Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster Blog Tour


Do you believe in fate?

World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his—and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.

After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.

Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.

The Bradens are a series of sexy stand-alone romances. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.

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Book 6
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An announcement sounded with a twenty-minute prerace warning. She zipped up her equipment bags, and as she started to hoist them over her shoulder, Ty took them from her hands.

“I can carry those,” she said as he slung them easily over his back.

“Call it a ‘thank you’ instead of a ‘reward’ for retrieving your helmet,” he said, ignoring what she’d said. “Something simple, like a walk after the race?”

The first leg of the race was a thirty-mile bike ride, the last eight miles were through the mountains, ending at a site where their equipment would be left for them to make camp.

When she didn’t answer right away, he said, “Come on, Aiyla. We took lots of walks in Saint-Luc, and I seem to remember your hand fitting perfectly in mine and your lips…” He arched a brow.

A nervous laugh slipped out before she could stop it. Their lips fit together, all right, even more perfectly than their hands, and a walk sounded wonderful. But she needed time to think. As he set her bags by the transportation trucks and they headed for the bikes, she asked, “Who’s Johnny Jackass?”

Ty nodded at two guys standing with a group of women. “Johnny Jackson, one of the Jackson brothers. They stop at nothing to bring down their competition. Stealing equipment is tame for those cretins.”

“This is a race for charity, not the Olympics. Besides, I’m a woman, not even in their league of competition.” There were three groups of winners: men, women, and couples. She knew Ty was a fierce, and honest, competitor. If the articles and online gossip were true, he was a dichotomy of morals when it came to sports competitions versus his personal life, with one similarity—he always achieved his goals. The Mad Prix was probably like just another woman for him to conquer.

What does that make me?






Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Ty and Aiyla are a couple who love the outdoors. When they met, they were both on assignment. They spent so much time together, but their relationship never went past the friendship-love relationship. Aiyla wanted to leave it up to fate – a concept that Ty didn't really believe in.

However, Ty would be proven wrong – fate did intervene and he would get to see Aiyla again.

Their relationship is re-established while Ty and Aiyla are doing a race through the wilderness for charity. They never stopped loving each other, so when they reconnect, they do so with an intensity that leaves you breathless.

Ty and Aiyla are in for a battle and despite it being a predictable battle, I did enjoy their banter.

I can't wait to see what happens in the next story.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
I love Ms Foster's books – anyone who follows my reviews will know this already – and I think maybe what I love most of all is that every single book is genuinely different, even if the themes of family and love always win out. I also know that I will need to have a tissue box to hand, and that it is wisest to read them in private.

This is definitely a tearjerker, with a clever buildup giving some clues, although I didn't want to think it. Both Ty and Aiyla are wonderfully positive characters, and it is easy to fall under the spell of their love for each other and enjoy the chemistry which they enjoy. Having been on a few camping trips, I had to chuckle at them being in the wilds when they first explored each other, and gave the rest of the competitors nearby a hint as to their attraction!

We get the story from both viewpoints, but never is there too much introspection, or description. Instead we see two people accepting how in tune they are with each other, and how they are more than the sum of their two parts. The Braden clan are, in no small way, a significant element in the beauty of this book. It was very special to get some more insight into Maisy and Ace's long-lasting love, and the ways that they overcame adversities faced during their marriage. It was also lovely to enjoy Tempe getting married to Nash, and becoming Phillip's mama.

All in all this is a beautiful book, and a great addition to the series. I am not sure I could read it too often, as it will always make me cry – but it is a beautiful book, which shows the strength of the human spirit and that love can indeed conquer all, if you let it. Buy it, read it, love it.

Thank you, Ms. Foster, amazing.






Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Connect with Melissa

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Whisper of Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #5) by Melissa Foster to read and review for this tour.

Immortally Yours by Lynsay Sands


Irresistible chemistry and thrilling suspense combine in this electrifying new installment in New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands’ Argeneau series…

One hundred and twenty-five years is a long time to nurse a crush. That’s how long it’s been since Beth Argenis first met Cullen “Scotty” MacDonald and he instantly became the star of her most X-rated dreams. Back then, he was rescuing her from a Rogue Immortal. Now Beth’s a Rogue Hunter—a damn good one. She doesn’t need saving anymore, despite what Scotty thinks. What she does need is the fierce, wild desire that finally erupts between them.

