The Prince’s Bride Part 1 by J.J. McAvoy Release Blitz

He is a spoiled playboy prince whose family is in desperate need of money.

She’s an American heiress who can only get her inheritance through marriage.

According to their families they are a perfect match.
According to each other, arranged marriages have no place in modern times and this could not possibly work.

But Prince Galahad “Gale” of Ersovia is bound by duty to obey the crown anyway.

Odette Wyntor doesn’t give a damn, she doesn’t want to get married.

Can he change her mind?
Can she even handle what it means to be royal, if he did?

The Prince’s Bride is Part 1 of a 2 part series.
Part 2 arrives a month later.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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B&N  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

 

 

“Of all the women in the world you could have—”

“You are extremely rich,” I replied, just as blunt.

“Money? That’s the reason.”

I nodded.

She had a right to the truth. Once the public found out, there was going to be no way to ignore it, anyway.

“This world is full of millionaires. But a monarchy prefers more security than that. What are the odds of finding a woman worth billions, who is currently unmarried and young enough to marry? So the truth is that I am here as a gold digger.”

“You wouldn’t be the first one,” she said, not in the least bit surprised or fazed.

“Is there a line of eligible suitors I skipped in front of?”

“Eligible suitors?” She laughed. “You speak as if you came out of a Jane Austen novel.”

“Is my English wrong?”

“No, it’s just very proper. But I guess that’s how they taught it to you so... anyway.” She shook her head, causing her curls to spin out around her. “You’re not the first of your kind, Your Royalness, though you are the first to admit it straight to my face like this, so good for you... I guess.”

“So, what does my honesty get me?” I asked, looking her over. I didn’t know why I was enjoying this, but I was.

“It definitely doesn’t get you marriage.”

“Of course not. But there was something else I wanted for it.”

“What?” she asked skeptically.

I stretched out. “An introduction.”

I watched her realize neither of us had actually been introduced to each other. However, for some reason, she grinned.

“Hello, I’m Cinderella.”

Cracking my jaw to the side, I nodded. She didn’t want to get that close yet. She wanted us to be strangers still. Fine, I would play along.

“Hello, Cinderella. I am your Prince Charming for the night.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 to 4 stars

This story started out a little slow and didn't pick up until well over halfway. It just seemed to drag on with what Odette and her stepsister were going through.

Odette and her mother are in need of money but she cannot get part of the money her father left her until she is married and the rest of it after she has a child. What a ridiculous thing to put in a will for your children. Anyway, Odette is in no hurry to get married but she has to think real hard about it because they really need the money.

Gale is Prince Galahad of Ersovia and his family is running out of money too. Seems his father has been spending more than they thought because he is losing his memories. Now it is his duty to find a rich bride so that he can provide the money to save the crown.

Odette and Gale try to come to terms and work together, but they seem to fight each other because what part of arranged marriages is real in this day and age. It seems as they spend more time together, they are growing closer and a small spark begins to grow. Maybe there will be a wildfire between them soon. I will read the next book just to see what happens between Odette and Gale, with the way this one ended it should be better the second time around.

This was a good story but is seemed to drag on a little longer than I would have liked. This is a first for me from this author and I will give book two a chance, I have to see how this story ends.


Shelby – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

The Prince's Bride Part 1 was a refreshing royal romance. Different from my usual type of read, but I enjoyed other books by the author J.J. McAvoy and was willing to give this a try.

Both characters are of influential background; I enjoyed that. It's not often that royal romances feature this, I've found that usually there is a prince/princess and a commoner.

Gale is the Prince of Ersovia, one of the last countries featuring a monarch; he is the second son and doesn't take his position seriously. When it's time for him to pay his dues, he is anything but eager to meet the woman his family has arranged for him settle down with. Unfortunately, his marriage is necessary to keep the family secure.

Odette's situation is a little different. She is an heiress who needs her inheritance to keep her and her mother financially stable. What she doesn't know is that her father's will dictates the only way to get that inheritance is to marry! Odette is anything but thrilled to learn of this. She's not one to jump into relationships or give her heart away.

