Release Day Review: Wicked Secret (Wicked Horse Las Vegas #8) by Sawyer Bennett

Wicked Secret
(Wicked Horse Vegas, Book #8)

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: May 26, 2020

Synopsis: 

Those that truly know August Greenfield, will tell you that I live my life to the fullest. Work hard as part of the team at Jameson Force Security but play just as hard at The Wicked Horse Vegas. I have no regrets about my life.

Well, maybe just one.

Leighton Hale was my first love and the woman I wanted to spend my life with, but one day she was just gone. Vanished without a trace. Even my extensive contacts as part of the team at Jameson left me empty-handed in my search for answers. My single remorse is never being able to find out what happened to her, because no matter how difficult the truth may be, it can’t be as bad as never knowing at all.

Ten years later, a knock on my front door brings me face-to-face with the woman I thought I’d never see again and nothing in my life could have prepared me for the secrets she holds.

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What I thought about Wicked Secret

August Greenfield is living the life -- he's got a great job and goes to the Wicked Horse Las Vegas whenever he wants. He's not looking for a relationship, especially after his childhood sweetheart disappeared without a trace years ago.

When his teenage love shows up at his doorstep asking for help, He's got all sorts of emotions to work through.  He's angry with Leighton for disappearing on him, and he's worried that she's really in trouble and needs his protection. And then she blows his mind with one more secret from the past that has him reeling. Let's just say that August has a lot of time to make up for and lots to resolve in his own mind. 

I did find the first part of this book a bit depressing and predictable. It takes some time for August to learn to trust and forgive Leighton, which was reasonable to expect, but it did take the escapism out of this story and replaced it with a big old pile of realism. I was happy to see the book take an upturn in the middle.  The Wicked Horse does get some page time later in the book as August and Leighton work on their relationship.

Overall, the erotic romance part of this book helped to balance out the not-so-fun parts, but this was not my favorite in the series.  There are some hot scenes at the Wicked Horse that helped to keep things interesting in the face of some of the almost-dire situations they had to deal with. 

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.

About the Author:

   

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs. If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

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Cover Reveal:Forgotten Magic (Crimson Cove #1) by Eden Butler

Forgotten Magic
Eden Butler
(Crimson Cove, #1)
Publication date: June 28th 2020
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Bane Illes never smiled.
He never spoke.
But each day, that brooding wizard gave Janiver Benoit a glance. And when she could not take another quiet stare, or the warmth that look sent over her skin, she took from Bane something he’d never give freely—one lingering, soul knocking kiss.
Ten years later, someone has stolen the one thing that keeps magic hidden from the mortals in Crimson Cove and only Janiver can recover it. But returning to her hometown means she’ll have to face the past and all the secrets she left buried there, including the one person she promised herself she’d never see again. The dangerous wizard that might make leaving Crimson Cove the last thing she wants to do.

*FORGOTTEN MAGIC was previously independently released as CRIMSON COVE. However, Eden has since sold the rights to City Owl Press and the book has been replotted, rewritten, and kicks off the new Crimson Coves trilogy which follows witch Janiver Benoit and her siblings as they try to unravel the well-hidden secrets that have destroyed their family.

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Author Bio:
Eden Butler is a writer of contemporary, fantasy and romantic suspense novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.
When she's not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, reads, and spends too much time in her garden perfecting her green thumb while waiting for the next New Orleans Saints Superbowl win.
She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.
Please send help.

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Cover Reveal: Quarter Miles (Runaway #3) by Devney Perry

 

 QUARTER MILES

Runaway Series
Release Date: August 25th, 2020
Cover Design: Sarah Hansen, OkayCreations
Purchase Details: www.devneyperry.com/books/quarter-miles

Katherine Gates has been in love with Cash Greer since the moment he saved her life from a runaway goat. According to Cash, she’s the little sister he never had, the greatest roommate in the world and his favorite coworker. They’re friends—best friends.
In the dark days of her youth, it was his friendship that kept her alive and made life in a junkyard worth living. So she’s learned to shove her feelings for Cash down deep, even if that means ignoring eyes that shine brighter than the Montana summer sun and the smile that illuminates the snowiest winter day.
Except with every passing year, the denial takes its toll on her wounded heart until one day Katherine decides to take an impulsive road trip to the Oregon coast. Alone. That is, until Cash cons his way into the passenger seat.
The farther they travel, the harder it is to pretend. And when she confesses her feelings, she learns that Cash has some secrets of his own. Secrets that will either bond them together.
Or rip them apart.

