Hard to Hold by K. Bromberg Release Blitz

New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, is back with a heartfelt, standalone romance and a new hero to steal your heart...

The contract with Major League Soccer was supposed to help repair my damaged reputation.

Then I discovered that I’d made a deal with the devil: the player I’m supposed to recruit is none other than the bad boy, star Premier League footballer, Rush McKenzie.

British. Tattooed. Sexy. A man currently at the center of a huge scandal.

The goal? To convince him to stay in the States.

But what’s wrong with a little fun in the meantime? No strings. No sweet nothings. Just a way to pass the time while we’re both struggling to prove our true selves to the world.

If someone found out our relationship was anything more than professional, it would only serve to prove all our critics right.

***
I never should have agreed to take the fall.

But I did and I’m a man of my word.

Even if it means risking everything I’ve worked for.

The only bright side is Lennox Kincade.

Gorgeous. Defiant. Rumor-tainted. Totally off-limits.

Sharing a house with the gorgeous sports agent should have been a fun distraction from the turmoil. Someone to help pass the time while the tensions back home die down.

But what started as nothing, ends up as something I never saw coming.

 

 

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 – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the Play Hard series and is Lennox and Rush's story.

Lennox Kincade is a former beauty queen with more than looks, she has a brain and knows how to use it. When she thinks her family is trying to control her, she takes matters into her own hands. She goes to a job interview that her father knew was not right for her but instead of talking to her dad, she heads to L.A. without telling anyone.

If a job sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Rush McKenzie is the bad boy soccer player who is sent to the states because of a scandal in all the papers. But what if the truth is not what it seems? All Rush wants to do is go home and play for Liverpool FC. When he meets Lennox, she is more in tune with him as an agent than his own agent is. When he tells her the truth, she believes him when his own agent doesn't.

This story is so good, the chemistry between Lennox and Rush is off the charts; might just set a few Kindles on fire. I found that I am loving this series and I cannot wait for more. As with any siblings, these sisters are as supportive as they are in each other's case. They have each other's backs and are very protective. But they tell it like it is when one sister finds a man and falls in love.

So sit back and enjoy the Kincade sisters in the Play Hard series. I hope you love them too.


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

Rush is an amazing soccer player (futbol). He loves his job and knows that without it, he would most likely be dead. He came from absolutely nothing. With a mom who passed from cancer and a future that was up in the air, when the chance came along to get a scholarship and have someone see him play soccer, Rush is hesitant to take it, but does take the chance when pushed.

Lennox is great at her job, but with recent events, she believes that her family doesn't have much faith in her ability to do her job or represent their sports brand. However, when she overhears other sports reps talking poorly about her and her abilities, she decides that she needs to show them and her family that she can do her job and do it well.

With a new contract with the MLS (Major League Soccer), Lennox will need to dig deep to figure out if staying with her family's company is what she wants. She will also have to decide if her career is worth more than her happiness.

Rush and Lennox will both have big decisions to make about their own lives, but having fun with each other along the way is just what they needed. Rush and Lennox are cute couple that know how to love hard and play hard.

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more about this family. They are fun, loving, tough on each other, and forgiving. They just want what's best for each other. Rush and Lennox are a great addition to this series.

 

 

New York Times bestselling author K. BROMBERG writes contemporary romance novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes who we love to hate but can't help to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow and her mind scattered in too many different directions.

Since publishing her first book on a whim in 2013, Bromberg has sold over 1.5 million copies of her books across eighteen different countries and has repeatedly landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists over thirty times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by the streaming platform Passionflix, with Driven available now.

With her imagination always in overdrive, she is currently scheming, plotting, and swooning over her latest hero. You can find out more about him or chat with Kristy on any of her social media accounts.

Connect with K.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: VP Pit Crew/The Driven Trilogy

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hard to Hold (Play Hard #2) by K. Bromberg to read and review for this tour.

Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake’s heartfelt contemporary romance set in Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou.

Roxanne King left the big city looking for a simpler life, but after years of proving herself on a SWAT team in New York City, being deputy in a sleepy Louisiana parish is something of an adjustment. She's settling in, but she knows she made some mistakes in the beginning--Zep Guidry being the worst of them. Zep drifts through life on his looks and Cajun charm. Roxie learned the hard way he's not for her.