Scotty has hesitated to claim Beth as his own. But one explosive kiss confirms what he’s long suspected: She’s his life mate. But Beth is tough, fearless, beautiful…and in immortal danger. Unless he wants to lose her forever, he’ll have to rethink everything he once believed about love and destiny as well as confront an enemy who’s terrifyingly close.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 26
Buy Links

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Avon Romance



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆
3.5 stars.

I read Immortally Yours as a standalone, as I haven't read the Argeneau series since the very beginning books, eons ago. I wasn't overly confused in the beginning by doing so. Obviously I didn't have past books to put the characters in perspective, but it started off as most UF/PNR books do, so it was easy enough to understand as a standalone. However, I may have enjoyed it more if I was caught up on the series, and had the foreshadowing and past connections to add more layers and emotion to their story.

Beth is a hunter for the Immortal Council (there's a lot I missed out on due to not being caught up, and I didn't rate the book on this, as that's my bad, but it was easy to surmise the world-building after reading many UF/PNR series). Beth is a kick butt and take names heroine. After being immortal for the last 120+ years, she's strong with flaws and saves herself, and has a tragic past.

Scotty is ancient by comparison to Beth. With his thick Scottish brogue, it was humorous trying to figure out what he as actually saying. I enjoyed it, others may have found it a bit much. Other than his accent, I didn't enjoy Scotty as a character. His actions/reaction/how he treated Beth (shaking my head while muttering no underneath my breath).

Without ruining the plot, there is a ton of manufactured angst by immortals who are 120-800 years of age, yet their actions and reactions didn't seem to mirror the maturity they 'should' possess. Miscommunication, holding back, talking around things yet never truly saying what you mean... all as a means to 'draw' it out.

The romance between these two mates spans decades (a century even), so maybe I'm missing out on information from past books. Scotty has known Beth was his mate from the very beginning but left her alone to 'heal' from the traumatic circumstances – Beth's doing well, so why is Scotty still avoiding the obvious? There were predictable story threads outside of the romance dealing with rogues and whatnot, but the romance is front and center.

I found Immortally Yours to be an enjoyable, light read, and thoroughly connected to Beth. She's strong, knows what she wants and how to get it, doesn't bow down to Scotty and do as he says. But she also was rational, never displaying the TSTL (too stupid to live) tendencies that plague UF/PNR. However, I felt Scotty's 'suggestion' to be so far off base that it kind of ruined the romance for me... just something about his character rubbed me wrong.

I highly recommend for fans of the series and author. My rating does not reflect on the fact that I read it as a standalone, or that I didn't enjoy Scotty as a character. The rating is based on my entertainment/enjoyment factor, and I needed a bit more plot-wise.



Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus.

Connect with Lynsay

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http://www.avonromance.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Immortally Yours (Argeneau #26) by Lynsay Sands to read and review.

The Good Boss by Scott Hildreth


The conclusion to author Scott Hildreth's Mafia Made series.

Tripp

I never wanted to rule. But I'm not the kind of man who turns his back when family asks him to step up.
With the ATF breathing down our necks, there is no room for error.
Not when my familia—and my beautiful Terra—is on the line.

Terra

Once I hid who I am—now I must embrace it.
My fiancé now sits at my father's desk. He's the only one who can protect this empire from being exposed and crumbling to the ground.
If Michael is going to succeed, he needs me to be strong. I won't fail him. This is our family and we will fight for it with everything we have.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise!


Add to Goodreads –


Book 3
Buy Links

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Carina Press



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan☆☆☆☆
The Good Boss is book #3 in the Mafia Made series. The series should be read in order for the most enjoyment.

Michael Tripp has never wanted to be the leader. He was content being the gun runner, but when Anthony Agrioli finds himself in prison, someone that can be trusted needs to fill in for Anthony. Michael jumps all in. Anthony is the closest thing he has ever had to a father and he will do whatever it takes to prove his innocence.

