Every Bride Has Her Day by Lynnette Austin

Can love revive a wilting heart?

Cricket O'Malley can't wait to plant roots back home in Georgia, where she's returned to restore an abandoned flower shop to its former glory. The only blemish? Her neighbor's house is even more neglected than her old flower shop, and its occupant seems as surly as he is darkly handsome.

Devastated body and soul after a tough case went south, New York City detective Sam DeLuca thought he'd have no trouble finding solitude in the quiet Georgia town of Misty Bottoms, but his bubbly neighbor seems determined to shine happiness into Sam's life. Sam is equally determined to close himself off, but his heart says otherwise...

Second in the Magnolia Brides series of charming, heartfelt Southern contemporary romance

Book 2
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jacki – ☆☆☆☆
This was such a sweet, laid back romance. I really enjoyed that the author kept it realistic without too much fluff, and brought some interesting aspects, such as a cop with PTSD, to the story.

With a name like Cricket, the character is hard to forget. I liked how she was continuing on with things left from the first book.

I really liked Sam. The author made him a richly complex character that I found easy to relate to and love.

I had already fallen in love with Misty Bottoms and Magnolia Brides from the last book, so I loved seeing more about the town and previous characters.

I would recommend this book and series to romance lovers and I look forward to the next book!

Also Available in the Magnolia Brides Series

Book 1
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For reviews & more info, check out our The Best Laid Wedding Plans post.

The luxury of staying home when the weather turns nasty, of working in PJs and bare feet, and the fact that daydreaming is not only permissible but encouraged, are a few of the reasons middle school teacher Lynnette Austin gave up the classroom to write full-time. Lynnette grew up in Pennsylvania’s Alleghany Mountains, moved to Upstate New York, then to the Rockies in Wyoming. Presently she and her husband divide their time between Southwest Florida’s beaches and Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. A finalist in RWA’s Golden Heart Contest, PASIC’s Book of Your Heart Contest, and Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie Contest, she’s published five books as Lynnette Hallberg. She’s currently writing as Lynnette Austin. Having grown up in a small town, that’s where her heart takes her—to those quirky small towns where everybody knows everybody...and all their business, for better or worse.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Every Bride Has Her Day (Magnolia Brides #2) by Lynnette Austin to read and review.

Flash of Fire by M.L. Buchman

The elite firefighters of Mount Hood Aviation fly into places even the CIA can't penetrate.

FROM WILDFIRE TO GUNFIRE

When former Army National Guard helicopter pilot Robin Harrow joins Mount Hood Aviation, she expect to fight fires for only one season. Instead, she finds herself getting deeply entrenched with one of the most elite firefighting teams in the world. And that's before they send her on a mission that's seriously top secret, with a flight partner who's seriously hot.

Mickey Hamilton loves flying, firefighting, and women, in that order. But when Robin Harrow roars across his radar, his priorities go out the window. On a critical mission deep in enemy territory, their past burns away and they must face each other. Their one shot at a future demands that they first survive the present-together.

Book 7
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is part of a series, but the first that I have read. I plan on going back, even though I know the pairings that have happened, I am curious to know their stories too.

In this book we meet new to the team, Robin, who has been brought in as the temporary team leader. She is an interesting character, as she is constantly striving to be the top, and has some issues with not knowing as much as the rest of the team, yet being a leader. I really enjoyed watching her learn and grow. It worked really well. She has an immediate and visceral connection with Mickey, a very experienced helicopter pilot and major player. He is also knocked for six by his desire and the ease with which he and Robin fall into each other’s company. Using flying terms to describe their first time together amused me a lot!

I have to say that there is a lot of 'technical' flying information, which I enjoyed, and much about the practicalities of firefighting from the air. Do not let this put you off – firstly, you will definitely learn a lot, and develop a high level of regard for the bravery of these people, but also the intensity with which they work spills over into how they play, and it is scorchingly hot. I am adding this series to my read list, and look forward to catching up with the whole team, and looking forward to whose turn it is next.

M.L. Buchman has over 40 novels in print (and an ever-expanding flock of short fiction that seems to be breeding on its own). His military romantic suspense books have been named Barnes & Noble and NPR “Top 5 of the Year,” nominated for the Reviewer’s Choice Award for “Top 10 Romantic Suspense of 2014” by RT Book Reviews, and twice Booklist “Top 10 of the Year” placing two of his titles on their “The 101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” In addition to romance, he also writes thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction.

