Mercury Rising by Kristian Parker Blog Tour

The son of a famous movie star, Mercury Morrison is used to all eyes being on him. So of course he’s grown up to be one of London’s premier influencers, with followers across the globe.

But when Mercury finds himself on the wrong side of the law after a run-in with a paranoid concept artist at the Tate Modern, it all comes crashing down. The worst bit is, he’s innocent! Advised to plead guilty, he dutifully arrives for his first day of community service at a youth project in South London… and walks slap-bang into his new boss, the handsome Nick Campbell.

The attraction between them is instant and electric. Romance may be on the cards but this summer is going to shake Mercury’s whole view on life to its foundations. Can Mercury take the huge leap of faith needed to make his dreams come true, and, if he dares, will Nick be there to catch him?

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Queens Crescent series!
For book two, Pole Position, click HERE.
For book four, Public Affair, click HERE.
For book five, Let It Breathe, click HERE.
For book six, Warm Hearts, click HERE.

 

 

Book 7
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

As the woman checked her list, the man stared up. “Are you the dickhead who thinks my art is shit?”

Mercury took a step away. “I don’t think I said that. I presume you’re Grim.”

“Fucking right I am.”

He appeared fit to burst.

“I haven’t even seen it yet,” Mercury said. “Calm yourself.”

“Fucking rich kids. You think you’re so superior, don’t you?”

Mercury burst into laughter. It echoed around the room, causing people to stare.

“Take a look around you, Grim. This is the Tate Modern, for fuck’s sake. Everyone is rich.”

The clipboard woman ushered them in.

“What a dick,” Mercury said.

“Let’s do a quick circuit and go,” Lotty replied. “He must be constantly checking his own name on insta. You only just posted it, for goodness’ sake.”

Mercury shrugged. “Imagine being so touchy you’re vanity scrolling instead of enjoying the big moment. Weird.”

They approached the first canvas. It was brilliant white with a thin blue line down the centre.

“This is called Orgasm,” Mercury said.

He and Lotty stared.

“I don’t get it,” Lotty said immediately.

An impossibly chic woman in Chanel glided past. She glanced at them. “Is there any food?”

“I think so,” Lotty replied.

“Might as well make the trip worthwhile.”

She left them to it. In fact, the tunnel of focus had become one of emptiness. Most people had aborted mission.

“I’m following her,” Lotty said. “That crowd will strip the buffet in minutes. You coming?”

Mercury shook his head. “I’ll catch you up. I want to get a few shots.”

Lotty grinned. “Play nice.”

“Always.”

He wandered farther into the tunnel. Each canvas was a variation on a theme, brilliant white with a different coloured line daubed down the centre.

Love

War

Net Zero

Mercury snapped away.

Who the fuck is going to buy these?

His mother had an art collection to rival a minor royal’s, meaning Mercury had grown up around true talent. Somehow he didn’t think Madeline and her cronies would be scrambling to buy this utter crap anytime soon.

At the end hung Poverty. This time a brown line bisected the white.

“I hope that’s paint,” Mercury muttered to himself.

Perhaps it was time to check out the food. It was evident the “art” wouldn’t get any better.

He turned to see the hulking figure of Grim standing between him and the exit. Alarmingly, it appeared they were the only ones in the tunnel. And Grim certainly had his focus on Mercury.

“What are you going to do?” Mercury asked. “Beat me up because I said something nasty?”

“You’ve made everyone think I’m a right twat,” Grim said, approaching Mercury, who involuntarily took another step away.

“I’ve done nothing of the sort. If you hadn’t pounced literally seconds after I posted it, you wouldn’t have looked so ridiculous.”

Grim clenched and unclenched his fists.

For a split second, Mercury feared he was going to be murdered in the Tate Modern.

Typical of my luck that they’d find my body next to some really terrible art.

People were standing close to the tunnel entrance and evidently unaware or unconcerned that Mercury was trapped.

“How about I give you a glowing review on my channel?” Mercury asked.

“You think I give a fuck what stuck-up wankers like you have to say?”

Mercury raised an eyebrow. “Well, something’s got you riled up.”

“I’ll show you riled up, you posh twat.”

