Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Books to curl up with: HAPPY TUESDAY ALL

Books to curl up with: HAPPY TUESDAY ALL:   Today we are featuring the second book in the LOVE HAIGHT series by Jean Rabe and Donald Bingle.                               BOOK BLURB ...

HAPPY TUESDAY ALL


  Today we are featuring the second book in the LOVE HAIGHT series by Jean Rabe and Donald Bingle. 

                            BOOK BLURB 



 Supernatural beings are willing to fight for their legal rights!

Since the Summer of Love, the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco has been known for attracting weird and unconventional souls, but things got even stranger when the monsters moved in. 

Magic has returned to the world and with it a host of supernatural creatures—not just vampires and ghosts, but sentient gargoyles, ghouls, sprites, faeries, and more. The frightened citizenry, holier-than-thou bigots, headline-seeking reporters, and harried police refer to them as OTs (Other-Than-Humans), but Thomas Brock and Evelyn Love believe even supernatural creatures have legal rights. 

Delve into their case files for a genre-bending mix of mystery, horror, suspense, thrills, courtroom drama, and romance. The city’s OT element is sometimes malevolent, sometimes misunderstood, and often discriminated against. Brock and Love represent them all, dead, undead, or alive—whatever the case, whatever the species. 





 EXCERPT 

“I didn’t do it. I didn’t kill him. I couldn’t possibly have killed him.” Murphy paused and sucked in a big breath that swelled her ample chest. “Well, of course I could have killed him. I could have easily killed him. Everyone is capable of doing something awful and heinous and soul-numbingly disgusting like that. But I didn’t do it.” She paused again. “I loved him. I really, truly, deeply, and with all my heart loved Nathaniel Terrence Jackson the Third.”

Evelyn Love sat across from the nixie in an uncomfortable straight-backed chair; it was pitted metal gray, the table gray, the floor concrete and a slightly lighter shade of gray, the block walls painted gray, the only interruption being a mirror framed with a stripe of black, which was a two-way glass window—and there damn well better not be someone on the other side of it watching. This was an attorney-client meeting and therefore privileged. 

“Nat-Jack and me … I called him Nat-Jack. I was swimming out by Alcatraz Island, and I saw him on a boat, some sightseeing and fishing combo thing, he said. He was handsome. I surfaced and said ‘hi,’ invited myself onboard, and rode back to Fisherman’s Wharf with them. After that, we’d meet a couple of times a week down at the beach. That’s where I fell in love with him, by the sea. He always looked sophisticated, nice clothes, kept his hair styled. I adored twisting my fingers in his hair. It was as black as a freshly-painted freighter bottom. Oh, and his blue eyes. Gorgeous blue eyes. And you could tell he worked out because—”

Thomas Brock floated through the door and hovered half-in and half-out of the chair next to Evelyn and whispered to her that the observation room beyond the mirror was indeed empty. The ghost attorney leaned forward as the nixie continued to expound upon her love of the man she’d been accused of murdering.

“—I’m attracted to men with muscles, and Nat-Jack had these arms … guns, he called them. They weren’t guns, of course, not the kind that you could fill with bullets, aim, and pull the trigger. They were well-muscled arms, tanned and pretty. One arm had a tattoo of a cross with John fourteen-six printed under it, a religious reference, I think. But he called them guns, his arms. Maybe that’s a football-thing, you know, a football term. Guns. Nat-Jack was with the Forty-Niners team and—”

Evelyn thought the nixie lovely. No, that was an insufficient word. The lithe woman in the green prison jumpsuit—green being the color given to those accused of murder or on suicide watch—had a heart-shaped face, glittering emerald eyes, slightly pointed ears, and long silver hair that undulated slowly like sea fronds stirred by the tide. Her skin was flawless and the shade of polished pewter. 

Striking. Stunning. Breathtaking. Exotic. 

Exotic described her best.

“I’ve never been to a football game, but Nat-Jack promised I’d have a seat at the fifty-yard line when the season started. He said I could eat popcorn. I like popcorn, don’t you? They sell popcorn at Fisherman’s Wharf. The kind with caramel or butter—”

Murphy’s childlike voice was musical, sounding like she sang rather than talked. Evelyn thought she also sounded vacuous and her chatter inane.

Exotic and vacuous and musical.