Zep is a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants is Roxie. He's just not sure how to get her. They spent one hot night together a year before and now all the lovely deputy seems interested in doing to him is arresting him. He's not used to a woman he can't charm, but Roxie seems immune. He's determined to win her back by any means necessary. Including becoming the kind of man she desires.

And when Roxie's past comes calling, it might be the opportunity Zep needs to show Roxie that the town bad boy might just be the man of her dreams.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Butterfly Bayou series!
For book one, Butterfly Bayou, click HERE.
For book two, Bayou Baby, click HERE.

 

 

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

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is such a fun read. Papillon’s notorious bad boy Zep Guidry and transplanted New York cop Roxie are thrown together when the Sheriff's department sends them to investigate a string of werewolf sightings. As Roxie slowly finds her place in a town that seems completely crazy, she also starts to see Zep in a whole new light.

Papillon is at its absolute best in this third book. Between the eccentric characters, the Cajun superstitions, the bizarre town hall meeting, and wonderful warmth of the community, the town itself is almost the main character in this story. I fell in love with Papillon alongside Roxie.

Roxie’s transition from big city New York to small town Louisiana isn’t an easy one and a messy divorce doesn’t make it easier. Like the other books in this series, this one is almost more about Roxie’s journey than it is a romance. I love the growth we see in Roxie in this book and I love the unexpected sense of belonging she finds.

Like the previous books, female relationships are at the heart of this story. Unlike the previous books, this one also belongs to Zep. At the start of the story, he is just as lost as Roxie and I love how he slowly becomes more aware of himself. As much as Roxie has to adjust as an outsider, Zep has to find his place as an adult in a town that still sees him as an irresponsible boy. I love that Roxie and Zep grow together, lending each other strength and insights.

I really love this series and I can’t wait for the next book.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series – and I would recommend that you read them in order, as you would have a better understanding of the characters, and would know of the background to these two fun individuals, particularly Zep. Or would you? As actually we learn a whole load more about the truth behind Zep.

I really did enjoy learning more about the wayward player of Butterfly Bayou, and once again one is reminded that the opinions held of others is often tarnished by a lack of actual knowledge. As the layers of masks are unpeeled on Zep's truth, we get to understand far better what type of man he really is – and thankfully Roxanne also finds that her instinctual attraction to him is not, in fact, misplaced at all.

I loved watching these two very likeable people find out that they absolutely deserved their own happiness and that they were responsible for ensuring it, as their families may not be the most genuine at looking out for their interests. A very enjoyable and fun story... those old ladies never fail to amuse and cause trouble alongside the burgeoning romances that these books deliver.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Roxanne has slowly made a place for herself in the sleepy little town of Butterfly Bayou. After losing her dream job in New York, she retreated to Louisiana to lick her wounds and regain the confidence that she had lost.

The only fly in the ointment is Zep. Zep’s reputation for playing fast and loose with the ladies is well known. Their one night together was just that, yet Zep can’t seem to get the message.

When the sheriff pairs them together on a work assignment, Roxanne begins to see a side of Zep that he keeps hidden. He doesn’t complain about the fact that he had to put off his dream of college to help his family nor about how people see him as a good time guy, never holding down a real job.

I really enjoyed this book and the development of the characters. There was no rush to get to the romance, but rather a slow burn that made the story more relatable.

I’m rather fond of Butterfly Bayou and can’t wait for the next book in the series.


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

Roxanne left her job, her husband, and her parents all in one swoop. With an unsupportive family and home life, she knew that getting away was what she needed. What she didn't expect was to find a community of people who she could truly help. The small town operation that she joined was supposed to be temporary. But with urban legends, the town playboy who she just can't seem to stop thinking about, and a less chaotic life, could she have found the right place for her?

Zep is the town playboy. The one everyone believes never takes anything seriously. However, if you truly knew Zep and all that he's sacrificed for his family, he would look completely different. Zep was never one to turn down a beautiful woman. When he made the decision to stay back and help his family, he did so without any selfishness. He also helps out anyone and everyone who might need it around town, and he's the town animal whisperer.

After he and the new deputy have a one-night stand, he can't seem to forget her. And while she has a funny way of showing it, he knows she can't forget about him either. Afterall, she gives him a ticket or hauls him in to jail whenever she can.

When Zep and Roxanne are paired together to help figure out the neighborhood mystery behind some crazy "sightings," Roxanne also gets a surprise from her family and now Roxanne has to scramble. This is a sweet story that shows how a person can grow and change throughout their life. I truly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what comes next.

