The Dirty Truth by Winter Renshaw

From Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw comes an enemies-to-lovers romance about the journey of self-discovery that follows a life-changing event.

After a brush with death, I realize it’s time to make changes in my life. Big changes.

First, my job. I love being a journalist, but I hate my megawatt magnate boss, West Maxwell. When he demands I rewrite an article on short notice, I turn the tables on him with a scathing new column and quit in a blaze of glory.

But West isn’t about to let me go that easily, the jerk. He offers me an unexpected new position: mentor to his rebellious teenage niece. For some reason, I agree—I like helping people, but I’m also admittedly curious to glimpse the man behind the mogul.

However, I soon discover that my new assignment isn’t what I expected. As I learn about the private side of my enigmatic boss, I start to see the heart he hides behind his icy facade. The old Elle hated West… but maybe—just maybe—the new Elle can tame him.

 

 

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Elle is a journalist working for a mega-magazine but after a near-death experience, she decides it is time to move on. Besides, she is tired of her boss but not the job.

The ex-boss, West Maxwell, has other plans for Elle. He wants her to mentor his 14-year-old niece. He can't do anything with her, so maybe Elle can. As Elle and Scarlett get closer, so do Elle and West. Elle learns more about West and she sees that he is not at all what she thought.

This is a really good enemies-to-lovers story that will have you wondering who will survive, Elle or West? The spark is there between them, it just takes a little fuel to set it ablaze. This was a first for me from this author and I look forward to reading more.


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

Elle is a journalist who has a column everyone relates to. She knows that she could write more powerful pieces, but she also knows that she's good at what she does. When her boss berates her in a meeting and wants a new article in a crazy time frame, Elle reevaluates her life choices.

Elle is also recovering from a few traumatic events – (1) finding out her boyfriend isn't who she thought, and (2) a brain aneurysm. With these new events swimming around and then her boss' crazy behavior, Elle realizes that she wants something different – something more.

West is struggling with being a guardian of a moody 14-year-old girl. He's used to people doing what he asks, when he asks, and not asking questions. When he realizes that Elle was a good writer, person, and that he kind of screwed the pooch by being a jerk, West has to find a way to have Elle help both him and his niece.

These two find themselves on completely different paths than what they thought. As they wind their way through the angst of a 14-year-old girl and reevaluating the preconceived notions both had of each other, West and Elle will either find themselves walking the same path or diverging forever.

You'll laugh at the antics of a 14-year-old girl, swoon and simultaneously curse West, and cheer Elle on.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Elle is confused, trying to navigate a world which is both familiar and strange to her. After having an aneurysm that almost resulted in death, she's trying, one step at a time, to find her footing. Not only is she becoming obsessed with her near-death experiences and what others may have seen on the other side, her new boss is on her last nerve.

As a journalist, she knows you have to roll with the punches, but clearly Max hasn't gotten the message that Elle is just back from sick leave and columns don't write themselves, especially overnight. Taking a giant leap of faith, Elle quits, determined to live her life on her own terms.

Max can't let her go. Seems like Elle struck up a conversation with his niece one afternoon and now all Scarlett can talk about is Elle. Hiring Elle to keep up with Scarlett solves to problems he has: (1) Scarlett has a friend and someone to look out for her, and (2) he can get to know Elle better.

Elle doesn't mind playing nanny/mentor to Scarlett, but Max is a different story. She's not sure if he's what she needs, yet Max thinks he’s the man for the job.

I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from this author.

 

 

Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author WINTER RENSHAW is a bona fide daydream believer. She lives somewhere in the middle of the USA and can rarely be seen without her notebook and laptop. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. And when she’s not thinking about writing, she’s living the American dream with her husband, three kids, the laziest puggle this side of the Mississippi, and a busy pug pup that officially owes her three pairs of shoes, one lamp cord, and an office chair.

Winter also writes psychological and domestic suspense under her Minka Kent pseudonym. Her first book, The Memory Watcher, hit #9 in the Kindle Store, and her follow-up, The Thinnest Air, hit #1 in the Kindle Store and spent five weeks as a Washington Post bestseller.

