Better than Sexy by Carly Phillips Blog Tour

Insta-love only happens in the movies.
Insta-lust? That she’d buy into.
Until she meets take-charge club owner Landon Bennett and falls head over heels at a glance.

When hot as sin Landon Bennet offers sexy songstress Vivienne Clark a summer residency at his popular Manhattan nightclub, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she can’t resist. Add in the man’s obvious interest and seductive attention and life is perfect. Until she puts together the pieces of his past. Fate might have brought them together, but is the intimate relationship they’ve been building strong enough to overcome one painful fact. She’s the sister of the man who killed his twin.

A complete stand-alone.

Book 3
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

“So this is the bedroom,” she said, looking around the immaculate space.

“Yes, it is. Feel free to put your own touches on it for as long as you’re here.” The decorator had pulled together an apartment for three single men.

She treated him to a generous smile. “Thank you.”

Knowing he’d be tempting himself and not caring, he stepped closer until her feminine fragrance filled his nostrils. They stared at each other for a long, charged moment, desire he couldn’t escape building inside him.

She met his gaze and her lips parted. It wasn’t an invitation, but her eyes still held his, and she wasn’t backing away either.

He slid his hand behind her neck, cupping her soft skin. “I know I’m your boss, so no pressure,” he said as he applied a bit to her skin. “But I want to kiss you.”

She paused. Looked up at him. Then rose onto her toes. His mouth met hers. Warm and willing, her soft lips glided against his and his entire body came alive. He tightened his grip on her neck as he slid his tongue into her waiting mouth. She tasted sweet and he deepened the kiss, wanting more of her. With a moan, her body leaned against his, her breasts pressing against his chest.

Their tongues meshed and mingled. Their harsh breathing filled the room. The kiss went on and he was in no rush to end the moment. But suddenly she gasped and pulled away.

“We shouldn’t,” she said, brushing her damp lips with her hand.

“Because…?”

She swallowed hard. “I just… I need to focus on my work,” she said, turning away so he couldn’t see her face.

He narrowed his gaze, wondering if something more was at play. A woman didn’t kiss him like she did, then back off that easily. But he also wasn’t going to push her. He’d see how things between them played out during her time here and take his cues from her. Which didn’t mean he wouldn’t play up the charm and test her resolve.

“I think the apartment will work out well.” She headed for the door.

“Do you need help moving in?”

“I’ve got it but thank you,” she said in a strained voice.

“Who’s helping?” he persisted.

“Well, Ellie. Owen wouldn’t get his hands dirty moving my clothing over. It’s fine. We’ve got it. She’s borrowing her parents’ car.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be over at eight a.m. tomorrow and we’ll get you moved in.

”He wasn’t going to leave the two women to drag all her things alone back and forth up to the apartment.

“We’ll get me moved in?”

He grinned. “I’ve got partners, don’t I? All you need to worry about is packing your things up. We’ll handle the rest.”

“But–”

He placed a finger to her lips, and damned if her eyes didn’t darken with desire. She might be focused on her career, but she was interested in him as well.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

This is the third book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, you'll understand the men's relationships better if you've read the previous books.

Landon and his buddies are wanting to revamp their club a little. With the previous season behind them, now they need a wow factor to get people back into their place. Landon is instantly drawn to the new act that they want to land. But he also has to contend with his dead brothers' memory, his parents, his friends, and the killer themselves. Landon has a lot going on in this book.

Vivienne and her mom are very close. Vivienne's dream is to make it big, tour the world, and write music. She is thrilled when her agent calls her with a job opportunity. Riding on cloud nine, she goes to hear about the potential position. But when her past comes calling too, she has to turn the offer down. And while it breaks her heart to do that, she can't see past the issue.

Landon isn't one to be deterred, but Vivienne knows that she should stay away. These two have to figure out whether or not their attraction is worth the risk. Nobody else has to understand their relationship, but they do need to figure it out.

This story will make you laugh, cry, want to yell and scream. It reminds you what love is truly about and how sometimes, you get to choose your family.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series. It gives Landon his chance at happiness, although it is not a smooth journey for him, and more than it was for Tanner or Jason who feature in the earlier books. The three of them run a bar named in honour of Landon's twin brother Levi, who died in a hazing event at college. They have never forgotten him, and recently the perpetrator caused them even more trouble at their bar.