In among his career as a corporate project manager he has: rebuilt and single-handed a fifty-foot sailboat, both flown and jumped out of airplanes, designed and built two houses, and bicycled solo around the world.

He is now making his living as a full-time writer on the Oregon Coast with his beloved wife. He is constantly amazed at what you can do with a degree in Geophysics. You may keep up with his writing by subscribing to his newsletter.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Flash of Fire (Firehawks #7) by M.L. Buchman to read and review.

Die For You by Michele Mills

Love, in a hopeless place.

Two months after a virus took out civilization, Rachel Donnelly is the last living soul in California, as far as she can tell. Until she runs into a Marine sniper, battle-hardened but alive and healthy.

Adam Sanchez would love nothing more than a slamming session of I-can’t-believe-we’re-alive post-apocalyptic sex in the back of his Hummer. But Rachel’s fragility, inexperience—and much younger age—hold him back from exposing her to his raw, aggressive sexuality. If anything, Rachel needs protection. Especially from himself.

As they band together with other survivors to battle feral animals, violent ex-cons, and motorcycle clubs jockeying for power, Rachel grows stronger in mind, body, and spirit—strong enough to give the dangerously sexy Marine what they both crave.

The power of their passion rocks Adam’s world, bringing him to his knees—which, he discovers too late, is the worst possible place to be when danger springs from the shadows.

Warning: Contains a sexy Marine, a tattooed ex-con, a girl who blossoms into a sexually assured young woman, laughter despite the pain, m/f/m ménage, hope, love, and more bad language and violence than are strictly necessary.

Book 1
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Samhain  Publishing

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Rachel and Adam have both survived a plague that has killed most of the planet's population. Both searching for signs of other human life, they meet on a freeway. I was surprised that in their first meeting, each of them was thinking about how hot the other was. Particularly Adam, who was clearly looking forward to getting Rachel into bed.

The prominence of the romance and sexual relationship of our characters initially surprised me and I wasn't sure it was going to work. But it does. The relationship between Adam and Rachel shares top billing with their fight for survival. Ultimately, this keeps the story from becoming too heavy, and parts of it are fun and sexy and have the usual romance dramas. We also have plenty of action as they deal with issues with other survivors and wild animals.

Die for You is a fast-paced, engaging story and I read it up in less than a day. I couldn't put it down. This is a really good take on the end of the world type book and I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

Michele Mills grew up in California reading more romance, sci-fi and historical fiction books than was reasonable for a girl her age. Eventually, this unhealthy obsession morphed into a passion for writing sexy romance novels. Michele believes happily-ever-afters make the world go ‘round and punishing kisses aren’t just the stuff of dreams. Most days she can be found teaching high school English to unruly teenagers and cooking for her husband and two sons. You can find her pretending to be professional on both Twitter and Facebook.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Die For You (Catastrophe #1) by Michele Mills to read and review.

Phoenix by Cecilia London Blog Tour

One epic love. Two wounded souls. Three impossible words.

Ripped away from each other by circumstances beyond their control. Reunited in a place they never expected. Separated but never quite apart.

“You’re still the only woman I see. The only woman I need. I know you’re in there somewhere, sweet Caroline. We’re going to find you and we’re going to help you, until you come home to me where you belong. Then we’re going to finish what we started. Together.”

Her confidence shattered, Caroline finally starts to deal with what happened at The Fed. Jack is determined to convince her that she’s more than she thinks she is. That she wasn’t destroyed by her experiences. That their relationship is worth the fight. But will he give up before it’s too late?

Phoenix is the fourth installment in The Bellator Saga. It should be read after the first three novels in the series.

Book 4
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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Since the dramatic and tear-inducing conclusion of Sojourn, I've spent lots of time imaging what would happen in Phoenix and where the story would go. I'm pleased to say the author takes the story in a direction I didn't consider. I love that.

Caroline, the woman we adore, has been changed by her time at the Fed and I found her behaviour difficult to read at times. She made me really mad. She is hurting the person she loves the most and trying to protect herself and those she loves. Phoenix is dual point of view, so we also get to see Jack's struggle to try to renew his relationship with his wife while she pushes him away.