I liked Gale and Odette – their slow build, them getting to know one another, and their interactions. I liked the multiple layers of story, mostly Odette's story. I loved the banter from all characters, especially Odette's mom.

I must mention that I felt like the story stalled out, while they were getting to know one another there was a lot of internal questioning (Do I like him? Is this what I want? etc.) that seemed to go on for ages. The story itself didn't really progress much and this bothered me as I really wanted more... much more. When I am about to get that "much more," the book ENDED! I don't mind cliffhangers, but man is this one a doozy.

I will say that the positives outweighed the negatives, and I did enjoy this overall. I am anxiously awaiting book #2 – I need resolution!

 

 

J.J. McAVOY was born in Montreal, Canada and graduated from Carleton University in 2016 with an honour's degree in Humanities. She is the oldest of three and has loved writing for years. She is inspired by everything from Shakespearean tragedies to current culture. Her novels hope to push boundaries and allow readers to look at the world from another perspective. Please feel free to stay in touch with her via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and YouTube, where she video blogs.

Connect with J.J.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Tumblr  ~  Goodreads
JJ's Ruthless Street Queens Facebook Group

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Prince’s Bride Part 1 (The Prince's Bride #1) by J.J. McAvoy to read and review for this tour.

Rescue You by Elysia Whisler

She needs a fresh start. He’s got scars that haven’t healed. With the help of some rescue dogs, they’ll discover that everyone deserves a chance at happiness.

After a year of heartbreak and loss, the only thing keeping Constance afloat is the dog rescue she works at with her sister, Sunny. Desperate for a change, Constance impulsively joins a new gym, even though it seems impossibly hard, and despite the gym’s prickly owner.

Rhett Santos keeps his gym as a refuge for his former-military brothers and to sweat out his own issues. He’s ready to let the funny redhead join, but unprepared for the way she wiggles past his hard-won defenses.

When their dog rescue is threatened, the sisters fight to protect it. And they need all the help they can get. As Rhett and Constance slowly open up to each other, they’ll find that no one is past rescuing; what they need is the right person—or dog—to save them.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
There are times in our lives that when the hurt on the inside, it is much worse than the scars people see on the outside. That's what it's like for both Rhett and Constance. Each have suffered in ways that others can't see. Their friends and family are supportive but some pain must be worked through on their own.

Constance's world came crashing down when her father was diagnosed with a debilitating illness and she and her fiancé moved in with him to take care of him. As Constance's world began to revolve around her father's health, her fiancé’s lack of compassion and understanding only drove them further apart.

Rhett's wounds are both physical and mental. The day the bombs exploded, and two members of his squad didn't make it home, was the day that Rhett's soul was scarred as well as his legs. The doctors try to treat the symptoms as best they can, but he's tired of the pills and the physical therapy that doesn't work.

Something changes for both Constance and Rhett on the day she stumbles into his gym and into a class. He sees something in his eyes that call to him, calls him to push her out of her comfort zone, to challenge her to be the person she is in his eyes. Constance sees Rhett in a way that no one else does either. He's more than a Marine, a veteran, or a gym rat. He's a man in pain.

This book follows the pair along their journey toward self-awareness and each other. It's a book that kept me up late until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

 

 

ELYSIA WHISLER was raised in Texas, Italy, Alaska, Mississippi, Nebraska, Hawai'i and Virginia, in true military fashion. Her nomadic life has made storytelling a compulsion from a young age.

She doubles as a mother, a massage therapist and a CrossFit trainer and is dedicated to portraying strong women, both in life and in her works. She lives in Virginia with her family, including her large brood of cat and dog rescues, who vastly outnumber the humans.

Connect with Elysia

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Rescue You (Dogwood County #1) by Elysia Whisler to read and review.

Feel the Fire by Annabeth Albert

The third installment of Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

When their career paths bring two high school sweethearts together again, the forest isn’t the only thing ablaze…

Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he’s assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon—the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago—he’s afraid of being burned all over again.

Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker’s thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever.

Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever.

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: High Heat, Burn Zone and Feel the Fire.