In order to get the bar back on the right track, Landon proposes a singer in residence for the summer. They have an apartment which they can offer above the bar, now they just need to find the right person. Jason shows the others a video of a singer called Vivi Z and Landon is hooked!

There is however, the complication which causes all three men, Vivi herself, and Landon's family some deep soul searching and makes us all consider what we would do in that situation. I felt that Carly Phillips dealt with the issues in a careful and thoughtful way, which gave each person a chance to deal with their unexpected connection.

Vivi and Landon were such a good match and clearly meant to be together, that there could only be one outcome, but the journey was not smooth. Thankfully we are left with the future looking bright. It was fun to catch up with the previous couples too and see what a close-knit family they had built for themselves, and yet welcomed Vivi to join them too.

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her NEWSLETTER and receive TWO FREE books.

Connect with Carly

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Carly’s Addicts Facebook Group


Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Better than Sexy (Sexy #3) by Carly Phillips to read and review for this tour.

A SEAL Always Wins by Holly Castillo

She manages to surprise him in every way that matters...

Elite Navy SEAL Enrique "Phantom" Ramirez is trained to expect the unexpected, but his growing feelings for brilliant horse trainer Elena Garcia catch him completely off guard. Phantom needs Elena's help to maintain his SEAL team's cover—more critical than ever now that they've identified a conspiracy of mysterious power brokers in both Mexico and the U.S. But how can he get her to train the ranch's quarter horses without revealing who he really is? And without revealing his need for this woman whose indomitable spirit has captured his heart...

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

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

This is the second book in the series and I would recommend that you read them in order. Book two picks up with the same characters and issues that book one had.

Enrique "Phantom" Ramirez knows his mission. To figure out what is going on in the sleepy town where he and his SEAL buddies have been stationed for the time being. There is some shady business happening and they are the only people who can stop it.

Elena is amazing with horses. She trains them for show. When she is fired from her most lucrative position after new owners come in, she’s a little put out. Now she’s having to drive much further for her job and she’s still having to deal with a very pushy owner. Elena is kind and a great character. She is feisty when she needs to be, but she is also calm and patient.

Phantom knows that he’s there for a job, but he can’t help his attraction to Elena. When he requests that she help him learn the show business, it’s with some reluctance that she agrees. But as they train and travel together, neither can deny that they have a strong attraction.

As the mystery in their sleepy town increases, Elena will unwittingly be a major part of helping to uncover what truly is happening in their town. With danger coming from unknown directions, Phantom vows to keep Elena safe.

I found that their relationship was very realistic. Despite Phantom’s cover, he was able to show Elena very real parts of himself. I also really liked Elena for Phantom. They complemented each other well. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the Texas Navy SEALS series and it picks up where book one left off. In this book, we get a closer look at Phantom and Elena. In the first book, Phantom ran Elena off the ranch because he said they didn't need a horse trainer because he could do it. But now they see that they do need her. The real reason he didn't want her around was that he was attracted to her and she might distract him from his real job, which was finding out who was behind the human trafficking in the town.

Elena is the town's horse trainer and she has been doing it since she came to town right after graduating college. She is best friends with Anya. She couldn't believe that Phantom fired her and now he wants her back. But the feelings he evokes inside her scares her a little. When Phantom touches her though, she is affected in a good way.

When Elena is at one of the farms working with a few horses, she has to check on an invoice. She goes into the office and opens the computer and finds some horrifying information. When she leaves and goes home to run, someone follows her and tries to attack her. She has nowhere to run. When Phantom calls her and she tells him what happened, he tells her to come to his ranch.

Can the SEAL team get the bad guys before it is too late? Will Elena forgive Phantom for not telling her who he really is?

I really like this series, it is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a storyline to keep you interested. If you like romantic suspense, then this series is for you. I can't wait to see which SEAL book three will be about.

Also Available in the Texas Navy SEALs Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our A SEAL Never Quits post.

Holly Castillo lives on an 80 acre ranch, surrounded by cattle during the day and hearing the howl of coyotes by night. She has endless inspiration for her writing. Holly’s romantic suspense series about heroic Navy SEALs is set in her own backyard of south Texas. She lives with her husband and two children just south of San Antonio.

