse to give anything away, and I'm pretty sure any details will give away important pieces of the story.

This is a little dark and a lot of mystery. Well written characters lead this story, the mystery is unraveled so slowly and meticulously.

I loved Olive, I love Jonah, but I don't know how to feel about Soren. The deeper into the story I got, the more I wondered about each character.

If you like suspense, if you like new adult stories, if you like budding romance… this is your story. If you like any of these, you should also give this a shot!


Shannan☆☆☆☆☆
Lily White kept me guessing throughout this story. I was on the edge of my seat. She put in the perfect amount of mystery and suspense.

I will not spoil this read. It is something you have to go blind into to get the full effect. You will have favorites, you hate some until you are questioning every character in the best possible way. I loved Olive and somehow Lily White made me fall in love with Soren in the end.

Dirty Girls can't be missed, definitely a must read for all suspense thriller readers!



Lily White is a romance writer who likes to dabble on the taboo side of eroticism. She is most known for her Masters Series, Target This, Wishing Well, and Asylum. In addition to dark romance Lily writes contemporary romance, taboo romance, and psychological thrillers. Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.

Connect with Lily

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Lily White Books Facebook Group




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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Dirty Girls by Lily White to read and review for this tour.

Diamond City by Francesca Flores


Good things don't happen to girls who come from nothing... unless they risk everything.

Fierce and ambitious, Aina Solís as sharp as her blade and as mysterious as the blood magic she protects. After the murder of her parents, Aina takes a job as an assassin to survive and finds a new family in those like her: the unwanted and forgotten.

Her boss is brutal and cold, with a questionable sense of morality, but he provides a place for people with nowhere else to go. And makes sure they stay there.

DIAMOND CITY: built by magic, ruled by tyrants, and in desperate need of saving. It is a world full of dark forces and hidden agendas, old rivalries and lethal new enemies.

To claim a future for herself in a world that doesn't want her to survive, Aina will have to win a game of murder and conspiracy—and risk losing everything.

Full of action, romance and dark magic, book one of Francesca Flores' breathtaking fantasy duology will leave readers eager for more!

Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆
Spoiler-Free Review

The premise hooked me straight away. Aina's story of being an orphan on the streets, forced to do anything to survive, fostered by the head of a gang who had ulterior motives. The Blade, Aina was an assassin, doing the gang's wet work for hire, fearing what would happen if she didn't do it, while also so desperately needing the validation, needing to make him proud.

On the side, Aina was the go-between in diamond smuggling, between its point of origin and the fence where it was fashioned into something else at the jeweler. In the world building, I was slightly shocked over how many diamonds go missing on a daily basis for a teenage girl to be in on the game.

The setting is during an industrial revolution, in an area where there is a diamond mine, the industry similar to the turn of the twentieth century. However, I couldn't place the time nor the location, especially with the paranormal magical elements added in. The setting and world building were fascinating to me, steampunk meets illegal magic/religion, but how it was presented wasn't to my taste.

There was excitement, action-packed scenes of pure violence, spying and slinking around, and many bodies on the floor, so many bodies I was confused as to how the city wasn't losing its population with how Aina wasn't the only assassin running around. In such a short span of time, we're talking hundreds of people dying and left to lie where they fell, by gangs worth of assassins.

As for the emotions, loyal friendships were important to Aina, but it was her need for validation from the man who groomed her that hit the hardest.

Aina was a solid heroine. Loyal, willing to do anything to survive, but also fiercely protective of those who she called friend. I'm all for not having a guilt-stricken heroine who hems and haws over what needs to be done, but I find it hard to believe that on several occasions Aina murders most of the guards and staff in the same house... like how did they get replacements so quickly? An entire household emptied of occupants. Twice? Thrice? By the end of the book, Aina had single-handedly executed an upwards of a hundred souls.

For someone obsessed with how her parents died and left her an orphan, Aina has no issue of creating dozens upon dozens of innocent orphans, if their parents merely get in her way. Like charging in the front door, slitting the necks of innocent maids and guards, who no doubt had children at home. All those new orphans have more of a reason to loathe Aina than Aina had to loathe the government for executing her parents, who were practicing acts that were widely known to hold a death sentence. Aina's parents were criminals (no matter if the law was ridiculous or not) but these random innocent maids and such did no one any harm.

An assassin by trade should be able to sneak around and only inflict death upon the ones they were hired to kill. It would be bad for business to take out entire households, several times over.

