🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Then Comes Lies by Nicole French

Then Comes Lies by Nicole French 

Release Date: March 30, 2023

Series: Silver Spoon #2

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Once upon a time, I fell for a dashing London restaurateur named Xavier.

He left me with a broken heart… and a positive pregnancy test.

Now, he’s back in my life and determined to stay.

He asks me just one question: will I move to London with him?

But as I enter Xavier’s world, our differences couldn’t be starker.

He’s tall, dashing, and practically royal.

I’m short, bookish, and the definition of common.

First comes love, then comes marriage.

Yet all I’ve got are half-truths and masked secrets.

If Xavier and I catch fire, the only thing left in the embers may be our deceptions.

A note from the author:

THEN COME LIES is the highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling grumpy-sunshine, secret baby romance, First Comes Love. While it can be read as a standalone, you will enjoy it more if you read Book 1 in the series first. Enjoy!
xo,
Nic

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

French has outdone herself in Then Come Lies, the second book in the Silver Spoon Series. This page-turning rollercoaster had me hooked from beginning to end. A must-read!

After Xavier Parker changed her life five years ago, Francesca Zola is finally reconnecting with her daughter’s dad. The dashing British restaurateur is determined to be a father to Sofia, while also trying to win Francesca’s heart. Little did she realized that by accepting to spend the summer in London with him, that her life was about to change forever. Not only is Xavier about to become the future Duke of Kendal, but seeing him in a new setting is changing him and Francesca begins to question whether or not he is ready to accept them in his new life.

I absolutely loved reading Then Come Lies, the chemistry between the characters is off the charts from the very beginning. Emotions are high as Francesca and Xavier explore the possibility of a future together. They leave New York for Kendal, England and it becomes the center of a rollercoaster of events. Xavier has always felt like her’s never belonged anywhere, his passion for cooking is what ultimately takes him away from his true role. Now he is back home, ready to claim his role as the Duke of Kendal, but not without obstacles coming his way. Meanwhile, Francesca must learn to navigate her new life, but seeing a new side to Xavier is what she fears. Then a turn of events threatens to end what they’ve worked so hard to build. I’m excited to read the next book in the series, the ending left me speechless. I would highly recommend checking out this book as well as any other book by the author, you won’t be disappointed! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:

About Nicole French:

Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, Springsteen fanatic, and total bookworm. When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/NicoleFrenchNewsletter

Connect with Nicole French:

https://www.nicolefrenchromance.com/links 

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Thorns of Lust by Eva Winners {REVIEW}

Thorns of Lust by Eva Winners

Release Date: March 23rd, 2023

Series: Thorns of Omertà #1

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Mafia

A Complete Duet - The story of Tatiana Nikolaev!

My husband.
His secrets.
Our tragedy.

I thought I knew him. I didn’t. I thought he was trustworthy. He wasn’t.

But nothing in this world is as it seems.

I caught the attention of the most notorious man in the underworld.

Konstantin wasn’t the type to be ignored. He commanded his criminal empire with an iron fist but he had secrets of his own.

But I was Tatiana Nikolaev. I’d never bend to a man’s will or be used as a pawn. Not again.

The moment I tempted the fates and played with fire, life spiraled out of control.

My only way of survival was to trust again.

But could I?

*This is a complete duet.*

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

Not having read any other books by the author before, I didn’t know what to expect. Needless to say, Winners did not disappoint at all. As the first book in the Thorns of Omertà Duet Series, Thorns of Lust is a steamy mafia romance filled with secrecy, revenge and twists to keep you reading for more.

At the beginning of the story we get to meet, Tatiana Nikolaev, who is with her husband as they are being chased outside the city by a strange car. In her world, she is aware of the risks that come with being park of a powerful mafia family. But not even her husband could protect her form the shooting chase and witnesses his death in the process. Adrian was her everything, having grown up together, it’s clear how they were meant to be together. Tatiana vows to find out who killed her husband, but the sooner she starts to look into their past, the sooner she realizes that she was deceived. Meanwhile, there is another man who is very much interesting in what Adrian was up to before his death and won’t stop at nothing until he makes Tatiana his.