My heart breaks for Jack. The more difficult Caroline is, the more it chips away at his self-esteem. It is clear Jack and Caroline are in love and should be together, but these two keep getting in each other's way. Phoenix has a lot of angst and heart ache which resulted in plenty of tears from me.

Once again Ms. London gives us a fantastic ending, leaving me dying for Rhapsody, which is the next instalment. If you haven't read The Bellator Saga, you are missing out. It is amazing.

Also Available in the Bellator Saga

Book 1
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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

For reviews & more info, check out our Dissident blog post.

Book 2
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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Smashwords

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

Book 3
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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Smashwords

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

Cecilia London is the pen name of a native Illinoisan currently living in San Antonio, Texas. She's filled several roles over the course of her adult life – licensed attorney, wrangler of small children, and obsessed baseball fan, among others. An extroverted introvert with a serious social media addiction, she is the author of The Bellator Saga, an epic, genre-crossing romance series. You can catch all of her quirky updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or at her website.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Phoenix (The Bellator Saga #4) by Cecilia London to read and review for this tour.

Kissing Alex by RJ Scott Blog Tour

Is running to a remote Scottish island the only way for them to stay alive?

Martial arts expert Lewis is the kind of bodyguard who slips under most people’s radar. Quiet, reserved, but constantly on alert, he’ll do his job, keep his charges safe, then relax by reading Shakespeare in his spare time.

When he’s given a case involving a spoiled celebrity singer, Lewis isn’t all that impressed. The job is nothing but babysitting a pretty boy, and he’s used to diplomatic postings with depth and challenge. What could he possibly have in common with the man he’s being forced to look after?

Alex became the envy of many when he and his fellow bandmates won second place in a huge TV talent show. He has more money than he knows what to do with, no life goals, an ex-boyfriend selling a sex tape and now, someone who wants him dead, or at the very least maimed.

Can Lewis keep Alex safe, even when things usually in his control go to hell? Is running to a remote Scottish island the only way for them to stay alive?

Book 6
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ARe  ~  B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Dawn – ☆☆☆☆
Lewis is unhappy that his holiday time is interrupted by having to look after a spoiled pop star who is in danger. He thinks Alex is the stereotypical pop star but he couldn't be more wrong.

Alex is having a hard time of it. It's scandal he doesn't need and to top it off he is now in danger and needs protection.

The book is set on a Scottish island where Lewis' family lives.

Lewis and Alex must deal with their attraction to each other while dealing with the dangers that are lurking.

There is a bit of suspense and a lot of lust.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
Kissing Alex is the 6th book in RJ Scott's Bodyguards Inc. series and can be read as a standalone. I have not read the previous books.

This is a lovely, relaxing read that didn't require too much thought from me. Luke and Alex made a nice couple, but the story was formulaic and easily forgotten. My favourite thing about the story is the setting on the island off the cost of Britain, which is beautiful and made me want to go on holiday.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth in a series, but I have to admit it is the first that I have read – something I plan on remedying very soon. It is well written, has interesting plots/subplots, and is deliciously hot.

I spent a wonderful summer up in the Hebrides, and this book describes brilliantly the beauty and the remoteness of that part of the world. The need to keep communities going and yet the desire to also see outside the area explains Lewis's behaviour, and Alex's reaction to the island that Lewis loves has a huge impact on him. As Alex falls under the spell of the island and Lewis, he is seriously considering his future as part of the boy band. Telling the story from both leads makes sure that we get fully immersed in these men's story, and it is difficult to stop turning the pages. Be warned!

Many thanks to R.J. Scott for another satisfying read.

RJ Scott has been writing since age six when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She reads anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. From billionaires, bodyguards and cowboys to SEALs, throwaways and veterinarians, she writes passionate stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Kissing Alex (Bodyguards Inc. #6) by RJ Scott to read and review for this tour.

Calling It by Jen Doyle

Baseball player Nathan Hawkins needs to get away from Chicago. After a near career-ending car accident and with paparazzi surrounding his penthouse, Nate can only think of one place to go: home. But when he finds his old apartment occupied by a half-naked woman wielding a baseball bat, he's not sure what to think...except that maybe his luck has finally changed for the better.