And the nixie had admitted right here—and earlier to police—that she was fully capable of murder. Murphy prattled on for several more minutes before Thomas interrupted her.

“According to police,” he began “you were—”

“That detective, the one who arrested me … well, there were two detectives. I guess they both arrested me. But the tall one, the older one, he wrote on the arrest form that I’m a Rusalka. I’m not a Rusalka. There are a few Rusalka out in the bay sometimes, but I’m a—”

“Nixie,” Thomas said. “We know the difference.”

Evelyn didn’t know the difference between a nixie and a Rusalka, but figured she could look it up later. What was crucial now was finishing this interview and preparing a defense, as they’d agreed to take her on as a client.

“The guard with the crooked nose said you are one of the best attorneys in the city, Mr. Brock, even though you’re dead.” She took another deep breath. “I’m sure you’re a good attorney, too, Miss Love. Evelyn, right? Love is a last name, right?”

“Yes, Love is my last name.”

“Nice name, Love. I loved Nat-Jack with all my heart. I think I mentioned that. Love. I don’t have a last name. I don’t need one.”


ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Jean Rabe:



USA Today best-seller, Jean Rabe's impressive writing career spans decades, starting as a newspaper reporter and bureau chief.

From there she went on to become the director of RPGA, a co-editor with Martin H. Greenberg for DAW books, and, most notably, Rabe is an award-winning author of more than forty science fiction/fantasy and murder mystery thrillers.

She writes mysteries and fantasies, because life is too short to be limited to one genre--and she does it with dogs tangled at her feet, because life is too short not to be covered in fur.

Find out more about her at www.jeanrabe.com, on social media, or sign-up for her newsletter here: https://jeanrabe.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/



Donald J. Bingle



Donald J. Bingle is the author of eight books and more than sixty shorter works in the horror, thriller, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, steampunk, romance, comedy, and memoir genres, including the Dick Thornby Thriller series (Net Impact; Wet Work; Flash Drive), Frame Shop, a murder mystery set in a suburban writers’ group, Forced Conversion, a near future scifi thriller, GREENSWORD, a darkly comedic eco-thriller and (with Jean Rabe) The Love-Haight Case Files, Books 1 & 2, a paranormal urban fantasy series about two lawyers who represent the legal rights of supernatural creatures in a magic-filled San Francisco. He also edited Familiar Spirits, an anthology of ghost stories. More on Don and his writing can be found at www.donaldjbingle.com and on social media. Sign-up for his newsletter here: https://www.donaldjbingle.com/newsletter-sign-up

Monday, September 27, 2021

Books to curl up with: GOOD MONDAY ALL

Books to curl up with: GOOD MONDAY ALL:  Good morning my peeps hope your Monday is starting off great .    It is time to start thinking about Halloween and all the great books that...

GOOD MONDAY ALL

 Good morning my peeps hope your Monday is starting off great .  It is time to start thinking about Halloween and all the great books that are out. Todays book is a novella from Hp Mallory and J.R Rain. THE BLACK CAT COCKTAIL CLUB ( book 8 in the Haven Hollow series )


                            BOOK BLURB 



 The women of Haven Hollow aren’t your typical forty-something singles. Poppy’s a gypsy who creates potions, Wanda’s a witch, Fifi’s a succubus, Libby’s a zombie, Darla was once a ghost but now she’s corporeal and Bailey’s a medium.

When they find themselves forming an unlikely friendship over potion-brewing and booze, Wanda decides their impromptu group needs a name. But, somehow, ‘Flushed and Forty,’ ‘The Haven Hollow Hoochies,’ and ‘The Witchy Winos’ aren’t exactly cutting it.

When Hellcat, Wanda’s feline familiar, starts stealing sips of various libations, Poppy tries to bat him away and accidentally knocks an experimental potion into her drink. Seizing an opportunity, the cantankerous cat immediately swallows down Poppy’s beverage and… vanishes!

As soon as they realize Hellcat is no longer in the house, it will become a mad dash to try and find him in order to reverse whatever magic Poppy inadvertently subjected him to.

And somewhere along the way, they just might find a fitting title for their boozy bunch.


                        MY REVIEW
  The girls from Haven Hollow whipping cocktails and potions . Wand and Poppy are trying to have a girls night when things just get out of their hands . When Poppy drops two potions on Hellcat he starts disappearing reappearing all over town . Now there is a race against time to find him and cure him. Will Wanda ever forgive Poppy and will she have a new opinion of Hell cat.

