Ruthless Bastard by Stacey Kennedy

USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy delivers a riveting story about a former army ranger who will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves.

He has what it takes to protect her from everyone... except himself.

Bar owner Kinsley Knight knows exactly what she wants: Rhett West. How could she resist over six feet of hard, trained physical perfection? Never mind that she's been in love with the guy since high school, or that she's the "kid sister" of his best friend. Never mind that one unforgettably intense and heated night they shared—and the unexpected consequences. Because Kinsley's determined to have Rhett... and she'll do anything to prove they're meant to be.

But Rhett can't afford to get distracted by the mind-blowingly hot night he spent with Kinsley, or the insatiable hunger he still feels for her. She's off-limits. Especially now that Rhett's been investigating the members of a vicious biker gang who have invaded his town, and they're intent on putting Kinsley out of business—permanently. Suddenly, all of Rhett's protective instincts have taken over. Because no one threatens Kinsley on his watch. Not now. Not ever. And Rhett's ruthless enough to protect Kinsley no matter the cost. Even if it means risking his heart...

Book 3
Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Kinsley and Rhett have known each other forever almost. He is her brother's best friend and she has loved him since she was a teenager.

Rhett is an ex-Army ranger, which he thought he would spend his life serving his country until the unthinkable happened and now he is back home in Snowy Creek, Maine. Kinsley owns the bar Whiskey Blues and after one night with Rhett at her brother's wedding, they have something to talk about. But Rhett is avoiding her calls.

When she finally gets a chance to talk to him, it happens to be around everyone, and it is not how she wanted to talk. Rhett doesn't know how to handle the news, but he will do all he can to protect her. So when her bar is broken into, Rhett's protectiveness is in overdrive and he realizes his feelings for Kinsley.

Can Rhett keep Kinsley safe? Will Kinsley help him see that they can have a future together? Will he be able to protect her in the end?

I have loved this series and I think that Rhett and Kinsley are my favorites so far. Their story is filled with intrigue, suspense, past pain, lust, and a love to last. So grab this series, and I hope you enjoy it too.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would say that you will benefit from having read them in order, as the characters and storylines we have met before are key to the development of this story. That said, you do get enough guidance as to issues, if you want to jump straight in!

Kinsley and Rhett have known each other and been close forever, but when he left to join the military, she had to accept that her crush had no future. When he came back injured, out of the Rangers, but clearly a darker man than when he left, she still loves him, but cannot see a way to make him happy. She tries her best to be cheeky, to tease and tempt him, but he instead develops a terrible hook-up habit, which just hurts. Then he drops his guard just long enough for them to have one night of passion, before he locks himself down again... amazingly though, the reader is still hopeful because though he sounds like he is well named in the title, actually Kinsley clearly sees another side to him.

One of the loveliest and funniest parts of this book is when Kinsley unknowingly reveals a huge secret in front of all her friends and family who are hiding in her house ready to celebrate her birthday... This was such a perfect plot device as it just removed all the issues of non-communication in a very dramatic but brilliant way.

As Rhett comes to terms with that secret, suddenly Kinsley's bar is under attack, and more disturbingly, Kinsley herself. As the police (her brother, father. and Rhett) investigate what is happening, the danger gets more serious, finally bringing Rhett to the realisation of what really is important to him.

I really thought this was a great story, and as well as building on the previous two, for me, it was my most favourite story of them all.


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

Kinsley and Rhett have known each other for years. With Kinsley having a major crush on Rhett for years, when she has a chance to be with him at a wedding, she jumps at it. Rhett has noticed Kinsley for years but knows that he's not good enough for her.

After they hook up, Kinsley knows that nothing will ever be the same again. But what neither of them knew was just how much their lives would change. Rhett starts to reevaluate his reasoning for always wanting to be alone. His life made sense when he was in the military, but now, nothing seems to make sense anymore. Kinsley will have to adjust her view on what her happily ever after looks like too.

With a threat nobody saw coming, love on the line, and each character having to find themselves, Rhett will fight to save what he didn't know he was missing and Kinsley will have to hold on to her love for Rhett, despite the circumstances.

Also Available in the Dangerous Love 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 Naughty Stranger post.

Book 2
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our Wicked Sinner post.

USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy has written more than forty romances, including titles in her wildly hot Kinky Spurs, Club Sin, and Filthy Dirty Love series. Her books are about real people with real-life problems, searching for that special thing we call love… in a very sexy way. When she’s not burning up the pages and setting e-readers ablaze, she’s living her happily ever after with her husband and two young children in southwestern Ontario. She’s a firm believer that wine, chocolate, and sinfully sexy books can cure all of life’s problems.

