Highland Flame by Mary Wine

NEWLY MINTED LAIRD SEEKS WIFE, PREFERABLY RICH

Laird Diocail Gordon has just inherited his uncle's run down castle and rag-tag clan. He knows the sorry sight of the castle would send any woman running, but is determined to find a wife to help return his home to its former glory.

Widowed lady Jane Stanley is determined to return to England, even if she has to tromp through the Scottish Highlands on foot to get there. Her travels lead her straight into the midst of a troop of dangerous Highland warriors. The mysterious, brawny laird forbids his men to harm her, and the spark between them is immediate. The only way Diocail can keep her safe is to take her home with him, but will the miserable state of his clan douse her newly ignited Highland flame?

Book 4
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
I began reading the Highland Weddings series starting with book #3, having no issue jumping right into the story. New readers shouldn't have any confusion reading Highland Flame as a standalone. With that being said, I did promptly go purchase books one and two and will read them in my free-time.

Mary Wine created a mixture of fast-paced storytelling with a guilty pleasure vibe, with a healthy dose of angst.

Jane is newly widowed at the start of the novel, as within hours, upon meeting the new laird. Jane is an English woman left to the wilds of the highlands with only a shift upon her back. Barefoot and penniless, she refuses to pay her late husband's debts, payment exacted while on her back. The devoted woman would rather face the elements, travelling on foot back to her father's home in England.

The previous book set up the events happening in this one, with Diocail becoming the Gordon laird of an ailing keep. Diocail is in need of two things – his clan's trust and a wife to take the household in hand. Diocail is an honorable man, wishing to do his best to treat his people with dignity and respect after his uncle bled them dry and left them starving. While out to collect rent and have his tenants swear fealty, Diocail stumbles upon something he very much needs and wants.

After an abusive, neglectful marriage, Jane has no plans of ever taking a husband. Jane needs to feel useful, pay her own way, yet refuses to be seen as someone's property without a voice.

Diocail and Jane clash in an addictive push-pull romance, filled with equal parts sexual tension and misunderstandings. The addition of a 7-year-old boy and meddlesome, well-meaning clansmen, adds a humorous, lighthearted, heartwarming feel.

Generally, no matter how many pages are in a historical romance, the pacing and influx of information always has the book feeling longer. That isn't the case with Highland Flame. It's a quick, easy, addictive read, words jumping off the pages at a rapid clip.

Why aren't I handing out five stars for a book I devoured in a few hours this afternoon? An element of the plot infuriated me, frustrated me to the point I couldn't enjoy the story. While this added much-needed conflict, it was out of character for Diocail to ignore, not ask for details, actually refuse to hear the details, and straight out deny Jane's voice. To not listen, even if he didn't believe Jane, is not the mark of a man whose main job is to take care of his people. The refusal and denial was childish, not that of a leader. A leader collects information, even if he believes it may be false. I also felt Jane didn't do enough to get her voice heard – even if he didn't wish to hear it, it's hard to ignore a woman screaming the truth in your face, with all your men standing by.

During this thread, both had a character-trait transplant, acting/reacting out of the norm of the traits set from the start of the novel.

Even after his clansmen believed Jane, Diocail – the man who is sworn to protect his wife – still kept saying he forgives her. It was maddening, watching a strong man act so WEAK in the face of his irrational denial. A man who became laird because of two men being underhanded. It was out-of-character, and removed any believability to the story. Frankly, it erased any emotional connection I had during the between-the-sheets action as they coupled with Diocail not believing Jane. Ethics and loyalty are hard limits for me. I would not allow anyone to touch me if they thought me a liar, and that is how Jane was written... until she acted out of character.

Besides that major hiccup, I enjoyed the story immensely until the epilogue. While I was thrilled by the information in the epilogue, I was frustrated by the head-hopping, after reading an entire novel without it. With the exception of the epilogue, there were very defined lines on who was narrating. In the quest to set up the next book, while also showing where this novel's couple is now, the author head-hopped four characters, with no transitions for the reader to realize who was narrating until the confusion set in. As the reader, I'd get through an entire paragraph/passage before I realized it was voicing another character, only to be thrust out of that person's head and dropped into another. That's not an epilogue – it's maddening.