Librarian Dorie Donelli never thought she'd get to meet her fantasy man in person--much less while she's wearing her bathrobe. To her surprise, her nearly naked run-in with Nate leads to more unclothed encounters. But Dorie is sure their fling is only temporary. As long as she remembers he'll be gone once his life gets back on track, she won't get hurt. In the meantime, she throws herself into enjoying their three weeks together before he has to report for spring training and go back to his old life.

For Nate, being with Dorie is the only time in months that he finds himself smiling. Laughing. And he has no intention of letting that go. He might even be falling in love...if only Dorie will let him say the words. What they have isn't just a dream, but the start of a dream come true.

Book 1
Buy Links

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 awesome stars

I am a big fan of sports romances – make the leading lady a librarian, and somehow you strike my reading gold! This is a really enjoyable story, with very appealing characters, and the kind of amusing twists and turns that are so zany that they are more likely to be truth than fiction. The first scene where Dorie doesn't have her glasses on, so really has no idea who is in her kitchen is the first of many! And as they get to know each other and interact with his friends, it just gets better and better. I loved her insecurities, and his insistence of being genuine. Sweet, hot and easy reading – I am hoping that Ms. Doyle will be revisiting their friends and giving us their happily ever afters too.

A big believer in happily ever afters, Jen Doyle decided it was high time she started creating some. Jen is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as a member of the New England, New Jersey Romance Writers and Music City Romance Writer chapters of RWA. She is represented by Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency. She has an M.S. in Library and Information Science and, in addition to her work as a librarian, has worked as a conference and events planner as well as a Communications and Enrollment administrator in both preschool and higher education environments (although some might say that there is very little difference between the two; Jen has no comment regarding whether she is one of the “some”).

Calling It is her first book, the first of two which will be published by Carina Press in 2016. It was the winner of The Beacon, the Finish the Damn Book, and the Melody of Love 2014 contests in the Contemporary Romance category, and was also the Contemporary Romance winner as well as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Gateway to the Best contest.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Calling It (Calling It #1) by Jen Doyle to read and review.

Ravenous by Alexandra Blunt

Just when Julian Schwarzenberg accepted that discarding his kinkster skin might be for the best, a call from the owner of one of London's BDSM clubs rekindles his need to have someone to call his own; to dominate and nurture to his heart’s content. Julian was hurt in the past, and he’s reluctant to accept a mystery invitation that could very well lead to a massive case of heartache. And to welcome Christopher into his life might just be Julian’s undoing.

Christopher’s life is like a permanent construction site: unstable and filled to the brim with flakes of emotional plaster. His eating disorder is consuming him from within, and his quest for Dominant Mr. Right--the one thing keeping him going--is a mirage akin to finding water on Mars. But fate finally delivers one effective punch--a smokingly hot Dom who is on the hunt for Submissive Mr. Right. Love may be waiting for Julian and Chris, but it will require them to take a leap of faith. They might just be willing, because they're both Ravenous.

Buy Links

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Loose  Id

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
I love books about BDSM and especially if they have “brats” in them, they are so much fun. This book just didn’t hit any of my buttons. I couldn’t feel any connection between Julian and Christopher for most of the book. The story was too wordy and not enough action for me. I found myself skimming several times and just wishing for the book to end, which isn’t like me. I feel like Christopher’s eating disorder should have been dealt with more than just saying he was going to counseling too.

Characters: Couldn’t really connect with them
Sex: Yes
Religious: No
Would I recommend to others: Yes
More than one book in the series: Not sure
Genre: M/M BDSM Romance
Would I read more by this author: Yes

Master of Science student by day, Alexandra spends her free time, not to say the boring parts of her lectures, reading and writing. She lives in London but her heart still misses a beat here and there when she thinks about the time she lived in Paris, and she constantly fights nostalgia of her native Italian Alps. When she’s not studying, writing, or touring Europe in the hopes of finding a place to settle down, Alexandra can be found playing with her Saint Bernard baby, eating loads of pastries and chocolate, and talking to her friends about future jobs and prospective boyfriends—or lack thereof. Oh right, she’s always struggling to focus on the here and now while her brain short-circuits from the insane amount of writing ideas crowding her synapses. Now, if only she had the time to develop them all!

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ravenous by Alexandra Blunt to read and review.