In a split second, Grim grabbed the half-drunk glass of red from Mercury’s hand and threw the contents at Poverty.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Mercury yelped.

Grim dropped the glass at Mercury’s feet. Suddenly his leering face transformed into one of devastation. He backed away, his hands up.

“You… you made it clear you didn’t like my art. You didn’t have to ruin it.”

“Wait—”

It was pointless. Grim had reached the entrance to the tunnel. Mercury chased after him. When he got to the exit, a group of people huddled around Grim.

“What’s the matter?” a particularly snide art critic asked.

“That man,” Grim roared, pointing at Mercury. “He’s destroyed my work!”

Suddenly, all eyes were on Mercury.

“I’m calling the police,” someone with a name badge said.

“The police?” Mercury cried. His legs wobbled as he clutched the side of the stupid tunnel of focus.

What am I going to do?

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of absolute goodness!

This is the seventh book in the series, and really, I love them all!

We are treated to Mercury's story this time – but Mrs. Wimpole and the Professor also make an appearance, as do some of our earlier couples... I will say no more!

Mercury finds himself accused of a crime he did not commit, but in order to reduce the embarrassment to his famous actress mum, he pleads guilty and ends up with community service. And this is where he meets the most delicious, Nick Campbell.

Whilst their chemistry is sizzling, their lives could not be further apart, so there are more than a few stumbling blocks for these two men to overcome in their journey to a happily ever after. I really enjoyed how we got to know the youngsters who spent time at the Bodhi house, and that Mercury recognised just how much privilege he had experienced.

Nick may have overreacted to someone's cruel statements, but it forced Mercury to think very seriously about who he really wanted to be. He woke up the wider possibilities for his life and knew that Nick should be a part of his future.

Another great story from Queen's Crescent; thank you, Kristian Parker!

 

 

 

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Connect with Kristian Parker!

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Facebook Group: Kristian Parker's World

 

 

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Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Mercury Rising (Queens Crescent #7) by Kristian Parker to read and review.

Fired Up by Gigi Templeton

The author of Spiced Right serves up scorching romance with just a hint of danger in this novel about a sexy pitmaster and the sultry cook-off host determined to rope him in.

Avery Reed knows how to fire up the grills! And with his piercing blue eyes, the rugged pitmaster makes women’s mouths water, including Layla Jenson’s. She’s a YouTube cook-off host who’s spotlighting talented BBQ cooks across the country. Her current project is a bunkhouse cook showdown—and former pitmaster pro Avery holds the key to its success.

Unfortunately, Layla’s running from a troubled past. And Avery has his own demons nipping at his heels.

When Layla visits the Triple R to ask Avery to be on the show, will their scorching chemistry seal the deal? Or will their complicated pasts tear them apart?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Spiced Right series!
For book one, Spiced Right, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by CJ Bloom & Eric G. Dove
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst I think you would get some more insight of the ranch setup and we do meet the leads of book one, this is definitely a great read as a standalone too.

Layla hosts a YouTube channel dedicated to BBQ cook-offs and her latest venture in bunkhouse showdowns takes her to the Triple R to persuade Avery to join the line-up. Now, I have to admit that I had no idea that anyone went to quite so much trouble to feed hungry ranch hands, but I loved reading about the dedication to getting everything just right when cooking in a pit. I felt very ignorant of the whole setup, but really enjoyed reading about it.

Layla and Avery have an immediate connection which is terribly inconvenient, and seems doomed to failure due to their lifestyles, before taking into account a number of other issues… But Avery is dedicated to his task, and has feelings for her which may not be put out like one of his pit fires. It does mean he has to deal with some of the past that haunts him and drives him to always do better at the ranch.

I loved watching the dance, the blockers, the supporters, and the passion. I enjoyed the fact that they are both solutions-focused and dedicated to being the best... and they found a way to be everything for each other, in spite of the impossibility of it all.

I could have read about this two for a thousand pages... or more!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Avery and Layla have great chemistry right from their very first meeting. They are both intelligent and sexy and have issues in their past that are heavily impacting their lives in the here and now. I was particularly fascinated with Layla’s past and early on my eagerness to find out what secrets she was keeping kept me reading.

