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Recommend this book:
Overruling Judgment
Liz Ellyn
2023 Finalist
294 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Treat yourself to a sizzling romance with Liz Ellyn's Overruling Judgment. Sasha Smirnova is an ambitious attorney at one of Chicago's most eminent law firms. After being put to work on a case with Ian O'Malley, someone with whom Sasha had a passionate one-night stand months ago, they were determined to keep things professional, as both have ambitions to become partners at the firm. Meanwhile, Sasha begins a romance with her ruggedly handsome art teacher JD, an ex-hockey player whose career ended abruptly. However, unbeknownst to Sasha, Ian and JD are brothers. Things get complicated when the two brothers realize they have feelings for the same woman. They come up with an unconventional solution that just might make everyone happy, but will it work?
Laced with erotic thrills, romance, humor, and drama, Overruling Judgment is the book for anyone looking for a blazing contemporary romance novel. Liz Ellyn weaves an engaging tale centered on a love triangle where all three participants are charming and compelling in their distinct ways. Ellyn maintains a brisk pace with the plot, which makes the book a breeze to read. Sasha, Ian, and JD have palpable chemistry, and their relationship dynamic provides the narrative thrust for the story. Each intimate scene involving the three is permeated with sexual tension and intrigue, and you can't help rooting for them to end up together. I was also pleasantly surprised by the humor-infused dialogue that made the reading experience all the more enjoyable. Recommended to contemporary romance readers.
Treat yourself to a sizzling romance with Liz Ellyn's Overruling Judgment. Sasha Smirnova is an ambitious attorney at one of Chicago's most eminent law firms. After being put to work on a case with Ian O'Malley, someone with whom Sasha had a passionate one-night stand months ago, they were determined to keep things professional, as both have ambitions to become partners at the firm. Meanwhile, Sasha begins a romance with her ruggedly handsome art teacher JD, an ex-hockey player whose career ended abruptly. However, unbeknownst to Sasha, Ian and JD are brothers. Things get complicated when the two brothers realize they have feelings for the same woman. They come up with an unconventional solution that just might make everyone happy, but will it work?
Laced with erotic thrills, romance, humor, and drama, Overruling Judgment is the book for anyone looking for a blazing contemporary romance novel. Liz Ellyn weaves an engaging tale centered on a love triangle where all three participants are charming and compelling in their distinct ways. Ellyn maintains a brisk pace with the plot, which makes the book a breeze to read. Sasha, Ian, and JD have palpable chemistry, and their relationship dynamic provides the narrative thrust for the story. Each intimate scene involving the three is permeated with sexual tension and intrigue, and you can't help rooting for them to end up together. I was also pleasantly surprised by the humor-infused dialogue that made the reading experience all the more enjoyable. Recommended to contemporary romance readers.
Recommend this book:
After the Storm
Lost in Austin Book 3
Christina Berry
2023 Honorable Mention
253 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
After the Storm: Lost in Austin Book 3 by Christina Berry is the next installment of the award-winning Lost in Austin series. The story unravels in New Orleans, Louisiana where Greg Hendricks is on a business trip as a senior structural engineer and director of forensic inspections for Crawford and Son Engineering Services. Near the French Quarter, he comes across a theater called Paradise and, most unusually, gets to know the beautiful and unforgettable Violet Devollier. Nine months later, he is back in Austin, Texas, and the reality is that his wife who has requested an open marriage has fallen in love with another man and is leaving him. He resorts to drinking and eventually loses his job. Trying to rebuild his life with the help of good friends, he learns that Hurricane Katrina, a category three storm, will be making landfall in New Orleans. He decides to drive to New Orleans to find Violet. Can he find Violet and the courage to start a new life in a place ravaged by the hurricane?
Christina Berry’s After the Storm is a sizzling romance. I haven’t read the first and second installments of the series but it didn’t stop me from appreciating the narrative. Greg Hendricks is a vulnerable character and readers will be compelled to cheer him on as he picks up the broken pieces of his life. Violet, on the other hand, is an intriguing character mourning the loss of her father, her city, and her life after the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina. It is in this emotionally charged setting that their love story unfolds, and it is an absorbing read. The physical and emotional relationship between them is equally as intense. This is a great read for fans of contemporary romance!