The girls are back and funnier then ever . Wanda is just as moody as ever and Poppy well she is so sweet . I love these characters so much . They are well written and complex . I love where the authors took Wanda from hating on her familiar to actually loving the furry little guy . Most of the Haven Hollow are back in this book helping to find Hellcat. Which adds such funny twists every now and then in the book.

this novella was once in an anthology but the author expanded and had the characters running all over. I read this book in an evening and laughed so hard . I felt sorry for the poor cat being popped all over the place even though it was his fault for drinking the potions . Its a fun filled girls night out book that will have you thinking of your next girls night out. So if you want a fun fast read check it out you will have a laughing good time . 

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Books to curl up with: GOOD AFTERNOON ALL

Books to curl up with: GOOD AFTERNOON ALL:   Good afternoon everyone . today I have the first book in a brand new series by VJ Lee. BLAZE'S JO ( Sister Jo book one )              ...

GOOD AFTERNOON ALL

  Good afternoon everyone . today I have the first book in a brand new series by VJ Lee. BLAZE'S JO ( Sister Jo book one )


                           BOOK BLURB 



   DeeDee Christensen never had a family of her own, and it made her feel like she didn't fit in. She had a successful business where she had a calming effect on people, making her upskilling business a massive success. The side effect of that was she had everything money could buy, including a fricking jet. But all her money couldn't buy her love. Then, she went to work for Mountain Brothers Inc., where she met the king of one-and-done, alpha-hole, and beautiful bastard, Mr. Blaze Sanders. She never thought she'd fall for him, or that she'd be thrown into other worlds.

Blaze Sanders hated doing his time in the human realm around people, but he loved doing their women. So, working for Mountain Brothers Inc. did have some perks. However, he had a critical mission to complete for his world, instead of babysitting humans. Then, DeeDee walked into his office. She was beautiful, full of life, and made him forget his sinful ways. She had a calming presence, which, combined with her intoxicating scent, scared the hell out of him, because he was falling fast and hard for her. Hell, he couldn't fall in love, because he was, in many ways, spoken for. Should he throw caution to the wind and whisk DeeDee away on his private jet, or should he complete his mission and return home to do his duty?

With DeeDee distracting him, the human realm and several others were headed for destruction.

Would Blaze see what was right under his nose, before it was too late?



                     MY REVIEW 
 Blaze Sanders well he is a god in so many ways , sexy , demanding and never wanting to bed the dame woman twice but he is also much more . He is also is a defender of a realm and is out to find his mate well not really looking hard until the moment that he is summoned back and told to find the sister of peace . When Dee Dee walked into his life and the sent of her drives him crazy . The woman is driving him to distraction and there is more to her then he realizes . When they find out will they be able to keep their love alive or will others get in the way . 

  Omg these characters are amazing , so well written and complex . Blaze is such an alpha , he is oh so sexy and has a swagger that will make woman swoon . There is more to him though and we really get to see him at his best and his worst . I really love him and how he is really tortured soul. We also get to meet a few more of the Mountain brothers and can't wait for their stories . Especially Othello's story . Dee Dee just wants a family of her own, she has never had a family , she is an elegant woman who is strong and also really loving. She is really feisty and tough when she wants to be . She is truly a really fun character and she really can dish it out when she needs to.  These are some fun characters to read and trust me you will fall in love with Blaze and the other men . You will love Shay and Dee Dee cause they can take care of themselves but let the guys help out . 

   This is one of those books that you will get into by the end of the first chapter . You will love and hate Blaze at the beginning but grow to love him as the story evolves . The author took us on a fun filled ride . You will laugh, cry and be on the edge of your seat . I truly like this author's writing style . I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series . This would be a great read for those cold fall evenings as you curl up with a glass of wine and a warm blanket . So check it out and add it to your fall reading list

Monday, September 20, 2021

GOOD DAY ALL ITS MONDAY

  Good afternoon my peeps , today I have for you book seven in the Haven Hollow series by Hp Mallory and J.R Rain . Lets dive into TAFFETA TRICKERY. 


                           BOOK BLURB



 So, this whole returning Lorcan’s vampire “kiss” (which would also allow me to shed my Blood Witch status) isn’t turning out the way I’d hoped.