One thing I really liked about Fired Up was that I didn’t really know where the story was headed. It surprised me several times with little twists and even right up to the very end. This was one of those great stories where you can’t see how the couple can possibly make a happily ever after work and I admit I cried a few happy tears as the story came to a close.

Fired Up was a fun, sexy, and sometimes emotional romance. I was happy to be back at the Triple R ranch and I hope there will be more books in this series.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Layla is looking for pitmasters to star in her new show, she has several already signed up but the main one she wants is Avery Reed.

Once Layla sees Avery behind his grill, the sparks between them begin to fly. When they talk, the flirting begins and it only grows and the sparks grow into a flame, like on his grill.

I enjoyed this one as much as the first book. The family dynamic on the Reed Ranch is so strong and the connection between Layla and Avery is one everyone wants. Having the support of family, Avery accepts the offer to join the pitmaster show and goes beyond his normal cooking to show his best.

As I said, I enjoyed this one and can't wait for more from this series.

 

 

With works ranging from contemporaries to rock star romances to romantic suspense to paranormals, GIGI TEMPLETON is an international bestselling author. Her novels and novellas have been published under three pseudonyms by traditional publishers, including St. Martin’s Press and Hachette/Forever, digital publishers such as Harlequin’s Carina Press, and serialized fiction apps such as Radish Fiction and YONDER. Templeton’s Spiced Right won the Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America’s (MMRWA’s) Best Banter Contest in November 2022. She was also a finalist for the Romantic Times Best Book of the Year and Seal of Excellence.

Templeton lives in Arizona with her real-life hero and her rescued Maltese, and she is currently studying culinary arts and food photography.

Connect with Gigi Templeton!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Fired Up (Spiced Right #2) by Gigi Templeton to read and review.

Touch Me by J. Kenner Release Blitz

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark International series…

Former wild child Jamie Archer can’t believe how amazing her life has become. Not only is she married to the sexiest man on the planet, Stark Security Chief Ryan Hunter, but she’s also set to star in a big budget blockbuster that is sure to send her career soaring into the stratosphere.

Everything is perfect until Jamie, the least maternal person on the planet, finds out that not only is she pregnant, but that her due date interferes with the film’s production schedule.

Ryan has always supported his wife’s ambition, but he never expected to learn that they were having a baby from the shouts of paparazzi. Hurt, angry, and afraid that Jamie will choose her career over their family, Ryan tries to pull her closer, but only succeeds in pushing her away.

Now, as the pillars of their once fairytale marriage begin to crumble, Jamie and Ryan must find a way to outshine the glitter of stardom and rediscover the strength of their bond.

 

 

Book 4
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Sofia Willingham

 

 

“Oh, Kitten, believe me. If you don’t kiss me, there will definitely be a fight.”

I hold back a laugh, but my whole body is tingling from the scent of him. From the pressure of his body against mine. I slide my arms around his neck and rise up to claim his mouth. It’s both soft and hard, and the moment his fingers twine in my hair and his tongue finds mine, that tingle turns into a torrent. A wild wave of need so intense that I really, really wish that it was bedtime or nap time or any sort of away time for the kiddo.

But no. His mom won’t be back for hours, and that means I have to wait to get what I want. Ryan knows it, too, and when he gently pushes back, a wave of desperation crashes over me, and I have to fight the urge to draw him close, strip him bare, and scar the kid for life.

As if he knows what I’m thinking—and considering this is Ryan, he probably does—he chuckles softly. I feel the low rumble in his chest more than I hear it. Our eyes meet for a moment, then he eases behind me and rests his hands on my shoulders, the brush of his thumbs on the back of my neck sending shivers up my spine.

His breath tickles my ear as he leans close, and I freeze when he whispers, “I want one, Kitten. Not today. Not next week. But one of these days you need to stop being scared.”

I stay frozen, expecting him to walk on. To say something else. To do anything but what he’s doing, which is standing behind me, his palm now resting lightly on my shoulder.

It’s like a reverse staring contest, but it’s one I’m determined to win.