After the Storm: Lost in Austin Book 3 by Christina Berry is the next installment of the award-winning Lost in Austin series. The story unravels in New Orleans, Louisiana where Greg Hendricks is on a business trip as a senior structural engineer and director of forensic inspections for Crawford and Son Engineering Services. Near the French Quarter, he comes across a theater called Paradise and, most unusually, gets to know the beautiful and unforgettable Violet Devollier. Nine months later, he is back in Austin, Texas, and the reality is that his wife who has requested an open marriage has fallen in love with another man and is leaving him. He resorts to drinking and eventually loses his job. Trying to rebuild his life with the help of good friends, he learns that Hurricane Katrina, a category three storm, will be making landfall in New Orleans. He decides to drive to New Orleans to find Violet. Can he find Violet and the courage to start a new life in a place ravaged by the hurricane?
Christina Berry’s After the Storm is a sizzling romance. I haven’t read the first and second installments of the series but it didn’t stop me from appreciating the narrative. Greg Hendricks is a vulnerable character and readers will be compelled to cheer him on as he picks up the broken pieces of his life. Violet, on the other hand, is an intriguing character mourning the loss of her father, her city, and her life after the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina. It is in this emotionally charged setting that their love story unfolds, and it is an absorbing read. The physical and emotional relationship between them is equally as intense. This is a great read for fans of contemporary romance!
Recommend this book:
Beautifully Damaged
Beautifully Damaged Series Book One
J.A. Owenby
2023 Silver Medal
300 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Beautifully Damaged: Beautifully Damaged Series Book One by J.A. Owenby is a fascinating and unforgettable romance story. It follows River Collins as she struggles to claw her way out of hell at only nineteen. River lives in a trailer park with her legal guardian, Dan, who is an alcoholic and a drug addict. Dan often beats her and takes advantage of her body. River is determined to make Dan pay for all the harm he caused her. But her plan to get rid of Dan didn't succeed in the way she wanted, and now she has other enemies, even more dangerous, haunting her. On her way to a safe place, River ends up on Holden Alastair's property. Shortly after she meets him, she gets hit by a car, and Holden must look after her until she heals. Nothing could prepare River for what she discovers during her stay.
Whoever thinks romance books are not for them or that they are only for girls or women should read Beautifully Damaged by J.A. Owenby. This book is absorbing and an absolute mind-shock, but also quite sinister, intense, steamy, and suspenseful. The behavior of a person who has been through highly traumatic experiences, who fears trusting someone again, and who easily gets triggered is captured perfectly by Owenby. I enjoyed the gradual revealing of the depth of the characters' dark secrets. I dare you not to fall in love with this well-written emotional roller coaster, which has plenty of unexpected plot twists, angst, tragedy, action, and most importantly love, which leads to a completely gripping and heart-wrenching page-turner.
Beautifully Damaged: Beautifully Damaged Series Book One by J.A. Owenby is a fascinating and unforgettable romance story. It follows River Collins as she struggles to claw her way out of hell at only nineteen. River lives in a trailer park with her legal guardian, Dan, who is an alcoholic and a drug addict. Dan often beats her and takes advantage of her body. River is determined to make Dan pay for all the harm he caused her. But her plan to get rid of Dan didn't succeed in the way she wanted, and now she has other enemies, even more dangerous, haunting her. On her way to a safe place, River ends up on Holden Alastair's property. Shortly after she meets him, she gets hit by a car, and Holden must look after her until she heals. Nothing could prepare River for what she discovers during her stay.