Connect with Winter Renshaw

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Dirty Truth by Winter Renshaw to read and review.

Jamison by A.N. Waugh Blog Tour

Vance

Jamison Black. Lead singer for the band Maxim, and my first love. He broke my heart to follow his dream. Now, six years after the heartbreak, he is my job. I’ve worked hard for this internship and to get close to him again, but it doesn’t take long to realize we can’t be anything more than friends. Not when Maxim is so close to the success they’ve been chasing all this time.

Jamison

I never knew how much I missed Vance Martin until I saw him in the last place I expected. He is my heart. Always has been, always will be. I’m his client, and he’s determined to keep me in the friend zone. A place I refuse to stay. I might have left my heart behind six years ago, but I won’t let him go again.

Jamison is the first book in the Maxim series. A MM rock star, best friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance with two stubborn main characters, a too observant, witty and flamboyant interfering coworker, entertaining bandmates and friends, and a fake girlfriend who has forgotten her love isn’t real.

Jamison does not end on a cliffhanger for the couple, but there are some unresolved conflicts that will reappear later in the series

***For CW please see author’s note in the front matter***

 

 

Book 1
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“Hey, you should come out with me tonight. I know this great club.” Klaus interrupts my thoughts about working with one of the biggest and most well-known record labels.

“Sure, why not?” I agree. I need to make friends and Klaus, with his big personality and flashy attire, seems to be the most welcoming. Besides, I should get to know the man if we are going to be working together for the next few months. What can it hurt? He’s harmless, right?

A few hours later, I’ve resigned myself to the knowledge that Klaus is anything but harmless as he drags me inside a crowded club. Every head turns in our direction, and while I’m not ashamed to be seen with him, it means I garner just as much attention for being at his side. The tight leather pants and black see-through top he’s wearing leave nothing to the imagination. Every man and woman we pass can clearly see the size of his package and the piercings in his nipples. I look and feel out of place in comparison with my jeans and an old Nirvana t-shirt.

When we reach the bar, Klaus orders a couple of shots and some fruity concoction for the two of us. I look around, taking in all the people. My eyes drift across the club, over the dance floor, and up to the second floor.

A glass wall surrounds a balcony sitting area where the VIPs avoid the crowd of commoners literally beneath them. Sitting at a table in the corner is a face I would recognize anywhere, even at a distance. I blink and he’s gone. Did I imagine it?

Klaus hands me a shot and I toss it back, letting the burn that slides down my throat bring me back to reality and the here and now.

“Here.” He hands me one of the fruity drinks. “Let’s dance.”

Maxim’s latest hit plays over the sound system and the buzz of alcohol and the steady beat of the music flow through me. The sexy, gravelly voice of Maxim’s lead singer lulls me into a sexually charged state. I close my eyes and let the rhythm take over, my body swaying in a dance learned years ago.

Jamison Black’s voice has seduced me, consoled me, and left me wanting since I was a teen. His rockstar looks: long dark hair and ice-blue eyes lined with kohl stirred my libido before I fully understood my attraction to men. Late night fantasies of his talented mouth on my skin, fantasies that still claim me when I’ve gone too long without release, flash through my mind.

The DJ switches songs, and my Jamison-induced spell is broken. I open my eyes and take in the club. Klaus, in all his flamboyant splendor, is dancing between two well-dressed men, probably corporate businessmen here to unwind. Too bad Klaus has set his sights on them.

I laugh and move from the dance floor to the bar for another drink. My inhibitions slowly drift away as the warm and sensual caress of alcohol unfurls in my veins. I glimpse myself in the mirror behind the bar. My cheeks are pink with the heat that permeates my body, and my hair is a ruffled mess from dancing.

The bartender hands me another of the fruity drinks Klaus had ordered earlier.

“Damn. That’s too bad. I’d hoped to make it over in time to buy you a drink.” A man that screams sleazy Hollywood moves to stand next to me. “I’m Chad. I hope I’m not being too forward, but are you here alone?”

