Spotlight and Review: Unwrapping Hanie by Empi Baryeh

Is she willing to risk her heart for a man she’s never met?

Hanie Morrision has either completely lost her mind, or she’s finally taken charge of her love life when she starts a liaison with a man she meets online. Their friendship fast becomes more, and she’s having the best (cyber) sex of her life.

When her internet lover decides to travel halfway across the world to see her, she must make a decision of her own—book a one-way ticket back to reality or risk her heart and find love one orgasm at a time.

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EXCERPT

Her gaze didn’t waver from Peter whose eyes darkened with desire. He swallowed. She’d never felt sexier. Slowly, she released her grip on the dress, letting it slide down, exposing the top rise of her breasts.

He licked his lips. Despite his quickening breath revealed by the heavy rise and fall of his massive chest, he didn’t take a single step forward.

She let the dress glide down her body and revelled in his heated gaze devouring her nakedness, which bolstered her to take a bold step. Turning her back to him, she bent over slowly to unbuckle her strappy sandals.

“Leave the shoes on,” he said, his voice raspy.

She froze for a second and began to raise herself.

“No. Let me enjoy the view.”

Finally, he took a step forward. She trembled with anticipation. Was he going to take her like this? Her intimate muscles spasmed as he approached. He stopped inches behind her, placed his hands on her ass, and her knees nearly buckled.

“Peter, I want to touch you,” she said.

He groaned, caressing her butt cheeks.

“Sweet, Hanie.” He moved one hand down to her core, letting his finger circle her opening. “You started with the teasing.”

My Review

A spicy romance to heat up Christmas. From the first page, this novella was on fire. Hanie and Peter started off as cyber-friends and ended up being a whole lot more. Although erotic, the story was also a sweet romance where I rooted for the hero and heroine to be together despite the obstacles thrown at them.

A wonderful novella that will get you into a sexy Christmas spirit while transporting you to an exotic location that you won’t want to leave.

I give this book five out of five dress shaped chocolate bars.

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.  And then I went and bought the book from Okadabooks.

ABOUT EMPI BARYEH

Empi Baryeh is the award-winning author of Most Eligible Bachelor (Book of the year, 2017 Ufere Awards). She works fulltime as a university administrator and spend her spare time writing sweet and sensual African, multicultural and interracial romance, and women's fiction.

Her interest in writing started around the age of thirteen after she stumbled upon a YA story her sister had started and abandoned. The story fascinated her so much that, when she discovered it was unfinished, she set out to complete it. Somehow the rest of the story began to take shape in her mind and she's been writing ever since.

She lives in Accra, Ghana, with her husband and their two lovely kids.

She loves to hear from readers, so follow or drop her a note on facebook.com/empibaryeh and Twitter @empibaryeh.

To receive her latest news and special offers, subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.empibaryeh.com.

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Review: Awaken the Dragon (The Legion #1) by A.C. Arthur

The Blurb

He’s sworn to protect the very entity she was born to kill…

Next in line for the Drakon throne, Theo Masters is the most powerful half human, half dragon in the world. Royal power is the last thing he wants, however. He lives as a human and runs the Legion Security Company. But his new client—a mysterious, beautiful human from a small African village—and the unknown danger she faces may forever change the quiet life that he’s chosen.

Shola N’Gara exists to kill the dark spirit that is attempting to demolish her people. It’s her purpose and her destiny. The gorgeous protector who taunts her with his sexy voice and body is not—especially after he shifts into a magnificent black dragon with turquoise eyes.

A rise in demon activity and the brutal murders Theo’s agents have been reporting start to add up. Someone is making a play, and it’s big enough to change the course of the world as they know it. Now Shola must choose between her destiny and her heart. And Theo must decide if standing by the woman he’s fallen in love with is worth facing his father in a battle to the death.

My Review

A wonderful start to a series that I can see being huge. Theo and Shola’s attraction started out with a spark and ended up exploding.

