The Substitute by Kristen Proby Release Blitz

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new age-gap, workplace romance set in her beloved Single in Seattle series!

Derek Langley can’t keep an assistant to save his life. He’s grumpy, demanding, and sometimes mean, which mirrors his reputation in court. Derek doesn’t have time to coddle an employee, so when the temp agency informs him their next placement will be the last, he knows he’s doomed.

Maya Sterling is excited to move to Seattle. She wants to be closer to her siblings and her new friends, and a position with a temp agency fits the bill for her new life in the city. She doesn’t plan on walking in and finding a sexy British grouch for a boss, but his gruff nature doesn’t really bother her. In fact, she’s attracted to his rough-around-the-edges nature.

They quickly realize the attraction is mutual and steam up the office. But Maya’s position with Derek is temporary, and she knows she must maintain a professional distance to preserve her sanity.

Will they be able to resist each other? Or does fate have other plans?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Single in Seattle series!
For book one, The Secret, click HERE.
For book two, The Scandal, click HERE.
For book three, The Score, click HERE.
For book four, The Setup, click HERE.
For book five, The Stand-In, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

 

 

“So, why does Gray think your boss is a jerk?” Liv asks me as we walk into the department store.

“I don’t think he’s a jerk, but I’ve only known him for a week.”

Sidney scowls at me. “Why would Gray think that, then?”

“I guess Derek has a reputation for being hard to work for.” I shrug and hold up a navy-blue dress, but Stella takes it out of my hands and puts it back on the rack.

“That’s for someone in their sixties,” she informs me, shaking her head.

“Thanks. Anyway, I admit Derek can be abrupt and short, but he doesn’t bother me. At least not so far.”

I glance over at Liv, who’s watching me.

“What?”

“I’m telling you, you like him,” she says, narrowing her eyes.

“Look—”

“He doesn’t just not bother you. You’re hot for him.”

“Is he attractive?” Sidney asks, reaching for her phone. “Hell, I’ll google him. What’s his name?”

“Derek Langley,” I reply and bite my lip. This is fun. And a little nerve-racking. “He’s British. So, he does have a sexy accent.”

“Oh,” Sid says, turning the phone so the others can see. “Yeah, he’s fucking attractive.”

“Hot,” Stella agrees. “Dang, Maya, you should go for it. Wait, is he married?”

“He doesn’t wear a ring.” I consider that, tapping my finger on my chin. “Of course, not everyone does. I don’t think he’s married.”

“I can’t find any evidence of a wife,” Sidney says, tapping on her phone some more. “Unless it’s recent.”

“He’s my boss,” I reply, shaking my head. “Sure, there’s some chemistry there, but I work for him. I don’t think that’s ethical.”

I’ve caught him looking at my lips several times, and when we stand close together, he shoves his hands in his pockets as if he’s restraining himself to keep from touching me.

But maybe that’s all just in my head.

“You said yourself it’s only a thirty-day assignment,” Liv says, waving me off. “I say take those thirty days and have fun with them.”

“We’re going straight to the lingerie department,” Stella decides.

“You guys.” I laugh but don’t stop them from pulling me to the intimates section, where they choose lots of lacy, silky, beautiful things for me to try. “What if I’m being silly, and he wants no part in anything sexy with me?”

“Number one, he’d be stupid,” Sid says. “And number two, if he’s not interested, someone else will be.”

“You have a point. Okay, let’s do this.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is book 5.5 in the Single in Seattle series, and also another 1001 Dark Nights in the series; it is fun to get these short novellas to give us a quick fix between longer reads – and this is one is fun and frenetic.

The unexpected chemistry between the grumpy, rude lawyer, Derek, and the calm, unfazed Maya burns the pages. Of course things will not run smoothy because he is not really able to process what is happening to his very nature now that he has met her – and Maya is so wonderfully unflappable, and so in tune with her own needs, that we are treated to a whirlwind of a romance.

It is great to catch up with previous couples, two of which, of course, involve Maya's siblings, and the epilogue is really delicious and funny!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is a super quick, cute story about Derek and Maya.