Being the boss while trying to up revenue and looking through all the evidence the ATF has against Anthony has put the wedding on hold. Terra is not in the right mind to plan the wedding no matter how much she loves Michael.

This series is still on the lighter side of what Mr. Hildreth usually writes but no less exciting. I really like the humor that was placed into this one, it made it more realistic. If you are looking for mafia series with a sexy main character, this is the one for you!


Also Available in the Mafia Made Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

For reviews & more info, check out The Gun Runner post.


Book 2
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out The Game Changer post.




Scott Hildreth was born into this world early and plans on leaving late. Between his arrival and departure, he has written twenty-four novels and has every intention of writing many more.

Despite falling in love with his wife, Jessica, late in life, Scott professes to be an authority on the subject of love, and his writing is a reflection of this belief.

Biker, military hero, Mafia boss, billionaire, boxer, vigilante and tattoo artist will always be his preferred careers, but as writing has become a full-time gig, he must live vicariously through the characters in his books who share his admiration for these professions.

Connect with Scott

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Google+  ~  Facebook Fan Group  ~  Newsletter Sign-up


https://www.carinapress.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Good Boss (Mafia Made #3) by Scott Hildreth to read and review.

The Druid Next Door by E.J. Russell


Professor Bryce MacLeod has devoted his entire life to environmentalism. But how effective can he be in saving the planet when he can’t even get his surly neighbor to separate his recycling?

Former Queen’s Enforcer Mal Kendrick doesn’t think his life could get any worse: he’s been exiled from Faerie with a cursed and useless right hand. When he’s not dodging random fae assassins in the Outer World, he’s going toe-to-toe with his tree-hugging neighbor. And when he discovers that the tree hugger is really a druid, he’s certain the gods have it in for him—after all, there’s always a catch with druids. Then he’s magically shackled to the man and expected to instruct him in Supernatural 101.

All right, now things couldn’t possibly get worse.

Until a mysterious stranger offers a drunken Mal the chance to gain back all he’s lost—for a price. After Mal accepts, he discovers the real catch: an ancient secret that will change his and Bryce’s life forever.

Ah, what the hells. Odds are they won’t survive the week anyway.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Riptide Publishing



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah☆☆☆
I really loved the first story in this series, but I really had to fight my way through this one. There is more fantasy in this book and I couldn’t always keep up with the complicated plot strands. And while I loved David and Alun in the first story, I didn’t engage terribly well with either Mal or Bryce.

Firstly, Mal isn’t a completely likeable character. The Queen’s curse has turned the ‘fun’ brother from the first story into a surly git. He reads more like a sulky teenager than a Fae Lord and I found him irritating.

In contrast, Bryce starts out as a nice guy – if a bit meek and geeky. But his character seems to change dramatically part way into the story. I was ambivalent about the geek but I really didn’t like Bryce as a dominant.

I didn’t love either Mal or Bryce from the start but I really went off their relationship when curses and spells pushed them into dubious consent territory. When one partner knew that the other couldn’t give consent freely and initiated sex with them anyways? It left a bad taste in my mouth.

I’m hoping I engage more with Gareth’s story in book three because I did really enjoy the first book in this series.


Also Available in the Fae Out of Water Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Riptide Publishing

For reviews & more info, check out our Cutie and the Beast post.



E.J. Russell holds a BA and an MFA in theater, so naturally she’s spent the last three decades as a financial manager, database designer, and business intelligence consultant. Several years ago, she realized Darling Sons A and B would be heading off to college soon and she’d no longer need to spend half her waking hours ferrying them to dance class.

What to do with all that free time?

A lucky encounter with Jim Butcher’s craft blog posts caused her to revisit her childhood dream of writing fiction, and now she wonders why she ever thought an empty nest meant leisure.

Her daily commute consists of walking from one side of her office to the other, from left-brain day job to right-brain writer’s cave, where she’s learned to type with a dog attached to her hip and a cat draped across her wrists.

E.J. is married to Curmudgeonly Husband, a man who cares even less about sports than she does. Luckily, C.H. also loves to cook, or all three of their children (Lovely Daughter and Darling Sons A and B) would have survived on nothing but Cheerios, beef jerky, and satsuma mandarins (the extent of E.J.’s culinary skill set).