Theo had suppressed his true nature for a very long time and Shola brought it out in him although he fights it all the way. Theo definitely impressed with his alpha male kick ass skills. And he was a dragon shifter, awesome.

Shola was a strong woman who knew her mission and wouldn’t let anyone stop her. Her objective was lofty, but I’ll admit that there were points in the book where her idea of accomplishing her goal independently, made her seem short sighted rather than brave. None the less, she was a kick ass heroine whose adventure in the Western world had me flipping the pages.

A multicultural paranormal romance that’s a winner!

I look forward to reading about the other dragon shifter who we got to know in the series.

I give this book four out of five pebble shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK.

Review: Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan

The Blurb

A deeply emotional standalone romance set in the worlds of professional basketball and high fashion.

Divorced. Single dad. Traded to a losing squad. Cheated on, betrayed, exposed.
My perfect life blew up in my face and I'm still picking up the pieces.
The last thing I need is her.
A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can't resist.
Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a wrench in my plans
from the moment our eyes meet.
I promised myself I wouldn't trust a woman again,
but I've never wanted anyone the way I want Lo.
She's not the plan I made, but she's the risk I have to take.

A warrior. A baller. The one they call Gladiator. Kenan Ross charged into my life smelling all good, looking even better and snatching my breath from the moment we met.
The last thing I need is him.
I'm working on me. Facing my pain and conquering my demons.
I've seen what trusting a man gets you.
I. Don't. Have. Time. For. This.
But he just keeps coming for me.
Keeps knocking down my defenses and stealing my excuses
one by one.
He never gives up, and now...I'm not sure I want him to. 

Prelude to a review

This book came highly recommended to me by my friend and fellow author Empi Baryeh so of course I had to read it. I thank Empi for knowing me well enough to realize that I would love this book, just as she did. Such an amazing novel.

My Review

This book was amazing. I can totally see why Ms. Ryan won the RITA 2019 award for contemporary romance. Her writing is fantastic. She has a poetic flow with words that had me highlighting in the Kindle so that I could go back and gush over the sentiment again.

There was so much depth of emotion between Kenan and Lotus. An inevitable type of love that was purely destined. Such a beautiful story. I loved the realism of the paranormal aspect and the fact that not all of the characters bought into it. By the end of the story, I was closer to being a believer.

Lotus was an amazing heroine. Strong, kind, intelligent, beautiful, intuitive. Did I mention strong? She was well rounded and believable. She’d gone through hard times and yet didn’t let it tie her down. She pushed through, which made her a better person. Her struggle to become more of who she knew she was meant to be made the novel even more exceptional.

Kenan. Oh, my goodness I loved him and the baggage that he came with. An amazing, patient, sweet, and caring hero. An alpha all the way, but putty when it came to Lotus. He was a melt-your-heart romantic. Not to say that he was all sweetness, no, Kenan brought the heat.

Lotus and Kenan together were the perfect couple. Destiny saw to it.

I give this book five out of five basketball shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK

Review: Love at First Sound by Amaka Azie

The Blurb

Heartbroken after discovering her fiancé’s double life, Emem Akpan ends the relationship and moves into an apartment at the other end of Lagos, determined to get her life back on track with no more diversions.

However, a massive dose of distraction bumps into her in the form of Yomi, a sexy younger man who has set his sights on her and will stop at nothing to get her attention.

Yomi Oladipo has always harboured a crush on Sasha, the anchor of his favourite radio show …. who happens to be none other than Emem, his new downstairs neighbour. Enthralled, he wants to get to know her better, but just when she decides to give them a chance, a troubling secret about her shatters his heart.

After experiencing a savage betrayal by someone he once trusted, will Yomi be able to overcome Emem's devastating revelation?

My Review

This was a wonderful story with more than enough drama, heat and cultural references to thrust the reader into a hot romance in Lagos, Nigeria. Given the gap in Yomi and Emem’s ages, the romance between them seemed unlikely, making for a great conflict. Who is to argue with love? What is meant to be will be, but it’s the journey that keeps the reader hooked, which I totally was.