Maya is coming home after spending some time in Europe and once she realizes that no matter what her parents say, they want her to move to Seattle and follow her heart; she goes to Seattle. Maya is still figuring out what she truly wants from her life, so she goes through a temp agency to find a job.

Derek is known for being a grump. He has a difficult time keeping help because of his brusque demeanor and sometimes downright mean words. He knows it's something he should work on, but he just can't seem to find the time.

When Maya walks into Derek's office, there is instant chemistry. These two have to figure out how to work together while keeping each other at a pleasant friendship distance. Despite their attraction, both know that mixing business and pleasure can lead to disasters.

Will Maya thaw Derek's icy demeanor or will she throw in the towel and find another way? This is a super quick read that will have you smiling.

 

 

 

KRISTEN PROBY is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Connect with Kristen Proby!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Proby's Peeps

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website & Newsletter Sign-Up

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Substitute (Single in Seattle #5.5) by Kristen Proby to read and review.

The Lumberjack by Susan Stoker

New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker wraps up her steamy Game of Chance series with an explosive novel about an ex-soldier fighting to save the woman he loves—even if she can’t remember him.

A game of chance during a horrific POW experience decided the future for Jackson “JJ” Justice and his teammates. Years later, they’re well settled into their lumberjack business in small-town Maine. And for nearly as long, JJ’s been pining for April, the woman largely responsible for growing their business, but insecurities keep him at arm’s length from the sexy receptionist.

April Hoffman loves her job… and her boss. She’s unsure where JJ’s head is at, but for her part, she knows exactly why she’s not revealed her feelings. Not only does she have one failed relationship under her belt, she’s also several years older than JJ. Why would a man so brutally hot settle for someone almost past her prime?

After a car accident nearly takes April’s life, leaving her with temporary amnesia, they both understand what they almost lost. The floodgates are open, their feelings exposed… but it may be too little, too late.

An enemy from JJ’s past has come calling, putting not only his future happiness on the line, but the lives of several people he holds dear—starting with April.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Game of Chance series!
For book one, The Protector, click HERE.
For book two, The Royal, click HERE.
For book three, The Hero, click HERE.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Mackenzie Cartwright & Teddy Hamilton
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

This was a story that I was looking forward to. The Lumberjack is actually JJ, a former military POW turned businessman with a couple of his friends. When April is in an accident, JJ stops at nothing to get to her and when he realizes that he’s been biding his time for nothing, JJ will pull out all of the stops to show April that he not only needs her, but wants her and loves her too.

April loves her job. After leaving a less than stellar marriage, she’s trying to start over. She finds herself at JJ’s business and now she’s indispensable. When she drives off the road, she loses her memory. Her friends all band together to help her through this trial, but when her husband comes back and states that they made a mistake, will April feel the same way?

JJ and April have a family surrounding them and cheering them on. Both will need to take a leap of faith to figure out what’s going on around them or who is trying to harm their friends.

This is a sweet love story about friends who must face their attraction or risk losing everything dear to them. I really enjoyed this story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order, because the overall story is definitely growing through the books. We get to spend time with all the previous couples, and their support for April is down to the care that she has shown them through their own nightmares.

April would not admit, or act on it, but she has been in love with JJ, one of her bosses, for many years. All her friends, including his colleagues, know this, and know he loves her... but they respect their need to work it out themselves (most of the time!). When April loses her memory in a serious car accident, she remembers nothing of the last few years, but she does know in her heart that she can trust JJ with everything.

As they play it safe due to JJ's concerns about her not wanting him when her memory returns, we also learn that the dangers from their pasts are not over yet. It is typically tense, but with some clever twists – and a lot of drama that these couples really do not need to suffer. We even get to catch up with a lot of our other favourites from other series from this very talented author. I love how April has a chance to feel she is worthy, and that she should not waste another minute without JJ.

It is great to see how the group of men get to fulfil their dreams and get their well-deserved happily ever afters. Whether prince or pauper, their backgrounds have not affected their friendship or their happiness. Thank you, Susan Stoker, for another great story.