First, no matter how many times we attempt it, the spell fails. Not only that, but I’m starting to develop… ahem… extremely sensual feelings towards the incorrigible man, which doesn’t exactly float my boat or power my broom, as the case may be. But, the worst side effect of our blood bond is that now whenever Lorcan leaves, my body goes into panic mode—it actually feels like a piece of me is being ripped away.

Not only is my personal life one big, chaotic mess, but my business looks like it’s headed there too. Someone or something keeps breaking into my store, which should be impossible, owing to all the wards and hexes I’ve got protecting the place (enough to give Area 51 a run for their money). Yet, breaking in is exactly what they keep doing—why? I have no clue. It’s not like anything has been stolen, destroyed, or otherwise missing. Instead, the intruder keeps leaving strange scratch marks on my wood floors...

Thinking things can’t get much worse, enter wedding journalist Gemma McClain. Gemma, the bridezilla to end all bridezillas, has come to my store for a custom and enchanted wedding dress. Even though Gemma is human, she has lots in common with demons from the ninth level of hell. Harpy customers aren’t such a big surprise, but what is a surprise is the maid of honor’s mother, who I could swear is something supernatural… and the fact that she seems to have interest in me is off-putting, to say the least.

With my professional and personal lives plummeting, I need some good news pronto. But, unfortunately, when I find myself facing the fight of my life, that good news is nowhere to be found.


                   MY REVIEW
   Welcome back to Haven Hollow, life for Wanda is getting stranger and stranger by the moment. Between Lorcan invading her thoughts more and more, the threat that hangs over both their heads and mysterious scratches on her floor . She is not having the best week. When you think Wanda has almost enough in walks the bridezilla to beat all bridezilla, Gemma McClain who is a wedding journalist who wants an enchanted dress for her wedding . Which goes awry at the wedding and Gemma's personal and professional life are plummeting she needs good news and fast . Well that isn't going to happen too soon when she ends up in the fight of her life . 

  These characters are just getting better and better . Wanda is becoming a really likable character . She is changing for the better and I am really liking her . She is coming to realize that she can ask for help and get it and people like her and don't want to run her out of town. She is growing up and it looks good on her . She is even getting feeling the resident vampire dentist . Lorcan is the hero in this book , he is trying not to go crazy because of the blood bond Wanda and Lorcan are destined to be together I just wish that they would finally get together . They are such fun characters to read . As are the rest of the gang that come out to help her . Poppy and the gang are so much fun to read . 

 This is the seventh book in the series and I am going to say it is I think is the best of the series so far. There is romance , mystery and lots of fun action. The characters are like part of the family and you love and hate them . The authors are my favourite writers and love to read their books . This is a fast fun read that will have you laughing , the raccoon that can't speak English to Lorcan saving lives . This book will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat all the way through. So grab a cozy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate and settle down for a fun read . 

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Books to curl up with: LETS HEAD TO SPAIN FOR A FUN FILLED SUMMER TRIP

Books to curl up with: LETS HEAD TO SPAIN FOR A FUN FILLED SUMMER TRIP:   Good afternoon all , today I have the brand new book from RL Merrill, lets head to Spain in her book A MATCH MADE IN SPAIN .              ...

LETS HEAD TO SPAIN FOR A FUN FILLED SUMMER TRIP

  Good afternoon all , today I have the brand new book from RL Merrill, lets head to Spain in her book A MATCH MADE IN SPAIN . 


                          BOOK BLURB



 A small-town ASL teacher is reluctantly captivated by the Catalonian vintner determined to woo her across the Spanish countryside. Can a match made on a tour of Spain be a fairytale second chance for this grumpy/sunshine pair?

The ink on Cecilia's divorce papers might be dry, but she’s in no hurry to connect with another traveling businessman, especially the spatially challenged one seated beside her on a crack-of-dawn flight from San Francisco to Madrid.

Felip should be on top of the world running his family’s cava empire, however life has left him feeling unfulfilled as of late. Good conversation and a hard-won smile from his seatmate—a grumpy but lovely American hearing-impaired teacher—have him wondering if maybe fairytales are possible—or if he’s lost his mind, especially when a series of mishaps lands him in the role of the substitute tour guide for her group.