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

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Hotshots series!
For book one, Burn Zone, click HERE.
For book two, High Heat, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Feel the Fire is the third installment in the Hotshots series. While connected via the setting and the cast of characters, this novel can easily be read as a standalone or out of series order, with absolutely no confusion.

Tucker and Luis were best friends growing up, a deep connection that turned to a budding first love. When Luis' family relocates back to California during the last year of high school, the boys try very hard to keep in touch. Hurt feelings, resentment, distance, and miscommunication end their friendship...

Fast-forward nearly two decades later, Tucker and Luis are surprisingly in the same line of work. Luis is sent from California to help Tucker's crew solve a series of arsonist wild fires, putting them into each other's orbit for a few weeks.

In a beautiful mix of slow-burn, second chance romance, hurt-comfort, and intense connection, Tucker and Luis navigate a relationship they believe is destined to fail in the same epic fashion it did two decades ago, especially with a pair of teen twins, an ex and her family, and a regal cat.

A wholesome family-oriented romance, with realistic issues faced by long-distanced couples, faced both for grown adults and teens ready to embark on a new path.

To be honest, where I struggled is that I felt the book was longer than necessary, which had my interest waning. While I adore slow-burn and the angst of building tension, the pacing dragged at a few points.

Another issue I had was the fact that I did feel as if Luis was slightly stubborn and selfish when it came to Tucker's needs, from both the past and the present, where he learned nothing from the past, doing it yet again. There was no compromising, where both lose and gain. I didn't feel Tucker made the choice the character was written to make, but more like the author told the reader to just roll with it. It felt too much as if "If you love me, you'd choose me above everything you've ever built in your life, including your entire family, just as the ultimatum I issued years ago. But don't you dare have the audacity to ask the same of me." Tucker dreamed of a big yard, a garden to tend, yet ended up in a concrete jungle. As I said, that made it feel as if the author revealed an ending that didn't truly fit the character that was written. A few tweaks along the way would have made this more realistic and befitting of both their needs.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series – and although you would feel more grounded in the environment and aware of the openness within the community if you had read the previous books, you could read this as a standalone and go back and enjoy the earlier books later.

For me, this book was just a touch long winded. Having said that, it absolutely fitted the two men and their 20 years apart, revealing that they still had strong feelings for each other. Having been separated due to Luis moving away towards the end of high school due to his father's job, and in spite of them promising to stay together even if distant, it did not happen. I enjoyed them having to deal with the fact that they are really attracted to the man that the other had become, it was not just the chemistry of their childhood years. But really even this time, Tucker, the lifelong resident in the town has no intention of leaving, and assumes that Luis has to change without consideration of whether maybe it is time for him to make a move.

I liked that to make the story stand out from the others, there needed to be a new angle – and I thought the possibility of an arsonist and needing Luis's fire behaviour skills to catch the criminal was a good plot, but I did feel that it could have had a more dramatic reveal; more could have been made of the perpetrator.

I enjoyed getting to know Tucker's family, and enjoyed his twins' behaviour, as well as spending time with the men who have featured in earlier books.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/M Second-Chance Romance

Luis is a great fire behavioralist. He knows fires. When he's tasked to help out in Oregon, he's more than resistant. It's where he first fell in love, where he left his first love, and where he has some truly great memories and truly bad ones. But the job calls. Fires are dangerous and he wants to make sure that he can help find the arsonist.

Tucker thought he had it all when he was young. He had fallen in love, was planning on moving with his boyfriend, and then... life happened. Now a divorced father of twin boys, Tucker still loves his life. He has a great relationship with his ex and his boys, loves his co-workers, and knows that he made the right choice to be home with his boys. But when his first love arrives at work to help out, old feelings rush forward.

Both Luis and Tucker are great at their jobs. They try to keep things as professional as they can, but once they clear the air, there is nothing stopping them from wanting to try again. I think my biggest issue with this story is that there is an arsonist on the loose that Luis is trying to figure out, but it's so anticlimactic. I wanted much more suspense when it came to that aspect of the story. And while Tucker and Luis clearly have chemistry from their relationship before, they didn't burn up the romance aspect of the story the way I would have thought they would.