“Uh,” I stall, searching the crowd for Klaus. “I’m here with—”

“There you are. I thought I’d lost you out there.”

The rich, melodic voice comes from behind and I close my eyes as an arm wraps around my waist, fingers gripping my hip.

“My apologies.” Chad sounds more annoyed than apologetic about the newcomer’s intrusion.

“No problem.” I can practically hear the forced politeness in his voice and open my eyes to tell Chad that I am not here with anyone but a friend. But he has since moved on to another target farther down the line of people at the bar.

Breathing deeply, I step away until the man’s arm at my back falls away, then turn to face a blast from my past. A sexy as fuck blast from the past.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Jamison is the first book in the Men of Maxim series.

Jamison Black is the lead singer of Maxim. They are an up and coming band. They have to follow the plan that was laid out for them. That includes Jamison keeping his sexuality secret from the public. The record company thinks it will change the sell ability of the band, if the thousands of screaming female fans find out he's gay. He is involved in a fake relationship to keep up appearances for the public. When a new PR firm is hired to keep the band's fires to a minimum, Jamison isn't expected to be face to face with the man he walked away from to follow his dreams.

Vance has done everything he could to put him in this position to be able to work for Maxim and be closer to his friend and man he loved, Jamison. Vance wants nothing more than to be with Jamison, but seeing how it could affect Maxim and everything Jamison has worked for, he begrudgingly puts Jamison in the friend zone.

Unexpected twists and turns have them putting everything on the line for each other. I was pulled into this read immediately and was rooting for them on every page. The connection they have is ultimately unbreakable.

This is a new-to-me author and I can't wait to read more. With the hints of what's to come, I'm excited for the next book in this series!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new rock star romance series (one of my favourite genres) and I will be on the lookout for future releases. There is inevitably a high level of world building in the book, which I am sure would smooth out in future.

Most definitely a book set behind the scenes of the rock world, reminding us about the hassle of bus journeys and lack of privacy when considering dating on a band tour. In this case, with it being between two people who really should know better due to their roles – I did feel that Vance's internship was somewhat forced upon him, so he had some innocence in the decision, but how it played forward could have been better handled, that's for sure! The usual disapproval from management, the fake girlfriend, etc., all combined to raise the angst levels a little, but there was no really painful drama, which was refreshing. Jamison also clearly did genuinely regret his decisions, and knew what he wanted going forward.

A fun setting for a second-chance romance, it will be interesting to see what future installments bring and how we see this relationship develop in the background.


Angie – ☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series. It doesn't end with a cliffhanger for Jamison and Vance. I liked the dual points of view. I was able to connect more to each guy better that way. There were times I wanted to shake both Jamison and Vance. This is your typical rock star who left his heart behind love story. The road to happiness was bumpy but they finally got there, and you couldn't be happier. I'm excited to see what the next book in the series has to offer and I hope we get a glimpse of Jamison and Vance again.

 

 

A.N. WAUGH is an author of MM/MMM+ romances, a pansexual mess, and a firm believer that love is love.

Connect with A.N. Waugh

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Facebook Group: Waugh’s Rockstars

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Jamison (Men of Maxim #1) by A.N. Waugh to read and review.

Delighted by Lexi Blake Blog Tour

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters & Mercenaries series…

Brian “Boomer” Ward believes in sheltering strays. After all, the men and women of McKay-Taggart made him family when he had none. So when the kid next door needs help one night, he thinks nothing of protecting her until her mom gets home. But when he meets Daphne Carlton, the thoughts hit him hard. She’s stunning and hardworking and obviously in need of someone to put her first. It doesn’t hurt that she’s as sweet as the cupcakes she bakes.

Daphne Carlton’s life revolves around two things—her kid and her business. Daphne’s Delights is her dream—to take the recipes of her childhood and share them with the world. Her daughter, Lou, is the best kid she could have hoped for. Lula’s got a genius-level intelligence and a heart of gold. But she also has two grandparents who control her access to private school and the fortune her father left behind. They’re impossible to please, and Daphne worries that one wrong move on her part could cost her daughter the life she deserves.