As I said, I don't want a guilt-stricken heroine, but I find it hard to swallow that she's killing so indiscriminately, as if all those people are worthless, meaningless, because she needs some coin for a "single" target. People who are also from the lower classes, who are just working to eat. Was she really good at her job if she takes out so many innocents while doing it? It's like using a nuke instead of a flyswatter for a single fly.

Where I struggled the most with the novel was the writing style. There was just something about the way the perspective was written that kept me from being able to fall into the story. My interest waned during monologues from the past, where dialogue and action from the past weren't italicized to show that it wasn't happening in the present time, the lack of transition confusing me and tearing me from the story itself. The flashbacks weren't denoted, and there were many flashbacks to be had, filled with info-dumps and meandering inner monologues that slowed the pacing.

As an avid reader, especially of all the elements within Diamond City, I struggled to read, taking me well over a week what should have taken an afternoon. I was curious to what the outcome would be, but the writing style, the way the perspective was written, and the execution made it difficult for me to be entertained.

Curious to see where this goes, I'm willing to give the next another try. If not, I'll have to pass on the author, due to the writing style not being my cup of tea.

Young Adult age rating: 14+ due to on-scene graphic violence.



Francesca Flores is a writer, traveler and linguist. Raised in Pittsburgh, she read every fantasy book she could get her hands on and started writing her own stories at a young age. She began writing Diamond City while working as a corporate travel manager. When she's not writing or reading, Francesca enjoys traveling, dancing ballet and jazz, practicing trapeze and contortion, and visiting parks and trails around San Francisco, where she currently resides.

Connect with Francesca

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https://wednesdaybooks.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Diamond City (Diamond City #1) by Francesca Flores to read and review.

Unraveling by Rick R. Reed


Randy Kay has the perfect life with his beautiful wife and adorable son. But Randy’s living a lie, untrue to himself and everyone who knows him. He’s gay.

Marriage and fatherhood, which he thought could change him, have failed. He doubts if anyone can love him for who he really is—especially himself.

With his wife’s blessing, he sets out to explore the gay world he’s hidden from all his life.

John Walsh, a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department, is comfortable in his own skin as a gay man, yet he can never find someone who shares his desire to create a real relationship, a true family.

When Randy and John first spy each other in Chicago’s Boystown, all kinds of alarms go off—some of joy, others of deep-seated fear.

Randy and John must surmount multiple hurdles on the journey to a lasting, meaningful love. Will they succeed or will their chance at love go up in flames, destroyed by missed connections and a lack of self-acceptance?

Warning: Attempted suicide.

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NineStar Press



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah☆☆☆☆☆
This is a dark and gritty story that will probably feel autobiographical to far too many of the men who came of age in the 1980s. At the height of the AIDS epidemic, Randy is deeply closeted and married to a woman. Only his wife’s compassion and his love for his young son keeps him alive when he finally hits rock bottom.

This is the story of Reece’s first experiences as a gay man. And while it’s not an easy read, the story commemorates a difficult time in LGBT history. I responded to Randy’s struggles on an almost visceral level and it gave me important insights into the lives of my older gay friends. I love that the world has changed so much in the last few decades – and I’m thankful that the LGBT kids and young adults in my life who expect acceptance and demand respect will find Randy’s experiences alien.

This is marketed as a romance but it reads more like a biography. It is Randy’s life story and while there is an element of romance in the book, it isn’t the story’s focus. This is a moving book that feels real and very personal. I’m not sure I enjoyed it – but I’m very glad I read it.


Angie☆☆☆☆
I'll be honest, I was hesitant on reading this book because in the past I wasn't fond of the author’s writing style, it just didn't work for me. However, the blurb for this book had me thinking I should give this author another chance. This book was tough to read because I am sure there are many gay men in the past and even now that have gone through the same things that Randy has. My heart hurt for him, John, Violet, and Henry. So much has changed from the 80s when this book took place, but we still have a long way to go. I don't want to tell you what happens in this book, you need to read it and you need to feel it for yourself. I'm glad I took a chance and read this book. The epilogue was simply amazing.



Real Men. True Love.

Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”

Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his beloved husband, Bruce, and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix, Kodi.

Connect with Rick

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https://ninestarpress.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Unraveling by Rick R. Reed to read and review.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Hold Me Up by Colette Davison Release Blitz


Can second chance love survive past trauma?

Reece has one goal: to compete in the Olympic Games. With the gymnastics World Championships looming, his dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.

When his childhood sweetheart, Alex, walks back into his life unexpectedly, Reece’s world is turned upside down. Alex was the boy who inexplicably pushed him away and broke his heart; the boy he still loves.

When the truth behind their break-up is revealed, Reece wants to hold Alex up and give him the strength to heal.

