A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor

A Duke in Time is the first book in a three-story arc that will have you rooting for leading heroines, searching for lost dowries, and falling for swoon-worthy heroes.

Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri's accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she's been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.

Meri's far more upstanding brother, Christian, Duke of Randford has no earthly clue how to be of assistance. He spent the better part of his adult years avoiding Meri and the rest of his good-for-nothing family, so to be dragged back into the fold is… problematic. Even more so is the intrepid and beautiful Katherine, whom he cannot be falling for because she's Meri's widow. Or can he?

With a textile business to run and a strong friendship forming with Meri's two other wives, Katherine doesn't have time for much else. But there's something about the warm, but compellingly taciturn Christian that draws her to him. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, they'll have to face their pasts if they want to share each other's hearts and futures.

 

 

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
A Duke in Time is the debut in a new series, The Widow Rules. Janna MacGregor is a new-to-me author, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next in The Widow Rules series, as well as reading more from the author's backlist.

The novel opens with a bereaved wife awaiting the reading of her witless husband's will, only to discover she is simply the first wife of three, all married within the same year. This comes as a shock but not, considering her husband left her directly after their wedding breakfast, never to be seen again. In actuality, their marriage was all of six hours old.

Katherine has known hardship, but she has also known familial love. Mature, strong, intelligent, with a fierce will to survive, Katherine isn't worried over her future, simply her reputation and that of the two other wives. As an entrepreneur, Katherine needed her husband's last name to get her foot in the door, using the second son of a duke (now the younger brother of the current duke) to get the peers to purchase her wares. Terrified the news that her husband's deception will ruin all she's worked for, Katherine is willing to do anything to keep this under wraps.

Christian is fresh from battle, only to have the dukedom dumped into his lap. After cutting off his father, his father's mistress turned second wife, and his childish baby brother, Christian is in cleanup mode, only to have his brother die in a ridiculous accident, leaving a string of wives behind.

Katherine and Christian are of similar personalities. Strong and stable, able to take the punches and keep moving forward. They're both kind and compassionate, charitable and selfless, yet aching for connection to family and friends, not truly believing they deserve romantic love. Usually it's opposites attract in romance novels, but it truly worked this time around – the male and female equivalent of one another, the hero and heroine were a perfect balance to act as a cohesive team for the betterment of all those around them.

Set to the backdrop of illegitimate marriages, fear of ruination, gossipmongers, and ravenous opportunists, Katherine builds her own family, which causes Christian to truly grieve for his lost brother.

A fresh breath of humor to chase the melancholy and betrayal away... In a way, Meri is on the pages, a specter of a ghost that refuses to be ignored. A gift that keeps giving, Meri's purchases to his brother keep pouring in, almost his way of saying an I Love You and I Miss You from the grave. More childlike than childish, completely ridiculous in his nature, it's hard not to enjoy Meri's antics, even if it put many lives in total upheaval.

It's easy to see that wives two and three will be the next installments, along with their prospective love interests revealed. I cannot wait to see what happens next, as well as hoping the reader could get some idea as to why Meri purchased what he did.

 

 

JANNA MACGREGOR was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which begins with The Bad Luck Bride.

Janna credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.

Connect with Janna

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Facebook Group: Janna MacGregor's Ladies and Lords of Langham Hall

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) by Janna MacGregor to read and review.

Good Intentions by Ella Frank Blog Tour

Gabriel Romero made me hungry for things I’d never wanted, and starved of the things I didn’t think I’d ever need.
Until now…
Until him…

I was never the man who believed in love, romance, or happily ever afters. I was married to my work, and happy to be that way. Until one night, not too long ago, when an audacious young man lied his way into my life and showed me what I’d been missing.

Bold and sexy, with a face that could melt through the iciest of exteriors, Gabriel Romero is the one factor I never saw coming. There are so many reasons we shouldn’t work—my age, his, our career goals in life—and yet we are drawn together by a passion for music, and each other, that neither of us can deny.

I’ve always been the one to think things through, to follow my head instead of my heart. But if I don’t open myself to what’s possible, instead of thinking of all the ways this seems impossible, I might miss out on the best thing that has ever happened to me.

So I’m taking a chance, and laying myself at his mercy, opening my heart with nothing but good intentions. Only time will tell if Gabriel Romero decides to let me back in.

Good Intentions is the second book in the Intentions Duet.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Intentions Duet!
For book one, Bad Intentions, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
Gabe and Mason are just perfect together. Gabe is full of sass, and I just adore him. There is very little angst and a lotta love. I love how we see characters from other books by this author. It made my heart smile to remember their love stories. This duet will be one I re-read when I need something to lift me up and melt my heart.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Good Intentions is the second book in this duet. It cannot be read as a standalone. It must be read in the order the author intended.