Frustration aside, I highly recommend this author and series to fans of historical romance, especially those looking for a new take on the tried and true tropes.

Also Available in the Highland Weddings Series

Book 3
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For reviews & more info, check out our Highland Hellion post.

Acclaimed author Mary Wine has written nearly 20 works of erotic fantasy, romantic suspense, and historical romance. An avid history-buff and historical costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments. Mary lives with her husband and two sons in Yorba Linda, California.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Highland Flame (Highland Weddings #4) by Mary Wine to read and review.

Tangled Up in Tinsel by Candis Terry Blog Tour

Meet the Kincade brothers: they’ll do what it takes to protect their legacy—but what happens when love gets in the way?

As if the holidays weren’t stressful enough, Parker Kincade has a restaurant to open. The fact that his Groomzilla brother wants the place for his perfect Christmas wedding doesn’t help. Then there’s the stunning woman who appoints herself his new chef before he’s ready to hire one. But one look at Gabriella Montani has Parker reassessing needs vs. wants. And that’s before he tastes what she has to offer…

Gabriella doesn’t need to get tangled up with a sexy man. What she needs is a job and a chance to prove herself. A place in Parker’s kitchen could give her the opportunity she’s been waiting for. The heat between them is sizzling, but a place in his bed could be downright dangerous. Neither Christmas nor men have ever lived up to her expectations, but Parker has soulmate written all over him. Should Gabi let herself be swept up in his holiday magic, or will it disappear before Christmas Day?

Book 3
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Avon Romance

“I like where you’re going with this...”

He lifted her fingers and kissed them.

“So we’re on the same page?” she asked. “One night. A good time. Then tomorrow

it’s back to business?”

“Definitely.” His hand on her waist slipped a little lower and lust darkened his eyes. “One night only.”

“Right here?” she asked.

“Right now.”

She slid her hand up his sleeve and enjoyed the warm, thick muscle beneath the soft fabric. “Then shut up and kiss me, Parker.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Parker wants to make up to his family for being a pain during this teenage years and the way he can do that is by opening his restaurant at the family vineyard. The only problem is that between running his food truck business and helping with the remodel of the barn, he doesn’t have time to actually plan for the restaurant.

Abby is looking for a job and what better place than at Parker’s new restaurant. Showing up unannounced and asking for a job may not be what most people do, but she is definitely one for making an impression.

As they get to know each other, Parker comes to rely on Abby’s spirit and generous nature, while Abby relies on his strength and character.

When Abby’s father enters the picture, Parker sees Abby’s omissions as her failure to trust him, rather than it being Abby’s way of protecting herself from further pain at the hands of her father. Parker will have to work hard to regain her trust, but it’s something he’s willing to do to win her back.

Also Available in the Sunshine Creek Vineyard Series

Book 1
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For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the A Better Man Blog Tour.

Book 2
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For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Perfect for You Blog Tour.

Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after.

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Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Tangled Up in Tinsel (Sunshine Creek Vineyard #3) by Candis Terry to read and review for this tour.

Gravity by Liz Crowe

Out of the ashes of ruined lives they finally find love.

When Brock Fitzgerald is welcomed back into his family thanks to the sympathy of his sister-in-law Evelyn and the tolerance of his twin brother Austin, he understands that this may be the best he’ll ever get for himself. Years spent partying, drinking and screwing his way through life have left him drained, exhausted and accepting of his many weaknesses. He’s grateful for the second chance he’s been offered, even as he continues to battle his demons, including one that leads him back into co-dependency with his oldest girlfriend.

Kayla Hettinger never imagined that once she declared herself clean after several near-overdoses of opiates she’d find herself tending bar for her brother’s fiancée Melody, and enjoying what life she’d managed to build. When she strikes up a friendship with Brock over shared experiences and ginger ale, she discovers something needier and more frightening inside herself—and in Brock—than either of them feels equipped to handle.