Over the course of twelve days, Felip’s irresistible charm and lust for life break down Cecilia’s carefully constructed walls as he competes with needy teenagers and pulls off a daring rescue to show her they are a good match. Will Cecilia see that their worlds are closer together than she thinks, and that faith and compromise can give them a real happily ever after?


                      MY REVIEW 
  Cecilla is heading to Spain and honestly she just wants to get off the plane . The kids are being great and the other chaperon is her best friend . When heaven on a stick sits beside her on the plane and things change for both of them . One wants to woo her and take a chance and Cecilla just wants to see Spain with the kids but Felip has a different plan and he wants to show her there is more to life then being by herself . Will they survive the student tours to come to realize that they should take a chance on each other to get a happily ever after . 

  Omg I haven't laughed so hard while reading a book in such a long time . These characters are so well written and complex , Felip is a vinter and the head of his family's vineyard . He is sexy and smart but there is also a little bit of sadness in him . He also wants to see what else is out there and Cecilla is it . He is trying his hardness to get to know her more but alas he has been kid blocked through out the book . Every time they even try to be alone someone is need of something . But he does try his best and shows her his softer side . Cecilla is such a sweet woman and she is a great teacher and takes care of her kids that she is in charge of with great care. She is stronger then even she realizes sometimes but like Felip there is a sadness to her . She is smarting after a divorce and doesn't want to open her heat up to anyone . Together they are such a fun read , with each and every child block to misunderstanding witll have you laughing all the way through the book . 

  This is such a fun book to read , I laughed all the way through it and couldn't put it down . The author really took us on a fun filled ride through Spain and kept up all the fun all the way through the story . She used Spain as a character in amongst itself . There are some great tender moments through out the story also . We get to see love in all different times in our lives . Young love with the teens and the love of two people who have been hurt in the past but want to try again . This fun filled book should be on your fall reading list . So check it out. 

Monday, September 13, 2021

Books to curl up with: GOOD MORNING ITS MONDAY

Books to curl up with: GOOD MORNING ITS MONDAY:  Today we are heading to space and heading on a cruise ship in LOVE & TIME OF WORMHOLES by Jess Hardy .                                 ...

GOOD MORNING ITS MONDAY


 Today we are heading to space and heading on a cruise ship in LOVE & TIME OF WORMHOLES by Jess Hardy . 


                                    ABOUT THE BOOK 



On this deep space pleasure cruise, love is in the recycled air.

Sunastara Jeka is passionate about two things: (1) meeting the needs of the varied species who holiday aboard her interstellar pleasure cruise during the day, and (2) avoiding attachments when the occasional guest meets her needs at night.

Sunny’s life is simple, straightforward, and safe until a former one-night stand becomes her newest crew member.

Freddie has never forgotten that night with Sunny. He’s ecstatic to see her again, until she tells him she never dates her coworkers. Determined not to lose this confident, sexy, hysterical woman again, Freddie bides his time, pursuing a purely professional relationship with Sunny when they’re on the clock, while he slowly charms her senseless after hours.

As Sunny breaks her own rules about workplace romance, her tragic past and a heartbreaking betrayal thrust her orderly life into chaos.

When a hostile species holidays aboard the ship, endangering VIP guests and even the known universe, Sunny and Freddie must decide. Will they let the gravity of their pasts keep them apart, or risk it all for love and fight for their future together?

Content Warning: Prior to the events of this book, the main character lost a child. She continues to process this loss throughout this story.


          ABOUT THE AUTHOR 


 Speculative and contemporary romance writer of The Bench (Evernight Publishing), Missing Charlie (Black Rose Writing), and the forthcoming Love in the Time of Wormholes scifi-romcom from City Owl press.
Find her on social media or on her website at: https://jesskhardy.com/
 

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO WEDNESDAY

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO WEDNESDAY:   Good afternoon all , today I have for you book 9 in the midlife spirits series . MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT by Hp Mallory.                     ...

WELCOME TO WEDNESDAY

  Good afternoon all , today I have for you book 9 in the midlife spirits series . MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT by Hp Mallory.


                            BOOK BLURB 



  While my relationship with my boyfriend, Ryan, seems to be falling apart at the seams, there’s not much I can do about it because my entire life is pretty much heading the same way.

As if dealing with my temperamental and difficult niece wasn’t hard enough (especially when she won’t stop arguing with my ghostly roommate), I suddenly find myself the owner of a… dog?