The hero and heroine had personal issues to clean up in their lives which made them easier to relate to  because they weren’t perfect.

A fast paced romance that I really enjoyed.

I give this book five piano shaped chocolate bars. 

   

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK.

Review: Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

In the stories of Adjei-Brenyah’s debut, an amusement park lets players enter augmented reality to hunt terrorists or shoot intruders played by minority actors, a school shooting results in both the victim and gunman stuck in a shared purgatory, and an author sells his soul to a many-tongued god.

Adjei-Brenyah's writing will grab you, haunt you, enrage, and invigorate you. By placing ordinary characters in extraordinary situations, Adjei-Brenyah reveals the violence, injustice, and painful absurdities that black men and women contend with every day. These stories tackle urgent instances of racism and cultural unrest and explore the many ways we fight for humanity in an unforgiving world. 

My Review

An anthology of short stories that both were and weren’t interconnected. The writing was very good. I didn’t care for all of the stories, maybe because I didn’t “get” them, but I appreciated at least one aspect of each tale. Some of the stories made me angry at the situations that the characters were forced to endure. Through his use of speculative fiction, the stories tackle pertinent racial issues.

My favorite stories included:

Zimmerland which left me angry and sad at the state that humanity has lowered itself to. Yet hopeful because the protagonist attempted to evoke a change, even though he wasn’t listened to, at least he tried.

Things My Mother Taught Me was a touching story about a mother who was trying to do right by her child, even though she didn’t have the resources to do so.

Through the Flash was a story I didn’t completely understand the meaning of, but found engaging. The protagonist in the story was a woman infused with incredible strength and speed. She did horrible things with this strength until she changed. Unfortunately we didn’t find out why she became a better person, maybe it is just something that happens when you live a lifetime in an apocalyptic loop that can’t be escaped.  She overcame her external fear only to internalize it: “I’m not afraid anymore. I’m only scared of me.” At any point she could have lost control and regressed to the terror she’d been. Her fear was justified.

I give this book four out of five knife shaped chocolate bars. 

 I bought my copy through the Ghana Must Read Book Club. It is available at  Amazon

Review: Expecting Ty's Baby (From Ghana With Love, Book2) by Empi Baryeh

The Blurb

Abandoned by her father at a young age, beauty therapist, Patricia Owusu, has learned the hard way that men can’t be relied on. She’s determined to make it on her own without falling into the cultural trappings of marriage. However, when she finds herself pregnant after a torrid love affair with African-American financial consultant, Ty Webber, she discovers one man’s resolve to stick around.

When Ty discovers Patricia is carrying his baby, he offers marriage, because real men take responsibility for their actions. He isn’t prepared for Patricia’s stubborn determination to make it on her own. But nothing will prevent him from claiming his child or the woman he considers his.

Can Ty convince Patricia to take a chance on him to help provide a loving home for their baby, or will Patricia’s mistrust lead her to miss out on true love and rob her child of the type of father she never had? 

My Review

I’ve waited a long time for the second book in the From Ghana with Love series. As much as I liked book 1, I enjoyed book 2 even more. Both Ty and Patricia have histories that do not make for them having a favorable extended relationship, much less a baby. Yet the two were perfect for each other.

They had a fierce attraction, shared a lot in common, and complimented each other. The baby brought a complication they hadn’t expected. I wonder if they would’ve realized this if they hadn’t accidentally gotten pregnant. I have a feeling they would have because they just seemed so right for each other. You know a story is engaging when you speculate about possible outcomes of the character’s lives.

I liked the way Ms. Baryeh slipped in cultural information about Ghana through the experiences of the characters. Enlightening.  

I give this book five out of five maternity dress shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK

Why are my book review ratings so high? Part 1 - The Shuffle

Those of you who have been following me for a while (thank you very much) may have noticed that when I review books, I tend to rate them a 4 or a 5. Every once in a while I'll give a book a 3, but that's rare. There's a reason for all of these high rated books. My explanation may not be all that logical to you, but it works for me.