As Daphne and Boomer find themselves getting closer, outside forces put pressure on the new couple. But if they make it through the storm, love will just be the icing on the cake because family is the real prize.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Click HERE to peruse our reviews of other books in the Masters & Mercenaries series!

 

 

Book 24.5
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“It was a rough day. I could use a hug, if you don’t mind,” she said, trying to hold back tears. “The oven is going to die soon, and I don’t have the money to fix it, and I’m going to fail.”

His arms came around her, and she breathed him in. He smelled clean and crisp, like a spring wind. Her brain knew it had to be soap, but she associated the smell with him, and it soothed her.

“It’s okay.” He rocked her a little. “I’ve got a friend who is good with appliances. I can ask her to look at it. Don’t worry, Daph. It’s going to be all right. Lou’s good here. I promise. Lou’s good, and you’re going to be okay. I can’t let you go under or Big Tag would get mad at me. He really likes lemon cupcakes.”

They stood there for a moment, his warmth melting some of the ice that had built up over the last several years.

She tilted her head up, and that gorgeous man was staring down at her like he could eat her up, and warm was no longer the word she would use.

Hot. Desire flooded her system like a flash fire, and she wanted nothing more than to go up on her toes and kiss those magnificent lips of his.

Those lips belonged to another woman, and that woman was in the building. What the hell was she thinking? He was a nice man. He didn’t want to kiss her. He was being kind.

She stepped back, wiping her eyes. “Thank you, Boomer. And if you do have someone who can take a look at the oven, I would so appreciate it. You get all the cupcakes. What kind does MaeBe like? Would she be okay with the hugging thing?”

He frowned, like he was trying to figure something out. “I hug Mae a lot. At least I used to. She’s not so huggy these days. She likes anything chocolate.”

Boomer had looked sad when he’d said Mae didn’t hug him much anymore. She hated the thought of this big cuddly god of a man being in a cold relationship, but she wasn’t going to be the reason they broke up.

“Then I will make her something chocolate, and the lemon ones for your boss,” Daphne promised. She had to get these crazy urges under control or she would need to find Lou another place to stay, and she got the feeling Lou would object. “So where is the lounge? Or the gulag. That one kind of scares me.”

“Kala? Oh, that proves you have excellent instincts.” Boomer turned to walk back down the hall.

Those heads were back up above their cubicle walls, and she also noticed the doors to a whole bunch of offices were open.

“Is there a reason everyone is watching us?” She hurried down the hall to catch up with him.

“Because they’re all nosy bastards, and I can’t even complain,” Boomer replied. “I was a nosy bastard, too. We’re a weird family, and everyone is always in everyone else’s business, but it’s not a bad thing. The kind of people who would take advantage get weeded out very quickly around here. Big Tag takes care of them, and there’s usually a lawsuit, but that’s what Mitch is for. Hey, we also have a criminal defense attorney on call. Her name is Lea, and she’s really scary. Now if she had been working the reception desk when we invaded, we might have had trouble.”

She loved listening to him talk. His voice was deep, but every word was tinged with the humor he seemed to have for the world around him. The positive light he exuded was always there in his words.

If only the man weren’t attached…

She shoved aside the thought because he was totally out of her league. They weren’t even playing the same game.

But maybe they could be friends.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I love visiting the worlds of Masters & Mercenaries and Sanctum. Each time is so different, but you feel as if the same because there are so many of the same characters from previous books that it feels as if you stepped into a family reunion.

Brian “Boomer” Ward is the caregiver, he takes in strays. When the kid next door needed help one night, Boomer was all too happy to help until her mom got home. Needless to say, he fell head over heels in love with Daphne the minute he saw her.

While Boomer doesn't want to push her, Daphne thinks he has a girlfriend, she is content having him as a friend, something she doesn't have. When she finds out that MaeBe isn't his girlfriend, she is ready to take things to the next step.