Daschel randomly shows up on my doorstep one day, which means I’ve inherited another responsibility I can’t afford.

But Daschel is no ordinary dog… he’s intelligent beyond reason, but I’m not sure how or why.

My life is about to get a whole lot weirder when I find myself at The Old Absinthe House, where I’m meant to meet with legendary New Orleans pirate Captain Jean Lafitte.

I’ve come to learn all I can about the deceased children who keep stealing paranormal items and the witch in the French Quarter who’s been throwing snakes into bars. But when Ryan goes missing after my visit to the Absinthe House and I wake up with no memory of the night before, I have a feeling something bad has happened. Something really bad…


                    MY REVIEW
  Peyton's life just keeps getting more and more crazy from her relationship with Ryan starting to fall apart , to her temperamental niece and a mysterious dog that just appears one day . Oh and don't forget that someone is trying to take away her house and when Ryan goes missing and she wakes up with no memory of the night before . Peyton must find out what is going on with the deceased children stealing magical items and a witch with a fondness of throwing snakes into bars . Something bad is about happen and Peyton's feeling are never ever wrong.

   Lets just say poor Peyton her life is getting more and more complicated each and every day. She seems to be getting dragged into more and more dangerous situations . She is still sassy and strong willed but her powers it seems to be growing more and more . She is still struggling with what is going on and her love for two men . Ryan well he is struggling with what is going on and he knows that there is more going on and is trying not to let it get to him . Now that he knows more and when he has had enough will he finally leave .  We also get to meet Captain Jean Lafitte a notorious pirate who wants to live again in Peyton's body . He is up to something even in ghost form . Maggie well she is your typical broody teen ager who well just wants to argue with Drake every moment of every day. There is something more that Maggie is hiding but we just can't figure it out yet .  I love these characters so much . I am totally invested and love how complex they are . 

   This book i sat down and read in an afternoon, once you start you don't want to put it down until you are done. There is so much going on and you want to cheer the characters on. Each character has grown and evolved through out the series . There is a twist at the end of the book that will actually will make you kind of swoon cause you know what could happen in future books .  I can't wait for the next book in the series . If you want a great series that is fun to read check out this series . You will love it for your halloween reading .

Friday, September 3, 2021

Books to curl up with: ITS FRIDAY

Books to curl up with: ITS FRIDAY:         ABOUT THE BOOK    When his younger brother is summoned to Versailles, Vicomte Frederique de la Tour decides to intervene and takes h...

ITS FRIDAY


      ABOUT THE BOOK 


 When his younger brother is summoned to Versailles, Vicomte Frederique de la Tour decides to intervene and takes his place. King Louis’s XV court is stunned when instead of a lad, the legendary spy, known to his underworld associates only as The Wolf arrives.

Lady in Waiting Hélène d’Ètoilles’ life has been serene: Serve Her Majesty the Queen of France with grace and obedience. Now her life and her sense of self are in turmoil when she discovers she’s been gifted to a nobleman for his family’s loyalty and years of service. No longer a lady in waiting to the Queen of France, she’s thrown into a world of subterfuge and passion, of lust and power.






 EXCERPT 
 

Dressed from head to toe in burgundy, his sister floated behind the queen, her mask firmly in place as she laughed at some joke. A step behind her, Mademoiselle Hélène d’Ètoilles glided in.

Encased in yards of blue satin and lace, Hélène froze on the threshold, her stance proud, almost defiant. Such fire, such passion within her stirred his blood. When she turned, he caught the flash of brilliance from the square cut sapphire at her throat, the diamond drops of the necklace lying within the ample cleft of her full breasts. His fingers burned with the urge to touch, and he cursed the confines of socially acceptable behavior.

Hot, potent anger raced through him when he recognized the lust filled stares of the men in the room. He tightened his grip upon his glass when one young, eager courtier attempted to get closer to her, only to have the queen turn and speak. The young man’s face flashed with fury as he glared at Mademoiselle d’Ètoilles before it was quickly masked.

Frederique set his glass on the nearest ledge and began to make his way to where the king had settled. A tall, beautiful woman sidled forward and curtsied to the king. It didn’t take him long to recall her name. Frederique hid a smirk as he realized the queen’s fury would surely be great at having the king’s three mistresses all present and within arm’s reach of her husband.