I'm picky. Not just with books but with everything. I'm the type of person who will walk around in a shop, see something I like, pass by it looking for something else that's better, and then end up returning to that initial pick. For this reason I like shopping alone. I can take my time with my indecision.

I'm the same way with books. It's rare for me to buy a book the first time I see it (unless its by a favorite author, or the cover and blurb are smoking hot). I take a lot of time to choose the books that I read. Back in the day when all I read were paperbacks, I would choose the top ones that I wanted to read. I'd:

1. stare at the cover to see if it was calling to me

2. analyze the blurb

3. read the short excerpt 

In the end I'd put all the books on my bed, close my eyes, shuffle them around and then pick one at random. Not scientific, but it was fun.

With my transition to e-books, the process changed a little. The analysis of the books occur with the same criteria, but there is no physical shuffling of them. Because of the hunting I do to get the book in the first place I tend to choose books which I know I'll like. I don't have time to waste on those that I won't.  Hence the high ratings.

Review: Witch For Hire (Witch For Hire #1) by Shyla Colt

The Blurb

Young, terrified, and bound to a vampire, Louella Eschete fled the bayou and swore off magic. Years later, she’s returned to the tiny town of Cypress, Louisiana to take her rightful place as head of her magical family, whether she likes it or not. 

In order to keep the tentative peace formed between the various races of powerful beings who rule side by side, she must face her own demons. Mainly one, Cristobal Cortez. Now a master vampire, and lord of the seven cities surrounding New Orleans, her former lover has moved up in the world. Their relationship gets way more complicated when his court is framed for a rash of murders they didn’t commit.

Forced to play her role as his bond mate, and launch an investigation into the darkness threatening to overturn truces, she may be in over her head. 

My Review

Ms. Colt put my favorite things together into one incredible read. The romance was truly romantic, especially when Cristobal spoke- that vampire knew how to use his words to make me want him.

The paranormal had witches, vampires, shifters, and others were mentioned. The fact that Louella is a witch and Cristobal is a vampire put a fascinating – will they or won’t they make it- twist on the story. The bond mate aspect added a dimension to the story that brought in fate – I loved that.

Louella is a hella strong heroine. She’s the kind of woman who knows exactly who she is and what she’s all about because she took the chance to live life on her own terms and grew into the woman who can lead others.

Mystery was all mixed up in the story as they attempted to discover who was framing the vampires. The story was also full of action which I could see playing out in my mind. It was a MC/IR story which also made me happy.

Although I spent every spare minute I had reading the book because I was so enthralled, I did have a couple of issues with it. The typos were enough to annoy me, which usually doesn’t happen. The second was that one of the aspects of the book was left hanging that I wanted to see a conclusion to. I wonder if this will drive book 2 in the series (which I already bought). Despite the minor issues, I loved this story and the descriptive way Ms. Colt told it.

I give this book five out of five designer gown chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK.

Review: A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1) by Alyssa Cole

The Blurb

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . . 

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after? 

My review

Just look at that amazing cover! The first time I saw it I admired the book. Then I read the blurb and I was panting with need. And then I read it and what started out as infatuation turned into love. I wish Thesolo was a real place in Africa because Ms. Cole made it so appealing that I’m sure I’d book a ticket for a visit. The details of the environments, characters, and even scientific work Naledi did were vivid and thorough, but not overwhelming. Perfect is how I’d describe it.

Naledi has pulled herself through a rough life to make a success of it. Her childhood in foster care has shaped her in a way that she is both determined to get and do what she needs for her career, yet hesitant to stand up for herself when it’s clear that she really needs to.

Prince Thabiso has a huge responsibility as the future king of Thesolo. He has pressure coming at him from every direction, but he’s been groomed for the role so he handles it well. I like that Nadeli teaches him with their experiences and that he’s willing to learn and grow through knowing her. His deception when he first meets her doesn’t sit well (with me or Naledi), but things had to happen the way they did to get the outcome. At least they both knew for certain that Naledi appreciated his true self rather than his princely title.