 

 

 

SUSAN STOKER is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, and Delta Force Heroes. Married to a retired Army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri and California to Colorado, Texas, and Tennessee—and currently lives in the beautiful wilds of Maine. A true believer in happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love.

Connect with Susan Stoker!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Susan Stoker's Stalkers

 

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Lumberjack (Game of Chance #4) by Susan Stoker to read and review.

The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake Release Blitz

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters & Mercenaries series…

The Bodyguard…

Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.

These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.

The Bombshell…

Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.

An explosive match…

Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other Masters & Mercenaries Sanctum Nights novella!
For book #8, Protected, click HERE.
For book #11, Treasured, click HERE.
For book #13, Delighted, click HERE.
For book #14, Tempted, click HERE.

Click HERE to peruse our reviews of other books in the Masters & Mercenaries Universe!

 

 

Book 28.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Releases November 26th
Narrated by Ryan West

 

 

“I was helping out a client,” she began.

“Uhm, Mr. Taggart, I would like to make it clear we didn’t hire Daisy as a private investigator.” Her bosses were here, too. Harlow and Ruby sat at the opposite end of the table, and Harlow seemed to be the one who wanted to set the record straight.

“She was supposed to answer the phones.” Ruby frowned her way.

She was going to have to soothe her bosses. Things had done what they so often did in Daisy’s life. They had gone awry.

To top things off, her brother was somewhere in the building. Aidan had been the one to drive her up, and he’d told her he needed to go talk to his newest roommate.

Nathan Carter. Big, gorgeous Nathan Carter, who’d barely known she’d existed past being his friend’s obnoxious sister.

She hadn’t seen Nate in years. Was he still stunning? He probably had a girlfriend.

“Daisy?” Her mother’s voice brought her out of her reverie. “Uncle Ian asked you a question.”

Of all the grave faces around the table, it was her aunt and uncle who broke the mold and looked highly amused.

“I asked how you went from answering the phones to taking down a drug cartel,” Uncle Ian said, his lips curling up. He leaned in like he was ready for this story.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Daisy O'Donnell is trying to figure out where she fits in. When she gets in over her head, she needs a bodyguard and Nate Carter is all too happy to do it.

Daisy and Nate are the perfect couple, she seems to be ditzy and he is the strong one. But Daisy comes out on top when she needs to.

This story is filled with laughter, family, love, and a little chaos, ultimately leaving this novella one of my favorites.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is part of the Masters & Mercenaries series, and whilst the 1001 Dark Nights series is to give newbies a chance to taste a series new to them, I do think that one could be a little lost with so many people being in this novella. As an ardent fan, I was absolutely delighted to enjoy the sass and snark from nearly the whole crew!

Nate and Daisy haven't seen each other since they were children, so it is no surprise that he doesn't recognise her with a mask on at The Hideout. But Daisy knew just what she was doing, and even if it were just for one night, she would not miss the opportunity to spend time with him.

Such a great start to this steamy and engaging story. I loved that Liam, Daisy's dad, had to reevaluate his relationship with his daughter and both he and Aidan had to see what damage they were doing to her self-confidence. That she now has Nate at her side, his point in life suddenly revealed to him when he sees her. I love his certainty about his presence in her future.

I am not going to say more about the drama, as it is best read fresh, but it is definitely typical of a Masters & Mercenaries plot, which Liam finds a way to solve, and everyone gathers together to ensure safety and success.

Delicious as always, and every time I read a new one, I am delighted at the mastery shown by Lexi Blake at forging forward with the next generation and giving us such great stories, time and again.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Nate is a man looking for a new purpose. He knows that leaving his home isn't ideal, but he can't help but feel a little lost. When his friend offers him a job, he jumps at it. His best friend lives in the states and it's just a place to start anew.

Daisy is always trying to do the right thing. She has a heart of gold and a soft spot for people. She knows how to read people well and can get things done. However, she also, in the process, finds herself in trouble. Through no fault of her own, her family also doesn't see a grown woman, but a woman in need of protecting.