Connect with Holly

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A SEAL Always Wins (Texas Navy SEALs #2) by Holly Castillo to read and review.

The Students of Barrenmoor Ridge by Jackson Marsh Blog Tour

Liam has set himself a goal. To come out to his best friend, Casper, before his 18th birthday while hiking at Fellborough in the Yorkshire Dales.

Things don't go according to plan, and when a violent storm hits, the camping trip takes a potentially fatal turn. Local mountaineers, John Hamilton and his husband Gary are called to help, but it soon becomes apparent that the rescue is more than physical. Liam and Casper both have secrets that when known, have the potential break or mend their hearts.

Book two in the Barrenmoor series of MM romance stories with a mountain rescue theme. A mix of YA, romance and adventure, The Students of Barrenmoor Ridge brings back popular characters from the first Barrenmoor book in a familiar setting with love, mountaineering and the dangers of both.

The Mentor of Barrenmoor Ridge is the first book in the Barrenmoor series of MM romances with a mountain rescue theme. The Students of Barrenmoor Ridge takes place two years later, and it is better, but not vital, to read the stories in order.

Book 2
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

John was unable to sleep that night. The raging wind didn't bother him even though the roof tiles rattled, and he knew the old yew tree would be creaking as it bent towards the lean-to. He was used to it and so was the cottage. It was well built.

Gary was curled up behind him, spooned in with one arm across John's chest. The bedroom was warm, Gary's presence warmer, and the pillows were soft. There was no reason sleep shouldn't come, they were safe from the battering, cocooned in the perfect shelter of each other's arms, and yet…

The scream of the wind as it charged them from the summit of Lhotse, the vibrations of the ground when an avalanche fell, the hiss of snow stinging the tent, and the mountain's roar, all sounds he heard through the inconsequential force six doing its best to rattle the house. The bitter bite of memory gnawed at his mind for sure, but the main reason his thoughts leapt from the anesthetising approach of sleep to the worst conditions in the world had nothing to do with the past.

There were people out there now, at Everest, yes, but also on the fells. The team were over at Northpeak and they'd picked a fine night for training, but closer to home, there were hikers and climbers huddled beneath inadequate canvas hoping their pegging was sound and wishing the night would end. Daylight might bring security, but it didn’t guarantee good weather, and it was still hours away. A lot could happen. The storm had worsened to a frightening zenith before the thunder abated slightly, but still he couldn't sleep. The lessening conditions meant the eye of the storm was overhead, and there would be more, possibly worse, to follow.

He pictured the fell from above, seeing through the agitated clouds to the swamped ground a mile below. Lit by lightning bursts, he imagined it as waves frozen in mid-roll with Fellborough peak a crest and the lower terrain its ripples. Peppered around it were insignificant dots of inappropriate colour, the shop-bought, budget tents of the unwary trembling against the elements.

He had pictured the scene on many nights as he lay listening to the conditions and waiting for the MRT radio to spark into life, or for his pager to double-beep the call sign, but tonight he was seeing it more clearly, as if it was unfolding on a widescreen television in high definition. Unaffected by the storm, he floated above it, watching over its potential victims, safe at his altitude and apart. The unhinged tempest beneath blasted from one insane thought to another, swiping at anything in its path, but John was safe, hovering on a warm updraft that dulled him towards the soft paws of sleep.

Until he fell.

Security gone. No handholds, no rope, only the empty space between him and the life-taking certainty of rock.

Gasping, he opened his eyes as his body jerked. The clock glowed one-forty-seven, and Gary had rolled away leaving him exposed and vulnerable. The pager was silent, and John was safe in his bed, but a few miles away, people might be battling for their lives, and all he could do was wait.


The rain no longer stung when it swiped Liam's face, his flesh was too numb to register the pain. The torch beam was nothing more than a thread through barely penetrable blackness, but it showed him the ground a few steps at a time.

That was all he needed to do, take it slowly using common sense and exercising caution. The tent had been facing west, and he found the way down from the ledge between two large boulders with no trouble. Straight on to the south, he met the path. Over to his left, the lightning was now on the horizon, and the wind was swooping down from the fell on his right. If the storm didn’t change direction, it would keep him on course, and the path, now more like a stream, was marked here and there by cairns. With the wind to one side and the dying lightning to the other, he only needed to keep going downhill until he met the riverbed. If it was flooded, he'd wade straight through to if he had to.