E.J. lives in rural Oregon, enjoys visits from her wonderful adult children, and indulges in good books, red wine, and the occasional hyperbole.

Connect with E.J.

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http://riptidepublishing.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Druid Next Door (Fae Out of Water #2) by E.J. Russell to read and review.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Tender with a Twist by Annabeth Albert


One kinky wood carver. One younger chef looking to try new things. A series of lessons that bring both men more than they bargained for…

Curtis Hunt has made a name for himself as a chainsaw wood carver, winning national competitions and operating a small business in Rainbow Cove, Oregon. As winter whittles away his tourist traffic, his goal is just to survive the season and try to not get lost in grief for his dead lover. It’s been two years, but he’s sure he’ll never be over the love of a lifetime. However, his body has a certain restlessness that he doesn’t quite know how to calm.

Logan Rosner knows a thing or two about restlessness. It’s what drove him to Rainbow Cove to be a chef at a bar and grill run by his friends. And it’s what drives him to a single sizzling encounter with the local legendary lumberjack. Both men get far more than they expected and learn that first impressions aren’t always accurate…

But when Logan proposes a series of sexy lessons, Curtis must decide how much he’s willing to risk. He knows he can’t afford to get attached to Logan’s good cooking, his easy smiles, or his caretaking, but he keeps going back for more, even as deeper emotions become involved. Soon, Curtis must decide whether to risk his heart again or risk losing Logan for good.

Tender with a Twist is a 79,000 word stand-alone gay romance with a May/December theme, featuring a second chance at love, opposites attract, loads of sexy times with mild BDSM elements, and one emotionally-charged, guaranteed happy ending with no cliffhangers.

Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of woodcarver meets chef magic!

This is the second book in the series, and is even better than the first! The romance here starts off in a most unexpected arrangement – but anyone who knows the talents of Ms. Albert will be reassured that there will be the ending that we all desire.

Logan is the chef in the new restaurant bar, co-owned by him, Adam, and Mason, star of book one. We learn that he is a slim, preppy, young looking 27, which belies his dominant inclinations. And whilst he may have been noticed by Curtis, the grumpy, grieving woodcarver, not necessarily for that reason.

As they come to an arrangement, which suits both and neither at the same time, we watch the tendrils of love and care develop. By getting the story from both Curtis and Logan, the issues are revealed and the attraction grows. The other characters add to the whole, but never take away from the leads – they are most definitely front and centre throughout the story!

Now it has to be Adam's turn, and he is so cynical, that I can't wait to see how and who!


Sarah☆☆☆☆
What’s not to love about a bearded, muscled, backwoods chainsaw artist? Colin is introduced to readers topless, sweaty, and engrossed in his craft – and I fell hard at first glance. By the time I’d learned his tragic backstory, I was madly in love.

We got to know Logan in the first book. He’s a chef working with his two best friends to establish a restaurant and gay-friendly bar in the small town of Rainbow, Oregon. Logan isn’t quite as complex a character as Colin, but I loved his passion for food and his complicated relationship with his parents.

The first story in this series was pretty vanilla and family focused so I wasn’t expecting the BDSM in this book (I know – I shoulda read the blurb!). There is a whole lot of BDSM here. Colin and Logan get to know each other through kink. There were elements of the kink that I enjoyed. I always love a good Shibari scene and I enjoyed seeing Logan grow into himself as a dom. For me personally, there was a bit too much pain play, but then I’m never a huge fan of S/M scenes.

The romance in this story is complicated and frustrating. I kept wanting to shake some sense into Colin – but then we’d see him battered by another wave of grief and I’d be in bits. Colin and Logan are an unconventional pairing for many reasons but there are beautiful moments when they fit together perfectly.

Surprisingly, for a BDSM heavy book, this is actually a really sweet story. I really loved the complexity of Logan and Colin and I enjoyed their journey towards their happily ever after.


Shannan☆☆☆☆
I am thoroughly enjoying this little town of Rainbow Cove. I love how different each character is within the series.