As they get closer, it seems someone is out to get Daphne. But what the person or persons don't know is that they do not want to mess with the folks at McKay-Taggart. And Daphne knows what she wants and will not let anyone stand in the way of getting what is best for her and her daughter.

I loved this story and I think it might be my favorite so far. It is filled with fun, flirty, family, suspense, a talking bird, a genius 12-year-old, and an all-around great story. I look forward to the next book in the series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is identified as book 24.5 of the series – and yet you could read this fresh and enjoy every minute... but I defy you to not want to go back and enjoy the whole series!

Boomer is such a good guy, and yet his slowness at school has cast a long shadow over his life in terms of considering himself worthy. He is so innately intelligent, and such a good man, that it is incredibly frustrating and also unfair. I loved that he found someone who finally got him and gave him everything too. A truly heartwarming and engaging story, which I loved from the very beginning.

Daphne was just the perfect person to understand the value of what Boomer was offering, and her super bright daughter was completely on board with him being a precious addition to their family.

I loved catching up with the gang and once again we get insight into how the next generation are going to be able to offer us another run of fabulous stories... perfection!


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

Boomer is a softy at heart. He wants everyone to be safe and cared for. He has a plethora of pets and now that his good friend is staying with him, he is also making sure she’s taken care of too. But when his neighbor’s daughter comes knocking on his door, he can’t turn her away either. Someone was following the young girl and despite her incredible intelligence, she was still nervous and sought him out.

Daphne is doing her best to run a successful business and raise an incredibly intelligent, smart, sweet child. Her daughter is her whole world. When she realizes that her very sexy neighbor has helped her daughter out, Daphne can’t help but swoon just a little. But with obligations breathing down her neck and in-laws who hold the purse strings for her daughter’s education, a romantic entanglement isn’t in the cards.

As Boomer watches how hard Daphne works and knows that he can ease her burden, at least a little, he has to gauge how involved to become since it seems that Daphne isn’t quite sure about him.

These two have to learn to trust and know that if either of them fall, the other one will catch them. It’s fun to watch Daphne blossom and gain confidence in her own abilities. Boomer has always been a fun character to watch. He’s quiet and confident too.

You’ll fall in love with this small family, and the extended family are still so much fun! You won’t be disappointed in these short stories that Blake has for this amazing set of characters.

 

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Delighted (Masters & Mercenaries #24.5; Sanctum Nights #13) by Lexi Blake to read and review.

Crossing Borders by Marie James Release Blitz

Although I take my job very seriously—being the resident charmer, the man responsible for helping clients with security, all the while making it look like I’m the newest love interest of insanely gorgeous women—it looks like it’s all fun and games.

I’m getting paid to go on dates to some of the most glamourous places all around the world after all, but at the end of the day, it’s still work.

When the assignment is over, I walk away—usually with a smile and another notch in my bedpost, but who am I to turn down the perks?

This new assignment should be no different.
I can play any role handed to me.
Hell, I love a new challenge.

Only Archer Bremen is different… and not just for the obvious reasons.

His British accent hits me in a way I never expected.
The scowl on his face makes me think of a million things I could do to make it fade.

His smile tells me that this new assignment is going to change everything…

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Blackbridge Security series!
For book one, Hostile Territory, click HERE.
For book two, Shot in the Dark, click HERE.
For book three, Contingency Plan, click HERE.
For book four, Truth Be Told, click HERE.
For book five, Calculated Risk, click HERE.
For book six, Heroic Measures, click HERE.
For book seven, Sleight of Hand, click HERE.
For book eight, Controlled Burn, click HERE.
For book nine, Cease Fire, click HERE.

 

 

Book 10
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Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I couldn't wait for Brooks' story and I think it might be my favorite out of this whole series, and that is saying a lot because I love this series and hate to see it come to an end.

Brooks is the guy who has the hard assignments, he gets to date gorgeous women and has fun all while he is protecting them. But when Archer Bremen is his next assignment, it might be Brooks' heart that needs protecting. Brooks is drawn to Archer from their first meeting – and what a meeting it is. While Archer tries to get a rise out of Brooks, he doesn't let on that he is affected. Both men are attracted to each other, while Archer wants to explore more, Brooks isn't sure what to do.