It was his fault that Casper was in trouble. Whatever had made him go out unprotected in the storm, and whatever had happened next didn’t matter. There was nothing that could be done to change that, all that mattered now was finding someone who could save him. Repercussions of a bad decision would come, and Liam would deserve them – unprepared, inexperienced, thinking he knew what he was doing… Why hadn’t he just taken Casper down to the beach at home to tell him? Why drag him halfway up the country and make him climb a hill to ruin their friendship? He could have done that weeks ago had he not been such a ridiculous romantic. There was nothing romantic about destroying their friendship and leaving his best friend shivering to death on…

He yelled at himself to stop. Beating himself up wouldn't do any good. He had to concentrate on his footing, and pretend he knew what he was doing. Casper needed him to be strong, to be wise, to take only a course of action that would lead to rescue, everything else had to wait.

Not knowing how far he had descended, he stopped and took out his phone. Sheltering it as best he could against his chest, he switched it on only to find no signal and the battery bar now glowing red. The phone back in his pocket, the torch aimed at the path, his head down, he continued.

The rain was easing off, that was a blessing, but the gale roared in his ears, low and booming one moment, high-pitched the next. As uncoordinated as his frozen feet, as wild as the anger he turned in on himself, it would not leave him alone. It taunted and jabbed as it bullied, and in the cacophony, he imagined laughter, spiteful and insulting, but deserved.

Another sound grew closer on a rumbling vibration beneath his feet, and a few paces further, he came to the edge of the riverbed.

Except now there was no bed, only river as thousands of gallons of water teamed from the blackness on his right to vanish back into the night on his left. The torch lit foam spewing around rocks in untamed channels that bubbled wildly and fast across his path. There was no way to judge the depth, and no way of knowing if the rocks that stood above the surface were stable, but equally, there was no time to think about it. Squinting through dripping eyelashes and aiming his light, it was impossible to see how wide it was either, but he knew for certain that there was no way to go up and around. Downhill, it could flow east for miles and take him off his path. The only way was through, and he knew he might not survive.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
The second book in this series brings readers back to the mountain home John now shares with his husband, Gary. This time, the focus of the story is on Liam and Casper, two young sixth formers who get into trouble while hiking.

Liam and Casper are beautiful, anxious, and completely adorable together. Full of teenage angst, theirs is a story about friendship, coming out, and growing up. There are some wonderfully tender moments between these two and theirs is a sweet and gentle romance. Frustratingly, though, there is something slightly dated and formal about both boys and they don’t quite feel like contemporary teenagers.

I enjoyed catching up with John and Gary, but I found it a little odd that Gary had grown into a mini John in the elapsed years. Gary’s age was a bit blurry in this book – it’s mentioned a few times and the dates don’t quite add up. I enjoyed both of the romantic relationships more than the criminal drama in the story. With all the mountain climbing action, I’m not sure the slightly slapstick villains are actually necessary. This is a gentle, low heat read. The first book wasn’t exactly steamy but this one with teen characters is properly chaste.

Also Available in the Barrenmoor Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our The Mentor of Barrenmoor Ridge post.

Jackson Marsh is a British born author of novels and screenplays.

Jackson has a background of theatre, cabaret and music and yet holds a social policy degree. He was born on the Romney Marshes in Kent, UK, but now lives on a mountainous Greek island. During the 1980s in London he campaigned for gay rights and performed political satire cabaret, writing song and reviews, appearing at Pride events, national venues and on television.

He moved to Greece in 2002 and married his partner there in 2017. He has won awards for his gay erotic writing, and in 2007, won a European-wide award for short stories. In 2017, he won awards for his screenplay writing.

Jackson is the author of The Clearwater Mysteries, and also writes fiction under the name James Collins.

Connect with Jackson

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Students of Barrenmoor Ridge (Barrenmoor #2) by Jackson Marsh to read and review for this tour.