Whoever thinks romance books are not for them or that they are only for girls or women should read Beautifully Damaged by J.A. Owenby. This book is absorbing and an absolute mind-shock, but also quite sinister, intense, steamy, and suspenseful. The behavior of a person who has been through highly traumatic experiences, who fears trusting someone again, and who easily gets triggered is captured perfectly by Owenby. I enjoyed the gradual revealing of the depth of the characters' dark secrets. I dare you not to fall in love with this well-written emotional roller coaster, which has plenty of unexpected plot twists, angst, tragedy, action, and most importantly love, which leads to a completely gripping and heart-wrenching page-turner.
Recommend this book:
Unexpected Entanglement
The Echo Series Book 3
C. R. Alam
2023 Gold Medal
338 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Unexpected Entanglement: The Echo Series Book 3 by C. R. Alam is a romance involving Rowan and Chris. Rowan had always looked up to her father and enjoyed fixing up their old family inn with him. He unexpectedly confessed to having a secret love child - a half-sister that she and her brother Kieran never knew about - and died shortly after. Rowan’s world was turned upside down. She took this as a sign to leave a loveless 5-year relationship and a corporate job she wasn’t crazy about to relocate to Vinalhaven and fulfill her father’s dream of reopening Bright Head Inn. The odds were stacked against Rowan and Kieran but they must reconnect with their sister Rae to have any chance of rescuing the inn. The series of events that followed would either give Rowan another chance at love or cause her to lose her beloved family inn.
Unexpected Entanglement was a great romance and I loved how spunky Rowan was. I also enjoyed the suspenseful whodunit theme of who was behind the sabotaging of the inn. It gave the book a multidimensional feel that elevated it beyond the average romance novel. Although I had many guesses as to the culprit, all my assumptions were wrong and I was pleasantly surprised by the final revelation. I also loved that the secondary characters had distinctive personalities, and my favorite was Walt. They all had their own stories to tell and were all well-rounded. I enjoyed the hint of a blossoming attraction between Oliver and Bobbie and the tease of what could be between Frankie and clueless Kieran. I am a new reader of C. R. Alam’s works, but this tale has prompted me to discover more of her books.
Unexpected Entanglement: The Echo Series Book 3 by C. R. Alam is a romance involving Rowan and Chris. Rowan had always looked up to her father and enjoyed fixing up their old family inn with him. He unexpectedly confessed to having a secret love child - a half-sister that she and her brother Kieran never knew about - and died shortly after. Rowan’s world was turned upside down. She took this as a sign to leave a loveless 5-year relationship and a corporate job she wasn’t crazy about to relocate to Vinalhaven and fulfill her father’s dream of reopening Bright Head Inn. The odds were stacked against Rowan and Kieran but they must reconnect with their sister Rae to have any chance of rescuing the inn. The series of events that followed would either give Rowan another chance at love or cause her to lose her beloved family inn.
Unexpected Entanglement was a great romance and I loved how spunky Rowan was. I also enjoyed the suspenseful whodunit theme of who was behind the sabotaging of the inn. It gave the book a multidimensional feel that elevated it beyond the average romance novel. Although I had many guesses as to the culprit, all my assumptions were wrong and I was pleasantly surprised by the final revelation. I also loved that the secondary characters had distinctive personalities, and my favorite was Walt. They all had their own stories to tell and were all well-rounded. I enjoyed the hint of a blossoming attraction between Oliver and Bobbie and the tease of what could be between Frankie and clueless Kieran. I am a new reader of C. R. Alam’s works, but this tale has prompted me to discover more of her books.
Recommend this book:
Illicit Intent
Debbie Baldwin
2022 Finalist
364 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Illicit Intent is a fast-paced, action-packed novel written by Debbie Baldwin that is bound to entertain fans of romance novels and thrillers alike. While working undercover for the hedge fund billionaire Phipps Van Gent, Calliope Garland, a journalist writing for The Harland Sentry, unwittingly comes into possession of two rare portraits stolen in Boston during the robbery of the Isabella Stewart Museum in 1990. As she finds herself chased by art thieves and mob hired assassins, Calliope finds unexpected help and security through Miller "Tox" Buchanan, an ex-Special Forces operative working for Bishop Security. While events continue to spiral out of control around them, Calliope and Tox steadily grow closer and find comfort and joy in each other's company. But their relationship is in jeopardy as the men tracking Calliope soon put everyone's lives in danger.