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Check out the
Other Books in the Runaway Series

Londyn McCormack didn’t have a typical childhood. She ran away at sixteen and spent her youth searching for a place to call home. She’s built a good life for herself through hard work and a little luck, but after a devastating divorce, she’s running away again. This time, she’s not looking for shelter or a job. She’s out to find the carefree and happy woman she once was.

She’s driving across the country in her convertible, except one flat tire derails her plans and her life collides with Brooks Cohen. The small-town mechanic catches her off guard. Rugged and handsome, Brooks proves to Londyn that kind, honest men do exist.

But she was never meant to stay in West Virginia. Her car is fixed and her trip mapped. And as Brooks fades from her rearview mirror, she must make a choice. Turn back and risk her heart. Or stay on the runaway road.

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COMING JUNE 23rd

Gemma Lane built an empire. Not a small feat, considering her home as a teenager was a makeshift tent in a California junkyard. She’s dedicated her life to turning pennies into millions. She has power, fortune and prestige.
And she’s leaving it all behind.

Gemma is headed across the country in her best friend’s Cadillac when a detour in Montana reunites her with old acquaintances and a man who hasn’t changed. Easton Greer challenges her every word and tests her every limit because he doesn’t believe she’s really abandoned her riches. She ignores his snide remarks and muttered censure—until the day she’s ready to return to the wild highway, and Easton taunts her to stay.

She’ll prove to him she’s not just running back to her wealthy life, that she’s more than her money. She’ll unlock her guarded heart and hope that this time around, he’ll treasure the key.

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Blog Tour Review & Excerpt: Fight for Me (Arrowood Brothers #2) by Corinne Michaels

New York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels brings a new breathtaking and emotional love story to life in the second STANDALONE in the Arrowood Brothers series.

Fight for Me is LIVE! 

I fell in love with Sydney Hastings when I was ten years old.

At sixteen, we whispered promises of forever.

When I was twenty-two I broke them all. I left her and promised never to return.

After my father's death, I’m forced to go home to Sugarloaf for six months.

She'll be everywhere, no longer just in my memories and regrets.

When we’re together, it’s as though time never stopped. She’s still the one I want, but I don’t deserve her. Instead of apologizing, I take that beautiful, broken woman in my arms. But after that, it’s her turn to leave me.

Now I have to fight. For her. For us. For the life we both want …

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Excerpt:

"Do you want to dance?"

She nods.

I hear my brother make a noise and pretend I didn't. She said yes, and I'm going to cling to that.

Here might be the last time I ever get to hold her in my arms, and I'm going to take it.

"I love this song."

I love you.

"Why is that?" I ask.

Her arms move to my chest, and I wonder if she can feel the pounding of my heart. My nerves are bowstrings, being pulled taut before the arrow is ready to fly. Everything inside of me is strained, but I keep it together.

Sydney and I move, the world falling away as it always does when I am with her. Gone is the hurt of my past, the uncertainty of my present, and the regret of the future ahead. Right now, I have her.

She's here, in my arms, where she's meant to be.

I don't care if the sky lights on fire because she's all I see.

"Listen to her." Sydney's voice is quiet and pensive. "Listen to her talk about him giving up and her asking him to stay."

And I do. I hear the words, and I swear that she's singing to us.

"Don't tell me it's too late," Emily croons.

"I won't give up that easy.

Don't call me darlin' and tell me that you're leavin'.

Don't walk away.

Stop pushing me when you know you want to hold on.

It could be so easy for us, baby.

I've been here, but you don't see me.

Don't let go if you're not ready for me to walk away." The acoustic guitar takes over as her voice drifts off.

"Syd," I say her name as both a plea to let go and hold on.

Her hands grip my shirt tighter. "Don't. Don't let go. Don't push me away."

I see the tears in her eyes. I don't want to push her away. I want to hold her close, kiss her senseless, and love her until she knows it in every fiber of her being that she's everything I want.

I see her. I feel her. I know her in my bones, but I won't be able to be who she needs.

No matter how much I wish it weren't the case, I can't give her the life she wants with a husband and babies. All I can offer her is a friendship that has an expiration date because once my six-months is up and she has moved, I know I won't allow myself to see her again.

The song ends, and the two of us stop moving, just watching the other.

The spell that was surrounding us seems to break and awareness fills her gaze. Her fingers loosen and drop from where they had been clutching my shirt and she takes a step back.

The loss of her is felt everywhere. My heart doesn't seem to beat as strongly, the cold hits my chest, making it hard to breathe, and the emptiness from her loss leaves me weak.