Flame by Aleatha Romig Release Blitz

“What matters most is how you walk through the fire.” ~ Charles Bukowski

No longer simmering and crackling beyond our realm, the fire smoldering in the distance roars to life. The blaze has the capacity to scorch and destroy everything and everyone in its path.

All that I’ve known and believed was obliterated the moment Madeline spoke a truth I’d never suspected. With one sentence, one plea, my life has taken an uncharted turn. Through the smoke and soot, I search for answers.

A man, an outfit, and my brothers-in-arms have been my solace, my calling, and my reason to live. Now that I know there’s more, what will the future hold?

The Ivanov bratva wants Chicago. I want what they possess. With the Sparrow world at war, and Madeline’s declaration, she and I are surrounded, trapped by the inferno.

What will remain when the flames cease and we are left surveying the ashes?

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new dark romance, Flame, set in the same dangerous world as Sparrow Webs. You do not need to read the Web of Sin or Tangled Web trilogy to get caught up in this new and intriguing saga, Web of Desire.

Flame is book two of the Web of Desire trilogy that began in Spark and concludes in Ashes.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

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

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

This is the second installment in this series and it doesn't disappoint. You'll be on edge the whole time.

Patrick isn't quite sure who to believe. He hates her and yet, he still loves her too. He wants to believe her, but he also has to be loyal to his family.

Madeline wants to trust Patrick and his men, but with things so up in the air, she just kind of has to go with the flow at the moment. With danger lurking around every corner, she will have to use her brains and beauty to try and survive what's going on around her.

I don't want to say too much. Just know that you have to read this and you won't be disappointed.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is book two in the Web of Desire series and it picks up where book one ended. So please read the first one because you do not want to miss a thing in this series.

This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Patrick tries to figure out the truth behind what Madeline is telling him. As a reader, you will be right there in the emotions department. Because this story is filled with intrigue, angst, heartbreak, fear, lust, and even love.

I love that as the story goes along, it also gives the backstory for where Maddie has been for 17 years. And she has been through the flames of Hell. But she is a survivor and with Patrick by her side, they can get through anything. I hope so anyway.

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page and leave you breathless on the very last page. I NEED book three now, please.


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆☆
Book two in the Web of Desire Trilogy (please read in order) was absolutely ON FIRE from start to finish (please excuse the pun)! Book one ended so abruptly that this book was needed as soon as possible.

I promise not to spoil this story, but I will say, I feel Maddie. Her life and circumstances have been alluded to, but the truth is just unbelievable. The truth is unraveling and each little bit that's told just kills me a little more. Some people do what they NEED to do to survive.

I will say that the connections made in this book blew my mind. I didn't foresee this story going in the direction that it has, but I LOVE that it has. Please, please publish book three tomorrow!!

Also Available in the Web of Desire Trilogy

Book 1
Buy Links

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

For reviews & more info, check out our stop on the Spark Release Blitz.

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, Consequences, in August of 2011. Consequences became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series Tales from the Dark Side, Insidious, in the fall of 2014. These standalone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romance with the release of Betrayal, the first of her five novel Infidelity series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books Into the Light and Away from the Dark were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with Plus One, followed by the sweet stand-alone, One Night.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Connect with Aleatha

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Flame (Web of Desire #2) by Aleatha Romig to read and review for this tour. Mary received her review copy via the author’s ARC group.

Angry God by L.J. Shen Blog Tour

From #1 Amazon Bestseller L.J. Shen comes a new, emotional standalone about first love, second chances, and overcoming breathtaking losses at a young age.

Vaughn Spencer.
They call him an angry god.
To me, he is nothing but a heartless prince.
His parents rule this town, its police, every citizen and boutique on Main Street.
All I own is a nice, juicy grudge against him for that time he almost killed me.
Between hooking up with a different girl every weekend, breaking hearts, noses and rules, Vaughn also finds the time to bully little ole’ me.
I fight back, tooth and nail, never expecting him to chase me across the ocean after we graduate high school.
But here he is, living with me in a dark, looming castle on the outskirts of London.
A fellow intern. A prodigal sculptor. A bloody genius.
They say this place is haunted, and it is.
Carlisle Castle hides two of our most awful secrets.
Vaughn thinks he can kill the ghosts of his past, but what he doesn’t know? It’s my heart he’s slaying.