The chemistry between the two was incredibly beautiful. So were the relationships with the other characters in the story. I’m so glad that I read this book and look forward to reading book two and hopefully more, as soon as Ms. Cole releases them.

I give this book five out of five test tube shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK

Review: Wings of Flesh and Bones by Cathrina Constantine

The Blurb

An Angel. A Witch. A Demon. And A Choice.

Creatures from outer realms suck, as any gatekeeper worth their salt will tell you. Welcome to Rogan’s life, an orphaned seventeen-year-old who lives and trains with other misfits under her uncle’s roof, keeping Earth safe from non-human realm jumpers. Rogan’s biggest issue concerns her uncle’s short leash with her freedom—that is of course, until she’s taken by a notorious witch, and her life begins to unravel. Soon, the supernatural beauty discovers there’s a reason her uncle kept such a tight lock on her whereabouts, and that she has more than angel blood running through her veins.

Eighteen-year-old Max is an angel, and Rogan’s mentor and guardian. He’s well aware of her tenacious inability to obey orders, though he also knows she’s a fierce fighter. When he’s involved in a scheme that ultimately gets Rogan kidnapped, he must battle his way back to her in an attempt to save her from the darkness threatening to possess her.

My review

This story took me on a roller coaster ride of adventure, romance, magic and growth. Rogan is an amazing heroine, we see her develop and learn so much during the book. From an impetuous, stubborn, ready to defend the world young woman, to someone who thinks through the situation before acting.

The character’s dialogue had me chuckling with the sarcastic lines. A paranormal tale that kept me enthralled and turning the pages to see what would happen next. I’m not going to share any spoilers, but there are some surprises in the story where I found myself smiling.

I'm hoping there will be more stories coming from this book because there are some character's stories I wouldn't mind reading. 

I give this book five out of five AK47 (I just had to) shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK.

Review: Tempest (Old West #3) by Beverly Jenkins

The Blurb

From USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins comes a new novel in a mesmerizing series set in the Old West, where an arranged marriage becomes a grand passion . . .

What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss? One like Regan Carmichael—an independent spirit equally at home in denims and dresses. Shooting Dr. Colton Lee in the shoulder is an honest error, but soon Regan wonders if her entire plan to marry a man she’s never met is a mistake. Colton, who buried his heart along with his first wife, insists he only wants someone to care for his daughter. Yet Regan is drawn to the unmistakable desire in his gaze.

Regan’s far from the docile bride Colton was expecting. Still, few women would brave the wilds of Wyoming Territory for an uncertain future with a widower and his child. The thought of having a bold, forthright woman like Regan in his life—and in his arms—begins to inspire a new dream. And despite his family’s disapproval and an unseen enemy, he’ll risk all to make this match a real union of body and soul.

My review

Ms. Jenkins is a master when it comes to writing romance. Tempest has the perfect balance of humor, action, drama, and of course romance. I liked Regan when I first met her in Breathless. Strong willed and adventurous I knew her story would be amazing and it was. Regan’s speak-her-mind and get-it-done attitude and Colton’s prideful, and reserved personality brought out the drama in the story, but eventually they merged quite well. 

Colton’s daughter added the right touch and drive to their relationship. His daughter helped show Colton’s more tender side which also softened Regan’s heart toward him.  I enjoyed watching the child come out of her shell throughout the story. The book wouldn’t be complete without a bit of historical education which I very much enjoyed.

I give this book five out of five wagon shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK.

Book Review: Undeniable (Latin Men Book 7) by Delaney Diamond

The Blurb

They can’t stand each other…or can they?

For years, hard work and perseverance have been the tenets by which Santiago Vila lived his life. As such, he’s achieved everything he’s gone after. Except Abena Dubango. She’s the total package of brains, beauty, and a sense of humor. Even though she wears another man’s ring, he’s never forgotten the moments they spent together. And he’ll make sure she doesn’t, either.