When Nate is assigned to Daisy's protection, it will be an eye-opening experience for all involved. Daisy will learn that she can be trusted to be herself, Nate will find an anchor, and all the family and friends will learn that sometimes, trouble is exactly what you need to move forward.

It's a sweet and spice story about trusting yourself, learning to love, and letting go of the past and moving forward. You won't be disappointed.

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lexi’s Literary Universe

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website & Newsletter Sign-Up

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Bodyguard and the Bombshell (Masters & Mercenaries #28.5; Sanctum Nights #15; New Recruits #2.5) by Lexi Blake to read and review.

Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos

In the usually quiet high desert of Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck faces one of his greatest challenges—a series of unlikely, disturbing and increasingly deadly events of unknown origins.

Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, doing the same lawman's job his father once did now that he's returned home after decades away. With his twelve person department, they cover a large area that is usually very quiet, but not of late. One childhood friend is the latest to succumb to a new wave of particularly strong illegal opioids, another childhood friend—now an enormously successful rancher—is targeted by a military drone, hacked and commandeered by an unknown source. The hacker is apparently local—local enough to call out Beck by name—and that means they are Beck's problem.

Beck's investigation leads him to Mercy Vaughn, the one known hacker in the area. The problem is that she's a teenager, locked up with no computer access at the secure juvenile detention center. But there's something Mercy that doesn't sit quite right with Beck. But when Mercy disappears, Beck understands that she's in danger and time is running out for all of them.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Hardcover (US)  ~  Minotaur (Macmillan)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by James Babson

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

Mercy is a teen who has found herself incarcerated for stealing millions of dollars. She is genius level smart, especially with computers, and when her knack for hacking becomes an issue, the U.S. Government will stop at nothing to prevent her from using her skills.

Beck is a small-town police officer. He knows the townspeople, has friends he grew up with, and now, has to track down drugs that are somehow killing his residents. As he tries to unravel the mystery behind where the drugs are coming from and who is behind it, Beck is thrust into the middle of a government operation that he knows smells off.

With the military sniffing around and some shifty characters entering his town, Beck will have to figure out if he can trust the fellow alphabet officers who've started to invade his town. Mercy will have to decide where her loyalties will fall. Mercy's life is staked high in this game of cat and mouse.

This was a good mystery. It was a little chaotic in the beginning, but I enjoyed watching the characters really learn to trust themselves and each other, even with the mystery behind what was going on, but overall, this was a fun read. I can't wait to see if she's in the next book.

 

 

BRUCE BORGOS lives and writes from the Nevada desert where he works hard every day to prove his high school guidance counselor had good instincts when he said “You’ll never be an astronaut.” He has a degree in political science which mostly served to dissuade him from a career in law while at the same time tormenting his wife with endless questions about how telephones work. When not writing, you can usually find him at the local wine store. He is the author of The Bitter Past.

Connect with Bruce Borgos!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Shades of Mercy (Porter Beck Mysteries #2) by Bruce Borgos to read and review.

My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake

From New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series...

Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan.

My Royal Showmance

Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.

As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. It couldn’t be further from the truth. His country is hurting and he’s right there on the front lines with his citizens. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.

When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Park Avenue Promise series!
For book one, Start Us Up, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Signed Paperback

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Kitty Bang

 

 

“Ani, you’re my best producer. Do this for me and I’ll green-light your movie. The silly one about… What was it about?”

“It’s the story of one of New York’s first woman firefighters. Her life and struggles.” It is my dream project, and it certainly isn’t silly. It’s about empowerment and the fight against discrimination in the workplace.

Jess’s surgically perfected nose wrinkles slightly. “Could she be fighting aliens?”

I growl. It’s an alpha sound I’ve worked on over the years since no one takes a small blonde woman seriously in my business until they catch sight of our three rows of teeth.

Not that I’m like that in my normal life. I’m a regular young woman. I try to be nice and kind to everyone around me, and if they cross me, I will bury them and no cop will look in my anime eyes and think me capable of murder.