Angry God is a stand-alone, DARK High School Romance. It deals with sensitive subjects some may find triggering.

Book 3
Buy Links

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

“How good are you at keeping secrets, Lenora Astalis?” His voice wrapped around my neck like a noose.

I wanted to cough. I needed to cough. He terrified me. I hated him with the heat and passion of a thousand blazing suns. He made me feel like a scaredy cat and a snitch.

“Oh, yes. If you’re coward enough to pretend you’re asleep, you’re good enough to keep a secret. That’s the thing about you, Astalis. I can smash you into dust and watch your grains dance at my feet. My little circus monkey.”

I might’ve hated Vaughn, but I hated myself more for not standing up to him. For not opening my eyes and spitting in his face. Clawing his unnaturally blue eyes out. Taunting him back for all the times he’d taunted all of us at Carlisle Prep.

“By the way, your eyelids are moving,” he said drily, chuckling.

He straightened up, his finger making a brief stop at the base of my spine. He snapped his fingers, making a breaking sound, and I nearly jumped out of my skin, letting out a gasp. I squeezed my eyes tighter, still pretending to sleep.

He laughed.

The bastard laughed.

Was he sparing me for the time being? Was he going to check in on me from now on? Retaliate if I opened my mouth? He was so unpredictable. I wasn’t sure what my life would look like in the morning.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆
3 Frustrating Stars

Kinda Spoiler-Free Review (I'll try anyway, because I am frustrated)

Angry God is the third installment of the All Saints High series, which is the spin-off of Sinners of Saint series. Can it be read as a standalone with little to no confusion? Sure. Should you read it as a standalone? No. Should you read the Sinners of Saint series first? Yes.

Now, since those who haven't read the series first have now departed to go read it, that leaves everyone else who is up-to-date. So that helps eliminate spoilers, for the most part.

I was frustrated in a way that differed from the frustration I felt during Broken Knight. I five-starred every book in the Sinners of Saint series. I absolutely went crazy for Daria in Pretty Reckless (that was actually the first book I read by Shen, then read Sinners of Saint) but between Broken Knight and Angry God, I'm frustrated.

I can just excuse the irrational behaviors of the characters when they're 5, 12, 17, and 19. I can excuse how they don't make rational decisions, where it's all based on emotions, yet the author over and over tells me they are unemotional. Tells, but shows the opposite. I can excuse their criminal/abusive behavior when they're wrecked, so to speak. I can ignore the fact that there's always girls (all but the current and past narrator females) who are all mean girls, psychotic, yet no one ever stops them. They just run herd on everyone to a criminal degree, and not a single person stops them, not even the adults. What I could not accept is a 60 year-old father being used as the ultimate plot hole filler.

I was reading along, finding most of the novel completely irrational, without any true emotions dictated by the human condition, where if a person did X, usually Y is the reaction, sometimes Z, but these characters managed to do LMNOP. I accepted this because it's the genre, Shen's writing style, and I was addicted to the story spun. It frustrated me to no end, but it's the nature of the bully genre, so I rolled with it. Shock-value at its best, until it felt like it was at its worst.

Angry God begins with a 12 and 13 year-old Lenny and Vaughn, where I struggled to read but tossed it off to the fact that the narrator was 12. Then we're thrust into high school, where I didn't struggle to read. But it felt forced, rushed, where the characters weren't propelled by their traits but by the need to move the plot somewhere. Then it shifts again, to a college setting.

As I said above, I find Shen's novels addictive, but I won't just hand out a favorable review because of it. When I hit the 70% mark, where Lenny's dad was used as the ultimate plot hole filler again and again, a character just added to literally fill holes, because he was nowhere in the novel until he was needed, I actually shut my tablet down and just shook my head for a good few minutes out of pure frustration. The excuses made ZERO sense. What. So. Ever.

(Click here to view potential spoiler on Goodreads – it’s hidden behind a Goodreads Spoiler link)

The only parts I enjoyed yet found sickeningly fascinating were some of the darker times shared between Lenny and Vaughn, and that's because I could rationalize them being young and stupid and bent, yet found it interesting how virgins were so sexually evolved in the darker kinks. I was titillated. I was entertained. I read with fiendish delight.