It's a longer story and I think, for me, it dragged at times. Overall, this was a sweet, second-chance romance, it just lacked heat and suspense.

 

 

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

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

Connect with Annabeth

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Annabeth's Angels Facebook Fan Group

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Feel the Fire (Hotshots #3) by Annabeth Albert to read and review.

Painted Lace by K.M. Neuhold Blog Tour

Austin never realized he was painting his life with shades of gray, until Keaton came along and injected a rainbow of color.

Keaton is a tornado of chaos and paint, which turns out to be more exciting than I ever would’ve imagined. I love my organized, predictable life...or at least I thought I did. But what started as a casual hookup is slowly becoming so much more, and I find myself loving the beautiful mess more than I expected.

Can two people so different really make it work once feelings get involved?

Author’s Note: This is a stand-alone story and was originally published as Kiss and Run in the Valentine’s Inc series. It has since undergone significant changes and doubled in length.

 

 

Buy Links

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

 

 

As I take the place in, my eyes land on the canvas in the center of the living room. It must be what he was working on before I showed up. I take a step closer, enthralled by the painting instantly.

“You’re an artist?” I ask stupidly.

“I am.” He follows me into the living room.

Taking a closer look at the painting, two bodies come into view, writhing together in a colorful blur.

“That’s not art, it’s sex,” I accuse with amusement.

“Art is sex and sex is art,” he corrects.

“Is it?” I tear my eyes from the canvas to look at Keaton. He nods, taking a step closer, pressing his small, slender body against me.

“The shapes our bodies make, all the lines and shadows, it’s beautiful. And that moment, that single moment when you’re at your most alive, when it’s instantly clear that this is the meaning of life. There’s nothing left but to feel.” He lets the sentence and the image hang in the air for a moment. “That moment is where art comes from.”

I swallow, suddenly aware that I may be in slightly over my head with Keaton and unwilling to do a damn thing to put the brakes on at this point.

“I’m not sure I understand; I may need you to show me,” I tease, my voice going deep and gravelly.

Keaton throws his head back and laughs, his body vibrating against me in an addicting way.

“Let’s go then.” He gestures to the hallway a few feet away, and I lead the way.

His bedroom is much like the rest of his apartment, in need of some work but with a personality of its own. His bed sits on the floor rather than up on a bed frame, but the sheets look clean enough. There’s a milk crate next to the bed with a lamp perched on it, along with a joint and a lighter.

“You want?” he asks, picking up the joint and placing it between his lips. The pucker of those bowed lips fills my mind with filthy thoughts.

I haven’t smoked weed since college. I only did it once back then because I didn’t want to be the square who turned it down. But I remember the pleasant, floaty feeling it gave me. After taking a long inhale, he holds it out to me, his eyebrows raised, and I gingerly take it from him. Feeling like a complete nerd, I place it between my lips and clumsily light it, coughing almost as soon as the smoke fills my lungs, my throat burning like hell.

Keaton laughs at me, a fond expression on his face, taking the joint back for another toke of his own. This time, instead of handing it back to me, he presses close again, tilting his head up like he’s asking permission for a kiss. I bend close, putting my hands on the small of his back to draw him near, our hard cocks pressing together and our noses bumping. I part my lips, and his brush mine, as he lets smoke billow into my mouth, sweet and a little musky. I’m not sure if it’s the pot or the man himself that has my head swimming.

When the smoke dissipates, he flicks his tongue out and grazes it along my bottom lip, his eyes shining playfully. Feeling bold and horny with his cute little body in my arms and the bed less than a foot away, I grab Keaton by the back of his neck and smash our lips together. I’m not sure who this man is, controlling my mouth and my body, but he’s certainly a vast improvement from the usually timid, anxious version.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Having read this talented author's Four Bears' Construction series, I was delighted to get this book to review – and I really enjoyed it too. It effectively takes a one-time hook-up and gives it the strength of feeling between the protagonists to want to repeat it, repeatedly... until we are utterly invested in wanting them to acknowledge the love between them.