Tender with a Twist is book two in the series but can be read as a standalone. It is Curtis and Logan's story.

Curtis is the cranky woodworker in town. He's quiet and when he does talk, he's gruff. He lost his longtime partner a couple years ago. Before Troy died, Curtis was outgoing, loved riding his motorcycle, and being with his friends, but now he's the complete opposite and keeps to himself, except his kink, which he's still practicing only because he needs the pain.

Logan is the chef at the Tavern. He's noticed Curtis while he's been in the restaurant. He's a vegan and Logan goes out of his way to make sure he has an option for him on the menu. What he doesn't expect is the harsh way Curtis speaks to him. Logan is younger and looks vulnerable. Something Curtis isn't interested in until Logan proves otherwise.

I really enjoyed Curtis and Logan. Curtis is a broken man through most of the book, holding on to the past. My heart hurt right along with him. Tender with a Twist pulled me in and I couldn't get enough.

I can't wait to see what's next for this small town.



Erica☆☆☆☆
A later in life, coming-of-age tale meets a second-chance romance, featuring light BDSM play.

Tender with a Twist is the second installment of the Rainbow Cove series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.

A love-hate reluctance and a push-pull vibe, readers met both main characters in the previous book, which had sparked the need to learn more about Logan and Curtis.

Logan is one of three friends who own and run a bar/restaurant together. Logan is from a sheltering family, as the only child, but has also lived a sheltered life. This chef is trying to break out of the mold and discover who he is at the age of 27. In a way, this is a coming-of-age tale for Logan, as he struggles with looking younger than his years, deals with the trauma of being bullied in junior high, and the sheltering nature of his family and his childhood friend turned ex. He hasn't had much life experience.

Curtis has life experience in spades. The crusty woodcarver is still grieving for his late partner. He's set in his ways, and doesn't believe he deserves happiness since his partner passed away. For Curtis, Tender with a Twist is a second-chance romance, as he battles fellow friends and loved ones who think he should martyr himself for life in tribute to his lost partner's memory.

Through the evolution of the story, Logan knows what he wants and earns the confidence to go after it, while Curtis ignores what he wants and earns the courage to take it. Usually I struggle with a noticeable age-gap, especially when a lack of life experience widens the expanse. But, with that being said, Logan and Curtis fit well together – a good balance. Intellectually equal, both wanting the same things in life, just waiting for the other to get on the same page at the same time.

Commentary on the BDSM portions: In the beginning, I felt it was a bit too informative (textbook), and it took away from the overall scene. However, with someone new to BDSM (reading and in life) the way it was presented made it easier for the reader to understand, giving less information and allowing the scenes to shine as the novel evolved. I do believe Tender with a Twist would make an excellent first novel for anyone on the fence about reading about BDSM, fearing it violent or brutal in nature, when that couldn't be farther from the truth.

The novel explored power-exchange (I appreciated the view on how this is not size-related, as larger doesn't make you a top in BDSM, just as it doesn't in the bedroom). Bondage. Light impact play.

I enjoyed this novel, and would have read it in one sitting had I not been interrupted by life, and look forward to Adam's story.

Note on a pet-peeve of mine, as a writer of over 20 books featuring BDSM themes: the abbreviation of dominant is no different than mom/dad/sister/brother/aunt/uncle/pastor/principal/sir/ma'am, and those grammar rules apply. Dom shouldn't be capitalized unless it's being used as a proper noun, taking the place of the person's name as a title. "Dom, give it to me good!" Otherwise, it should be lowercase. "Logan, thank you for being my dom."


Avid Reader☆☆☆
M/M BDSM Romance
So, I think I'll be in the minority here, but I just could not get into this story. There was a good push-pull relationship, but it became almost too much back and forth. I was ready for their happy ending at about 70% of the book.

Logan is a chef and owns and runs a business with his best friends. He isn't a perfectionist, per se, but people do tend to underestimate him. I liked his snarkiness when necessary and I really liked how he was able to find himself in this story. However, I felt that because people underestimated him, he didn't set super high expectations for himself either. Getting involved with Colin on a "teaching" basis seemed like a horrible deal.