We were left in Bad Intentions with Marcus flying off to New York for a job interview. He never thought to tell Gabe since the plans were made before their week together. We start Good Intentions with that miscommunication.

I love Marcus and Gabe's story. Marcus was a workaholic. He never had time for a relationship. He never wanted one until Gabe stepped into his life. All he knew at this point was he'd do anything to keep Gabe in his life.

I loved this duet. We get the perfect little mix of personalities plus a dash of past characters thrown in. Gabe and Marcus are perfect for each other and to watch them grow and build on their relationship made for a spectacular read. I adore this world Ella Frank created and would love to see more books from it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book of the Intentions Duet, and you absolutely have to read Bad Intentions first, as this follows on directly from the previous book. If you are an Ella Frank fan, you will love the links with earlier books... really, any excuse to be in the company of Logan, Tate et al is good for me!

We left things very much in the air between the two men – with Marcus having flown to New York without even telling Gabriel he was going away. All that hope which had built up over the week they spent together seemed to flee... yet both of them cannot help but think of each other. I really enjoyed seeing how the whole situation moved forward, slowly, cautiously, but irrevocably. It was delicious!

I most definitely recommend that you read the two books back-to-back and enjoy the tantalising mix of two men at different points in their careers, but with similar single-mindedness to excellence. They fit together beautifully and provide us with a fabulous love story.

 

 

ELLA FRANK is the USA Today bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction.

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella

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Facebook Group: Brooke & Ella's Naughty Umbrella

 

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Good Intentions (Intentions Duet #2) by Ella Frank to read and review for this tour.

Ache by Marley Valentine Release Blitz

From USA Today bestselling author Marley Valentine comes an all new emotional, friends-to-lovers, gay romance standalone.

“I couldn’t tell you when I fell in love with Gael Herrera, but I wish I knew how to make it stop.”

Falling in love with a straight man is a rookie mistake. But falling in love with my soon-to-be-married-to-a-woman best friend is nothing but heartache.

Through all the years, and all the men I’ve fooled around with, he’s always been at the back of my mind. An unrequited crush I wish I could shake. A dream that was never going to come true.

When I whisk him off to a surprise bachelor party weekend in Vegas, I surrender to the idea that this is an opportunity for me to finally let go of my feelings for him and say goodbye.

But after a heated exchange and an even hotter kiss, everything I thought I knew about our friendship changed.

Maybe I had it wrong. Maybe, after all this time, we were more than best friends. Maybe, just maybe, he felt it too.

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I was absolutely invested in Ache. I couldn't get enough of these characters.

One last weekend away before Gael gets married. What can happen in a weekend?

Jordan has been in love with Gael for a long as he can remember. Gael is Jordan's straight best friend. Jordan has learned to control his emotions when it comes to Gael, and he promises himself he'll do anything to not ruin that friendship.

Gael has always known Jordan's feelings for him. They've always been close and have that special bond. A bond that can't be broken.

One weekend – that weekend – has Gael questioning everything.

Ache was so emotionally charged. The longing that Jordan felt. The sudden realization Gael has. It's such a beautiful read. I love Marley Valentine’s m/m romances. They are always such a great read!

 

 

Living in Sydney, Australia with her family, MARLEY VALENTINE is a USA Today bestselling author and a former social worker who uses her past experiences to write real life, emotional and heartfelt contemporary romance.

She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance, incorporating all forms of life, lust, and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.

When she's not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.

Connect with Marley

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Facebook Group: Marley's MOFOs

 

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ache by Marley Valentine to read and review for this tour.

Million Dollar Demon by Kim Harrison

To save the city, Rachel Morgan will need to show some teeth in the next Hollows novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison.

The new master vampire of Cincinnati has arrived... and she wants Rachel Morgan out. No matter where Rachel goes, Constance is there—threatening Rachel's allies, causing city-wide chaos, and, to add insult to injury, even forcing Rachel out of her current quarters. Ever since Rachel found a way to save the souls of vampires, the old undead's longtime ascendancy has been broken. Now Constance sees eliminating Rachel as the key to consolidating her own power.

Rachel has no desire to be enthralled or killed—and she's terrified of what may become of the city if Constance forces a return to the ancient ways. But even a witch-born demon can't stand against the old undead—at least, not alone. And if Rachel refuses to claim the role of Cincinnati's master demon, the city will tear itself apart, taking her and all those who stand beside her with it.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Hollows series!
For book #14, American Demon, click HERE.