But can Reece be Alex’s rock, and remain focused on his training, or will his Olympic dreams suffer in the process?

Hold Me Up is a M/M second chance romance, with a slow-burn relationship and lots of hurt/comfort. It’s the first in a series of books that follows male artistic gymnasts as they chase gold.

Trigger warnings: Hold Me Up features a character who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, due to a past event that is briefly described.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50606636-hold-me-up


Book 1
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~




“Pizza and beer, as requested.”

Alex’s smiled deepened as he stood back, allowing Reece to enter.

“Are we eating at the table, or are we going to be uncouth?” Reece made eyes at the sofa and then frowned playfully. “How can you be uncouth when you can’t be couth?”

Alex chuckled. “You’re an idiot.”

“It’s true, though,” Reece pointed out, kicking the door shut behind him. “Just like you can be over- or underwhelmed, but you can’t actually be whelmed. The English language is weird.” Raising the hand carrying the beer, he pointed to the table and then the sofa. “Table or sofa?”

Alex considered the question. The sofa would be far more relaxed, but he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. In just a few days, most of his barriers regarding Reece had crashed down. He was enjoying having Reece back in his life, but he felt like it was for all the wrong reasons.

Reece took the decision out of his hands. “The table is occupied by your laptop. Let’s take the sofa.” He put the pizzas and beer on the coffee table before flopping down on one end of the sofa. He looked up at Alex expectantly. “Are you joining me?”

Alex glanced at the table, wondering if he should offer to move the laptop. It would have taken him two seconds to close the lid and prop it against the wall and only slightly longer to take it back through to his bedroom, but he didn’t want to. Instead, he wandered to the kitchen units and grabbed the bottle opener from the drawer.

“Good call,” Reece said as he pulled two bottles out of the cardboard pack. He held them both while Alex flipped the lids off, and then gave one to Alex. “I got us garlic bread,” he declared. “And I seem to remember that you’re not much of a fan of topping on pizza, so I’ve got a margherita for you and pepperoni for me.” He took a swig of beer before opening up the pizza boxes and handing Alex his. Then he reclaimed the bottle. “We should have a toast.”

Alex raised his eyebrows as Reece lifted his bottle.

“To you. Reporter extraordinaire.”

Alex felt heat creep up into his face. “I don’t—”

“I do,” Reece cut him off. “Like I said earlier, your article was amazing.” He glanced around the room. “You should cut it out and frame it.”

The heat swept up to Alex’s hairline and into his ears. “My boss already did.”

“Where is it? I don’t see it up anywhere.”

“At work.”

“On the wall?”

Alex shook his head.

“You need to bring it home. I’ll help you put it up, if you want?”

Alex dipped his chin. “I—”

“It’s your first article. It’s a big deal, Alex and you should be bloody proud of yourself.”




Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for the next installment. I really enjoyed the author's style, the pace, and the subject. I love sports romances in all their forms and dipping into the world of male competitive gymnastics was very interesting. I love watching them in the Olympics and could well believe just how intense their training was to achieve such feats!

Reece and Alex were together at school, but then suddenly Alex pulls away and more or less disappears. Reece is left to try and get over him and get on with his life, never understanding what happened. So when Alex turns up as a journalist from the local paper to do a feature on him and his teammate, it is uncomfortable to say the least. As an uninformed reader, we can only have empathy for Reece and wonder what on earth had Alex been thinking.

As the story progresses, we watch two men who clearly care for each other try and decide how they could move forward, now they are men, not boys. Combined with the pressures of competition, Alex hiding a huge secret, and suffering from severe anxiety, it is an emotional read. However, once the truth is revealed, I felt a huge sigh of relief that there can be a way forward, along with a significant dose of sadness.

If you enjoy a sports romance with a second-chance element and some real sadness which can finally be overcome, then this should be lined up on your e-reader immediately.




Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Connect with Colette

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Colette's Cosy Corner Facebook Group



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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hold Me Up (Chasing Gold #1) by Colette Davison to read and review for this tour.

Forever Strong by Piper J. Drake


On the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, not all is paradise in this high-stakes, action-packed romantic suspense.

He'll risk his life for her... but will he risk his heart?

Jiang Ying Yue assumed her kidnapping was random, that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After all, who would want to harm her? But then her rescuer—a charismatic former soldier who takes her breath away—uncovers a traitor in her father's organization. Now, Ying Yue realizes that she's become a pawn in a dangerous game, and her kidnapper won't be satisfied until she disappears for good.

