Review for Julie Ann Walker's BACK IN BLACK

 

BACK IN BLACK

Romantic suspense

AUTHOR:

Julie Ann Walker

RELEASE DATE:
August 23, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Limerence Publications LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0BCSPFXDC

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://julieannwalker.com/

 

The Black Knights are back, baby!! 

With new members to boot!

Major Hunter Jackson, former Green Beret, works as an operative for Black Knights Inc. He receives a startling phone call from Grace, a woman who has fueled his fantasies for the past three years. When she asks for help, Hunter drops everything and races to her rescue. He and his BKI comrade decide to assist Grace in evading the infamous assassin Orpheus. Can Hunter neutralize Orpheus? Or will he lose more than just his heart?

FBI agent Grace Beacham finds herself the latest target of a ruthless Kremlin assassin. When the Bureau believes she killed her partner, Grace calls the one person she can trust. She never forgotten Hunter or the incredible moment they shared three years prior. Now Grace must depend on him and BKI long enough to clear her name. Can Grace survive her ordeal? But at what cost?

Hunter tugged on my heartstrings. He did not have a very good childhood. I like how Hunter refused to follow in his parents’ footsteps. Their mistakes and vices became life lessons for him, especially drinking. I related with that because my father was an alcoholic (mean one), and he is the reason I don’t drink.

I found myself identifying with Grace. I like how she did not have a positive body image of herself. It made Grace relatable (because I suffer from the same thing).

BACK IN BLACK is the first book in Julie Ann Walker’s newest romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED, a spinoff from her popular BLACK KNIGHTS INC books. It is not necessary to read the first series before this one. However, I would strongly advise against that! The prior twelve-book series introduces how (and why) Black Knight Inc got started. It also shows the many trials and hiccups the organization had endured during its heyday. Last, but not least, is the unforgettable characters.

I never realized just how much I missed the BKI crew until this book. Boss and Becky (the couple from IN RIDES TROUBLE) make frequent appearances throughout the story, which makes sense because they play a vital role in Black Knight Inc’s creation. Sadly, Dan “The Man” ( TOO HARD TO HANDLE) and my main man Ozzie (WILD RIDE) are mentioned. I seriously hope (hint hint) Ozzie makes an appearance in the next book! I got to have my Ozzie fix! Also, we cannot forget Peanut! The shop’s feline mascot!

There is one other aspect I love about Julie Ann Walker’s books. I like how she sets up the next couple in the background of the current one. I cannot wait for Hannah and Sam’s book. Hannah had me howling with laughter! Hands down, she is my new favorite with the new BKI cast! I also love her interaction with her bestie Cesar!

Review for Donna Grant's DRAGON ARISEN

 

DRAGON ARISEN

Paranormal-Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
June 13, 2023

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353080

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
www.donnagrant.com

 

 

Alasdair is the Dragon King of the Amethysts. His time on Zora, along with the dragon’s frosty reception, leaves him frustrated. Alasdair offers to search for his missing brethren. He happens upon a beautiful yet aloof woman on his travels. Alasdair cannot help but suspect her, especially when she offers to help him into Stonemore, undetected. However, he learns far more than what he bargained for. Can Alasdair and Lotti escape Stonemore unscathed?

Lotti leads a solitary life. She knows her presence brings danger to those around her. Lotti’s path soon crosses Alasdair’s. She cannot ignore her reaction to the strange yet enigmatic man. Lotti agrees to help Alasdair sneak into the one place she purposely avoids – the human settlement called Stonemore. She discovers something surprising about herself there. Can Lottie help Alasdair find his missing friend? 

It took me a while to connect with both Lotti and Alasdair. I cannot really pinpoint why. I did empathize and understand Alasdair’s frustration concerning the dragons. It must have been a devastating blow for him and his brethren once coming to Zora. I sympathized with Lotti. She wanted to find a place where she truly belonged with people who loved and accepted her. However, Lotti’s innate ability hindered her. I admire Lottie for choosing a solitary existence to protect others from harm. 

DRAGON ARISEN is the sixth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-fantasy romance series, DRAGON KINGS – a spin-off from her popular DARK KINGS series. Most of Donna’s paranormal series are interconnected ( DARK KINGS, DRAGON KINGS, REAPERS, DARK SWORD, DARK WARRIORS; SKYE DRUIDS).

I only have one nitpick. It probably does not bother anyone else. However, after many books Goodreads states there are eighteen books in the DARK KINGS, plus the sixth books in DRAGON KINGS) and novellas, we know the dragon kings’ history and backstory. Whenever I get to that part in the story, I skip past it. It always drags down the storyline’s momentum for me.

Review for Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin's BREWBIES

 

BREWBIES
Comedic Contemporary Romance

AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne & Cynthia St. Aubin

RELEASE DATE:
June 20, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0BZJX4BWM

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://kerriganbyrne.com/  https://www.cynthiastaubin.com/

 

 

Darby Dunwell is a newcomer to Townsend Harbor – a small, picturesque tourist town in Washington. She stirs up trouble with the townies by opening a risqué-themed coffee shop. Darby never imagined running into her one-night stand there… Or that he would serve her papers to shut down her business. Darby intends to fight him and the other closed-minded prudes in town. However, she first needs to keep her hands off her sexy yet rule-abiding nemesis. Can Darby win the townspeople’s acceptance? Or will she gain more than what she bargained for?

Sheriff Ethan Townsend takes his duty to his hometown seriously. To keep his private life from becoming public knowledge, he travels out-of-state to satisfy his carnal needs. Ethan is shocked to discover that his one-night stand is the owner of the sexual-themed coffee shop in town. He knew that Darby would bring trouble. However, Ethan finds he is unable to resist her brand of trouble. He feels conflicted between his civic duty to his townspeople and his growing sexual attraction to Darby. Which will Ethan choose?

Darby is, hands down, a wonderful role-model for women. She is not only a breast cancer survivor, but she is also a woman who refuses to take crap from anyone, especially men. Darby proves that she can handle almost anything that comes her way. What I love the most about Darby is how comfortable she is with her sexuality. She uses her natural endowed assets to their best advantage because Darby knows sex sells.

Ethan did not leave a very favorable impression on me in the first story. I am glad he managed to redeem himself in this book. He is a man who likes to follow a strict moral code. It was something hammered into Ethan since childhood because of his social standing. I like how Darby’s presence shook up his boring, orderly life. She introduced fun and naughtiness.

BREWBIES is the second book in Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin’s comedic, contemporary romance series, TOWNSEND HARBOR. The story can easily stand alone; however, I suggest starting with the prior book first. Again, Myrtle and Vee made the story so entertaining and fun. Their antics never failed to make me laugh (until I literally had tears in my eyes). I so want to aspire to be like them when I reach their ages (my sons would say I am well on my way). I cannot wait for more of their escapades in further books! I like how Cady and Fox, the couple from the first book, play roles in the story’s plot.

Now I want Gemma’s book! Possibly her with a certain hot, tatted, ex-con turn carnival worker named Gabe. Hint. Hint. Hint.