 

 

Book 15
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)
Ace (PRH)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Million Dollar Demon is the 15th installment in the Hollows series. No, it most certainly cannot be read as a standalone, nor do I recommend reading out of series order.

Opening a Hollows novel is always a homecoming for me. Rachel and company feel like family, experiencing a warm and fuzzy vibe to visit them again, reading slowly as to harness that feeling.

When Harrison announced she was ending the series, I felt satisfied with the open-ending she provided. When she came back and announced we were getting more itchy witch action, I was ecstatic. Million Dollar Demon is the second installment since the "finale," the overall vibe exactly as its predecessors.

Our Cookie Maker is taking the littles on vacation to their elven family, Ellspeth always lurking about to keep the reader on our toes, never quite sure if Rachel and Trent are living their happily ever after as a couple. The constant threat of elven politics, the fact that Trent could have more babies with Ellspeth, and the worry that Rachel being his partner destroys his political position. Yummy angst, but Trent is nothing if not willing to stand up for himself and what he wants.

The previous installment set up the events in this one. Rachel is searching for a "home," learning what it means to be a demon while on the outs with Big Al, while dealing with the new master of Cincinnati. To be honest, I'm sad about the church because it was such a staple in the series, but all things must come to an end and change, right? Then there is Kist's boat. I'll never let Kist go – that pain just never ebbs for me.

There is more vampire action than usual, as that is a major plot point this go around, with the changing of the guard. Vampires are most certainly political animals with control issues, never missing a chance to use their pheromones as a seduction technique. Classic vampires, where even when dealing with the new head in charge, you must always be leery of their second, because they too might be posturing for the top position, wielding all those same vampire advantages against you.

Poor Rachel, but she has the help of her trusty friends. In this installment, the friends and allies take a step back, as they can sometimes be overpowering scene-stealers in the best possible way. Not much Ivy, which is understandable, but this allows Rachel to shine in the spotlight as she comes into her own. She does what she has to do, entertaining the reader as the pages fly by. All too soon the book is over, I had to say goodbye until the next installment. Forever making me hunger for another series reread.

 

 

KIM HARRISON is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Hollows series, including The Witch with No Name, The Undead Pool, and Ever After. She has published more than two dozen books—from young adult to speculative thriller—has written short fiction for various anthologies, and has scripted two original graphic novels set in the Hollows universe. She has also published traditional fantasy under the name Dawn Cook. Kim was born and raised in Michigan and is currently working on a new Hollows book between other projects.

Connect with Kim

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Million Dollar Demon (Hollows #15) by Kim Harrison to read and review.

Real Trouble by Elle Keaton Blog Tour

Two men on opposite sides of the law: will they be able to set aside their differences and trust love?

Danylo Peters has issues, lots of them. He’s not on Piedras Island by accident, he’s not a nice guy, and Peters isn’t his real name. Dany’s in hiding, trying to escape his family’s influence and start a new life. But Dany must have been born under a bad sign because the very man he’s really running from is one of the first he runs into.

A new life in a new town seemed like the right decision for Soren Jorgensen, especially after a difficult case left him recovering from a gunshot wound and lonely as he'd ever been. Finding Dany living on Piedras brings back all the feelings he'd tried to lock away. He's angry and bitter and Dany is not going to continue to get away with his old tricks. Too bad Dany is just as compelling as he ever was.

The two men find themselves on opposite sides of Soren’s first case on Piedras, but neither is able to deny the attraction between them. They keep finding themselves in compromising situations; if they're found out there will be Real Trouble.

Real Trouble is set in the Veiled Intentions world, while familiar characters appear Real Trouble can be read as a standalone. Real Trouble is a dual POV following Soren Jorgensen and Danylo Peters as they fight their way to their HEA and is the first in the new West Coast Forensics series. These characters originally appeared in the Shielded Hearts series (formerly Accidental Roots).

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“I’m sorry. Let’s talk about something else. What’s your favorite?” He traced his index finger down Dany’s hoodie-covered back. He was taut, filled with potential energy. Soren wanted to harness that energy in a way that would benefit both of them. Maybe sex was the best way they had of talking right now. The words would come later. He prayed the pizza didn’t arrive earlier than expected.

Dany scowled at him over his shoulder. “My favorite what?”

“Your favorite Disney movie? Your favorite color? Your favorite food?”

“Do I have to answer all of those?”

Soren suppressed a grin. “No, don’t answer any of them if you don’t want to.” He traced another line down Dany’s back. Dany shivered and rolled his shoulders, and they settled a little lower.