Connect with Stacey

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ruthless Bastard (Dangerous Love #3) by Stacey Kennedy to read and review.

Wicked Sinner by Stacey Kennedy

A gripping, heart-pounding romance from USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy about a former FBI agent who will do anything it takes to protect his ex, or risk losing her for good...

Asher Sullivan was once Remy Brennan's entire world--until he broke her heart into a million pieces. So when Asher crashes her wedding, Remy is certain he's come to claim her. To make her his again. Instead, it turns out Remy's groom is a con man scheming for her inheritance. Now all she's left with is an empty bank account, a serious case of lust for her gorgeous ex...and a duffel bag of cold, hard cash that might just fix all her problems.

Detective Asher Sullivan has always protected Remy. So when dangerous criminals start threatening her, Asher's most primitive instincts take over. Sticking by Remy's side means Asher is finally able to make amends for leaving her all those years ago. And soon they're giving in to their wicked, insatiable need. But just as Asher gets his second chance, a secret Remy is keeping could rip her away from him... forever.

Book 2
Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Ten years ago, Asher Sullivan broke Remy Brennan's heart when he left Stoney Creek and her for a job with the FBI. She never really got over him leaving but when he returned five years ago, she tried to move on with her life and forget he was still around. Now she is about to marry a man that can make her happy and her life is simple. But Asher has other plans. When Asher stops the wedding, Remy thinks and hopes that he is there to declare his love for her. But he is there to arrest her soon-to-be husband. Turns out that Damon is a con man that is only after her inheritance that she will get once she is married.

Asher is still in love with Remy and he knew he made a mistake leaving her all those years ago. But he was in a dark place after his mother died and needed to get away. Even if it meant leaving the one person he loved. But he feared losing anyone else that he loved. Being back in Stoney Creek and so close to Remy, all he wants to do is keep her safe.

Can Remy forgive him for hurting her yet again? Will Asher tell her how he really feels? Will Damon come after her when he gets out of jail? What happens when Damon's friends come after Remy for what Damon stole from them?

This is a great story that is filled with friends, lovers, lost love, and suspense. So be ready for this group of longtime friends and their little town – that I would have loved to have grown up in. I cannot wait for Rhett and Kinsley's story. And if you haven't read anything from Stacey Kennedy, then start with this series, you will love her writing style and the way she tells a story, I sure do.


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

I will start by stating that I did not read book one and never felt that I was lost. All of the characters and how they fit together is explained in this book.

Asher was dead set on running away when the last of his family died. He was floundering and rather than lean on those closest to him, he decided that he needed to protect them by leaving. However, in the process, he broke Remy's heart.

Remy was raised by her nana. Remy's mom is absentee at best, but Remy does hear from her every now and then. Remy's nana believed in a little magic and so does Remy. But when Asher left her, Remy feels that her life kind of fell apart too. Without her best friends surrounding her, she wouldn't have made it. But now that Asher is back, it doesn't seem to matter. Remy has moved forward in her life. She's getting married!

Asher knows that he hurt Remy beyond what he can even comprehend. But Asher has always been around to protect her and this time isn't any different. He can't let Remy marry Damon. Remy doesn't know it, but Damon isn't who he says he is.

After the debacle that was Remy's wedding, she isn't sure who to trust, who to lean on, and what to do. Asher is determined to be anything that Remy needs at the moment. He wants to redeem himself.

This story is full of love, friendship, mystery, and romance. I loved watching all of their friends and really enjoyed watching Remy and Asher find their way back to each other. I can't wait for the next book in this series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would say that it is a good idea to read them in order, so you know more about the characters and the town but it is a new story, so if you are too impatient to start, you can always go back later!

In this installment, Asher returns to his hometown after leaving his first love, Remy, at the end of high school. She has had a difficult time since, as her inheritance is conditional on her being married, and she has never really forgotten Asher. However, as we see at the very beginning, she is about to get married. However Asher stops it at the altar – sadly, not because he wants her, but because her husband to be is a con man who wants her money.

With the agreement of her friends, Remy makes a decision which changes the course of her life... and not all for the good. I have to say that the decision is definitely an 'interesting' one, and it could have been a huge issue with how much readers like Remy, but by having Peyton and Kinsley in on the secret it is sort of okay! I found the spells and the magic side of things fun, and not too serious, although her strong lifelong plan to open a shop was definitely key to the decision which gets her into so much trouble.

I enjoyed the romance, the inevitable chemistry, and the complications which led them to finally admit to what we knew all along. A good addition to the series, and the promise of Rhett finally waking up to himself and what Kinsley could really mean to him.