Breaking through the clutter of addiction and despair only to find your soulmate waiting on the other side seems like the stuff of fairy tales—until Brock and Kayla accept that being dependent on one another is the only way they’ll survive.

Reader Advisory: This book contains mentions of self-harm, references to child and adult sexual abuse, and addiction.

Book 4
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Totally Bound

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Addiction, Recovery, Self-Injury, past abuse

This has been the most honest, real, almost gritty story in the series thus far.

Kayla is recovering, but struggling with her ability to let things go. She wants to have a good relationship with her brother, Trent, but with her past, feelings and thoughts are constantly bombarding her. She copes as best she can, but when she finds herself slipping, she reaches out to Brock.

Brock has his own mess of issues. Caroline being a large one. I just really couldn't like her at all – she was a major ick for me in this book. Brock is also recovering from his own addictions and while he knows that he should not be wanting things from Kayla, it isn't until he learns the extent of her abuse that he really falls low.

Both characters' brothers meddle when they probably shouldn't, but it gives the story a much more realistic feel.

I really liked this story and despite all of the miscommunications, doubts, and struggles, loved the result.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series and I highly recommend that you read them in order, as themes and people carry forward and are key to the story. I have to say that I have loved them all – but this one... well it is a very special book indeed. The way that it deals with two damaged souls is beautiful. They have both been through the rehab route, and now both strive to be better for themselves and their families. Ms. Crowe has done an amazing job of bringing to life the way both of them think and act – and whilst their everyday is affected by the addictions, their underlying personalities are given a chance to shine through.

I love that the story moves forward with our previous couples too. We even get to enjoy Trent's wedding to Melody. This romance brings together two new brewery employees – Austin's twin brother, Brock, and Trent's long lost sister, Kayla. And whilst they navigate the tumultuous waters of attraction, we can only hope that the barriers in their way will give way and give them a much deserved chance of happiness.

There are so many themes which make this special, I can only suggest that you read it and see what an amazing story Ms. Crowe has created.

Also Available in the Brewing Passion Series

Book 1
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Totally Bound

For reviews & more info, check out our Tapped post.

Book 2
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Totally Bound

For reviews & more info, check out our Lightstruck post.

Book 3
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Totally Bound

For reviews & more info, check out our Conditioned post.

Book 3.5
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Totally Bound

For reviews & more info, check out our Adjunct Lovers post.

Amazon best-selling author, mom of three, Realtor, beer blogger, brewery marketing expert, and soccer fan, Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville currently living in Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse.

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and at times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Don’t ever ask her for anything “like a Budweiser” or risk bodily injury.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Gravity (Brewing Passion #4) by Liz Crowe to read and review.

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton

Sometimes family chooses you.

At forty, Vincent “Vinnie” Fierro is still afraid to admit he might be gay—even to himself. It’ll be a problem for his big, fat Italian family. Still, after three failed marriages, it’s getting harder to ignore what he really wants.

Vinnie attempts some self-exploration in Chicago’s Boystown bars, far from anyone who knows him. Naturally, he runs smack into someone from the neighborhood.

Between working two jobs, going to school, taking care of his grandmother, and dealing with his mother’s ongoing substance abuse, Trey Giles has little time for fun, let alone dating someone who swears he’s straight. Yet after one night of dancing cheek-to-cheek, Trey agrees to let Vinnie court him and see if he truly belongs on this side of the fence—though Trey intends to keep his virginity intact.

It seems like a solid plan, but nothing is simple when family is involved. When Vinnie’s family finds out about their relationship, the situation is sticky enough, but when Trey’s mother goes critical, Vinnie and Trey must decide whose happiness is most important—their families’ or their own.

Second Edition.
First Edition published by Samhain, 2013.

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Dreamspinner Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
Of course a book by these two favourite authors had me crying within a few pages! Trey and Vincent are wonderful characters and their story is slow and angsty and almost painfully romantic.