Austin is faced with attending his ex-boyfriend's wedding, with the memory of being accused of being 'boring' by the man still ringing in his ears. Much as he is okay with his ordered, work- centred life, he knows he is missing out. So prompted by his best friend, he takes a chance on an app. Little could he have expected to meet Keaton, a man full of colour and vivaciousness. I loved the chaos that follows this encounter – and most especially that Austin embraces it wholly and with great aplomb.

This is a very sexy, thoughtful, passionate, and full of love story, which I enjoyed no end. Thank you, K.M. Neuhold, very much!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
K.M. Neuhold is a newer-to-me author. I was introduced to her in the Four Bears Construction series and fell in love with the writing style. I was sucked into those books and Painted Lace was no exception. I connected with the characters and was rooting for them from the beginning.

Austin lived a lonely existence. After he was dumped by Harry, who he thought was the love of his life, he just sort of exists. He goes to work, sometimes has drinks with his best friend, but that's it. His best friend tells him to sign up for a dating app, M4M. Austin isn't sure it's for him but he's tired of just existing.

Keaton is an artist. That's his passion but he takes odd jobs here and there to make ends meet but art is where is heart is. When he gets a message on M4M, he answers but never expects to want anything more than a casual hook-up.

Can Austin find the excitement he's craving in his life? Will Keaton look beyond something casual and fall in love?

I was completely invested in Austin and Keaton and loved watching their story unfold. Can't wait to check out more from this author!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sweet and sexy story about a businessman who falls for an artist. It’s the story of two men with very opposite approaches to life who end up bringing out the very best in each other.

Austin is driven, successful, and straightlaced. He probably reads at least a decade older than his age of 24 and at the start of the book, his ex is right to call him boring. Keaton is his opposite. He has distanced himself from most adult responsibilities, working a series of odd jobs that allow him to spend most of his time painting. If Austin is a little bit too responsible, Keaton’s life is a little too chaotic.

This is an entertaining story, but it does feel familiar and a little formulaic. I’m getting tired of the fake boyfriend trope and there really isn’t much about either of these two men that make them memorable or special. I like the way the two men ultimately provide balance for each other and I enjoyed the growth in both men. I enjoyed the book but it is one of K.M. Neuhold’s less memorable stories.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I just loved this! I found myself smiling the entire time I was reading it. I wish it were longer because I loved Austin and Keaton. It was a fun, fast, low angst read. I highly recommend it for a cold rainy afternoon if you want a sweet, sexy story between total opposites.

 

 

Author K.M. NEUHOLD is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely – and sometimes damaged – men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she's not writing she's a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero... just kidding, she's likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

Connect with K.M.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Neuhold's Nerds Facebook Group

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Painted Lace by K.M. Neuhold to read and review for this tour.

Code Name: Rook by Sawyer Bennett Release Blitz

Being a highly skilled operative for a company like Jameson Force Security is exhilarating and important work… until it comes time to date. I like to keep my profession under wraps for a number of reasons. Some of what we do is top secret, most of what we do is dangerous, and more than one woman has tried to latch onto me because she was more enamored with what I do than who Cage Murdock really is. And since I’m more of a ‘here for the night’ than a ‘here for forever’ kind of guy, what’s the harm in a little white lie about my job?

My harmless deceit has never failed me. Until now. Because I met the most amazing woman and did the unthinkable. I married her. And now my beautiful, unsuspecting, probably-going-to-leave-my-sorry-behind-when-she-finds-out-the-truth wife doesn’t know that I’m not a used car salesman like I told her when we met.

As it typically does with lies, the truth is about to come out in a big way when Jaime unwittingly gets herself mixed up with some unsavory characters and I, along with the team at Jameson, have to intervene. Now I need to save my girl and hope I can save my marriage too. Let’s just say I have some serious explaining to do.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Jameson Force Security series!
For book one, Code Name: Genesis, click HERE.
For book two, Code Name: Sentinel, click HERE.
For book four, Code Name: Hacker, click HERE.
For book five, Code Name: Ghost, click HERE.