Also Available in the Dangerous Love 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 Naughty Stranger post.

USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy has written more than forty romances, including titles in her wildly hot Kinky Spurs, Club Sin, and Filthy Dirty Love series. Her books are about real people with real-life problems, searching for that special thing we call love… in a very sexy way. When she’s not burning up the pages and setting e-readers ablaze, she’s living her happily ever after with her husband and two young children in southwestern Ontario. She’s a firm believer that wine, chocolate, and sinfully sexy books can cure all of life’s problems.

Connect with Stacey

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Wicked Sinner (Dangerous Love #2) by Stacey Kennedy to read and review.

Naughty Stranger by Stacey Kennedy

From USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy comes a thrilling, sexy romance about a woman in danger and a small-town police detective who will do anything to keep her safe.

After a sudden tragedy blew her world apart, Peyton Kerr fled her big city career and started over in Stoney Creek, Maine. So far, she’s loving small-town life–no one knows about her past, and her easy flirtation with Boone Knight gives her a reason to smile. But then someone is murdered in Peyton’s store, and her quiet, anonymous existence is instantly destroyed. To make matters worse, Boone–a police detective–is assigned to the case, and Peyton knows she can’t keep him at arm’s length any longer. She’s resisted the simmering heat between them–but now this gorgeous man is promising to keep her safe–and satisfied…

Boone Knight doesn’t want the complications of a relationship. But when he volunteers to protect his town’s newest–and sexiest–resident, he finally admits he’d like to explore their sizzling attraction. And after one incredible night, everything changes for Boone. Peyton is sweeter–and braver–than anyone he’s ever met, and with her in his arms, everything makes sense. He just needs to convince her to trust him enough to reveal her secrets, or risk losing her to a merciless killer who seems to grow bolder with each passing day.

Book 1
Buy Links

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I just have to say I loved everything about this story, it is the perfect romantic suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next.

Peyton Kerr is starting her life over in a new town, the last place she was truly happy. Moving to small-town Stoney Creek, Maine, where she bought a small business and a lake house. She loves that no one knows about her past. It is perfect for starting over.

Boone Knight is the sexy police detective that is drawn to Peyton, and why not? She did kiss him before she even knew who he was. They have a chemistry that sizzles when they are in the same room. Neither Boone nor Peyton are looking for a relationship, because of their past. But why can't they have a little fun together?

When a body turns up in Peyton's shop, her quiet existence is suddenly gone. It seems someone is after her, but her life back in Seattle looks perfectly clean on paper.

Can Boone protect her from who is after her? Will Peyton give in to the feelings for Boone? Can Boone and Peyton figure out what is really going on and why? Will there be a future for Boone and Peyton?

As I said, I loved everything about this story, it is filled with romance, love, lust, suspense, new beginnings, and a happily ever after. I love Stacey Kennedy; she has a way of drawing you into a story and keeping you hanging on until the end. I highly recommend this story and love that it is the beginning of a series, so more romantic suspense to come. I cannot wait.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this story combining small town romance with a touch of mystery and suspense.

On her very first night in Stoney Creek, where Peyton plans to make a fresh start, she ends the evening kissing a stranger (Boone) outside the local bar, owned by Boone's sister, Kinsley. This was definitely not intentional and given the knocks which both Peyton and Boone have suffered, the chemistry is not something which they want to acknowledge. It sets up the story beautifully though!

Kinsley is instantly a good friend to Peyton and helps Peyton in her journey of recovery from her loss. Not that anyone knows about that, because Peyton wants to be herself, and not defined as a widow. She doesn't even admit to her past career as an ER nurse, and throws herself fully into her new lingerie store.

Boone also has a past he wants to move past, and as we learn about his betrayal and the loss suffered by Peyton, we can see that they would be perfect for each other – so it is fun watching them dance around and accept the inevitable! But when someone is murdered in her store, and an accident befalls Peyton, Boone is determined to both protect her and discover what is at the bottom of the events.

I liked the twist; there are strong hints, but it is cleverly revealed and dealt with in a satisfying way. We also get some hints of who will star in future installments, but I do hope that we continue to get news of this lovely and deserving couple.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is a romantic suspense story about Peyton, a newcomer to a small town, and Boone, police detective she falls for. But just as Peyton starts to relax into her new life, terrible things start to happen around her.

I have to admit that I’m conflicted about this story. The premise, the blurb, and the bones of this story work. It just isn’t developed as well as I’d expect from such an established author. I was distracted by the choppy writing and copy-editing errors at the start (which will hopefully be corrected pre-publication), and I was annoyed by the frustrating lack of character and relationship development.