“I guess I liked Lion King.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that about?”

Soren did kind of know Lion King, but he wanted to hear what Dany would say about it.

“Jealous uncle wants to be king, kills his brother, takes the throne. You know, Mafia family drama, only with lions.”

“So you’re saying it hits a bit close to home?”

“Asshole.” Dany lifted one shoulder. “Maybe.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
It was great to be back on Piedras Island. Fans of this author’s Accidental Roots series will recognise Soren and Dany. In Real Trouble, they meet up again and have a second chance they didn't expect.

This story mixes crime, danger, mystery, and romance, just what I love to read. On the crime side we have a murder, several deliberately lit fires, and missing jewellery. I had a few theories about what was going on, but I was wrong for the most part. I love being surprised by where a mystery goes.

While investigating one of the fires, Soren and Dany see each other and sparks fly, like they haven’t been apart for three years. This leads to romance and some very hot naked times. I love that Dany and Soren didn’t deny their attraction. While they might have had a few issues, that wasn’t one of them. They make a great couple.

Real Trouble was fast-paced, entertaining, and sexy, and it kept me engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense stories, I’d definitely recommend Real Trouble. It gets four stars from me.

 

 

ELLE KEATON writes contemporary gay romance and M/M romantic suspense set in the Pacific Northwest. Elle’s books are known for their hot m/m romance, complex characters, and unique sense of place. The men start out broken, and maybe they’re still banged up by the end, but they always find the other half of their hearts.

Elle published first in 2017, now she has over seventeen books available for you to read or listen to. She loves cats and dogs, Star Wars and Star Trek, pineapple on pizza, and is known to start crossword puzzles with a ballpoint pen.

Love always wins, thank you for supporting this indie author!

Connect with Elle

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Facebook Group: The Highway to Elle

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Real Trouble (West Coast Forensics #1) by Elle Keaton to read and review for this tour.

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian

Critically acclaimed author Cat Sebastian makes her trade paperback debut in a stunning historical romance about a reluctantly reformed highwayman and the aristocrat who threatens to steal his heart.

Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires.

In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying.

Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit.

But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts overcome the impediments in their path?

Content notes: non-graphic violence, reference to past infant death, reference to character being imprisoned in the past.

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb is a standalone. However, I would do just about anything to get a book from the blackmailer's perspective. Hint. Hint. Especially if it features a renegade dowager duchess, Marian. I mean, we need to know what actually happens to the dukedom, right?

Kit Webb is a retired highwayman, currently running a coffee house while nursing his permanently injured leg, surrounding himself with a wide array of intriguing characters, all of them mourning the passing of Rob. Kit and his band of merry men and women, their antics have been turned into heroic songs sang about stealing from the rich to benefit the poor.

Popinjay Lord Holland, aka Percy, he and his stepmother are dealing with a blackmailer who wishes to expose a life-changing secret about their father and husband, the duke. Refusing to pay the blackmailer, unhappy to be the next duke, Percy is more than happy to stick it to his evil father by hiring the infamous highwayman.

Kit and Percy are put into close proximity, sparks flying along with training fists. Amid the scent of coffee, scattered books, and the eyes of curious patrons, Kit and Percy get closer and closer together by planning a heist.

To be quite honest, the premise itself, the characters as well, all of it should have been a major hit for me. I loved it all with the exception of the pacing and redundant inner monologue that slowed the progress to a molasses crawl.

Told vs Shown.

What was fun and light, intriguing and exciting, suddenly was bogged down in a wordy regurgitation as Kit and Percy told the reader the same thing over and over again, as if trying to convince themselves. The novel slowed to a crawl, my interest waning, to the point where I fought the desire to skim.

Conflicted, I loved it all but the pacing, where if a good portion of the novel had been cut from the final product, it would have transformed this into an exciting page-turner. All of the characters, both the mains and the side characters, were a major hook, where I was invested in their lives, wishing to know more. Fingers crossed we may get more from this cast in the future.

 

 

CAT SEBASTIAN lives in a swampy part of the South with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. Before her kids were born, she practiced law and taught high school and college writing. When she isn't reading or writing, she's doing crossword puzzles, bird watching, and wondering where she put her coffee cup.

Connect with Cat

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Facebook Group: League of Extraordinary Historical Romance Authors

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb (The Queer Principles of Kit Webb #1) by Cat Sebastian to read and review.

Memories of You by J. Kenner Blog Tour

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark Security series…

Hollywood consultant Renly Cooper is fed up with relationships. His recent breakup with a leading lady played out across the tabloids, and the former Navy SEAL is more than ready to focus on his new position as an agent at the elite Stark Security agency. He’s expecting international stakes. Instead, his first assignment is to protect one of Damien Stark’s friends from a stalker. A woman who, to his delight, turns out to be one of his closest childhood friends.