And as David stands up, then plops down on his bottom, then laughs his little head off before doing it all over again, Ryan bends over and kisses my head. Then he walks away from me, crossing the room to grab David and swing him up into the air, sending the little demon into peals of joyous laughter.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in this particular series, but is firmly set in the Stark world – so we get to catch up with lots of old friends too.

A short novella is great, because the read and the rush are quickly achieved, but then there is that moment where it’s the last page all too soon. So, I absolutely loved the story, but cannot deny I would have loved reading 500 pages about these guys!

There is much to love in this book, as it shows us Jamie has not lost her wildness but has tamed it as she has grown older and closer to Ryan. He calls her Kitten, and it fits with her playfulness (romantically and otherwise) but also her skittishness and her defensiveness. The world throws much at celebrities and gives them challenges which others can avoid – which is definitely tough in this case, and, as the twist reveals, has a completely left field explanation.

Great epilogue revealing much happiness and a great dollop of karma!

 

 

 

J. KENNER (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of wide variety of genres.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s RITA award, JK took home a RITA trophy in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me, and again in 2017 for her novel, Wicked Dirty.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Connect with J. Kenner!

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Facebook Group: J. Kenner Krew

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Touch Me (Stark International Security #4) by J. Kenner to read and review.

Second by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey Release Blitz

Bryce has lost everything he loved. Michael is rebuilding a life built on lies. Is their love worth fighting for?

In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, Michael “Zeetoo” Zhang had the potential to shine brighter than his older brother. But he chose a treacherous path, and the scars of past failures and the constant shadow of his brother’s success haunt him. After a run of bad luck, and angry at the world, his resentment intensifies when he’s arrested, then sentenced to work supervised hours at an inner-city community garden. He’s already lost hockey and his house; how can he afford to lose anything else?

Bryce Kincaid is chased by his own demons, and years after the mistakes he made, he’s determined to never lose control again. He’s built something stable and good from the wreckage of his life, and the last thing he needs is a pampered celebrity anywhere near his beloved community garden project. When Michael arrives, he’s a broken man wrapped in a fiery package. But the gardens work their magic and reveal a vulnerability in Michael that Bryce can’t resist, he’s terrified to open his heart, and their growing relationship might be nipped in the bud.

To change his life, Michael must confront his past and fight for a future he never believed he deserved. But when that past threatens to destroy everything Bryce has built, their love could be over before it’s begun.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the L.A. Storm series!
For book one, Script, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Paperback (US)

 

 

“Card,” I demanded and schooled my features when the king of diamonds turned up. I had a straight flush, and it was perfect—the kind of dream hand in poker that comes once in a lifetime. My heart raced as I peeked at my cards, barely containing my excitement. The odds were in my favor. It was a sure thing, a certainty, and blinded by the promise of winning, I did the unthinkable. I pushed all my chips to the center of the table. Everything. It was a bold move, a statement. I was all in. This was my moment, my chance to erase all my past mistakes, to come out on top, to prove to everyone, especially to my brother, that I was more than just a cautionary tale.

The room fell silent as the other players contemplated their next moves. One by one, they folded, until it was only me and one other—a newcomer with a poker face that gave nothing away. The final card was dealt, and I held my breath, ready to claim my victory.

But fate, as I had learned the hard way, is often cruel. In a twist that seemed ripped from a movie script, the newcomer revealed his hand. It was the only one that could beat mine, a statistical improbability, a once-in-a-lifetime counter to my once-in-a-lifetime hand. A royal flush.

“Read ’em and weep, Freckles,” my opponent cackled.

The realization slammed into me like a physical blow. I’d lost.

Lost everything. The room spun, and the sounds around me faded to a dull roar. I couldn’t breathe, couldn't think. The chips, my lifeline, my ticket to paying my way out of debt, were now sliding across the table, away from me.

The weight of what I had done crashed down on me with brutal force. I’d gambled everything on a single hand, and everything was over. Paying off the debts, the promises of turning things around, the fleeting glimpse of a better future—all gone with the turn of a card—my brief taste of success was ash in my mouth. The debts were still there, looming larger than ever, and now, I had nothing left to pay them with. My car, my last asset, was as good as gone, promised to Looper for a fraction of its worth. I’d been so close to clawing my way out and keeping my baby, only to plunge deeper into the abyss.