I found that this story pulled me in from the very first page, I wanted to know what was happening and what was going to happen because these two men deserve it all. Although this story is filled with all the feels it takes to keep me invested in reading, I did miss one little character that always made me laugh.

So with that being said, you could read this one without reading the others, but why would you miss all of the wonderful stories in the rest of this awesome series? I will miss this group of characters from Blackbridge Security and will read them again and again.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Romance

So, this is Brooks' book. He's the guy who has to protect while pretending to be a significant other. When Brooks gets the assignment for Archer, neither realizes that their lives are about to change.

Archer is floundering from a big blow-up in his life. He wants to hide away, but with the damage control necessary, Archer hires Blackbridge Security to help guide his image to a less dangerous ground.

As Brooks and Archer wind their way through the relentless paps, Archer's bandmates, and Brooks' brothers at the security firm, they will either let their hearts guide them or their heads.

Unfortunately for me, this was one of the slower books. It took me until almost 70% of the book to truly become invested. It's slow moving and while there is some overlap from the previous book, it isn't until over half way through. You do not need to read the previous books to understand this one, but I did enjoy the previous books a lot more than this one. I almost gave up on Brooks, but I'm glad I stuck it out.

 

 

 

MARIE JAMES is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's book boyfriend crazy, the mother of two rowdy boys, and a wife of 15+ years. She's obsessed with tacos, otters, and FunCo Pops figures. Born, raised, and still living in central Texas, Marie spends most of her time locked away writing and reading.

Connect with Marie James

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Facebook Group: Marie James' Stalkers

 

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Crossing Borders (Blackbridge Security #10) by Marie James to read and review.

Jerk by Daryl Banner Release Blitz

You don't want a nice guy.
Just admit it.

The real guy you want to sweep you off your feet isn’t wearing a cardigan. He won’t remember your anniversaries or bring you hot chocolate on a cold night.

The guy you want is rough, rude, and hotter than sin.

A total jerk.

Still, inexplicably, you’re madly in love with him. Why? Is the sex really that good? Why don’t you want the nice guy? The one you can actually take home to Mom and Dad? The one who smiles with his eyes, who will laugh at your jokes — even the bad ones? The one who will hold you after a hard day, who will run to your side even if it’s inconvenient, who will cherish and worship you like something priceless and precious?

It’s inevitable that guys like me lose hope in ever finding love. Capturing your heart isn’t easy when the world is full of countless jerks you’re so willing to give it to. What’s a nice guy to do when he’s playing a game you won’t let him win?

To tell my story properly, we have to start at the end.
As in: the end of the Mr. Nice Guy I used to be.

 

 

Book 10
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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Rome is an average gay man. He works in advertising, goes daily to the gym with his best friend, and uses a dating app to try to find love, without much success. There is one particularly interesting date that left me smiling, even if it didn’t go well for Rome.

I quite enjoy reading stories about everyday people and Rome really is a good guy. But a romantic failure, and seeing the guy he actually wants dating a complete jerk, changes Rome. We jump forward a year and Rome has changed. We don’t see him go through the transformation. On one page he is a sweet guy and on the next he is an A-hole, behaving the way the guys he used to hate behaved. The sudden change was a bit jarring. And I didn’t think much of the new Rome. He wasn’t nice and really seemed fake. But the old Rome and the new Rome collide when his old crush, Danny, now single, reappears.

Seeing Danny pretending to be someone he is not was a little difficult to read at times but it was also entertaining. There is a great scene at a party where dates from his old life and new life appear and it was fun, and could have come straight out of any romcom film.

Rome’s search for romance is a rocky one, but to see him find the real Rome and find love was totally worth it. Jerk was an entertaining and ultimately satisfying story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is part of a connected series, but you do not need to have read the others to enjoy this one.