Winners delivers a great start to the duet, from the well-written story to the duel POV, Thorns of Lust had me hooked from beginning to end. We have two characters who have been through so much growing up, they are aware of the consequences that come with growing up in the mafia world. No one is truly protected and that is exactly what causes chaos among different mafia families. Tatiana is thrust into the mess without having any idea that behind the scenes Illias Konstantin, a leader of a very powerful mafia family would be protecting her at all costs. He’s been captivated by Tatiana for a very long time and now is his chance to make her his before it’s too late. There is so much to the story that I truly enjoyed reading, though the story does end on a cliffhanger, I cannot wait to read what happens next. I would highly recommend checking out the story if you love a good mafia romance! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Eva Winners:

Eva Winners released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.

She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails, yoga or exploring the beaches.

Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.

Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.

Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!

FB group, FB page, Insta, BookBub, Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, Spotify, Newsletter

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Just a Little Hookup by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

Just a Little Hookup by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Series: Dare Crossover Series #1

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Being a bachelor has its perks. It also has its downside. Just ask Derek Bettencourt.

Standing on stage and being auctioned off in the name of charity is awkward AF… until Derek's business partner’s younger sister wins him for the weekend. He’s all hers to do with as she pleases and he can’t say he’s unhappy with the prospect. Especially since she saved him from an ex-fiancée determined to get her claws into him again.

Jessica Cavanaugh never intended to bid on her lifetime crush. But her spur-of-the-moment decision gives her a chance to exact a bit of playful payback, for old time’s sake. And Derek is all too happy to indulge Jessica's whims.

What starts as a fun, flirty, game, with Derek acting as her personal handyman, quickly turns into a steamy, forbidden weekend. Lines are crossed that they never intended and emotions unravel their playful facades. Afterward, he can’t get the gorgeous, full-figured woman out of his head and he’s determined to make her his.

But how can they concentrate on a future when someone is threatened by their relationship and will do anything to come between them?

* A Dare Crossover novel featuring Derek Bettencourt from Carly Phillips’ novel, Just One Taste. 

Kindle, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Google Play, Print

My Review:

In their latest spin-off, Just a Little Hookup, Phillips and Wilde deliver a swoon worthy and steamy romance that will leave you wanting for more!

At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Jessica Cavanaugh, the head of Curvy Girl Couture, a fashion line that is set on making women feel beautiful in their own skin. Is the business that is thriving, but no matter how successful it is in front of the public, behind the scenes Jessica doesn’t always get the support that she deserves. Growing up, she experienced the jealousy of other people while treating her horribly. But time has passed and Jessica refuses to let her school nemesis walk all all over her again. So when they are at a charity auction gala, Jessica decides to bid on her nemesis’ ex and Jessica’s long time crush, Derek Bettencourt. It was just supposed to be a little payback for the weekend, but the more time they spent together, the harder it became to see it as more than just a fling. 

As the co-owner of Blackout Media, a conglomerate company that deals with turning failing media enterprises and turning them into multi-billion-dollar businesses. Derek Bettencourt has the wealth and looks to get just about anyone he could possibly want. Yet, it’s the same wealth that ultimately attracted his ex and things did not end very well for them. Wanting to move on, Derek ends up at a bachelor charity auction and finds himself in a bidding war between his ex and his best friend’s little sister, Jessica Cavanaugh. She has always been like a sister to him, but he starts to see her differently at the auction event. She is confident and her beauty drawn him to her like never before. She wins him for the weekend, but it’s after the weekend ends that he starts to consider if they could possibly give a relationship a chance. He just needs to convince her that she is it for him.