“I’ll be back,” I said with confidence, but no one met my eyes.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Second is the second book in the L.A. Storm series. It can be read as a standalone without issue.

Michael “Zeetoo” Zhang has always felt second best in his life. His adoptive brother is also a professional hockey player. So, he's always been compared to him, even the Zeetoo is because Charles was on the team first. It's annoying always trying to measure up to him his entire life. When one bet leads to another and another, while drinking, and one misstep has Michael losing everything, he hates that his brother is the one stepping in and helping him, giving a place to live. He is a hockey god, he shouldn't be living in a pool house on his brother's property. When he's forced to do community service as part of his sentence, he never expected to find some sort of peace in the community garden. Was that because of the sexy man running the garden or some solace he found among the planets?

Bryce Kincaid is fighting his own demons. After getting hurt and developing an addiction to pain pills, he lost everything that was important to him. His wife, his son, and his music career. He's slowly but surely finding out who he is now as a person and what he wants. He loves running the community garden and watching nothing become something. He loves his bees and taking care of them. What he doesn't expect is the attraction to the cocky hockey player. They both have addictive pasts so they shouldn't get together, but what if being together helps the both of them heal in ways they never expected?

I was so invested in this story. I loved the little bit of angst thrown in with the money shark. You knew he was popping up eventually, but you just didn't know when. Seeing how Michael was finally able to live his best life and give up the pain he's felt of not being good enough. Healing his relationship with his brother and falling for Bryce was so sweet. He was so unlikeable in the beginning, but I kept rooting for him!

I can't wait to see what's next!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in this hockey based series. I think you could read this as standalone, but you should really go and enjoy the fun of Finn and Cam's story in Script, and the bonus novella Sparkle.

It is really difficult to like Michael at the start of this story; he is deep in a gambling addiction which is destroying his life. His hockey career is possibly over; his house is gone; he has to stay with his brother who is successful, team captain, family man, and genuinely all round good guy. Laid truly low, Michael ends up having to do community service in a city garden project.

Here he finds an immediate connection with Bryce, his supervisor, but they both recognise the attraction only complicates the situation – however much they wish otherwise. Through their closeness and the understanding that Michael gains from the garden and its patrons (a shout out to Mrs. Cho), we see him redeemed, and finding his place in the world. He had a lot of demons to slay, and he worked at them to reach a happier, more fulfilled and contented life, reconciled with his family, and starting his new family in Bryce and his son, Leo.

This was a book which brought out the less glamorous and difficult journey that some sportspeople may take when faced with the challenges of addiction in all its forms. The authors have done a really good job of making someone who could have been irredeemable into a man that deserves the attention of Bryce and the happy ever after they create.

I am looking forward to the next installment already!

 

 

USA Today bestselling author RJ SCOTT has written over one hundred and fifty romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

Connect with RJ Scott!

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Facebook Group: RJ Scott – Special Secret Group
Facebook Group: MM Hockey Romance

 

V.L. LOCEY loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)

She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a flock of assorted fowl, and two Jersey steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.

Connect with V.L. Locey!

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Facebook Group: V.L. Locey – Vixens Reading Group
Facebook Group: MM Hockey Romance

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Second (L.A. Storm #2) by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey to read and review.

Wilde Love by Jennifer Ryan

In this first of New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan’s new series, The Dark Horse Dive Bar, sassy singer-songwriter Lyric Wilde matches wits with FBI Special Agent Mason Gunn. And when her obsessed fan and Mason’s most wanted criminal targets her, he’s the only man capable of protecting her.

Welcome to the Dark Horse Dive Bar, where the Wildes throw one hell of a party and love could be a barstool away!

When Lyric Wilde’s not whipping up the best food in town at the Dark Horse Dive Bar, she’s making a name for herself as a rising singer-songwriter. And if any of her online followers cross the line from friendly to fanatical, well, Lyric figures it goes with the territory—and she can take care of herself. But there’s one fan she wants to get to know better—a silent, sexy biker named Viper. A man who makes her think mine every time she looks at him. But who exactly is “Viper?”