A steamy and seductive romance combined with an intricate plot involving art thieves, assassins, and undercover intelligence operatives make Illicit Intent a ravishingly entertaining read that hooks you in from the first page and simply refuses to let go. Author Debbie Baldwin's novel is a pulsating page-turner that I couldn't get enough of. Baldwin provides engaging backstories to her characters that make them relatable and come alive in a way that feels like a breath of fresh air. The chemistry between Calliope and Tox is palpable, and some of the scenes involving the two are intoxicating. I also found the familial dynamic between Tox and his team members extremely relatable and enjoyed every moment of it. I would highly recommend Illicit Intent to readers of romance-oriented thrillers.
Illicit Intent is a fast-paced, action-packed novel written by Debbie Baldwin that is bound to entertain fans of romance novels and thrillers alike. While working undercover for the hedge fund billionaire Phipps Van Gent, Calliope Garland, a journalist writing for The Harland Sentry, unwittingly comes into possession of two rare portraits stolen in Boston during the robbery of the Isabella Stewart Museum in 1990. As she finds herself chased by art thieves and mob hired assassins, Calliope finds unexpected help and security through Miller "Tox" Buchanan, an ex-Special Forces operative working for Bishop Security. While events continue to spiral out of control around them, Calliope and Tox steadily grow closer and find comfort and joy in each other's company. But their relationship is in jeopardy as the men tracking Calliope soon put everyone's lives in danger.
A steamy and seductive romance combined with an intricate plot involving art thieves, assassins, and undercover intelligence operatives make Illicit Intent a ravishingly entertaining read that hooks you in from the first page and simply refuses to let go. Author Debbie Baldwin's novel is a pulsating page-turner that I couldn't get enough of. Baldwin provides engaging backstories to her characters that make them relatable and come alive in a way that feels like a breath of fresh air. The chemistry between Calliope and Tox is palpable, and some of the scenes involving the two are intoxicating. I also found the familial dynamic between Tox and his team members extremely relatable and enjoyed every moment of it. I would highly recommend Illicit Intent to readers of romance-oriented thrillers.
Recommend this book:
Butterflies
L.A. Nettles
2022 Bronze Medal
284 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Forty-three-year-old Emerson Vaughn married right out of college. Unfortunately, life dealt her a cruel hand. Emerson lost her husband to a younger woman, and her eighteen-year-old daughter also left for college, making her a jobless empty nester. After licking her wounds, she contemplated a change of lifestyle. Emerson wanted to see the world, starting with Paris. However, she would see a sex therapist, courtesy of her best friend, Ashley. Emerson needed to lose her sexual timidity, address intimacy concerns, and get a total mindset overhaul! Dr. Alexander Jameson took her on a rewarding journey until things took an unexpected turn. Emerson had to choose. Will she grab the chance of a lifetime to see the world or take a second shot at love? Find out in Butterflies by L. A. Nettles.
Get your fans, ladies! It’s hot in here! Butterflies by L. A. Nettles was fun and an alluring story perfect for readers who love sprinkles of sizzle in their romance. The plot was exceptional, the story was unique and educative, and the character development was brilliant. I lived vicariously through Emerson because she tasted slices of heaven. She was witty, had a great sense of humor, and was intelligent. There was so much laughter, too. Ashley is that friend that everyone needs, and Dr. Jameson? Oh, Lord! Nettles is a very descriptive writer and I needed air to get through some toe-curling scenes! However, I also learned some lessons. We should never lose ourselves or dreams to hold on to another person. Always choose you. Basil was another interesting character, and I think deserves a story. Thank you for a beautiful book.