Zu Anyanwu's work with Search and Protect and his canine partner Buck have always been his first priority... until he's tasked with keeping Ying Yue safe. To him, the brave and resilient investment expert is more than just another client. But with danger closing in, Zu can't let his emotions get in the way of the most important job he's ever had—protecting the woman he loves.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45995482-forever-strong


Book 6
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader☆☆☆
M/F Military Romance

We find ourselves plunked right in the middle of this story. I'm unsure if book five has some of the beginning to book six, but I did read book four and saw a few characters that were mentioned. However, this is very much a standalone book in that it's solely about Jiang Ying Yue and Zu.

This is not as fast paced as book four. There is more backstory to the book, and I felt that this story was slightly jumbled.

I found that Jiang Ying Yue was very naive, despite the fact that she was supposed to have been a very successful non-profit starter. She had to deal with a lot of people and while there were hints as to what her degrees were in, it was never truly spelled out.

Zu and Buck, his K-9 partner, were somewhat hard to get to know. Zu was the leader and while he had some baggage in his past, he has to look forward. He has hand chosen his group and trusts them implicitly. When he meets Jiang Ying Yue, there is supposedly an instant connection. But Zu's behavior and lack of conversation leaves the reader feeling somewhat lost.

Overall, while this had a lot of action and plenty of mystery, the romance was very flat and I found the characters difficult to relate to. But having said that, I did like the action and mystery. It kept the story very interesting.



Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans. Find Piper around the internet for insight into her frequent travels and inspiration for her stories.

Connect with Piper

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The PJRA Facebook Group


https://www.read-forever.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Forever Strong (True Heroes #6) by Piper J. Drake to read and review.

Baiting Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds


From New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds comes the second book in the steamy, witty, and hilarious How to Catch an Alpha series.

Chrissie doesn’t have time for guys, hot or otherwise; most days, she barely has time to sleep. With a thriving bakery that demands her attention and plenty of proof that relationships aren’t worth the trouble, she’s content to go it alone. Too bad she’s unwittingly baited Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way Too Gorgeous—and he’s just waiting for a chance to bite.

Gaston is used to getting what he wants, but he also knows nothing good ever comes easy. From the moment he meets Chrissie, he realizes that this woman who makes him laugh, smells like cupcakes, and looks like a tasty snack is going to be his greatest challenge. And if he’s lucky, she’ll be his biggest reward.

But someone else wants to catch Gaston at all costs—even if it means endangering the lives of the people he loves. Somehow Gaston must thwart danger and convince Chrissie that he’s the perfect catch.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

Chrissie loves her life. She has amazing friends and an amazing business. What is not amazing is her relationship with her dad and she worries about her mom. While her parents got divorced last year, Chrissie never would have suspected that her dad was a cheater. However, once he was married to his mistress, Chrissie hasn't heard from him. When she meets Gaston (Gus), she knows that he's wildly attractive, but doesn't believe that she'll ever see him again.

Gaston (Gus) owns several nightclubs and businesses. When he meets Chrissie for the first time, he's immediately taken with her. She's smart, snarky, and gorgeous. When he can't seem to get her out of his head, he takes the extra steps to find out where she works.

Chrissie and Gus' relationship was very easy to relate to. They deal with real life problems and handle them together. It was fantastic to watch them lean on each other, support each other, and finally find their love. I really loved each of the main characters in this story. And while it's slightly on the predictable side, it was still enjoyable.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and could be read as a standalone – mind you, Catching Him was such fun that you shouldn't really miss out! Chrissie and Gaston (Gus) are really the perfect match – but obviously they don't realise this straightaway, luckily Reynolds knows just how to reveal their romantic journey to us. It is a lovely read, which I would definitely recommend to you.

Chrissie runs her own bakery called The Sweet Spot. She is a workaholic and reluctant to release control, or risk taking on more staff in case she overextends herself. She is creative, but sensible, and after her parents went through a messy divorce, she is cautious about commitment. So when the dynamic, successful, and very handsome man that she met at Leah's hen party turns up at her bakery, she is somewhat nervous of believing he is interested in her. As Gaston proves himself to be really the most ideal of men, she starts to soften her attitude.

I won't say anything more, as you should enjoy the story yourself, but rest assured that it is a book which will leave you feeling satisfied... although you may want some pastries or cookies to hand, as it is one of those books where you feel envious of their sweet treats!


Also Available in the How to Catch an Alpha Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Catching Him Blog Tour.




Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Fluke My Life, Until, Until Him, Until Her, and Underground Kings.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.

To stay up to date on what’s happening, join the Alpha Mailing List.