 

 

LEXI BLAKE is the New York Times bestselling author of the Courting Justice novels, including Order of Protection, the Lawless novels, including Ruthless, Satisfaction, and Revenge, and the Masters and Mercenaries series, including Love Another Day, For His Eyes Only, and Submission is Not Enough. She is also coauthor with Shayla Black of the Perfect Gentlemen series, including Big Easy Temptation and Seduction in Session, and the Masters of Ménage series, including Their Virgin Mistress and Their Virgin Secretary.

Connect with Lexi

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bayou Dreaming (Butterfly Bayou #3) by Lexi Blake to read and review.

Stroke of Luck by Opal Carew

The newest erotic romance from bestselling author Opal Carew, Stroke of Luck.

Good things do come in threes.

April Smith’s luxurious Las Vegas wedding crashed and burned when her wealthy fiancé cheated on her and left her with a hotel bill that costs more than she makes in a year. Even more humiliating, her college ex-boyfriend Quinn Taylor has come to her rescue and bailed her out. They didn’t part on the best of terms and never expected to see one another again.

For Quinn, April was the one who got away and despite the heartache she caused him, he’s never gotten over her. Not wanting to be in his debt, April makes Quinn a tempting offer: she’ll spend the next month with him during his Vegas vacation, fulfilling his fantasies. Being with April has always been Quinn’s number one fantasy, and next on the list is sharing a woman with his best friend and business partner, Austin Wright. Since he can see an undeniable attraction between April and Austin, he makes that a condition of their deal, too.

Enjoying the attention and affection from two hot and handsome men, April gives in to her desires to be with both of them. But with those desires comes a growing love that she fears may force her to choose between Quinn and Austin—or lose them both.

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
St. Martin’s Press (Macmillan)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really hot read – be warned! It starts out rather hard and I was ready to give Quinn a bit of a slap, even if he was coming to April’s rescue. He may have known her long ago and feel that she left him for another guy with more money, but he is still pretty unkind. Luckily, as the story progresses, his feelings are at least explained, and as his agreement with her plays out, the tables are somewhat turned and this second chance may just be everything he ever wanted.

April is a curious character, as she is seemingly under the thumb of her fiancé, yet she gives it all up due to having a backbone and morals. That he would then dump everything onto her and behave so despicably undoubtedly shows she made the right decision, but not an easy one. So we find her downtrodden, yet she shows great fire when faced with Quinn and Austin. It is an engaging mix, and can possibly be explained by her difficult childhood, and need for security. As the men understand this better, they finally deal with it better too.

Sexy, fun, and the damsel in distress definitely gets her knights in shining armour coming to provide her with security and love twice over – lucky April!


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
April is in Vegas to get married but she catches her fiancé cheating. Now the wedding is off, and she is stuck with a huge hotel bill. While the hotel staff is searching for things her fiancé bought at the hotel gift shop, a man happens to walk into the room. Turns out the man is her old college boyfriend. Can this day get any worse for April?

Quinn hadn't seen April since college and thought he never would see her again, not since she left him for another man. One who had more money, at least that is what he thought. After Quinn hears about April's troubles, he makes her an offer and it is one she cannot refuse because she has nowhere else to go.

Spending the month with Quinn and Austin might be fun but not falling in love with them will be hard. She tells Austin about her troubles with her ex-fiancé, what all he took from her. Why she can go home, and he feels that they can work something out.

This story was good and has the potential to be better, it seemed to be wishy-washy at times. I liked the idea of April with Quinn and Austin and the way they were with her. The threesome was great together. Although Quinn had to learn the real reason why she ditched him in college and that helped him towards her, but he seemed to want to be hateful almost. Anyway, I liked it and will be looking for the next story from this author.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F/M Romance
Triggers: Cheating

April is left with a huge hotel bill by Maurice when she catches him cheating. She is also further humiliated by him when she happens to run in to her ex-love, Quinn, and he agrees to help her. April doesn't like to feel that she is taking handouts. But when Maurice takes it a step further and demands, literally, the clothes off her back, Quinn has had enough.

Quinn doesn't really know what happened all those years ago. He thought he was over it. Turns out, he was just burying the pain. Seeing April again, he can't help but feel like the lost guy he was when she first left.

Austin is attracted to her in a way he didn't know he was capable of. He sees that Quinn is struggling with his own attraction, along with the desire to make April feel as much pain as he did. Austin knows that he wants April forever, but can he convince Quinn of that fact too?