Forty-three-year-old Emerson Vaughn married right out of college. Unfortunately, life dealt her a cruel hand. Emerson lost her husband to a younger woman, and her eighteen-year-old daughter also left for college, making her a jobless empty nester. After licking her wounds, she contemplated a change of lifestyle. Emerson wanted to see the world, starting with Paris. However, she would see a sex therapist, courtesy of her best friend, Ashley. Emerson needed to lose her sexual timidity, address intimacy concerns, and get a total mindset overhaul! Dr. Alexander Jameson took her on a rewarding journey until things took an unexpected turn. Emerson had to choose. Will she grab the chance of a lifetime to see the world or take a second shot at love? Find out in Butterflies by L. A. Nettles.
Get your fans, ladies! It’s hot in here! Butterflies by L. A. Nettles was fun and an alluring story perfect for readers who love sprinkles of sizzle in their romance. The plot was exceptional, the story was unique and educative, and the character development was brilliant. I lived vicariously through Emerson because she tasted slices of heaven. She was witty, had a great sense of humor, and was intelligent. There was so much laughter, too. Ashley is that friend that everyone needs, and Dr. Jameson? Oh, Lord! Nettles is a very descriptive writer and I needed air to get through some toe-curling scenes! However, I also learned some lessons. We should never lose ourselves or dreams to hold on to another person. Always choose you. Basil was another interesting character, and I think deserves a story. Thank you for a beautiful book.
Recommend this book:
Bondage Buddies
Masters of Marquis Book 1
Golden Angel
2022 Silver Medal
248 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Golden Angel’s Bondage Buddies features Mitch and Domi. They are meeting at the Marquis restaurant that features a fetish show with private booths. The club has secluded rooms for when its customers choose to do their private scenes as well. Mitch offers Domi to be an exclusive for doing scenes. She agrees, as long as it is not a relationship. Domi has a daughter with Marcus and sees no need to reveal what she does when it is his turn to take care of Ana. One evening, Domi and her best friend visit the Marquis and the host catches them breaking a rule. Mitch and his best friend advise the host that they will take care of the problem. Domi is ashamed of putting down another woman who Mitch was talking to. Has Domi developed feelings despite their agreement? Does Mitch feel the same?
Bondage Buddies is a romance story with steamy scenes. I liked how it was more involved than a predictable boy meets girl story. Golden Angel writes in alternating viewpoints from Mitch and Domi. Domi was a lot more open in parenting with Marcus, despite his marriage to a less than hospitable Julia. Ana seemed attached to her stepmother, and I would have felt threatened by the way Julia was critical of Domi. Mitch was dominant and acted confident around his friends. Truthfully, he wasn’t as confident, and it displayed this with his lack of personal relationships. Each character had strengths and weaknesses that were presented well. A fast pace marks this story, but details are not lacking. I could feel the tension build and the anxiety Mitch and Domi felt. The end leads to a sequel of the series. Romance novel readers that like a story with a highly unpredictable storyline would enjoy Bondage Buddies.
Golden Angel’s Bondage Buddies features Mitch and Domi. They are meeting at the Marquis restaurant that features a fetish show with private booths. The club has secluded rooms for when its customers choose to do their private scenes as well. Mitch offers Domi to be an exclusive for doing scenes. She agrees, as long as it is not a relationship. Domi has a daughter with Marcus and sees no need to reveal what she does when it is his turn to take care of Ana. One evening, Domi and her best friend visit the Marquis and the host catches them breaking a rule. Mitch and his best friend advise the host that they will take care of the problem. Domi is ashamed of putting down another woman who Mitch was talking to. Has Domi developed feelings despite their agreement? Does Mitch feel the same?
Bondage Buddies is a romance story with steamy scenes. I liked how it was more involved than a predictable boy meets girl story. Golden Angel writes in alternating viewpoints from Mitch and Domi. Domi was a lot more open in parenting with Marcus, despite his marriage to a less than hospitable Julia. Ana seemed attached to her stepmother, and I would have felt threatened by the way Julia was critical of Domi. Mitch was dominant and acted confident around his friends. Truthfully, he wasn’t as confident, and it displayed this with his lack of personal relationships. Each character had strengths and weaknesses that were presented well. A fast pace marks this story, but details are not lacking. I could feel the tension build and the anxiety Mitch and Domi felt. The end leads to a sequel of the series. Romance novel readers that like a story with a highly unpredictable storyline would enjoy Bondage Buddies.