Sometimes the patriarchy works in my favor. Not that I want to give up bodily autonomy and equal pay just so I can murder someone a little more easily. But for now I’ll take what I can get.

“Fine.” Jess has her hard negotiator expression on. “What’s the budget?”

I can do it for ten million, but she’s sentencing me to six weeks of dealing with women who think they are going to end up being queen. It will be spray tans and claws, and I will hear the words “the right reasons” so many times. “Fifteen.”

Her eyes narrow like she knows exactly what I’m doing.

I sit and wait. Like she taught me.

Don’t show a minute of your emotions, Ani.

“Fifteen,” she agrees. “And you’ll be fast-tracked. If you get this done, I might even be persuaded to tell publicity they have a slightly larger budget.”

She really wants this.

I wish I could talk to my friends, but I know what’s at the end of this conversation. I won’t be able to explain why I’m taking a crappy assignment. Ivy has her own issues and won’t question it. She’ll be all “rah-rah, girl power,” but Harper likes a mystery, and, even more, she loves to point out when things are going wrong.

Still, I’d like their advice, but I’m not going to get it.

I’m on my own. “I’ll do it.”

Jess smiles like she would have gone to twenty.

She wouldn’t have, but I give her a frown because it’s always good to let the boss think they’re still in control.

“One more thing, dear,” she says, sliding a stack of papers my way.

Yep. There’s the very long and binding nondisclosure agreement. My mouth is going to have to stay closed. But my eyes will be wide open.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
I enjoyed the idea of this book and the first meeting between Anika and Luca. They met in a bar and ended up talking late into the night.

I wasn't crazy about the game show idea (I don't watch those reality-type shows), but I did enjoy the friendships Anika made while she was a contestant.

As I said, I enjoyed the story and if you are into reality TV, this book is for you.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series about three longtime friends who promise to support each other through the vaguaries of life. Ivy met her true love, Heath, in the first book, now it is Anika's turn to be in the spotlight.

Working in production, Anika is ready to move up and get her own works created, but an offer from her mentor of promised funding if she goes and makes sure that a onetime bad boy director has truly reformed, has her going down a pay grade and working on a reality show. These are her own particularly hated genre of TV, but the lure of doing her own project is just too great.

Thanks to NDAs, she cannot reveal much to her two besties, but has one last evening out before she gets sequestered. She leaves them early though, due to meeting a guy she is very attracted to... even if only for one night.

Roll forward and we find ourselves on set with the mystery guy being the king of a small principality in Europe. He needs the TV show funding and publicity to save his country and has agreed to choose a wife from the 13 contestants.

As the crazy of this world is revealed to the reader, and the tunnels of the mansion enable friends to meet and promises to be made, we also have the underlying question of is the director a bad guy. As everything unravels, there is a clever twist and a move from the trip of girlfriends which saves the day.

Implausible to the extent that one can imagine it is true, I was highly entertained by the characters in the royal showmance TV show and behind the scenes.


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

Anika is a fantastic character. From the very beginning you saw how honest and real she was. She works hard, loves hard, and is loyal. I loved her mind set about her job, family, friends, and life in general.

Luca had amazing reasons for wanting to do this show. He wants his people to succeed and thrive. It’s a curve ball for him when he realizes that his heart could truly get caught in the web of love.

These two together are fun, witty, and lovable. You won’t be disappointed in their story. I think the only thing I wished for was more on the protagonists. I wanted to see them squirm.

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lexi’s Literary Universe

 

 

For more information about Blue Box Press releases, follow them at:

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website & Newsletter Sign-Up

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of My Royal Showmance (The Park Avenue Promise #2) by Lexi Blake to read and review.

On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh

Sheriff Bree Taggert becomes a target when she follows the twisting trail of a serial killer in a bone-chilling novel of suspense by #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.

A pair of hikers find a tarp-wrapped body in a clearing in the woods. When a search in the surrounding area yields two more, Sheriff Bree Taggert knows they’ve stumbled onto a serial killer’s dumping ground.

With the help of investigator Matt Flynn, Bree works the case. They go to interview Jana, the best friend of one of the victims. But when they arrive at her apartment, it’s been ransacked and set on fire. And Jana is missing.