Abena has plans. Get married, have children, and live happily ever after. She even has a fiancé to achieve her goals. But two things stand in her way: Santiago Vila, and her undeniable attraction to him. 

My review

I have wanted to read Abena and Santiago’s story since I was introduced to them in More Than a Mistress (Latin Men Book 6). I was so happy when this book came out that I rushed to read it and it didn’t disappoint. Filled with the couple’s personal history, friendship, passion, and a true romance. My main issue with the book was Abena’s stubbornness when it came to Santiago. Of course it had a basis, and to an extent I totally understood why she resisted him for so long, but there were a few times when I wanted to yell at her so she’d finally wake up and accept the deliciousness that was Santiago. Other than that the book was amazing.

I give this story five out of five lobster shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from AmazonUK.

Review: Kissed by Christmas (Tropical Destiny #2) by Jamie Pope

The Blurb

Christmas in paradise

Hallie Roberts has had a string of bad luck, beginning with her fiancé dumping her! Now she is disillusioned and ready to leave her beloved big-city teaching job behind and return to her idyllic island hometown. Then fate intervenes, and a slip and fall on the ice brings gorgeous, brave paramedic Asa Andersen to her rescue and into her chaotic life. 

Saving victims can take its toll, but Hallie fills Asa with hope and renewed purpose. His mission to show the homesick English teacher a romantic New York Christmas culminates in a passionate, brief affair. But Asa isn't about to lose the best thing to ever happen to him. When they meet again on Hideaway Island, the magic and sensuality of the sultry isle affects them both. Can he convince Hallie to trust in their future and a love that's worth every risk?

My Review

This has to be one of the sweetest romances I’ve read in a long time. Hallie and Asa were just so like-able that I wanted them to get together from the very beginning and make sure they had no problems. But that’s just not how a romance novel rolls. Of course there were issues between them which I knew were going to be resolved, but how it would come about had me turning the pages.

The settings were gorgeous, from the winter wonderland they visited in New York to the island paradise of Hallie’s home.

A wonderful romance that had me sighing at the end. I’m looking forward to reading more from Jamie Pope.

I give this book five out of five ambulance shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon US

Amazon UK.

Review: Bending The Rules (The Wright Brothers 3) by Christina C. Jones

The Blurb

Justin and Toni were friends.
Besties, with a whole list of life rules developed over a friendship that started when they were kids. As long as they stuck to the rules, even when they blended a business relationship into the friendship, things went off without a hitch.

But then one of them broke the rules - It was Justin. Justin broke the rules- and Toni has been mad about it ever since.

She’s spent the last several years traveling the globe to cultivate her business, but now she’s back in town. Her only goals? Help her parents with “Mr. Bestseller’s” signing at the store, help them pack up their house to sell, and get out of town without too much interaction with her former best friend.

Mr. Bestseller has different goals.

He broke the rules - no getting around that, and he’s not trying to. His main goal now that Toni is finally home is to get her to hear him out… and get his friend back.

Neither of them anticipated that the rift in their relationship would be the catalyst for seeing each other in a whole different light. But now that they do, they’re wondering if it may be time to make some amendments to those rules.

Or at the very least… bend a few.

My Review

The Wright Brothers’ trilogy has come to an end and I am sad, even though I loved this story. The trope of friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorites. The romance between Toni and Justin was gradual, and very unsure, but perfectly timed. Ms. Jones even threw a bit of a mystery in there by making us wonder just what Justin did to anger Toni to the point of not speaking to him for so long (it was bad).

I enjoyed the aspect that both Justin and Toni were part of the publishing world and highly successful in their own fields. The hero and heroine had a lot in common and conversations about their past experiences had them laughing a lot. It was their present experiences that had me chuckling most.