I really enjoyed reading Just a Little Hookup, I’ve been a fan of Carly Phillips’ series and I was excited to read a crossover/spin off with Erika Wilde. We have two characters who grew up and they have always had a sense of friendship between them, since Jessica’s older brother is Derek’s best friend. So there has always been a connection between them, but it becomes so much more the minute he starts to see her in a new way. It takes a little for Jessica to come to terms with their attraction, she hasn’t always felt like she could be Derek’s type. But once lines are crosses, feelings begin to grow and so is a threat that could end their chance at a future together. All in all, if you enjoy a good friends-to-lovers romance than I could highly recommend checking out Just a Little Hookup. I can’t wait to read more in the series! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and three crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. Way back in 2002, Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa and was the first romance on a nationally televised book club. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. For more information on upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive two free books!

Connect with Carly Phillips:

https://www.carlyphillips.com

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 The Way of Us by Claudia Y. Burgoa

The Way of Us by Claudia Y. Burgoa

Release Date: March 13, 2023

Series: Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers #5

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa delivers an emotional, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship, accidental pregnancy romance you don’t want to miss.

Sometimes you have to stop planning and live in the moment.

What do you do when your grandma wants to set you up on a date?
You fake it. Simple.
At least, that’s what I thought ten years ago.
It was a little lie: I’m dating Heathcliff Spearman. 

Tall, dark, and incredibly handsome Heath Spearman.
My best friend.
I never thought things would get out of hand.
But things snowballed, and my grandparents think he’s my fiancé.

Oops!

They say some moments can change your life forever. Five happened to me in less than two months. 

1. My grandparents threatened to visit me.

2. Heath offers to play the role of my fake fiancé.

3. We kiss—the kind of kiss that takes your breath away.

4. The lines between us blur. We go from friends to friends-with-benefits.

5. The word positive appeared on the pregnancy test.

I’m positively screwed.

Have I mentioned Heath doesn’t want children or a family?

Oh, and of course, my grandparents caught the lie…

What am I supposed to do now?

The Way of Us is an interconnected standalone in the Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers series. A beautiful and heartfelt story of a strong woman who never gave up on family and love. A man who’s determined to rescue and defend her.

This is a redeeming love story that’ll have readers holding their breath until the very last page. 

Amazon, Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, Google Play, Audio

My Review:

The Way of Us is Burgoa’s fifth book in the Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers Series. This steamy and heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance had me rooting for the characters until the very end!

Although his family might describe Heath Spearman as an introvert, he would say that he is observant and quiet. He has learned to read people very well at a very young age and nothing gets past him. So when his best friend calls to tell Heath about another disastrous date, he’d known that wouldn’t work out, his immediate reaction is to go after Atzi. Having gone through similar circumstances growing up, it has tighten their bond over the years. Making it extremely difficult to fall out of love with her. As a cardiologist, it’s time to do his fellowship and it’s the perfect time to put some distance between them. But when Heath finds out what Atzi has been keeping from him, he vows to pretend to be her fiancé. Little did they know that playing pretend would turn into so much more and he is about to put his heart on the line.

As the daughter of a famous sculptor and an expert chocolatier, Atzi Rivera-Lavigne is under immense pressure to continue on with the family legacy. While everyone around assumes that she has everything she could possibly want, on the inside Atzi is not very happy with where she is at the moment. There is a part of her that doesn’t want to feel so alone and wants to find the one. But while she goes on dates after dates, her family thinks that she got engaged and they want to meet her fiancé. She panics and finally comes clean with her best friend about the little white lie she had to tell her family and now they all think that they’re getting married soon. Heath has always been there for her and this time is not different. He will pretend to be her fake fiancé, but the more time they spend together, the more she starts to develop new feelings for the man that has always been there for her. It would take a turn of events to change their lives forever.