After a foray into online dating puts tech genius Abby Jones in danger, she needs a bodyguard, and her business partner, Nikki Fairchild Stark, enlists help from Stark Security. When the assigned agent turns out to be her best friend from junior high—and her first crush—she’s thrilled to discover he’s even more delicious now. She hopes one sexy night can turn into more, but Renly is firmly in the friends-with-benefits camp.

As the threat to Abby increases, she tries to keep her growing feelings for Renly at bay. But as the sparks between them burn even hotter, can they go from friends to lovers when the first order of business is simply to keep Abby alive?

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

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Stark Security series!
For book one, Shattered With You, click HERE.
For book two, Broken With You, click HERE.
For book three, Ruined With You, click HERE.
For book four, Wrecked With You, click HERE.
For book five, Destroyed With You, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5.5
Buy Links

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Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

In the rearview mirror, I watch as he gets off the bike, then walks toward me across the lot. I get out and meet him at the rear of the car.

“I haven’t got a single quarter,” he says. “Do you?”

I laugh. “Not a one. But I do have a credit card.” I’m about to walk over to that side and start the system running, but he gets there first, sliding in his card and then grinning at me as the machinery starts rumbling.

This particular car wash has a hose on each side of the stall. I’ve always assumed that was so that you don’t have to drag a dirty hose over your newly cleaned half in order to wash the other side. Now I consider another purpose.

Renly apparently has the same thought, because I see the gleam in his eyes as he goes to the far side, then grabs the coiled hose, his hand poised on the nozzle.

“Don’t you even think about it,” I say, going for my own hose.

His eyes widen, all innocent and guileless. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I burst out laughing. Then, still laughing, I pull the trigger on my own hose and spray him, accidentally getting him full-on in the crotch.

“Seriously?” he says. “Sweetheart, you are so going to pay for that.”

“Phhbbt.” I dance away from the spray he aims at me. “I would have thought someone in the military would have a faster reaction time.”

He aims again, and this time manages to completely soak the T-shirt I’d worn to work this morning. “Hey!” I protest. “This is a genuine discount bin Old Navy T-shirt. How dare you defile it?”

“Well, it fits you very nicely,” he says, letting his eyes skim over me in what I know is an exaggerated leer.

I glance down, realizing that since I knew I was going to be the only one in the office today, I hadn’t bothered to wear a bra. That’s something I can usually get away with, but in a wet T-shirt, even my barely-B-cup breasts look pretty perky.

I roll my eyes. “Perv.”

“I apologize for nothing.”

 

 

 

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.

Renly is ready for a change. He is also ready to not have his life splashed across the tabloids. After leaving the SEALs and needing something more than what Hollywood can offer, Renly joins the band of Stark Security brothers. He's content to have a low-key life for right now.

Abby is brilliant. She's strong, competent, and most of all, she's Renly's childhood friend and crush. When she starts getting strange phone calls at all hours of the day and senses that something just isn't quite right, her business partner insists that she has some protection. The last person she expects is her childhood friend.

As they catch up, explore their old feelings, and find a new happiness, an outside force sets out to destroy their newfound happiness. Can Renly stop the stalker in time?

This was a short, fun read that adds to Damien Stark's empire. I loved reading this and really enjoyed Abby and Renly's story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a wonderful novella set in the Stark world that many of us love! The 1001 Dark Nights series is both a great way to have some insight into a new series – and if that is you, then you have a lot of Damien and Nikki goodness to catch up on – and a lovely treat for fans like me!

As we know, Nikki recently made Abby a partner in her business, but even if that had not happened, Stark Security would be taking any threats against her seriously. When heavy breathing becomes a possible attack on her car, new recruit Renly is dispatched. He knows that she is his childhood bestie, but uncertain of her reaction to him. He need not have worried, she has a big heart.

Hearts are definitely at risk as these two admit to their childhood interest in each other, and then have to decide how they could match up their divergent feelings about relationships. Avid fans will know that J. Kenner can turn a reluctance to commit on its head, and does it with great style here.

Fun read, and lovely to be back with the Stark clan.

 

 

 

J. KENNER (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of wide variety of genres.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s RITA award, JK took home a RITA trophy in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me, and again in 2017 for her novel, Wicked Dirty.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Connect with J. Kenner

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: J. Kenner Krew

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Memories of You (Stark Security #5.5) by J. Kenner to read and review for this tour.