Then you have Colin. He's a bit older than Logan and has suffered a great loss. However, he let the loss completely take him over. And even when he is given a second chance, he squanders it over and over again. I hated the "kid" nickname and felt that it was overused and it just became an annoying way for Colin to push Logan away.

So, while I thought that the happily ever after was successful, it just dragged for me. The romantic dynamic between the two was developed, but the push pull was just frustrating.


Angie☆☆☆☆
This series is pretty good. Curtis lost his husband in an accident several years ago and isn't ready to move on, he just needs a little fix every once in a while. Logan was in a crappy previous relationship and wants to truly be himself. These two are smoking hot together. I liked the concept of someone a little smaller being the aggressor and wanting a big man and taking control. The sex is off the charts hot and even when they aren't doing the nasty, they are good together. I hated Logan's family and I hated Curtis's mother-in-law, they were just so mean. I am glad both men finally spoke their minds and got what they both wanted. I am eager to see who the next book is about. Great addition to the series, really enjoyed.


Also Available in the Rainbow Cove Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Trust with a Chaser post.




Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

Connect with Annabeth

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Fan Group


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Tender with a Twist (Rainbow Cove #2) by Annabeth Albert to read and review.

Drop Dead Gorgeous by Juliet Lyons


SWIPE RIGHT FOR MR. BITE

Mila Hart's first experience with the hot new vampire dating site is a complete disaster. Turns out, her date is wanted for murder! But things turn around when she's rescued by dashing vampire cop Vincent Ferrer. Dangerous and drop dead gorgeous, he's just the vampire hottie Mila was hoping for.

Haunted by his past, Vincent can't risk falling in love again, even if Mila charms him more than anyone he's ever met. But when the killer from Mila's first date seeks her out, Vincent is the only one who can protect her. Protecting his heart is a different story...


Add to Goodreads –


Book 2
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Kris☆☆☆☆
This is my second book read in this series and I’m completely enjoying the stories! I tore up Paranormal Romance several years ago but sort of fell off on reading them, so these have been the first I've picked up in years. How I love the loathing, lonely, tortured vampire! Vincent isn't the saddest of them, in fact, he loves his job and that's something. He meets Mila after thwarting another vampire from murdering her during their "Tinder for Vampires" first date. Mila has been down and out on love, and almost being murdered is the topping on the cake. Vincent saves her and protects her and the story that follows was an easy, quickly moving and romantic read. It was funny, flirty, and steamy hot – Mila and Vincent spark! I do love the bite scenes; how can you not? *fans self* Setting up Ronan and Cat for the next book, I think, and that should be a fun read since they HATE each other madly! Highly entertaining!


Also Available in the Bite Nights Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
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For reviews & more info, check out our Dating the Undead post.



Juliet Lyons is a paranormal romance author from the UK. She got her big break on the global storytelling site Wattpad back in 2015 when her Undead Dating Service series was picked up by Sourcebooks romance imprint, Sourcebooks Casablanca. When Juliet isn’t writing about vampires and ghosts, she enjoys reading all kinds of books and spending time with her family. She is an avid Potterhead who hopes to someday work for the Ministry of Magic.

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http://www.sourcebooks.com/


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Drop Dead Gorgeous (Bite Nights #2) by Juliet Lyons to read and review.

Bad Reputation by Nicole Edwards


Meet the most wanted players in sports... one ridiculously hot alpha male at a time.

Chase:
With a nickname like “Sin,” it’s no wonder they call me the bad boy of hockey. Opponents curse me. Fans scream my name—in the arena and in other, much more private places. Penalties or not, I’m not afraid to dish out a little pain. But pleasure? That’s my weakness. And no one knows it better than my best friend, Cassie Desrosiers. I’d have to be blind not to notice her rocking body and teasing grin. So when she invites me along on a trip to Vegas, my curiosity isn’t the only thing that’s aroused.

Cassie:
Chase Barrett is a world-class A-hole. As his best friend, I’m allowed to call him on his BS. Who else is going to do it? Certainly not the puck bunnies swooning at every flex of his biceps. Everyone knows that Chase is the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. There’s no such thing as commitment for the king of casual hookups. So why should I care? Maybe because all work and no play makes me a sexually frustrated girl. It’s time to put the hockey stud at my beck and call to good use... but after a week in Vegas with Chase, I might never want to go back to the real world.