A fantastic story and series. I give this book five out of five book shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Review: Silence Fallen (Mercy Thompson 10) by Patricia Briggs

 In the #1 New York Times bestselling Mercy Thompson novels, the coyote shapeshifter has found her voice in the werewolf pack. But when Mercy's bond with the pack and her mate is broken, she'll learn what it truly means to be alone...

Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe...

Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise...

My Review

I’m going to start with the end of the story because Ms. Briggs blew me away. I did not expect the surprise ending at all, but I was very happy about it. I might have to reread it again to see how I got blindsided, but I knew something was up at one point, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Mercy and Adam- I can’t love their romance any more than I do. Their relationship isn’t perfect, but their love is. This is one of the best series I have ever read. The only thing that disappointed me about the book is that there isn’t another story for me to read right away. An amazing read.

I give this book  five out of five airplane shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

A Passionate Night (The Bennett Triplets) by Candace Shaw #AARomance

The Blurb

Mixing business with pleasure leads to a passionate night.

Harper Bennett’s motto is work hard, play hard. Lately, she’s forgotten the latter and has focused her time as part-owner, along with her brothers, of the hottest nightclub in Atlanta. When an intriguing client enters, Harper forgoes her promise to never date a man that doesn’t live in the same city and she finds herself playing hard to get with Hunter Arrington. The passion that has ignited between them can’t be extinguished, and she dreads the day he has to leave.

Hunter travels the world because of his career and has no intentions of settling down until his eyes land on Harper Bennett. There’s something about the petite, sassy woman that he adores and makes him feel at home for the first time in years. Now he’s faced with a life-changing decision and the thought of being without Harper isn’t an option. 

My Review

Hunter and Harper were made for each other. Starting from their instant attraction which lit the page on fire to the way their relationship progressed in such a romantic manner to the sacrifices each decided to make for the other. A lovely romance.

I give this book four out of five cheesecake shaped chocolate bars (you can decide if it should be triangular or square, all I know is that it’s delicious).

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Review: Marked by Obsession (Psy-IV Teams 3) by Jami Gray #ParanormalRomance

The Blurb

Asking for his help will expose more than her heart…

Meli Dwyer’s ordered life followed a clear-cut path, just the way she preferred until the death of her beloved brother. Rocked by her loss and grappling with the emotional fallout, a series of unexplained events marked by an escalating violence send her world into chaos. Alone and floundering in her harsh new reality, she reaches out for help from the sexy and mysterious warrior who managed to sneak under her guard, Wolf.

But some risks are worth taking…

When Wolf receives an unexpected call from the illusively alluring Meli, the PSY-IV Team’s skilled and lethal telepath doesn’t waste time racing to her side. Months earlier she ignited his protective instincts and her call gives him the perfect opportunity to set siege to her wary heart. Before he can breach the scars of her past, he’s engaged in a dangerous game beside the one woman he can’t read, facing an enemy whose motives and obsessions blur his lines between justice and revenge.

As the stakes rise, Meli must decide if the answers to her personal nightmare are worth uncovering if it costs her the man who captured her battered heart.

My Review

The stories in this series keep getting better. I don’t know if it’s because I fell in love with Wolf in the last book or because the story was just that darn excellent.

Meli isn’t the typical strong female character that kicks ass and asks questions later, but she has an inner strength that some people wouldn’t be able to touch. She has gone through a lot in her life (Ms. Gray spared no expense to make this woman suffer – she tried to destroy her psychologically, emotionally and physically), but she persevered, because she has a tenacity of spirit that no one can ever take away from.

Wolf is an alpha to the core, add to that his amazing psychic ability and hot body, and I end up having to have to fan myself at the mere thought of him. Yet he wasn’t always as strong as he could’ve been throughout the story, this made him completely human in my eyes, more accessible and less deliciously perfect, but a better more accessible hero. He and Meli were a match made in heaven.

Just so you know before you start reading the book, Ms. Gray is horrible to her characters (For her sake I hope they never come to life), which makes the book that more intriguing because you really have no idea what’s coming next.

