FREE BKFUNNEL/ THE DON'S FORBIDDEN DESIRE BY K L CHARLES

   For any other questions, please contact:
K L Charles <hello@klcharlesauthor.com>

amazon

I faked my identity to infiltrate his underworld empire.
Now I’m trapped by the Italian Mafia boss I swore I’d bring down.

Luca Moretti is cold, calculating, and runs a billionaire crime syndicate.
He’s the ruthless Mafia Don who murdered my family.

I’ve spent years planning how to ruin him.
To hack into his secrets and get revenge.

Until he catches me where I shouldn’t be.
And gives me a choice—disappear or obey his every demand.

Then I’m kidnapped by a rival mafia faction.
And Luca obliterates everything in his path to rescue me.

He protects me without hesitation.
Lets me in, even when he shouldn’t.
Trusts me with secrets I shouldn't know.

I swear to myself I still loathe him.
But somewhere between hate and desire...
I fall for this forbidden Silver Fox I vowed to destroy.

Then the truth surfaces—he didn’t kill my family.
But someone he never suspected did.

But if I want justice...
I may still have to risk losing the only man who’s ever kept me safe.

--My Review Notes titled: Seductive Enemy 

 

Elena get ready to infiltrate the enemy camp of the Moretti family.  She presents herself now as Elena Moreno. The company CEO Luca is suspicious  and grills her almost immediately. Her file information is WAY too thin ! He orders Antonio his consigliere to do a DEEP dig into her.  Matteo is his muscles.  But she's one tough but likeable character. His cruel father, Alberto wants her gone; dead.  Elena and Luca have plenty of heated scenes together even when they don't trust each other.

It all ends with  a really good epilogue. 

 

Not included- Spoiler- Alberto killed Luca's mother and his REAL father, a Bravata man.  His fake father is on the run but he won't escape while in Italy, he's cheated them too ! 

 

Booksprout/December 11ARC/"Protected by the Imposter" by Kayla Martyn (Novella)

 Booksprout link

Booksprout review link 

I’d love to have you on my ARC team for Protected by the Imposter — and Julian wants you, too.

From Julian:
I never planned on protecting her.
And I sure as hell never planned on falling for her.

Aria thinks I’m the man assigned to keep her safe.
She doesn’t know I stepped into someone else’s place…
or that getting close to her could blow everything apart.

We’re trapped together, hunted, fighting shadows in every room.
And every time she looks at me, it gets harder to remember the rules.
Harder to keep my hands off her.
Harder to walk away.

If you enjoy obsessive protectors, dangerous secrets, and heat that doesn’t let up, I’d be grateful to have you read early and give this story your honest thoughts.

Come join my ARC team—I can’t wait to share Julian and Aria’s story with you. 💋

 

Note from the Author

Julian Cross is posing as an architect to infiltrate my family—the Santarini mafia. He used my firm to get inside, wrecked my biggest contract, and now we’re forced to work together while he hides who he really is. Danger closes in. Secrets tighten. And the chemistry between us becomes the most dangerous part of all. Perfect for fans of undercover protectors and enemies-to-lovers heat.

Review on at least 1:

Amazon

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download) 

--MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:   Explosive Romance

 CIA Agent Julian North's world suddenly explodes ! Right at the start of the book !! His mentor and friend along with others suffer. Then the story goes into him knowing that Damien Santorelle is the mastermind.  One evil guy that they discover, when people cross him they tend to disappear.  His daughter Aria doesn't believe any of the rumors about her father and chalks it all up to lies and jealousy.  Julian makes sure he meets her; giving her a false name. His mission is pump her for information, to use her to get information. Of course, they meet and they sleep together. The agency isn't happy when they find out !Does she know what her father really is? Does she know what her father really is? That's his question.  She keeps getting unsolicited texts and then a voicemail asking her is she knows why people just keep disappearing around her father?  That voice mail scares her. It also made me wonder if her father caused her mother to "disappear". 