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Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Sports Romance

This is a push-pull story between two friends. They are playful and love each other as friends first.

Chase is a cocky hockey player who is loving his single life. He has a great family and set of friends, but he really wants to have Cassie love him.

Cassie is a strong woman and knows that she wants to have a great life. What her life doesn't include is love.

These two dance around each other and then when things finally go to the next level, their communication sucks.

This had a ton of potential for me, but the back and forth was just a little too much. Overall, it was a sweet story – there was just a little too much young adult drama.


Angie☆☆☆☆
Chase and Cassie have been best friends for several years. Everyone calls Chase "Sin" and he has a reputation for being a bad boy... but really he isn't. Chase has had a crush on his BFF forever! Cassie calls Chase out all the time for all his crap, has never thought of him in a sexual way even though he is hot AF. When Cassie has to go to Vegas for work, she invites Chase. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... yeah, right. There were a few things that happened in the book that were so predictable it kind of ruined the storyline for me. It was still a good book, but I expected and wanted more, not something so predictable. There are a few other players on the hockey team that I would love to read their stories though, hopefully without being able to guess the end of the book before I am half way through it.


Mary Jo☆☆☆☆
What I really loved about this book was the fact that it takes two people with a solid friendship and shows the progression from friends to lovers in a well told out romance. It takes been there, told that story to new heights and it’s a story that’s told very, very well.

Chase and Cassie are the best of friends and have been since college. Chase plays professional hockey and when Cassie has the opportunity to accept a promotion in the same city he’s in, she jumps on it.

Being close friends, they give each other grief about everything, from potential hook-ups to what each other wears, to how hard/much the other works. Chase likes to have fun and does his best to get Cassie to let loose a little. Yes, Cassie is driven and knows that Chase is just as driven in his hockey career, only with the different professions it shows itself in different ways.

Life goes from being pretty good, to being out of control when a night out in Vegas tanks Cassie’s career. Through it all, Chase is Cassie’s rock and she doesn’t understand why.

It takes a tough nut to crack her shell and have her admit that the reason that she and Chase have been such good friends all these is years is because they fell in love as kids and grew into that love as adults.


Ruthie☆☆☆
3.5 stars of friends-to-lovers romance

This is a sweet, fun sports romance, heralding a new series from Ms. Edwards. It is definitely lighter than many of her books which I have read.

Told from both Chase and Cassie's viewpoint, we soon realise that they really are a team, who just haven't succumbed to the desire... yet! At times I found their voices to be younger than the careers that they had, but the informality wasn't entirely annoying. Thanks to the set up, it wasn't difficult to predict what was going to happen, but it was fun watching it roll out.

There were definite hints as to other characters who could have their stories told in future instalments and I await them with interest.


Shannan☆☆☆
Bad Reputation is a friends-to-lovers sports romance. Two best friends who have feelings for each other but don't want to ruin what they have.

Cassie and Chase met in college. They become as close as two friends can. Feelings have developed but neither wants to cross that line. Cassie doesn't think someone like Chase would be interested in her and Chase knows Cassie isn't into him like that.

Chase is the bad boy of hockey. He's fierce on the ice and a player off the ice. He's known to be a hard hitting player. All the girls fall for Chase, but he's not interested in more.

Cassie's mother ruined her view of love. She's moved from husband to husband, choosing to marry for money. Having that as a role model has deterred Cassie from wanting love.

You know where the story is headed pretty early on. I have to say I did skim some because at some point the internal dialogue seemed almost childish. The banter between the two was entertaining. I enjoyed Chase's character more than Cassie's.

Ms. Edwards has definitely left the door open for more from the secondary characters. Bad Reputation is an easy, quick read.



New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with a book in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers—even when she’s supposed to be writing.

Connect with Nicole

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The Nicole & Colt Edwards Facebook Group


http://readloveswept.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bad Reputation (Bad Boys of Sports #1) by Nicole Edwards to read and review.