For those minutes I held her, the world made sense. And now ... I need to leave.

What I thought about Fight For Me 

Sydney Hastings had her heart broken by Declan Arrowood eight years ago.  Her dreams of getting married and having his babies died when he breaks up with her to leave town unexpectedly. He thinks he's protecting her -- all she knows is that her heart is broken and Declan has vowed never to return to Sugarloaf where Sydney is in charge of the family farm, among other things.

Declan does come back, and their first time alone, old feelings get the best of them and then bam!  Everything gets more complicated, and   Sydney ends up nursing a broken heart a second time.

If you've ever read this author before, you know she puts some very emotional moments on the page.  While I found this to be only a one tissue story, there are certainly some heart-wrenching moments in the second half of the book.

Fight for Me is a second chance romance that has a few twists and turns for the characters, and I have to say that I did like Sydney.  I hadn't read the first book in this series, and I will admit that this story made me want to read more. It's mostly predictable, and a very quick, emotionally charged story about love, trust and going back home that kept me reading until the end.

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.

 

Meet Corinne:
 

Corinne Michaels is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller author. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife.

After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love.

Connect with Corinne:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/1iwLh6y

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Stay up to date with Corinne and sign up for her mailing list: 

To sign up for monthly text alerts: Text CMBOOKS TO 77948

*US only due to carrier restrictions*

Release Blitz: Fight for Me (Arrowood Brothers #2) by Corinne Michaels

New York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels brings a new breathtaking and emotional love story to life in the second STANDALONE in the Arrowood Brothers series.

Fight for Me is LIVE!

I fell in love with Sydney Hastings when I was ten years old.

At sixteen, we whispered promises of forever.

When I was twenty-two I broke them all. I left her and promised never to return.

After my father's death, I’m forced to go home to Sugarloaf for six months.

She'll be everywhere, no longer just in my memories and regrets.

When we’re together, it’s as though time never stopped. She’s still the one I want, but I don’t deserve her. Instead of apologizing, I take that beautiful, broken woman in my arms. But after that, it’s her turn to leave me.

Now I have to fight. For her. For us. For the life we both want …

Download today!

Amazon | Amazon Worldwide | Apple Books 

Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to Goodreads

Meet Corinne: 

Corinne Michaels is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller author. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife.

After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love.

Connect with Corinne:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/1iwLh6y

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jcp29z

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2L1Vzo6

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2N1H2Gb

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NVZmhv

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2m7MkEL

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2yc6rss

Stay up to date with Corinne and sign up for her mailing list: 

To sign up for monthly text alerts: Text CMBOOKS TO 77948

*US only due to carrier restrictions* 

Release Day Review & Excerpt: 5 stars for Sure Shot (Brooklyn #4) by Sarina Bowen

CREDITS:
Photo by Wander Aguiar,
Design by Hang Le 

A new stand-alone hockey romance from USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen.

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and color coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency.

A big, tall, ripped hunk of hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He’s also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason it’s Bess that he wants.

She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while it seems like maybe he’ll do the same.

Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her…

 Add to Goodreads

Buy Links

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Excerpt

Tank: Did you SEE that beautiful goal???

Bess: Yes baby. That’s why I sent you a text last night that said NICE GOAL BABY in shouty caps. Didn’t it come through?

Tank: It came through. But I just wanted to talk about it some more. Because did you SEE that beautiful goal? When Castro accidentally passed to nowhere but I got my stick on it anyway? And before you could say TANK IS A STUD, I put it in?

Bess: Gorgeous goal, hot stuff! I may have spilled my beer I was so excited.

Tank: Where did you spill it?

Bess: All over my naked breasts.

Tank: Really?

Bess: No. But the purpose of this conversation is stroking your ego, right? So I thought I’d just roll with it.

Tank: LOL! I’ll take it.

Bess: :)

Tank: You were right, by the way. After the game, Castro told me I had to get the Brooklyn Bridge tattooed across my ass.

Bess: Well that’s a good sign. If they’re pranking you it means they like you now.

Tank: I got a goal. They like that at least.

Bess: What did you tell Castro about the tattoo?

Tank: I said, sure, buddy!

Tank: And, get this, I told him that if we connect on ten goals this season—in either direction—not only will I put the bridge on one ass cheek, I’ll put his face on the other.

Bess: OMG. What did he say to that?

Tank: “Let’s not get carried away.” Honestly he looked terrified, which was the point. I told him I was just crazy enough to do it. And then I wondered aloud what the blogs would write about that.

Bess: You are an evil man.