But what she doesn't know is that Agent Zero is also trailing her and he's Mega Dangerous. The kind of man who kills first without asking questions. He seems to like the killing part. Now another man that Julian knew of was CIA Agent Kane Bergoff.   Kane works in the shadows and is great with tech. He asks him for information and that turns out to be helpful. The more I read, it made the CIA filled with not only a few good people but also quite a few corrupt ones too !

 

I really enjoyed the double points of view.  This book had a great intense plot, emotional romance and an explosive great ending as well! I loved it !!!

I read this story through Booksprout and was glad that I did because it was awesome ! 

 

bkfunnel/ Forbidden Fiance by Mia Amour

  For any other questions, please contact:
Mia Amour <hello@miaamourromance.com>

I had a one-night stand with my dad’s best friend.
Now he’s my bodyguard—and fake fiancé.

As a global rockstar, my life is scrutinized—every move dissected, every whisper magnified.
But tonight, the threats turned deadly. My ex-boyfriend tried to kill me.

I had no choice but to hire protection. Not just anyone. Elias Sinclair:
The silver fox widower with piercing eyes and a body carved from sin.

He’s also my dad’s best friend.
The man I gave myself to one forbidden night before he disappeared.

We agreed to a fake engagement to save my career and pacify my fans.
But pretending isn’t a game anymore, it’s torture.

His every touch brands me. His every glance sets me on fire.
I’m falling for him, faster and harder than I ever imagined.

But our secret must stay buried. If it comes out, the man hunting me won’t have to kill me…
My father will beat him to the punch.

My 4 Star Review- Titled: The Vultures are circling 

Redheaded, Talia Hart is singing in the opening chapter. She's in all her glory, enjoying her moment! Her father Marcus would have been so proud of her. He loved to sing to but chose to be a well thought of doctor.  During her time singing, her ex , Liam Carter goes after her like a lunatic. Elias steps in to save her.  The attraction is still simmering between them.  Liam is a music executive who loves trying to control her and he's desperate to get her back. He's dangerous!

Violet Monroe is Talia's publicist and swings into to action to try to hush up any media frenzy.  Elias has Grant in his corner and he's smart and working hard to protect both of them. Elias has an enemy named Julian Graves and Lena Phillips is a reporter who will step  on anyone to get bigger stories and she's not afraid to twist things. 

The story is fast but kind of shorter feeling, like it's missing something,  that's why I gave it a 4 star rating.  

Things get even more messed up but Talia and Elias do get their HEA. At least for now ! 

Free Bkfunnel/ Stolen Vows by Clara Dunn- sampler?

  For any other questions, please contact:
Clara Dunn <clara@claradunnromance.com>

He’s the enemy of my family—
And the first man to ever touch me.

One second, I’m walking down the aisle.
The next, I’m in a cabin with a mafia enforcer who looks at me like I’m already his.

Max Mastroni is cold. Brutal. Covered in scars.
He says I’m just leverage—bait for my father.
But his hands say something else.
So do the things he makes me feel.

I try to run.
I scream, I fight, I curse his name.
But he doesn’t care that I’m untouched.
He just says he’ll ruin me gently.

I thought I knew what hate was.
Turns out it looks a lot like obsession.
And sounds a lot like his voice in my ear, promising I’ll beg for more.

I was supposed to be a pawn in his war.
Now I’m the girl he’d kill to keep.

 

Book 1 in a series of STANDALONE forbidden romances within an interconnected mafia world.

------My unrated review- Titled: It only has 1 Chapter

Ten year old Cara is caught terrified by her father eavesdropping one night. She was supposed to be in bed but wakes up to voices and a woman fleeing for her life.  She never saw her father like that ever before !

Then it's Present time and she's preparing to get married to Mario Manicotti, an older man her father chose and she finds repulsive !  Then a man, surprises her through a open window before she can head downstairs! 

Continue to read the best. In other words buy the book at Amazon 

November 28th, 2025(ARC)for... Cat-astrophe on the Coffee Express By Iris Thorn

  

All aboard for murder, mocha, and mayhem.