In his late thirties, after three failed marriages, Vincent suddenly finds himself questioning his sexuality. Slowly, Vincent finds himself torn between the expectations of his Italian Catholic family and the man he has started to care for. I loved Vincent’s slow journey. His feelings of guilt and shame are countered by the almost giddy excitement he feels as he explores his connection to Trey. I loved his sense of duty and honour and the depth of his emotions.

Trey is much younger than Vincent, but caring for an alcoholic mother has made him an old soul. His sexuality is the least of his concerns as he attempts to finish school and keep his family together. Trey feels heartbreakingly real. He is exhausted, proud, angry, and resentful. A relationship with Vincent is difficult because Trey doesn’t trust and he doesn’t open up.

The connection between Trey and Vincent is romantic. It is an awkward yet beautiful courtship. They are sexy together but their sexual relationship builds very slowly and lacks the kink and the super explicit scenes we often get from Heidi Cullinan.

I came to love Vincent’s big Italian family and Trey’s grandmother is wonderful. I loved the way Trey finally allows himself to be cared for by Vincent and his family and I loved the way Vincent comes to accept himself and Trey’s role in his live. This is a slow, sweet romance and I really enjoyed it.

Heidi Cullinan

HEIDI CULLINAN has always enjoyed a good love story, provided it has a happy ending. Proud to be from the first Midwestern state with full marriage equality, Heidi is a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. She writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because she believes there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. When Heidi isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, playing with her cats, and watching television with her family. Find out more about Heidi on her website.

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Marie Sexton

MARIE SEXTON lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Family Man by Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton to read and review.

Mastering Her Senses by Laura Kaye

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy...

He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…

Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

Cassia Locke hasn’t played at Blasphemy since a caving accident left her with a paralyzing fear of the dark. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

Book 2
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

Cassia has suffered a great trauma and she's trying to get her life back on track. When she heads back to Blasphemy, she is doing so with the hope that someone will be able to help her conquer her fears. What she finds is so much more than therapy – she finds her true center again.

Quinton is a good dom who loves what he does. However, he also yearns to find someone who will be able to be his partner in and out of the bedroom. When he sees Cassia again and hears why she is back, he wants nothing more than to help her.

This is a short story, but is full of hot scenes and a friendship that develops into a relationship very quickly. You do get to see other characters from the other books, so I would suggest that you read the other ones too.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Cassia Locke hasn't been to Blasphemy since the accident, but she thought that she might be able to work through her fear by going in the dark room at the club. But when a panic attack hits her, she can't help but feel that her world is falling down around her. While the masters come running, they automatically think the man in the room with her is at fault. But when Cassia realizes whose lap she is sitting on and who is holding her, she can't believe the feelings he is stirring up and it has nothing to do with her fear. Quinton Ross is the master she was supposed to play with but the accident happened. And he likes to play with your senses and being left in the dark is something she can't handle.

Master Quinton Ross loves being part of Blasphemy and part of the BDSM world. Sensory deprivation is what he enjoys most because when you take away one sense, it will heighten the others. So when he realizes who the sub is sitting on his lap having a panic attack, he wants to help her get over her fear and he knows he is the one to help her. But he has to make sure she understands that there will be no relationship after he helps her or outside of the club and she agrees.

Once they get started, it is hard for them both to not feel things for each other that are real. Can they accept the relationship as is or will they give in to real feelings?

I love this series and loved Master Q and Cassia's story and can't wait for more. I love that each story is about a different master, good thing there are 12 of them. If you like a good story with a little BDSM thrown in, then this series is for you.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆☆
Really liking the Masters of Blasphemy! This is Quinton and Cassia's story. Cassia was trapped in a collapsed cave for several days and has severe PTSD because of her harrowing experience. Wanting her will and freedom back, she decides to head back to Blasphemy and try the sensory deprivation room, hoping to overcome her newfound fear of the dark. The first time went horribly wrong and Quinton had to rescue Cassia from the scene. Having played with Cassia before, Quinton remembers the spitfire that Cassia used to be and wants to help her recover that part of herself. Doesn't hurt that Quinton loves a good mindf*ck and enjoys sensory deprivation play with his subs. The two spark some heavy chemistry in this installment!! I found the scenes between the two to melt the pages with seat squirming hotness! *fans self* Thoroughly enjoyed this and the pages flew by with ease.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Cassia Locke hasn't been to Blasphemy for a few years. She was in an accident that left her with severe PTSD. She's so tired of living her life in fear and figures if she is at Blasphemy, somewhere she trusts the masters and can be cared for, she can overcome her fear of the dark. Her first attempt going into the dark room, she goes with a someone she hasn't played with before. Her fears become too much and she panics.