Recommend this book:
The Road Home
Christina Berry
2022 Gold Medal
328 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Jake has a fast life of alcohol, drugs, and random overnight stands since he lost his family to a drunk driver. The Road Home opens with Jake waking up to an emergency phone call from his best friend Greg. Greg states that Arianna has been struck by a car and is at the hospital. When Jake arrives, Greg says that Arianna would want Alex to be present. The author then adds a strange revelation: Greg is Arianna’s husband and Alex is her boyfriend. Jake reaches out to Nicole. Nicole was best friends with Arianna and Alex’s ex-girlfriend. Later that night, Jake runs into Nicole at a bar, and they end up having sex. Normally, Jake would never think twice about doing so with any random woman, but something about Nicole seems to hold him captive. He wants to know more about the mysterious Nicole. However, he is about to see his life and relationships change dramatically when he receives the phone call of a lifetime.
Christina Berry’s The Road Home is a book that had so many dramatic twists I couldn’t put it down. Jake’s journey through a gamut of emotions and life progress was captivating. I hated Arianna, as she still attempted to use Greg’s affection while flaunting her love for Alex openly. The pace of the story writing style fits perfectly with enough detail for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I could imagine watching Nicole running into other roller derby skaters and hearing the crowds cheering in the stands. The phone calls that happened between Jake and Nicole helped me see the bond they were building. The end of the story was nothing like I could ever imagine. This is a 5-star romance that any young adult would enjoy reading.
Jake has a fast life of alcohol, drugs, and random overnight stands since he lost his family to a drunk driver. The Road Home opens with Jake waking up to an emergency phone call from his best friend Greg. Greg states that Arianna has been struck by a car and is at the hospital. When Jake arrives, Greg says that Arianna would want Alex to be present. The author then adds a strange revelation: Greg is Arianna’s husband and Alex is her boyfriend. Jake reaches out to Nicole. Nicole was best friends with Arianna and Alex’s ex-girlfriend. Later that night, Jake runs into Nicole at a bar, and they end up having sex. Normally, Jake would never think twice about doing so with any random woman, but something about Nicole seems to hold him captive. He wants to know more about the mysterious Nicole. However, he is about to see his life and relationships change dramatically when he receives the phone call of a lifetime.
Christina Berry’s The Road Home is a book that had so many dramatic twists I couldn’t put it down. Jake’s journey through a gamut of emotions and life progress was captivating. I hated Arianna, as she still attempted to use Greg’s affection while flaunting her love for Alex openly. The pace of the story writing style fits perfectly with enough detail for me to fully immerse myself in the story. I could imagine watching Nicole running into other roller derby skaters and hearing the crowds cheering in the stands. The phone calls that happened between Jake and Nicole helped me see the bond they were building. The end of the story was nothing like I could ever imagine. This is a 5-star romance that any young adult would enjoy reading.
Recommend this book:
Deception
Victoria Saccenti
2021 Finalist
289 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Deception by Victoria Saccenti is a well-written sizzling romance and has great potential to entice readers. Joe is a marine who, while serving in Afghanistan, loses one of his friends, thanks to a letter from home. That letter drove his buddy to commit suicide. Now back home, he lives his normal life, and one day he goes out to a bar with Dan, one of his friends, and stumbles upon the woman who sent the letter that made his fellow comrade commit suicide. While he is irresistibly attracted to Hunter, his desire for revenge is so strong that he devises a plan to make her pay for what happened to his friend. At least, that is what he thinks, but can his plan for revenge be executed, or are they headed on a completely different route? The outcome will blow the reader’s mind.