Vaughn's past torment that shaped him into who he became was flawlessly executed, realistic, as was the predator's characterization. The rest was just all over the place. I will say, what happened to Vaughn was yet another instance of characters acting out of character. Baron and Em not noticing for a decade? Baron and Em, the ones who are fiercely intelligent and protective, completely ignorant and blind to their small child changing overnight? Baron and Em, not once thinking it bizarre that their son was so miserable, and didn't think they should I don't know... help him? Yes, Baron was a miserable SOB too, but yet again, that was situational, where something happened to him. So I find it out of the realm of possibility that neither of his parents figured out something happened to Vaughn. Yet they became super sleuths after seeing one article, where it all falls into place. That was also incredibly hard to swallow.

I want more. I need more. Bully, love-hate, crazy unpredictable is my guilty pleasure. There's a fine line. But if this trend of characters getting lobotomies continues, where irrational things happen out of character, simply to push a plot forward, I'm going to have to take a break.

Also Available in the All Saints High Series

Book 1
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

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

Book 2
Buy Links

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

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

L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon #1 Best-selling author of contemporary, New Adult and YA romance. Her books have been sold in nineteen different countries.

She lives in California with her husband, son, cat and eccentric fashion choices, and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows and catching sun rays with her lazy cat.

Connect with L.J.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
LJ’s Sassy Sparrows Facebook Group

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Angry God (All Saints High #3) by L.J. Shen to read and review for this tour.

Tricks and Bids by Jacqueline Grey

When Michael Nole propositions Dillon Spade outside a BDSM club one evening, all he is looking for is a potential client and a little kink. He gets much more than he bargained for. As a prostitute, Michael enjoys sex but keeps an emotional distance between himself and the men he sleeps with. His priority is to keep himself safe, but after a night in Dillon’s bed, he finds the line between enjoyment and occupation blurring.

Dillon hasn’t taken another man home since his previous lover passed away six years ago, but there is something about Michael that calls to his inner Dominant in a way he cannot resist. His instincts want to claim the boy even as he reminds himself that he is only paying Michael for temporary company.

Their relationship may have started as a business transaction, but it’s difficult to remain professional when breaking all the rules.

Warning: scenes of D/s and wax play
2^nd edition.

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
NineStar Press

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M BDSM Romance

Michael is not too sure where he wants his life to go. While he is figuring it out, he kind of stumbles on his ability to make money as a prostitute. Now, he has no illusions as to what it truly means when he goes on these dates, but for right now, he's content.

Dillon is a dom who is feeling slightly lost. After a tragic accident, Dillon hasn't really been able to connect with anyone. But after one night with Michael, Dillon knows that he can't have just one night.

These two will go on a journey of self-discovery, trust, and mutual love. It's a quick read, with a lot of emotion and inner searching. I enjoyed their story and can't wait to see if they show up in more books.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This was a quick, easy read with lots of sex. I loved watching Michael and Dillon’s chemistry and how things progressed. For such a short book, I feel like a lot was given to us readers. I could have easily read a few hundred pages if they were there. It states it's book one in a series, so I hope the next book is just as good but maybe a tad bit longer.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This may be a short read, but it is a very full and well-formed story. I could have read lots more, as I loved both characters and seeing how their relationship developed.

Michael has gone slightly astray, having found he could earn college money from his body, but now it is all he does. So when he propositions a dominant outside a BDSM club, he is not expecting to find his future. Likewise, the man in question, Dillon, agrees to the suggestion much against his better judgement. There is clearly a link between the men, and as we watch them explore their kinks and grow closer, even the hardest heart would want them to become more than a business transaction.

A very good story with a lovely mix of very hot scenes and relationship growth.

Jacqueline Grey currently lives on an island on the east coast of the United States. She spends her time outside her day job juggling her many interests which include reading, writing and drinking tea. She loves M/M romance, usually focusing on stories that include BDSM themes to one degree or another.

Jacqueline has always been driven by characters. She loves a good plot, but it’s the characters that pull her into a story. She loves romance and believes everyone has a right to be happy. She enjoys seeing her characters find that happiness for themselves.

Connect with Jacqueline

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Tricks and Bids (Suit of Harte’s #1) by Jacqueline Grey to read and review.