Quinton Ross never thought he'd see Cassia again. She was supposed to play with him over two years ago but never showed up. He was sad their time ended but he knew he wasn't at fault. When he rushes to one of the sensory rooms when a sub gets in trouble, he never expected to find Cassia needing his help.

Mastering Her Senses is a quick sexy read. I loved Quinton and Cassia. They complement each other so well and I always love diving back into Blasphemy. Such a great BDSM series!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and is another solid addition to the Blasphemy family of stories. Fans of book one will be glad that we get a few glimpses of Griffin and Kenna too.

I really liked that Cassia came by her phobia due to a pretty scary work incident, as it made it much more real and played with the reader's mind too. Quinton is so careful and caring in trying to help her, and to being what she needs rather than taking what he wants. I enjoy BDSM stories, but love those which mix some fun with the D/s elements. There needs to be scope for people to be real for a romance to ring true, for me. And Cassia certainly has a sharp and witty mind, which helps the relationship develop and grow very quickly.

This is a hot, fun, sexy, and romantic story from the Blasphemy stable – and I am looking forward to reading the next one very soon. 

Also Available in the Blasphemy Series

Book 1
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For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Bound to Submit Blog Tour.

Book 2.5
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For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Eyes on You Blog Tour.

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Laura Kaye is the author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Laura grew up amid family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Laura is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Maryland Romance Writers, and she is past president of the RWA-Contemporary Romance Writers.

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Brought to you by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Mastering Her Senses (Blasphemy #2) by Laura Kaye to read and review. Review copy purchased by the blog.

King of Code by CD Reiss Blog Tour

From New York Times Bestselling author, CD Reiss, comes a sexy tale of secrets, intrigue, betrayal, and a love worth crossing a continent for.

Taylor Harden is a man on the edge.
The edge of fame. The edge of untold wealth.
The edge of utter humiliation.

He built an unhackable system, and in front of everyone, it’s hacked.
His reputation goes from king to goat in a split second. Boom. Like that.

Some dude in Barrington, USA (AKA Nowhere) has locked down Taylor’s code, and if he doesn’t get it back, he’s going to be wearing a monkey suit for the rest of his life.

Except, this guy? This hacker from Nowhere? He’s not a guy.

Harper Watson’s all woman. And she has a plan for Taylor, his code, and his body.

King of Code is the first book in a new series of standalones.

Book 1
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“About time!” the older lady shouted.

“Is Harper back?” I asked, handing the bags to the blushing redhead.

As if summoned, Harper came through the swinging door, keeping it open so everyone could get past. She looked at me through the screen.

“You coming in?” she asked.

“We need to talk.”

“Did the decryption key work?”

The door slapped closed behind her as she came out, and we were alone. The way the setting sun hit her cheeks made her glow, and the strands of gold hair at the edges looked translucent. She belonged on a postcard.

I kept forgetting she was holding me hostage. I kept forgetting I needed to think strategically. I had more at stake with this girl than I’d ever had with another.

“Did you doubt it would work?”

“Not really. I’m just making conversation.”

“What are the thorns about?” I pointed at the thorn bed that had eaten my phone and went down the stairs to the yard.

She came after me. “Don’t you have these where you’re from?” She snapped a dry twig off the end.

“Roses? Yes. Impenetrable, groomed thorn bushes in our yards? No.”

“It’s not normal to give the gardeners in town something to do?” We walked around the perimeter.

“You are not normal.”

“It still blooms in spring. It’s really nice. You should see it.”

We were at the back end of the yard, where the very top of the factory’s roof cut the horizon.

I took her hand, pulling her to a stop. “Harper.”