It’s clear the killer is escalating. To make matters worse, he threatens Bree’s family and a young mother vanishes. Will Bree and Matt uncover the link between the victims before more women die?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Bree Taggert series:
For book one, Cross Her Heart, click HERE.
For book two, See Her Die, click HERE.
For book three, Drown Her Sorrows, click HERE.
For book four, Right Behind Her, click HERE.
For book five, Dead Against Her, click HERE.
For book six, Lie to Her, click HERE.
For book seven, Catch Her Death, click HERE.

 

 

Book 8
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Christina Traister
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the eighth book in this series, and I have enjoyed them all. Bree is such an amazing survivor of her past and such an inspiration in her determination to right wrongs for her new family as well as for the community she lives in. Matt, her partner both in life and investigations, is once again also a key figure. I love that he respects her and her decisions.

Rain, dullness, and the sadness of a town in the grips of a serial killer do not put out the light that is provided by the ever vigilant and successful Sheriff Bree Taggert. Her newly made team of work colleagues is determined to ensure that life can be lived safely under their watch. It is very clever how the author continues to use the crimes of the past to lead to the troubles of today. Her newly made family draws closer as they face danger, and Matt's parents step up and again show Bree how it is okay to rely on and trust in others.

If you enjoy clever plotting, interesting individuals, and plenty of tension, then this book will give you a great read. If you are also invested in Bree and Matt and their family, then you will have plenty of heartwarming moments, as things get serious. I am already looking forward to the next installment!


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

Bree is at it again. With women disappearing around them, it's up to Bree, her family, and her town to find those responsible.

This book contains family life, twists and turns you'll never see coming, and suspense that keeps you wanting to turn the pages.

I love this series and can't wait for more. The characters are complex without being overdone and the story is catching and engaging.

I really enjoy Leigh's ability to write twisted characters right alongside compassionate ones. It's a gift Leigh has, and you won't be disappointed!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is one series that I can't put down. I re-read the entire series before I started this book and fell in love with characters all over again.

Sheriff Bree Taggert didn't ask to be sheriff, thankless job that it is, however, she knows staying in town and helping to raise her sister's children is the best thing for her family. Mending fences, strengthening bonds, and falling in love makes Grey's Hollow more like home than it ever had been.

Since becoming sheriff, Bree and her boyfriend/investigator, Matt Flynn, have seen way more active investigations than she thought possible in this small town in New York. And today brings one more investigation that seemingly puts her and her family in a killer's path once again.

Determined to find those who have been murdering women, Bree and Matt start following the leads that seems to lead back to her family’s old home. When a body is found there, Bree can't help but wonder what exactly happened the night her father died.

Bree's determined to face the past and the truths it held in secret for so long. Will the past continue to haunt the future or will the serial killer succeed in stopping Bree's investigation for good?

Only time will tell...


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
From the moment three bodies were discovered by hikers in the woods, I was hooked. The story is perfectly paced, and I enthusiastically followed along as Bree and Matt investigated, eager for the next clue. The author did a great job of keeping me in the moment and stopping my mind from running ahead to solve the mystery. This meant I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns as they happened.

Among the action and the mystery we get glimpses of Bree and Matt’s romance and their home life as Bree raises her sister’s children. I really enjoyed this small amount of happiness in the middle of a frantic and dangerous murder investigation.

On Her Watch was an engaging mystery with a heart stopping climax. This is the eighth book in the Bree Taggert series, and I haven’t read all eight books, but you won’t need to have to enjoy this latest addition to the series. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, I’d definitely recommend On Her Watch and the whole series.

 

 

MELINDA LEIGH is a #1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author. Her books have sold over 14 million copies, and she has garnered numerous publishing awards, including nominations for an International Thriller Award and two RITAs. A martial artist and animal lover, Melinda lives in Florida with her family and a small herd of rescue pets.

Connect with Melinda Leigh!

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ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of On Her Watch (Bree Taggert #8) by Melinda Leigh to read and review.