I give this novel five out of five backpack shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Prah, Constantine, and Baryeh Review: Challenging Miss Valentine by Cindy K. Green

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. That’s all I have to say about that.

The Blurb

Ella Valentine doubts she’ll ever recover when her twin brother passes away in college. Four years later, living in a new city and working for a large corporation, she gets caught in a lie and saddled with a new boss who she suspects might be losing his mind. Now he has her enacting insane acts of espionage while trying to catch the culprit who has embezzled money from their company. If it wasn’t for his deep brown eyes and lazy smile she just might quit. Is this God’s plan for her life? She isn’t even sure who she is anymore without her twin and the way things are going she just might end up in the loony bin.


Charles “Charlie” Murray II may be the heir presumptive to his father’s industrial dynasty, but all he really wants is to create—be it drawings or a marketing campaign. When he’s summoned to the home office to take over the position of CFO, he discovers his new assistant is the same woman who passed him a phony phone number in a diner the previous weekend. If he can figure out who’s been stealing from the company, he just might attain the position of his dreams or will he sacrifice it all to be with Ella.

My Review

When they say clean read, they mean it. It was a very sweet story. Ella got out of her comfort zone to meet Charlie and it all turned out for the best. Although I have to say that Charlie’s little stints were a bit dramatic, but entertaining. The golf course scene had me laughing out loud.

Because it was a clean book there wasn’t much romantic action, but what did happen was powerful.

I give this book four out five golf shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Let’s head on over to Constantine and Baryeh's blogs to see what they thought of the book.

Review: Pulling Doubles (The Wright Brothers #2) by Christina C. Jones

The Blurb

All Devyn wants – besides a tall, fine husband and eventually a few babies to fulfill her “about to turn thirty, running out of time, cute black family” dreams – is to finish her yearlong internship at University Hospital. She’s excited about the experience, eager to learn, glad to help wherever she can… it should be easy, right?

Well, it would be… if it weren’t for arrogant, know-it-all, always-got-something-to-say Dr. Joseph Wright. Devyn can’t stand him, and if his attitude is any indication, the feeling is mutual… or is it?

Joseph doesn’t “do” doctors. Or nurses. Or patients. Or anybody else who has anything to do with the hospital, for that matter. University Hospital has infiltrated enough of his life, and the last thing he needs is a blurring of the lines between professional and private.

… until smart, sexy, sassy Nurse Devyn Echols comes along, and stomps all over those lines.

When you’re pulling doubles with the person you hate to want so bad… something is bound to ignite.

My Review

I salute the person who hooked me up to this series. It is so good. Ms. Jones is a wonderful romance storyteller with just enough, drama, romance, and action to make it all really good. This opposites attract trope was right on point. The annoying Dr. Wright ended up being the sweetest guy and Devyn was a feisty, competent heroine who knew how to handle herself, and Dr. Wright too.

This is a hospital romance which took it there. I’m looking forward to the third book in the series which I bought right after I finished this book.

I give this book five out of five stethoscope shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon. 

Review: Teasing in Stilettos by Nana Malone

The Blurb

When wanting isn’t enough…

She wasn’t his to touch…he wasn’t hers to love…

Cara North made the mistake of falling in love once and it cost her everything. Dancing at Club Prestige, her dreams are once again within reach. She won't let a little thing like love get in her way.

Finance genius, Tate Anders, has spent his life being the good son. But always doing the right thing comes at a cost…the only woman he’s ever loved.

Back then, she belonged to his brother. But this time, he's not letting her get away. 

My Review

I have read two books in the Prestige Club series and both have been by Ms. Malone. I honestly didn’t know how Ms. Malone would bring Cara and Tate together. Their odds seemed really low although the attraction was high. Let’s just say that Ms. Malone sure does know how to bring on the pain for her characters because the hits just kept on coming, for both Tate and Cara.

I give this book five out of five stripper pole shaped chocolate bars.

I bought this book from Amazon.