 

 

Book 6
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
What happens when the playboy at Jameson Force Security finds The One?

Cage has found the one girl he wants to spend more than a night with and he told her the lie about what he does for a living. He thinks it will be okay when he tells her the truth because it was a little lie. But as they grow closer together and he is called away for his job, he lets the lie continue.

Jamie thinks she has found her happily ever after in Cage. They seem to be perfect for each other. Although sometimes he acts like he doesn't like his job as a used car salesman. She wonders why he doesn't find something he is more passionate about. As long as he is happy, she would be fine with whatever he does for a living.

When Jamie gets in a sticky situation and Cage and his teammates have to step in, Jamie finds out just what Cage's real job is. And it is a shock to her. Can Cage make her see that he didn't mean to deceive her for so long? Will he be able to make her understand he never meant to keep her in the dark so long? Can Jamie forgive him and have the future they deserve?

I love this series and each couple has their own turmoil and grief to get through. As with each book, I found that Cage and Jamie are a great couple and perfect for each other. If you haven't read this author yet, then you should and you can start with any of her books. If you have, then I hope you enjoy this one too.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Military Romance

Cage, aka Rook, is the eternal bachelor. He knows his job can be a turn on, but he doesn't want women to want him because of his career. Keeping relationships at arm's length, Cage knows that even though some of his teammates have found their other halves, it just isn't for Cage.

However, after a successful mission, Cage catches the attention of Jamie. She is strong, confident, and beautiful. They hit it off and Cage can't seem to get enough of her. But he told her he was a used car salesman and now that the lie is out in the open, he isn't sure how to pull it back.

When they start to truly have a relationship, Cage knows something is off with Jamie's brother. He's always asking for money, sketchy about paying her back, and something just feels off. What Cage finds isn't the end of the world, but when Jamie is targeted because of her brother, Cage knows that his secret is going to come out.

Jamie really dislikes lying. It's the one deal breaker for her. When she sees how much Cage lied about, she'll have to decide whether or not he's worth the risk. Cage will also have to decide whether or not telling Jamie his true job will change how he feels about her.

This is a quick read with a lot going on. I wish that we had gotten to know more about Jamie's job, as it seemed to shape a lot of her personality. Also, it felt slightly rushed. Overall, I enjoyed this.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series and runs in line with book five, but from a very different perspective. I didn't feel that it impinged on my reading, other than being able to chuckle at Jaime assuming Anna and Malik were together when they first met. I would absolutely recommend that you read the series in order, but if you started here and were tempted to go back, you would still get a very rich experience.

Cage has the reputation as a bit of a player – and it is clear that his reasoning for wanting to remain unattached has roots in his past and his career choices. As many of his colleagues are settling down, he is almost more certain that he will rely on hook-ups alone. So even though he clearly likes Jaime when he first meets her, he has no intention of it being any different to normal. Therefore, when he tells her he is a car salesman, he thinks nothing of it... of course, this could be the time that it comes back to bite him. I had to laugh that usually at a hookup, the guy claims to be a spy, superhero, SEAL, etc., and here is someone doing the absolute opposite and then not knowing how to reveal the truth. And every time she talks about the importance of truth and honesty, it is like another strike against him. I was fascinated to see how he was going to get out of that one!

We get a dramatic adventure, a fun twist to a hot and steamy romance, and some time with the gang and get to catch up on their progress in lives together. What more could we ask for really! The only downside is now having to wait for the next installment.

 

 

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, 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

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

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Code Name: Rook (Jameson Force Security #6) by Sawyer Bennett to read and review for this tour. Mary received her review copy via the author’s ARC team.

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Bromance Book Club series!
For book one, The Bromance Book Club, click HERE.
For book two, Undercover Bromance, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Well this story had my emotions all over the place. Firstly, I loved that while Noah is a rich, super smart, good looking guy, he really is pretty clueless when it comes to his relationship with his best friend Alexia. Of course, the guys from the Bromance Book Club drag him into their club to help him.