I loved reading The Way of Us, the chemistry between the characters is magnetic from the very beginning. It’s clear how close Heath and Atzi are as friends and how that slowly changes overtime the closer they get. While Heath is trying to put distance between them, she is all that has and doesn’t know how their lives are going to change after he moves. It’s a lie that brings them closer and the attraction is so hard to deny at that point that they can’t help but to cross the line of no return. I really enjoyed the interactions that we get from Heath’s family as well, they are kind to Atzi and as their own. The ending was really sweet, fitting of the story and I can’t wait to read more from the author in the future. Would definitely highly recommend checking it out! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Claudia Burgoa:

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At night, she likes to binge watch shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

https://claudiayburgoa.com/wp/links/ 

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🌟 BOOK BLITZ 🌟 Broken Crowns by Empress Chang {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Broken Crowns by Empress Chang

Release Date: March 9th 2023

Series: Kingdom of Lies & Truths, #1

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Mafia, Romance

Leandro was supposed to protect me. He failed me, covered me in blood and broke my innocence.

Leandro was to love me, but in the end, I knew we had no future.

So, I made a decision, and it has been five years since I last saw him. Now he stands before me, not only as my husband but as my Don.

My decision freed me but destroyed the Leandro I knew. This Leandro was covered by darkness and cruelty, and I was drawn to him like a bee to honey.

The more I get to know the man, the more it makes me question everything I know to be right and wrong.

But he is still the boy I knew and even though I needed him to love me, how long before I fall to the unmerciful side of Leandro Scavo, and truly love him?

*Broken Crowns is the first book in the Kingdom of Lies & Truths series and can be read as a standalone. It is a Dark new adult mafia romance that includes scenes that may be disturbing to some. (Mention of human trafficking, discussions of child abuse, graphic murder & torture scenes, strong sexual scenes, strong adult language and talks of blood). Recommended for readers 18+.

Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

{EXCERPT}

I gave a soft snicker as we stared each other down. Her eyes blinked with humor. She would not make it easy to get answers. “Why did you leave?”

“I thought that reason would be obvious to you.” She took in every inch of the house, as if avoiding looking at me, then her gaze fell on the balcony as if she could see right through it . . . at someone or something out there. Waiting. Watching. Her eyes lingered there as she said, “I told you back in Florida that I lost my innocence and you that night. I was scared every time I was alone. Every sound had me jumping. The sight of a small cut on my hand along with the blood that beaded gave me panic attacks.”

“I just never got comfortable with blood the way you obviously have. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want the guns around, the men, the knowledge of knowing anyone I married in this life could easily be taken from me in some turf war. That I could be used again to get to the man I would end up marrying one day.”

I waited patiently as she zeroed in on me. “You brought me back to the worst part of my life, and I’m alone in it because my best friend and cousin fear you, while my parents hate me.”

Hearing a tremble in her voice and tears running down her cheek, I took her hand and guided her out of her seat to sit into my lap. She circled her arms around my neck and cried over my shoulders. “They don’t hate you. You hate me. You think your parents could ever feel what you feel toward me?” She shook her head. “Then stop saying that. Give Federico time and the doors of the estate will open to you again.”

Sniffling, her arms tightened around me. “But Faye and Eden . . . they’ll never welcome me again. I’m married to you . . .”

She whispered that last part, but all I could hear was her scheming ways to get me to absolve the girls of their role in her lie.

Unsure if I was more amused by it or annoyed, I threaded my fingers through her hair—pulling just hard enough to get a whimper from her—and forced her to meet my eyes.

“Then it’s a good thing you have me for company.” Sighing in defeat, Emilia loosened her arms around my neck, and before she could stand from my lap, I gripped her hips and kept her there. “Keep patronizing me, Emilia. You haven’t met Leandro the unmerciful yet.”

“I have a good idea who he is . . .” Raising her hand to my face, she sketched my forehead to my temple and over my cheeks and nose. Her right hand brushed my midnight shadow before slowly sliding over my parted lips. “He’ll take what’s his by right. He told me that two nights ago.”

The soft undertone of her voice was entrancing. Her delicate touch aroused me, but her condescending words burned me. “You are testing my affection for you,” I said, cupping her cheek with the hand I freed from her hair. My thumb mimicked her fingers, and when I brushed her smiling lips, she opened them and flicked her tongue against the tip.