Romeo is not exactly a standup guy, in fact there was quite a lot of the book where I could not decide whether I wanted to continue – but trusting that there would be a turning point, I read on, and I am glad that I did. His problematic year did then lead to an opportunity to try again with Danny, the guy that he behaved very badly towards. Danny may be his love interest, but he doesn't really have a starring role in the story.

When the lead character is behaving like a jerk, it is more difficult than usual to read on, but given the title, I knew that in this meaning of the word, the author was definitely making a strong point.

 

 

DARYL BANNER is an author and composer who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. During his time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his first novel.

In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl writes post-apocalyptic fantasy and dystopian fiction. He is most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.

Connect with Daryl Banner

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Daryl's Doorway

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Jerk (ABCs of Love #10) by Daryl Banner to read and review.

The Shadow Princess by Sawyer Bennett Release Blitz

Living an idyllic life in Wyoming, Thalia Clairmont is completely unaware that her world is about to be turned upside down. Step into the next dimension with The Shadow Princess, the newest story in The Chronicles of the Stone Veil series from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett.

My name is Thalia Clairmont and I am heir to the throne of Vyronas. A title that was unknown to me after the love of my life, Bastien Dunne, had me stripped of my memories and sent me through the veil into another dimension. He maintains it was for my protection after my parents were killed and our kingdom was overthrown, but I see it as a betrayal.

Overwhelmed by my feelings of both love and anger for Bastien, I quickly understand that things aren’t what they once were. Vyronas is at war and an evil sorceress has claimed my throne by casting her blood magic to subjugate my people. With my memories returned, I realize Bastien isn’t the man I once loved and has instead become a distant, hardened warrior whose heart is as cold as ice.

My magic alone cannot defeat the blood sorcery, so I delve into the deepest shadows to find a way to regain control of my kingdom. Can I defeat evil without succumbing to the darkness? And will Bastien and I be able to reclaim the love we once shared?

I am the Shadow Princess and it’s time for me to reclaim my throne.

The Shadow Princess is a standalone fantasy romance novel within The Chronicles of the Stone Veil series.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Chronicles of the Stone Veil!
For book one, The Revelation of Light and Dark, click HERE.
For book two, A Discovery of Secrets and Fate, click HERE.
For book three, The Evolution of Fae and Gods, click HERE.
For book four, A Battle of Blood and Stone, click HERE.
For book five, The Rise of Fortune and Fury, click HERE.

 

 

Book 6
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)
Big Dog Books (Sawyer Bennett)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Fantasy

Thalia is loving her life. Although she misses her parents, she knows that she’s doing the best she can, and her horses will love her anyway. When a creature she’s never seen before comes for her, she will have to accept a new life, from a whole new perspective.

Bastien has loved Thalia his entire life. Despite coming from meager means, he had Thalia’s parents’ approval and blessing. When the unthinkable happens and war breaks out in their land, Vyronas, Bastien does what he believes will save Thalia, even if it means he has to lose her love and trust.

As Thalia regains her position in Vyronas, forces are working to keep Thalia from winning the war. Bastien is trying his best to keep Thalia at a distance since he can no longer care for her, and Thalia is fighting on two fronts – one against those who would imprison her people, and the second for Bastien and his love again.

These are fantastic books that are easily read in one sitting. Bennett will grab you from the onset and keep you at the edge of your seat.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series, but I read it as a standalone and did not feel I was missing clues – I guess when I go back and catch up, I will know if that is really true, but I did not feel it was.

I really enjoyed the buildup, the concept, and how the story played out. The narrative hung together well, and whilst one has to buy into the new world being offered, it worked for me. The point when Thalia comes to understand just how much Bastien has done and suffered in her absence is beautifully written. The danger they face, and the chemistry they have makes for an engaging love story.

A good mix of the supernatural, fighting forces unbeknown, and a reawakening romance, make this a page turner, and I definitely recommend it to you.

 

 

 

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author SAWYER BENNETT uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, click HERE to sign up for her newsletter.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

Connect with Sawyer Bennett

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Sawyer Bennett's Never Ending Party

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Shadow Princess (Chronicles of the Stone Veil #6) by Sawyer Bennett to read and review.