“Taylor?” Her hair flew in her mouth when she turned, and she drew her finger across her cheek to get it out.

What was I supposed to tell her again? That I knew we’d interviewed her. That I didn’t give her the job despite her having a leg up on everyone else we saw.

But was I contrite? Accusatory? Was I just going to relay information? What did I want out of her after I told her I knew?

“Thank you for helping today,” she said. “If you’d asked me when we met, ‘Would Taylor Harden help clean the factory?’ I would have said, ‘No, not for any reason.’ But there you were. Pushing a broom. Scooping up shit. Not being an asshole.”

“My watch was at stake.”

“Yeah. Whatever. You can say what you want to keep your reputation as a shithead intact.”

“I have a reputation as a shithead?”

“You know you do.”

I did know it, and I reveled in it.

She faced me and put her other hand out. I took it, holding both hands between us. I couldn’t help it.

“Well, you guys are such a bunch of sad sacks I had to help. And let me tell you, every guy in Barrington has a little asshole in him. Trust me. I’ve played pool with them.”

“I want to say…” She stopped herself as if she really didn’t want to say. “Let’s get together tonight and get you another decryption code. But… saying this is stupid.” She bit her lip.

“Say it anyway.”

“The sooner you get four codes, the sooner you leave.”

I looked at our hands so I wouldn’t have to look at her.

“I’m not sure if I want that,” she said.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Kris – ☆☆☆☆☆
I received a signed paperback ARC with an insert of an alternative ending of this book! I adore CD Reiss and devour her books with gusto. King of Code was another awesome story! I wasn't sure how I would take to it, a book about a computer hacker because I don't know much about coding or programming, but it was written really well and flowed perfectly. The coding and the dark web aspect that worried me turned out to be very interesting subject matter! I was pleasantly surprised.

Taylor is creating a hacker proof code that is a game changer in the industry in which he's made himself a king. Taylor was a black hat hacker but turned white hat computer program designer. He's a game changer in the industry and he's certain he's created a hackproof program! Well, until the Watsonette comes along and does the impossible! The Watsonette is another hacker who leads Taylor to BFE nowhere to get his "unhackable" program un-ransomed. He finds himself in a strange, small, and defunct town. Barrington is a ghost town, with genuinely hurting people who are just trying to get by after the main bottling plant closed. Following the clues to get his program back, he realizes the hacker isn't who or what he assumed. Meet Harper Watson, she's an enigma, young and gorgeous and SMART. How can a WOMAN be responsible for his program's demise? This woman!

The strained relationship Harper and Taylor embark upon is pure reading gold and I was sucked into their budding relationship strife and their conquests. Harper is naive and innocent but she's not dumb or flighty. She's trying to seduce Taylor to get what she wants but not with maliciousness. Taylor is trying not to fall for this woman who hacked his program or this town and its poor people. The rest is a great story!

I actually liked the ending that was the "alternative" more than the ending in the paperback, but both set up a second book well! Thoroughly entertained by the story and the characters. Plenty of sparks and chemistry between our leading couple. That, along with a very interesting and eclectic cast of side characters, made this an awesome read!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This was not the story I was expecting at all... it threw me completely and I was incredibly curious to see how it would be resolved. I was not disappointed – Ms. Reiss tells a great tale. I found it to be far more a commentary on today's society than a romance, but be reassured that the outcome is as one would desire it to be... it is the journey which is so unusual.

I almost can't think of what to tell you – as really you need to read and make your own decisions – but I can say that it is very well written, so the pages turn easily. There is a lot of tech info, but never in a way which would be too much for anyone who uses a smartphone (although you may wonder whether you better stop – the password scene is hilarious).

We meet a fascinating group of characters, both in Taylor's tech world, and Barrington, Harper's home town. You will recognise some of them from your own home town, college, or workplace, and others you will be glad you missed, or wish you had met. I am really looking forward to future installments in this series – there are so many people's stories which are begging to be told.

Thank you, Ms. Reiss, for something so different and so good.

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of King of Code by CD Reiss to read and review for this tour.