Undercover FBI special agent Mason Gunn has been hiding in plain sight and alone for far too long. And while he fantasizes about a peaceful life with beautiful Lyric by his side, he knows that until his mission—to take down a murder-for-hire network—is accomplished, his dark world is no place for her. But when frightening encounters and threatening text messages from a stalker bent on keeping Lyric all to himself and his most wanted criminal target his sultry songbird, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves…

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Lynn Barrington
Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series – and I am definitely adding this to my look out for list, because I really enjoyed it! There is a good amount of world building, which has ensured that I need to know what happens to the rest of the Wilde siblings!

As the reader, we know pretty much immediately what Viper is, so the tension is lessened in one way and seriously heightened in another – which is a really effective tactic in this novel as the plot unfolds. I love how we get to understand the depths of frustration and psychological damage that Mason's role has on him, and we also get to see his desires for a new and fulfilled life.

Lyric is a talented songstress, but her life is with her family, and that suits her just fine. She enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen of the family bar, and then indulges her love of singing on the stage there too. She has such chemistry with Viper, but he is a man who holds himself back. She is more than grateful when he intercedes with an overly familiar (obsessed) fan. Rick is really the kind of character that you both love to hate and also pity – he is a stark reminder of how someone can spin a whole new reality in their head and how they damage their target.

I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and am looking forward to the next installment already.

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author JENNIFER RYAN writes suspenseful contemporary romances about everyday people who do extraordinary things. Her deeply emotional love stories are filled with high stakes and higher drama, love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

Connect with Jennifer Ryan!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Wilde Love (Dark Horse Dive Bar #1) by Jennifer Ryan to read and review.

Warm Hearts by Kristian Parker Release Blitz

Arvid Nilsen was once a big star until fame chewed him up and spat him out. Now he’s focused on building a career writing the songs instead of singing them.

A chance encounter with busker Cesar Rodriguez in New York sees the two thrown together in the pursuit of that special song which is going to change everything. When Cesar turns up on Arvid’s London doorstep, something sparks that neither of them can control.

Yet one of them isn’t being as honest as he could be. Will this perfect combination fall apart before they can even begin?

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Queens Crescent series!
For book two, Pole Position, click HERE.
For book four, Public Affair, click HERE.
For book five, Let It Breathe, click HERE.

 

 

Book 6
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

His thoughts were disturbed by music ahead. Someone was singing the Frank Sinatra classic That’s Life and they were doing an incredible job. Arvid dashed forward to the block before his hotel. A young man sat on a low wall with a guitar and a woefully empty hat in front of him. A few people had stopped to listen—a minor miracle in these parts.

Arvid took in the singer. He was stunning. Most likely Mexican with jet-black hair and beard. His eyes shone as he powered through the lyrics. Arvid knew that feeling. The incredible high when lost in a song. He ignored the cold and listened to the singer run all the way through. When he finished, Arvid clapped wildly.

“Bravo,” he shouted.

The singer seemed startled for a second, as if he’d forgotten where he was. “Thanks, man,” he replied, blushing.

A few people dropped notes into his hat as they dispersed. Arvid walked over. As he got closer, his heart started racing. That never happened. “Wow. Very good,” he said. “You’re wasted busking.”

The man shrugged. “Have to earn the rent while I wait for that big break. Cesar Rodriguez.”

He held out his hand which Arvid gladly took. That first impact of skin on skin ricocheted around his system. “Arvid Nilsen.” To his horror, his voice cracked.

Get your act together. You’re over forty, for fuck’s sake.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series – and I am really enjoying the variety of people who live in Queens Crescent and how they have developed a community. Arvid has been a bit of a mystery up until now, so it was fascinating to find out why!

I did find Arvid's nervousness at even contemplating a relationship, after such a long time, both frustrating and utterly understandable. He was so happy to help Cesar succeed and yet, so frightened of being used again. It set up the tension, even if it was pleasantly low level. The idea of creating a Christmas hit was engaging, and I really enjoyed getting some insight into the creative process.

One of those books which help get one into a Christmassy mood and cheering on another happily ever after for a resident of Queens Crescent.

 

 

 

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Warm Hearts (Queens Crescent #6) by Kristian Parker to read and review.