Peyton and Boone are both interesting characters with secrets and pasts. This combination should have created suspense and romantic tension but instead we get a sort of insta-love/friends with benefits/hook-up/soulmate mess that I couldn’t make sense of.

Stoney Creek and Boone and Peyton’s friends feel like they’ve been pulled from a stock character lucky dip. Remy is kooky. Kinsley is an instant BFF. Asher is brooding… The town itself hits every Maine small town cliché in the first few pages. It’s all cute and sweet but it feels formulaic and a little bit tired.

The suspense works better for me than the romance in this book. The start is a little too slow, but the end is exciting. I did find a few things frustrating though. The secrets that should have created suspense were revealed at strange times. A major secret is thrown away early in the story which led to me guessing the whodunnit in the first third of the book. This was disappointing and I kept hoping for twists that would prove me wrong. The twists never came, and the ending was a little too predictable for me.

USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy has written more than forty romances, including titles in her wildly hot Kinky Spurs, Club Sin, and Filthy Dirty Love series. Her books are about real people with real-life problems, searching for that special thing we call love… in a very sexy way. When she’s not burning up the pages and setting e-readers ablaze, she’s living her happily ever after with her husband and two young children in southwestern Ontario. She’s a firm believer that wine, chocolate, and sinfully sexy books can cure all of life’s problems.

Connect with Stacey

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Naughty Stranger (Dangerous Love #1) by Stacey Kennedy to read and review.

Cut to the Chase by Elle Keating is Now Available

Between passion and peril lies the ultimate seduction...

When Erin Whitley is alone with Chase Montclair, high above the city in his glittering penthouse, she sees a side of the legendary businessman no one ever sees. As powerful and commanding in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom, Chase can melt her with a word and thrill her with a touch. But when he bares his soul and tells her he loves her, Erin fears a dark secret from her past will destroy everything...

Chase vows to protect Erin at any cost. Every night, he takes her in his arms and unleashes her wildest inhibitions. Every day, he wakes her with kisses and promises her more. But the deeper they fall in love, the closer the danger gets. If Erin wants to be freed from her past, she will have to trust Chase with her life. And if Chase wants to be with Erin forever, he must risk losing her first.

Book 2
Buy Links

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

Chase Montclair stared out the window at the world below and prayed that the evil that yearned to infiltrate their lives would just disappear. But it would take more than prayer to lure the sick son-of-a-bitch out of the hole he had successfully hidden in for the past year. Erin and her brother had been on the defense too long. It was time they took action and put an end to the madness.

Chase walked over to the bed and looked down at the sleeping woman, the woman he was determined to make his in every sense of the word. He pulled back the covers and slipped in behind her. As if by instinct, she nestled in closer, pulling his arm around her, though she was still peacefully asleep. The valiant part of him told him to let her rest. But as he held her naked body close, breathing in the scent of her hair and feeling her soft curves shift beside him, all he could think about was having her all over again.

He rolled her onto her back and gazed at her perfect body against pure white sheets. His breathing hitched as he envisioned her in white, walking toward him, smiling only at him and because of him. Soon, he thought. Erin Whitley would be his wife.

Chase pulled back the sheet, exposing her breasts that seemed to heed his attention. She began to stir, which was a relief, since his cock throbbed and longed to be deep inside her heat. Not yet. He wanted to hear her. Nothing pleased him more than when she screamed with pleasure. He gently spread her legs and took in the glorious sight. She was beautiful…and wet. Even in her sleep, she was ready for him. He licked his lips and knelt down so his face was only millimeters from her tight, glistening nub. Chase inhaled her scent, which made him mad with desire. He suppressed a groan, as he enjoyed the erotic silence, and licked at her clit. He felt her bottom buck into his hands and her fingers grabbed his hair in apparent need. With his tongue circling her clit, he looked up and she met his gaze. Though she had been asleep just moments ago, her eyes were crazed and it was clear that she was going to come very soon.

“Oh God!” she whimpered.

Elle Keating was born and raised in South Jersey, where she lives with her husband and three children. It was during her long commute to work, crossing over the Betsy Ross Bridge into Pennsylvania, her mind drifted. Images of a world with Chase, Erin and their friends came rapidly and sent her writing to bring these intense characters to life.

When Elle is not in her favorite coffeehouse, huddled in a corner on an oversized chair and working on the next book in the series, she enjoys being mom, taking her children from one sport to the next, and challenging herself frequently to be in two places at once.

Connect with Elle

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


Follow the Cut to the Chase Release Blitz HERE.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Cut to the Chase (Dangerous Love #2) by Elle Keating to read and review for this tour.