“Affection. Is that what you call it now?” she murmured, and I pushed my thumb into her warm mouth and exhaled when my dick pressed against my zipper and her ass. “Mmm.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Writing under the pen name Empress Chang, she is referred to as an overly dramatic, outgoing yet shy individual by her friends and family. Half Chinese Jamaican, Chang was born and raised in Jamaica. She then migrated to the United States of America, three years ago where she is still scared of driving on the other side of the road!

Writing stories about her dogs and princesses at a young age, Chang discovered romance books in high school and started writing her own believing that romantic happy ever after’s are necessary for a healthy and happy life.

She is a huge believer in the simple things in life, and her life’s main goal is to be happy. This includes sunny beaches and junk food (of course)!

When Chang is not writing, she is usually reading, watching a series that has hooked her attention and demands to be binged, or is spending time with her supportive, loving husband.

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Bad Boy's Downfall by Gina Azzi

Bad Boy's Downfall by Gina Azzi

Release Date: March 2, 2023

Series: Tennessee Thunderbolts #6

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Word on the ice: the only thing worse than knocking up your teammate’s sister is knocking up his daughter.

I have no business tangling up with Lola Daire. She’s a smart, idealistic, college senior planning to take on Silicon Valley. I’m an angry NHL player with a chip on my shoulder.

She smiles rainbows; I spit fire. She’s a daddy’s girl; I’m the last guy her father wants her to date.

A man with my past and demons will only corrupt a good woman. I know better than to give in to her playful flirting, but when Lola finds herself in a compromising situation, I break the rules to keep her safe.

We have nothing in common, save for the attraction we feel. We have no future, except for the moments that stretch between us. But our desire is insatiable. Our chemistry, off-the-charts.

One night turns into more and our casual understanding takes an unexpected turn.

I may be the cliché bad boy, but my downfall is the good girl with a baby on the way. 

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

Azzi concludes her Tennessee Thunderbolts Series with an explosive and addictive hockey romance in the Bad Boy’s Downfall. This emotional read is about new beginnings between two characters who might not have a lot in common on the outside, but they soon realize how similar they really are in a lot of ways bringing them closer than ever. A definite must-read!

As the youngest NHL player in the Tennessee Thunderbolts hockey team, River Patton, is just at the beginning stages of a very promising career. With that also comes the attention of woman around him, which gains him a bit of a playboy reputation with the team. Although his sole purpose is to have a successful career, River is not interested in commitment. Not after the way he grew up, there are demons in his life that still haunt him and River is afraid of not being good enough. 

That soon changes the minute he meets, Lola Daire, the daughter of one of his teammates. She is quirky, always reading and in her own head. She is not trying to impress anyone and he finds it incredibly attractive, which River hates. He knows that she is off-limits, but he can’t stop thinking about Lola. Until a turn of events have him ready to protect her at all costs, including claiming her as his. This changes their dynamic and even though Lola might be moving after graduation, it’s his chance to make a move on her before it’s too late.

As a college senior, Lola Daire, has done everything she could to get to where she is in hopes of getting a great job in Silicon Valley. With graduation approaching, she wants her last months as a student to be regret free. Lola is aware that someone like River Patton, would never give her a true chance, but she only has four months of being reckless and he is the perfect guy to do it with. But she got more than she bargained for the minute their relationship starts to turn into so much more. Then life decides to throw them a curveball and it’s about to change their lives forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bad Boy’s Downfall, it was sizzling with chemistry from the beginning and it just kept getting better and better. Azzi truly delivers a love story full of ups and downs as the characters got to know each other as well. They share a lot in common than they actually think and it’s because of that, that they are able to lean on each other for support. I loved all the cameos that we got from previous characters, and the ending will leave you rooting for them. It’s the perfect ending to conclude the series with and I couldn’t recommend it enough. If you’re looking for a great sports romance than I would highly recommend checking this on out as well as any other books in the series. :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:

Meet Gina Azzi:

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family.

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina

https://ginaazzi.com/links/

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