Connect with Aurora

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https://amzn.to/2JTao8H


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Baiting Him (How to Catch an Alpha #2) by Aurora Rose Reynolds to read and review.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Ignite on Contact by Jaci Burton


New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton is back with a friends-to-lovers romance sure to melt hearts as one smokin'-hot fireman turns up the heat on love.

Relationships. Firefighter Rafe Donovan avoids them whenever possible. He loves dating women, but he makes sure they know up front that he's in it for fun, great sex and nothing more.

Fun. As an ER nurse and official caretaker of her disabled grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn't have time for fun. But Rafe has been there for Carmen—and her grandfather—time and again, and he's clearly interested in her. She knows he's a player, but she's tempted by his charm and incredible body. And maybe a little fun isn't a bad thing, as long as she keeps her heart away from this fiery game she's enjoying with a very hot man.

Love. It doesn't take Rafe long to realize that until now he's only been playing at romance. With Carmen he feels searing passion and heart-tugging emotion for the first time. Now he has to convince Carmen that what they have together is the real deal.

Add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45721309-ignite-on-contact


Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Rafe loves his job. And while he had a rough start to his life, he has lived a great life since. He loves his brothers and knows that they will always have his back. When he is injured on the job, he knows that it could have been much worse, what he wasn't expecting was to see the worry on Carmen's face.

Carmen likes living in the small town. She also likes that she is able to take care of her grandpa. But Carmen is also kind of hiding out from her own life. She works and helps her grandpa. While she knows that Rafe and his brothers live next door, she has shut that part of her life off.

Rafe and Carmen start down a path that will show each of them that there is more to life than work. Playing is just as satisfying. Even with a few bumps in the road, Rafe and Carmen were made for each other and it was a joy to watch them fall in love.

I can't wait to see the next book. I really enjoy watching these rugged and tough brothers find their way to new experiences and people.


Mary☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the Brotherhood by Fire series and it is Rafe's story. In the first book, we met the three Donavan brothers and I think I like this one just a little more than the first one.

Rafe is a firefighter just as his brothers are and when a backdraft sends him to the hospital, it is his next-door neighbor Carmen who is the nurse that takes care of him. Although he wants to be the tough guy and say he is okay, Carmen tells him he needs to tell her how he is really feeling so they can make sure he is going to be fine. After he is released from the hospital and orders for five days of rest. He is so restless and just wants to get out of the house.

Carmen lives next door to Rafe and his brothers, she thinks about Rafe all the time, but she knows he doesn't see her that way. So, when he shows up at the hospital and ends up flirting with her, she doesn't know how to handle it. The next day she takes him food to eat and even walks around the block with him, just to get him outside.

As they grow closer together and things between them begin to heat up, is there a chance for a relationship? Carmen has relationship issues because of a bad marriage. Can she let Rafe in? Can Rafe make her see that things will be different with him?

I liked this storyline, and the chemistry between Rafe and Carmen was totally hot. But I think the drama at the end was a little too much and Carmen feeling lost and needy because she might lose her dad to another woman. Anyway, I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and it could be read alone, but you will get the background far better if you read them in order. Book one is really good, so it would be shame to miss out!

Rafe and his brothers live together, work together, and thank their adoptive parents for taking them in and giving them a home together. They have never forgotten being homeless, and work hard as firefighters, give back where they can, and appreciate the pleasures in life. For Rafe that has meant never getting too serious with anyone, until now!

Carmen had a less than settled childhood, and then married the wrong man, so she is now very happy hiding away either in the ER where she is the nurse supervisor, or at home, where she tends for her grandfather. So when her neighbour, Rafe, realises he is attracted to her, this is incredibly inconvenient! It is such fun watching these two come to terms with the fact that there could be more to how they live now. Inevitably they have to fight their own demons as well as accept the changes that will flow from opening up to someone else.

Burton captures the work that both these two people do in a really engaging way, describing the dangers and the speed of action, alongside the downtimes and the admin. It gave weight to their roles and the responsibilities that they have willingly shouldered, but made clear how they too needed love, support and their very own someone special.

I am already looking forward to the next installment.


Also Available in the Brotherhood by Fire Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our Hot to the Touch post.



Jaci Burton is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play series, including Unexpected Rush, All Wound Up, Quarterback Draw, Straddling the Line, Melting the Ice, and One Sweet Ride, and the Hope series, including Don’t Let Go, Make Me Stay, Love After All, Hope Burns, Hope Ignites, and Hope Flames.

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http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/romance/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ignite on Contact (Brotherhood by Fire #2) by Jaci Burton to read and review.