The chemistry between these three is off the charts. My main issues with the story are Quinn taking things too far with April. He wants so badly to punish her and in the beginning I very much felt that he used her and abused her, and he was not my favorite character. He knew her feelings and simply disregarded them and I didn't like that at all. It took a while for me to forgive him. Also, Maurice's role, despite not being a big one, was disruptive and the resolution with him was less than satisfying. I had to go back and find what it was. Overall, it was entertaining though.

 

 

OPAL CAREW is the author of over twenty erotic romances for St. Martin’s Press, including Blush, Secret Weapon, Forbidden Heat, Six, and the Ready to Ride series. She lives in Canada and makes regular trips to the U.S. to speak at conferences and industry events.

Connect with Opal

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Stroke of Luck by Opal Carew to read and review.

Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle Blog Tour

Elias Forthwright

Can a chance meeting lead to true love? I sure hope so, because I’m falling hard and fast for North. I’m normally too shy to be attracted to a playful flirt like him, but he’s full of surprises that bring out the best in me. Even though we’re nothing alike, he’s everything I never knew I needed.

Maybe it’s silly to feel like the cosmic universe conspired to bring us together, but North makes me want to believe in the impossible. After all, it would be stupid to run away from love when all signs point to him being the one, right?

North Easton

To say I’ve lived a strange life is a massive understatement. I’m used to weird things being the norm, but even I never expected to fall in love with a sweetheart the first time I meet him. Elias makes me feel all warm and gooey inside like a hot brownie. If I get lucky, maybe he’ll want a bite. And if I’m really lucky, he’ll want to come back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and forever.

I know we just met, but is it too soon to plan for a lifetime of canoodling with Elias? Shockingly, I don’t mean that as a euphemism for once.

Love Directions is the fifth book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a shy/flirt, instalove, opposites attract romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

 

 

Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

North shook my hand as he introduced himself, sending currents zinging through me as we touched. “I’m North Easton. Nice to meet you, Elias.”

That was quite an interesting name. “North Easton?”

“Yeah, and my twin is West Easton. There isn’t a joke about that we haven’t heard.” He grinned, even though he was probably sick of everyone having the same response. “If you think that’s bad, my mom has a cat called Woof. My theory is she’s overcompensating for being named Linda.”

He said it with a straight face, but I couldn’t believe him. “You’re joking, right?” “I wish I was. When she was a kid, she had a Chihuahua named Meow.”

It was so absurd I had to laugh. “Now you’re just messing with me.”

North pulled out his phone and opened his group text with his mother and sister. He scrolled up a bit to a picture of a very regal-looking gray Siamese cat wearing a gold crown and white fur-lined purple velvet cloak. The texts under it made me snicker.

Mom: King Woof requests your presence at dinner.

West: Kings don’t make requests; they command.

Mom: Fine, he commands you to stop being a smart-ass.

North: Good luck with that. Does Lord Woofie have a specific time in mind?

The conversation was so delightfully weird. “I bet her next cat’s name is Mouse.”

“You’re probably right. That’s absolutely her sense of humor.”

I raised my drink in a toast. “Congratulations, you’re officially the most interesting person I know now.”

“I’m honored.” He clinked his glass against mine. “So, what’s this I hear about me being your stranger?”

As he drank his cocktail while watching me, I found myself tongue-tied. Thankfully, Red answered for me. “His horoscope said he would meet a stranger that would change his life today. It also suggested that he should be open to the possibility of love, hint hint. Mine said I should play Cupid, so this seems like the perfect trifecta to make magic happen.”

It was embarrassing having my horoscope habit being revealed. I hurried to justify my interest. “Horoscopes were my mom’s thing.”

North studied me, his gaze piercing through me as if he could see all my secrets somehow. I felt exposed but remained silent as I waited for him to respond. He took another sip before he shocked me. “You must be a Virgo.”

I blinked at him in disbelief. “How could you tell?”

His cryptic smile did funny things to my heart. “I’m magic.”

“If you’re so magical, what am I?” Red challenged.

“Oh, you’re definitely a Taurus. There’s no question about that.”

His accuracy was uncanny, further intriguing me. “Why do you know that?”

“I told you: I’m magic.” He stated it with so much confidence, I almost believed him. Who was this guy?

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I needed this book. I have been having a hard time getting into books lately and this one sucked me in and didn't let go! This is an insta-love story, sometimes those stories don't work but this one was awesome! Elias and North are so different but work so well together. I loved the dual point of view because I felt like I really got to know each of them. This book picked me up and was an enjoyable read, highly recommend.