Tank: Never bullshit a bullshitter. But enough about me. Let’s talk about you. Specifically, I need to know if you’re naked right now. Please say yes.

Bess: I’m sitting in my office waiting for a conference call. So that would be no.

Tank: Lie to me, baby! I miss you.

Bess: There’s no need to lie. The next time we’re in the same zip code again, you can make your dreams come true.

Tank: Now there’s a plan I can get behind. Literally.

Bess: Indeed. Got to go now! Call starts in two minutes.

Tank: One more thing, hot stuff. Have you seen Henry again? I keep leaving voicemails, asking when I can visit. He texts me back, but I can’t get a phone call. I just want to talk to the old codger.

Bess: Same. I sent him a present but when I asked to visit he shot me down. Now go beat Florida.

Tank: Maybe you should send me a few motivational photographs to improve my game.

Bess: A good workout followed by a protein drink and then a nap would improve it more.

Tank: Says you.

Bess: I am a professional. I know things. Get some rest! I’ll be watching tonight.

 

 What I thought about Sure Shot

Tank is the new guy in town, just traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers by one of their biggest rivals.  He's not exactly fitting in with the younger guys on the Bruisers, and it hasn't been an easy transition personally as he's just about finalized his divorce.  But when he runs into Bess Beringer at a party things start looking up.

Bess has moved her business from Detroit to New York City.  Her clock is ticking and with all the babies around her, she wants a baby of her own. She develops a five year plan to get her there. But she doesn't factor in running into a former lover who lights her up. As soon as she sees Tank, a flood of memories from the time they shared years ago when they were both "rookies" at their jobs sets off all sorts of warning lights. There's a definite spark (well, more than a spark) between them.

Bess knows dating an athlete could seriously impact her credibility as a sports agent, and Tank is still stinging from his divorced. But try as they might, they just can't keep away from each other.  There's some real feelings of friendship and love oozing off the pages here, and it's so very easy to get wrapped up rooting for their happy ever after. Tank has a sense of honor and maturity that I absolutely adored and I loved the chapters in his point of view.

Tank has a few secrets too, and it's one that is gut-wrenching and difficult and if you've gone through it, you'll relate to what he's saying.  I found that to be one of the most refreshing parts of this book -- for Tank to articulate what he went through, and how he felt about it.  It's a situation not usually told from the male point of view, and I really loved that about Sure Shot. I don't want to say much more and spoil the reveal for you, and you'll probably guess what's going on, but they way they end up accepting and handling it is just fabulous.

It was great to visit with a few characters introduced in the True North series and characters from previous books in the series.  I loved every single thing about this book.

If you are a fan of contemporary romance and aren't reading Sarina Bowen, you really should give her books a try.  Sure Shot is a fabulous tale of love that definitely ranks as one of my favorites of 2020 and is one of the best in this sports romance series.

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.

About Sarina

Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Vermont's Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.

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Release Day Review: Wylde (Arizona Vengeance, Book #7) by Sawyer Bennett

Wylde (Arizona Vengeance, Book #7)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: May 12, 2020

 

There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name. 

I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty. 

When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. 

Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me. If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.

Download WYLDE: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Google | Kobo Print | Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom)

 

 What I thought about Wylde

The Arizona Vengeance have just won the cup and it's the off season.  Aaron Wylde happens to jog past a bookstore where he sees  a gorgeous red head behind the counter.  And that's all she wrote, as they say, cause he is smitten.

Clarke Webber isn't interested in getting involved with a man, much less one that has fame attached to him.  She's been burned before.  But Aaron will not be denied and he wins a bet that results in Clarke being his date for one of the many weddings in this book.  

There isn't a whole lot of conflict in this love story, as a matter of fact, it's pretty much a love fest, with weddings, the Stanley Cup and other interesting surprises.  If you have been reading this series, there is a good bit of page time for the characters in previous books and for new readers, the book still works just fine as a standalone.  

Aaron falls hard for Clarke and starts seeing he could have a different kind of life with her.  But her past may prevent her from truly trusting Wylde and that's where the conflict comes in. I love that Aaron doesn't apologize for his fame, but helps Clarke see that he's not like the nasty person from her past. They are an adorable couple, and I was happy they got their HEA. It did seem like this book wrapped up some storylines from the first six books in the series, and introduced some new characters I'm hoping we will be hearing about!

So, while predictable, Wylde is a sweet tale of falling hard, learning to trust and moving on from the past to a new future. 

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.

 About the Author

   

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both. Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

Connect with Sawyer: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Book + Main Bites | BookBub | Amazon | Newsletter | Master Blogger List