Victoria Saccenti is a terrific writer. That is an understatement! Her romance has a powerful premise and I was blown away by how she uses that premise to build a story that is both fascinating and gripping. Her gift for character is exemplified in this novel. Joe is a wounded man, a character who carries painful memories of war, and meeting the woman who is the root cause of one of his biggest losses creates a situation of conflict that is at the heart of the narrative. Saccenti keeps the characters and situations as real as they can be. The story has twists that I never saw coming. The prose is gorgeous and it is filled with images that are strong. The way the author explores the emotions of the characters had me flipping the pages. Deception is a page-turner and a novel that fans of romance won’t put down.
Deception by Victoria Saccenti is a well-written sizzling romance and has great potential to entice readers. Joe is a marine who, while serving in Afghanistan, loses one of his friends, thanks to a letter from home. That letter drove his buddy to commit suicide. Now back home, he lives his normal life, and one day he goes out to a bar with Dan, one of his friends, and stumbles upon the woman who sent the letter that made his fellow comrade commit suicide. While he is irresistibly attracted to Hunter, his desire for revenge is so strong that he devises a plan to make her pay for what happened to his friend. At least, that is what he thinks, but can his plan for revenge be executed, or are they headed on a completely different route? The outcome will blow the reader’s mind.
Victoria Saccenti is a terrific writer. That is an understatement! Her romance has a powerful premise and I was blown away by how she uses that premise to build a story that is both fascinating and gripping. Her gift for character is exemplified in this novel. Joe is a wounded man, a character who carries painful memories of war, and meeting the woman who is the root cause of one of his biggest losses creates a situation of conflict that is at the heart of the narrative. Saccenti keeps the characters and situations as real as they can be. The story has twists that I never saw coming. The prose is gorgeous and it is filled with images that are strong. The way the author explores the emotions of the characters had me flipping the pages. Deception is a page-turner and a novel that fans of romance won’t put down.
Recommend this book:
King of Beasts
A Dark Mafia Romance (Beast Duet Book 2)
Diana A Hicks
2021 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Romance - Sizzle
Reviewed by Rylanne Burdette for Readers' Favorite
The stakes are raised in the sequel to King of Beasts by Diana A. Hicks as Caterina and Rex must fight against the odds to be together. A month has passed since the ending of the first book, and Caterina and Rex have not seen each other. When they finally reunite, Rex opens up about a deal her father made years and years ago, a deal that may change Caterina’s life. She loves Rex but doesn’t want to hurt her father in any way, although he has been against Rex and the Society for a long time. Rex and Caterina must learn to love and trust each other wholeheartedly, but someone of great power is determined to stand in their way and keep them from following their hearts.
King of Beasts, Book 2 is a great conclusion to Caterina and Rex’s story. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and getting to read from both of their perspectives in the rotating points of view really allowed me to better understand them. This book had even more action and steam than the first in the series, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. Diana A. Hicks does a great job of combining romance with action and suspense, which I really enjoyed. Mafia romances are often some of my favorites in the genre, and this book did not disappoint at all. If you aren’t comfortable with heavy steam, this may not be for you, but other than that, I would most certainly recommend checking out the King of Beasts duology by Diana A. Hicks!
The stakes are raised in the sequel to King of Beasts by Diana A. Hicks as Caterina and Rex must fight against the odds to be together. A month has passed since the ending of the first book, and Caterina and Rex have not seen each other. When they finally reunite, Rex opens up about a deal her father made years and years ago, a deal that may change Caterina’s life. She loves Rex but doesn’t want to hurt her father in any way, although he has been against Rex and the Society for a long time. Rex and Caterina must learn to love and trust each other wholeheartedly, but someone of great power is determined to stand in their way and keep them from following their hearts.
King of Beasts, Book 2 is a great conclusion to Caterina and Rex’s story. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and getting to read from both of their perspectives in the rotating points of view really allowed me to better understand them. This book had even more action and steam than the first in the series, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. Diana A. Hicks does a great job of combining romance with action and suspense, which I really enjoyed. Mafia romances are often some of my favorites in the genre, and this book did not disappoint at all. If you aren’t comfortable with heavy steam, this may not be for you, but other than that, I would most certainly recommend checking out the King of Beasts duology by Diana A. Hicks!
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