 

 

 

Under constant siege from persistent plot bunnies, A.F. ZOELLE enjoys humoring them by writing about gorgeous men being in love. Her contemporary romances are full of witty banter, sexy fun, and lovable smart-asses. She’s left academia behind for a new adventure, which will hopefully include adopting Ragdoll cats of her own someday soon.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to extra epilogues, previews of upcoming books, and more.

Connect with A.F.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: A.F. Zoelle's Amazing AF Readers

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Love Directions (Good Bad Idea #5) by A.F. Zoelle to read and review for this tour.

Archangel's Sun by Nalini Singh

A horrifying secret rises in the aftermath of an archangelic war in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s deadly and beautiful Guild Hunter world...

The Archangel of Death and the Archangel of Disease may be gone but their legacy of evil lives on—especially in Africa, where the shambling, rotting creatures called the reborn have gained a glimmer of vicious intelligence.

It is up to Titus, archangel of this vast continent, to stop the reborn from spreading across the world. Titus can’t do it alone, but of the surviving powerful angels and archangels, large numbers are wounded, while the rest are fighting a surge of murderous vampires.

There is no one left…but the Hummingbird. Old, powerful, her mind long a broken kaleidoscope. Now, she must stand at Titus’s side against a tide of death upon a discovery more chilling than any other. For the Archangel of Disease has left them one last terrible gift…

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Guild Hunter series!
For book ten, Archangel's Viper, click HERE.
For book eleven, Archangel's Prophecy, click HERE.
For book twelve, Archangel's War, click HERE.

 

 

Book 13
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Berkley (Penguin Random House)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the book that comes after the epic battle in Archangel’s War. The focus is on Titus, Archangel of Africa, and Sharine, who is sent to help him as he battles to secure and rebuild his continent.

I was certain that Archangel’s War was the end of this series, but this book about rebuilding the world destroyed by the war makes sense. With the focus on one couple, this book almost reverts back to the paranormal romance stories early in the series. However, with Titus still battling the reborn and the Cadre cooperating to rebuild their world, this feels a little too bloody and too epic in scope to read as anything other than Urban Fantasy. Some of the battles in this story are a little more cerebral than those in Archangel’s War and the pace isn’t quite as frantic, but this is still an exciting addition to the series.

My favourite surprise in this book is Sharine. Throughout the series, we’ve come to know her as Illium’s mother, as a successful artist, and as a woman with fragile mental health. I love that she is so much more in this book and I love that the author gives her a chance for rebirth and growth. Titus is also wonderful. The move away from New York to Africa brings new depth and texture to the whole series. Sharine is the perfect link between Raphael’s New York and Titus’ Africa – and through her perspective, readers gain fresh insights into Raphael, Illium, and Aodhan. Titus is also a wonderful surprise for readers who have only known him as a warrior. The connection between Sharine and Titus builds carefully and tentatively with fabulous sexual tension. This isn’t however, one of the steamier books in the series. The focus of this book is more on the rebuilding of Titus’ territory and Sharine’s personal development than it is on the romance between Titus and Sharine.

I really loved this story. I fell hard for both Sharine and Titus and I loved the shift to Africa. I’m excited for more books that explore the worlds of the Cadre members and I’m excited to see the series focus shift after the Archangels rebuild their world.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

Archangel’s Sun is the thirteenth installment of the Guild Hunter series. Can it be read as a standalone or out of series order? No. While all the books are connected, the past few have been within the same arc, acting as a continuation. It would be difficult and confusing to read Archangel Sun without reading the books before it.

First things first, fingers crossed the mother is the leadup to the son’s novel. Aren’t we all anticipating Bluebell’s novel? The Hummingbird is Illium’s mother, Rafael’s mother figure, and Aodhin’s mentor. Sharine is the perfect viewpoint to show all three of their lives and what is happening around them, the angst of two stubborn males who will listen to their “mother,” allowing the reader to have a bird’s eye view as Sharine learns how to use technology.

Set to the backdrop of devastation, the Hummingbird and Titus band together to help their people, changing along with the landscape.