Resolute, he focused his attention to more important matters. Keeping Hélène in sight, he skirted the crowd. He paused to speak to those who acknowledged him even as he struggled to control his frustration at the delays.

“Ah, Vicomte de la Tour.” King Louis raised a hand to halt the woman speaking to him and greeted Frederique. “I am delighted you are here.”

“Your Majesty, thank you for allowing me to attend. Allow me to extend my sincerest apologies again on the sudden illness of my brother.” Frederique bowed respectfully.

King Louis nodded. “Indeed. Your father has always been a kind, loyal man to me. Rarely does he ask me for a favor. I believe this one time I can be forgiving.” As if suddenly realizing something, he turned toward his wife. “Do you not agree, my dear?”



 ABOUT THE AUTHOR




 Canadian author Patricia Bates writes dark and edgy historical and contemporary suspense romances. Because to bleed is to survive, but it's by loving that we truly live.
She has two Best Sellers under her belt for Champagne Book Group and Beachwalk Press.
For more details on Patricia, you can visit her at her website: www.patriciabates.com
www.instagram.com/patriciabatesauthor




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Thursday, September 2, 2021

Books to curl up with: ITS FRIDAY EVE AND BOY DO I HAVE A BOOK FOR YOU

Books to curl up with: ITS FRIDAY EVE AND BOY DO I HAVE A BOOK FOR YOU:   Good day all , its Friday eve and I have a hot mafia book for you today . Its a dark romantic tale so let me introduce you to the men of t...

ITS FRIDAY EVE AND BOY DO I HAVE A BOOK FOR YOU

  Good day all , its Friday eve and I have a hot mafia book for you today . Its a dark romantic tale so let me introduce you to the men of the The Lupu Chronicles . THE RECLUSE HEIR by Monique Moreau


                         BOOK BLURB 



  Luca

As the second son, I scoff at the antiquated rules and traditions of my clan. When my family needs to make an arranged marriage with a rival clan, the next in line to wed the spoiled mafie princess is me.

I’ll be damned if I’m led to the slaughter like some sacrificial lamb.

Let my younger brother, the family lapdog, do the deed. The man is a soulless bastard, anyway.

But the moment I set eyes on the precious princess at my brother’s engagement party, I regret my decision. My knees almost buckle. Holy hell, but she’s beautiful. Sultry and innocent, she’s a lethal combination the likes of which I’ve never seen before.

If only she wasn’t already pledged to my brother.

Cat

My family loves me but I’m merely a pawn in the shifting chess game between the Lupu clan and mine. As the good, obedient daughter to the boss of the Popescu family, I do what I am told. And that is to marry the youngest brother, a ruthless mafie prince with a reputation for cruelty. It’s the least I can do to make up for the grief I’ve caused my family over the years.

At my engagement party, I’m introduced to my fiancé’s older brother, Luca.

A man with cold gray eyes that makes my skin sizzle with desire.

The same man who already rejected me as his fiancée.

I should hate him for it. Instead, the more time I’m forced to spend in his presence, the less I can remember that he is strictly off-limits.


                      MY REVIEW 
  Cat has been groomed since birth to become the wife of a mafia boss . Even to the point of staying a virgin until her wedding day . Well things fall apart when at her engagement party she sees the one man that once denied her . The more time they spend together the easier it takes to forget why he was off limits in the first place . Will everyone come out with their hearts intact . 

   Luca is the black sheep of the family and has been dealt a really bad hand with in the family . He is a strong willed man who really comes off arrogant . Deep down inside he is hurting and just wants the one person he can trust and love . Through out the book we actually see him grow into a somewhat normal man in Cat's eyes .  Cat well she is at first a little naive and kind of starry eyed but mostly she was scared to go into the relationship . She is tired of being a pawn in her families constant negotiating . As she is with Luca we see her go from naive young girl to a strong woman who will fight for her man and the life she wants . These characters are so well written and complex you will love to hate them .

  This is a book that once you start reading you can't put it down . The story will suck you in and the characters will keep you interested until the end . This is such a well written story that most of the time will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know how they are going to survive what is coming next . This book took me two nights to read cause I wanted to take my time cause I was lost in the story and really didn't want it to end . I suggest you add this series to your fall reading list cause this will keep you warm through out the season