The scenes with the men were the highlight of the book for me. I love the way they all interact; they are so funny, but they clearly care about each other. And the scene where they are getting massages is hilarious and is one of several that had me laughing out loud.

Now to Alexia. I was ambivalent when it came to her. She is a good woman and a good match for Noah. The two of them together were hot and fun, which made me happy. But everyone around her says how strong Alexia is, but when new people enter her life making an extraordinary request, she just goes along with it, almost like she is too scared to rock the boat and that really made me mad at her. So much so that about halfway through the book I had to put it down and walk away from it for a few hours.

But I came back to the story and pushed on because I was enjoying the romance between Alexia and Noah. But the story isn’t just romance and laughs, there are some serious issues, including both Noah and Alexia dealing with the grief of having lost a parent at a young age. This led to some really emotional scenes where I cried my eyes out.

By the end of the story I had sore eyes from crying, but I was smiling too because you know, all's well that ends well. And I loved the hint in the epilogue about what is going on in the Russian’s love life and I now can’t wait to read the next book in this series to find out what that is all about.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the Bromance Book Club series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order, to just get the whole fun vibe that these guys have going, thanks to their decision to use romance novels to guide them in the ways of love. It is a fun concept and works really well – after all, not all the friends are as keen as the others, but they do support each other and give some very honest feedback when things aren’t going so well!

We start with the guys planning Mack’s wedding, as that seemed like a good idea at the time, and it is certainly fun for us along for the adventure. Their friend Noah has managed to stay on the sidelines as much as possible, but he feels himself being sucked in – and his ‘only’ friends with Alexis is fuel for their humour too.

Alexis spoke out about her boss sexually harassing her, and now runs her own café and supports other women who are in the same situation – she also lets the cat rehoming centre have cats there to entice new owners – a clever and effective concept! She is becoming a magnet for the downtrodden, and recently one woman in particular keeps coming in but clearly not taking the risk of speaking. When she finally does, the issue is somewhat shocking to Alexis and threatens her equilibrium.

It is a clever plot twist, which sets up the rest of the book on a family issues front and gives Noah a chance to step up and move his friendship with Alexis into more of a relationship status. But of course, he keeps making mistakes, which the guys then tie into the current Bromance book choice. I really do enjoy how they expect absolute honesty and then are so direct (shall we be kind) in their reactions to the outcome of Noah’s actions.

I am not going to spoil anything by saying more, but it is a very satisfying read, and is another success for the club. The hint that we get at the end of the Russian getting his story has me wanting the next book already!


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

Alexis and Noah have been friends for a while now. Noah knows that he is falling in love with Alexis, Alexis knows that she is falling for Noah, but neither is willing to risk their friendship to see if their relationship could be more.

When Alexis is found by her half-sister, her world is upended. She turns to Noah for comfort. Noah isn’t sure about Alexis’ newfound family and when he checks in to them, his past rears its ugly head too.

With feelings swirling around them, Noah finally caves to his friends and joins their bromance book club. But even after joining, Noah’s love life isn’t going as planned. With his friends not giving up on him, Alexis not sure with to do with her new life, and their romance fizzling before even getting started, maybe they were right to not risk their friendship.

These two have some real life issues to deal with. It made their story so much more realistic. I wanted to swat at those around Alexis – it felt so unfair to her. This book made me cry and laugh, all within the same chapter. I enjoyed watching them figure out their story and their realization that nobody was going to write their story for them.

 

 

LYSSA KAY ADAMS read her first romance novel in eighth grade after swiping one from her grandmother’s book shelf and was hooked forever. After a nearly 20-year career as a journalist, her dreams of writing and publishing her own HEAs came true in 2015 with the release of her first novel, Seventh Inning Heat, followed by the RITA-nominated novella, Wild in Rio. Today, she writes full-time from her home in Michigan with a pesky, fluffy K9 assistant named Domino who spends most of his day snoring on her desk (that is, when he’s not burying things around the house).

Connect with Lyssa Kay

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
The Lyssa Kay Adams Book Club Facebook Group

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Crazy Stupid Bromance (Bromance Book Club #3) by Lyssa Kay Adams to read and review.