Adored by all, seen as an artifact meant to be put upon a shelf in a museum. After lifetimes of unimaginable loss and pain, Sharine finds the strength to cast off the Hummingbird label. No longer a wounded little bird, she is putting the facets of her personality back together. The most prevalent is the maternal instinct. The most painful is a fear of abandonment, after her first love and mentor died in their bed beside her, her parents went to Sleep when she was still a child herself, only to never wake again, and for the father of her son to go to Sleep within their bed beside her, sickly toying with her emotions while abandoning their child.

Titus is strong and imposing, a powerful archangel who is clearing out the scourge but not taking time to tend to the people of his land. As a fellow member of the cadre, Rafael suggests the Hummingbird fly to Africa as a symbol of hope, leaving Titus to think yet another person will drag him down in responsibility.

But Sharine is no longer just the Hummingbird, her gifts realized almost as strong as her mothering desire, but equally as important when it comes to both clearing the scourge and soothing the people.

My favorite part of the novel was the slow-burn romance between Sharine and Titus. Most importantly how they brought out the best parts of one another, sassed and challenged each other, but did so in a respectful manner of adults befitting their advanced ages and positions. Their growth was amazing to witness as a reader. Both warm and fuzzy yet inspiring as well.

I won’t touch on the mystery of the reborn and what Sharine and Titus discover, simply because it is both complex and a major part of the novel itself.

The women were an inspiration and focal point, strong and capable and admired for their abilities. Many shown were the mothers to major characters, some within Rafael’s Seven. I appreciated this, appreciated how everyone worked together instead of seeing one another as competition or shown as the villain. Appreciated how their varying strengths were showcased as being just as important as other strengths. They all revealed that femininity isn’t a weakness.

Where I struggled, which is why I couldn’t give Archangel Sun a perfect rating, the story meandered. I don’t mean mentions of the past, which I adored. A ton of name-dropping, with events listed from past novels, which is why I said it was important to be up to date with the series to avoid confusion. However, this slowed the pacing down, dragging what was a quick-paced novel into redundancy, where I had to fight myself with skimming large portions of a few chapters, where it seemed to either be the inane events from A to B or an info-dump that wasn’t necessary “right there,” which either made it confusing or slowed the pacing down.

All in all, Archangel Sun was an excellent addition to the series, giving the reader a new perspective via characters who hadn’t previously had a voice, from a new location set in the universe. I am highly anticipating the next and next and next installments. I absolutely recommend to fans of the series and the author, as I’m positive the novel will hit all the right notes for most returning readers.

 

 

New York Times bestselling author NALINI SINGH is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China, the Highlands of Scotland, and the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer. Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand. You can contact her directly through her website. While visiting the site, Nalini invites you to join her newsletter for up-to-date news about both the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series, as well as fun exclusive extras, including free short stories set in her worlds.

Connect with Nalini

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Archangel's Sun (Guild Hunter #13) by Nalini Singh to read and review.

Tahoe Blue by Eden French Release Blitz

A paramedic must face old wounds when his Hollywood heartthrob ex returns home and tries to win back his affections. Will he find closure or will he give first love a second chance?

Coming back to Tahoe was a mistake. At least, that’s what Carson Keaton thinks the minute he returns to his hometown. When he ran away five years ago, he left everything behind, including Brand West, the only person he ever loved. Not that he had a choice. But now that the danger has passed, he returns home to reclaim Brand. The biggest question is, is it too late?

Brand West is a paramedic with a broken heart. Just after high school graduation, the love of his life hopped a Greyhound to Hollywood, leaving without explanation. Now, five years later, Brand is determined to forget about Carson by throwing himself into his career, his community, and—thanks to his best friend playing matchmaker—a hot new lover. But now Carson’s back in town, as irresistible as ever, leaving Brand with two choices: find closure and move on, or give first love a second chance.

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Hot Tree Publishing

 

 

Brand West reached up to the sky and stretched his arms high until his abs pulled tight in both directions. Holding the position just a minute longer, a small moan escaping his lips, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. When he had pushed his muscles to the max, he released the stretch and, standing upright, let his body relax.

It’d been too long since he’d hit the trail. Looking around at the towering pines, he inhaled deeply and let the thick scent of spruce and earth fill his body. A few steps forward and he stood on the lookout, Lake Tahoe splayed out before him down below, deep blue and still.

God, he loved it here. Especially these late fall mornings. Those mornings when the air was cold and hinted of winter. He craved the smell of chimney fires, the feel of the crisp, clean air in his lungs, the quiet mornings, and the starry evenings. Ever since he was a teen, he’d climb up to the lookout behind his grandfather’s cabin and sit on the flat boulder for hours, a feeling of peace settling in his soul.

He smiled as he watched the sun peek out from behind the Sierra Nevadas at the opposite end of the lake. The crunch of pine needles and early snow caught his attention. Turning, he smiled as his closest friend, Ryan, rounded the corner. Her dark hair was falling out of the messy bun piled on the top of her head, and her cheeks were rosy from both the chilly air and being winded.

“I swear… to God… I’m gonna fuckin’ beat… you for making me climb this… mountain… before my coffee.” She reached the boulder and doubled over, her left hand flush against her chest.

Brand laughed, the sound echoing down into the valley below. “Coffee, before a run? You really are going to give yourself a heart attack, you know that, don’t you?”

Ryan plopped down onto the boulder and waved him off. “Never gonna happen. Why do you think I keep you around? I got my own personal paramedic to jolt me back to life if I go down.”

“You know I don’t actually carry my AED on runs, right?”

Ryan waggled her eyebrows. “No need. You are a walking talking AED, doll.” She gripped his forearms and ran her fingers along the strong muscle line “Damn, who are you working out for?”

Brand rolled his eyes. Here we go again. “No one. And I’m really not in the mood for another lecture about why I need to be opening myself up for a real relationship. I’m just not interested right now.”

Ryan narrowed her eyes. “Sure you’re not. You know, there are other fish in the sea, Brand. I know you feel there’s no one who can compare to him, but honey, believe me, there is.” She held his hand and entwined her fingers with his. “It’s been seven years, Brand. Seven years, and you mean to tell me that you haven’t met anyone who is relationship material? Not even worth a second date? Are you sure you want to be waiting around for something that may never happen?”

He pulled his hand from hers. “I’m not waiting around for him, Ry. I’ve dated other people. Lots. I’m just… busy. I don’t have time for relationships.” He heard the bullshit flow from his mouth.

You’d have time if he were around, his inner voice poked.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Tahoe Blue is a second-chance romance standalone.

Brand West and Carson Keaton were in love. They were young but they knew it was love. Then Carson was gone. He just up and left with no warning, no note, no phone call – just gone. Carson became a big Hollywood heartthrob and Brand was left devastated and confused, thinking he had done something wrong. Being left like that had a huge impact on Brand's life, he never really let himself go fully into another relationship. After seven years, he finally let himself open up enough to let Teo in. He wanted this relationship, he like Teo and could see an easy future with him, until Carson was back in town and Brand's world is turned upside down.

Carson has a lot of explaining to do, but is Brand willing to listen? Is this the closure he needs to fully move on with Teo? Will those old feelings come back when Brand is finally face to face with Carson?

I enjoyed this read. The characters were easy to connect with and there was a good pace to the storyline. The chemistry was palpable between Brand and Carson, which made for a good read.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is the sweet second-chance romance. As children, Brand and Carson were inseparable. As teenagers, they were lovers. And then Carson disappeared. When he returns, Brand must decide whether he can forgive Carson and whether they have a second chance at a life together.

Paramedic Brand is an immensely likeable character. He loves his job, enjoys his friendships, and is slowly building the life he imagined for himself. Carson is a little more difficult to warm to. His reasons for leaving don’t quite explain him disappearing and not contacting Brand for years. His glamorous life as an actor seems a little shallow and he feels much younger than his years. Together, there are some steamy scenes but there is also some disastrous miscommunication and unnecessary conflict. The writing feels choppy and I feel like we’re told over and over that Brand and Carson are meant for each other without ever seeing any real evidence of them making sense as partners.

This story works if I don’t think too hard about it. I enjoyed the paramedic bits and I’m always a sucker for a good happily ever after.

 

 

Eden French is an American author of erotic queer romance with swoon-worthy heroes and happy ever afters. In addition to writing books that’ll set your blood on fire, she also writes romance stories for an interactive gaming app.

A hot yoga junkie, she often gets some of her best ideas while in a difficult pose. She’s a relentless daydreamer, chocoholic, and Scotch whiskey aficionado who likes life a bit kinky, and spends as much time as possible playing with the sexy characters in her head.

A born and raised California girl, she graduated from San Francisco State University with an English lit degree, and has a borderline obsession for Mexican food. Eden currently resides in the quirky Pacific Northwest with her amazing spouse and five… yes, five fur-babies.

Connect with Eden

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Tahoe Blue by Eden French to read and review for this tour.