The Coffee Express promises scenic views, artisan brews, and a relaxing day away from my barista gig with my best friends. Blink, my one-eyed, telepathic cat (who communicates exclusively in sarcasm) is along for the ride too. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, apparently.

When Bradford Sterling, a snobby celebrity coffee critic, drops dead mid-sip, the train goes into lockdown. Awesome. We have a killer on board.

Bored and curious, we dive into sleuth mode armed with caffeine and zero qualifications. Blink silently judges our every move and reminds me that he could solve this faster.

Blink says every mystery starts with a list of “likely humans.” He’s not wrong.The suspects include a twitchy tabloid reporter, a frosty socialite with a secret, a latte-obsessed influencer livestreaming the chaos, and a conductor who’s one tantrum away from derailment.

This isn’t just a whodunit.
It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
If we don’t catch the killer soon,
Someone’s next coffee order might be their last.

A clever and cozy whodunit full of quirky suspects, snappy banter, and one telepathic cat with a taste for biscotti and trouble. Perfect for fans of lighthearted crime, small-town secrets, and feline sidekicks.

--My 4 Star Review TITLED: A cat who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes 

This charming story starts at the Oak Ridge train station with Blink in the mc's tote. 

With her on this train extravaganza is Piper, a well meaning disaster, Miles, who likes to joke and do card tricks and Aunt Rhoda.  Her group all working together along with of course Blink !  This story starts out a bit slow but that's because the dramatic train ride is so well described even before more "fun" begins". 

 There were several people who seemed worthy to be the murder target but i didn't like the coffee mogul, Bradford Sterling right from the start. Nasty man. It There are a number of suspicious people with reasons for dislike to the person murdered. But grumpy Walter, or Leo, even a couple of women look good for the murder.  And those poor servers and conductor, they have their hands full. It all comes to a good conclusion. 

P.S. I adored the cover of this eBook !

I  received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

ARC/Bkfunnel/ 100 Days to Claim Me ( Mark by Malikov Book 2)" by Mya Grey

   Amazon

Some women find their strength in yoga and self-help books. I found mine in the penthouse of a Russian mobster who could kill me with his pinky but chooses to rearrange my entire life instead.

I was never supposed to fall for a killer.
Now I’m carrying his child—and his enemies know it.

Anton Malikov built his empire on control.
Rules. Silence. Blood.
But when he found out I was pregnant, the man who never begged… started to break his own laws.

He swore he’d protect me.
That no one would ever touch me again.
What he didn’t say—
was that protection comes with a price.

I’m locked inside his world
armed guards in the hall, poker-night psychopaths who’ve decided I’m family,
and a husband who worships and terrifies me in equal measure.

I should run.
Instead, I’m learning to shoot, curse in Russian, and out-bluff killers at the breakfast table.
Because danger doesn’t end when the bullets stop.
It ends when Anton finally decides who he is—
the Pakhan’s loyal enforcer… or the man willing to burn the Bratva down to keep what’s his.

And when they come for us,
I’ll prove one
you can’t ruin a woman who’s already claimed by the devil himself.


100 Days to Claim Me is Book 2 in the Mark by Malikov Duet. Mary and Anton’s story begins in Book 1, 100 Days to Ruin Me.    

 ------------

My Review Notes- TITLED: Reaper, Printsessa & Gang

  Such a beautiful eBook cover. It stopped me in my tracks! And I adored the dual Points of Views. 

Anton Malikov,  The Reaper, has her melting right away, calling her, "Printsessa".   It must be that accent ! Mary likes the edge of danger that he brings even as she tries to resist it and him ! It's not working ! Things get VERY personal and detailed between them.  Often. 

 Anton has his say in the next chapter.  He's not sure if he wants to kill her or keep her ! He's torn.  Lev, is so often grinning and the only one in the group cracking a joke. Lev, one of his closest friends likes her and wants them to keep her !!! That group of men made me smile, often ! They are- Dima the destroyer/fighter the fighter, Lev the grinning Chaos gremlin as she called them  and Boris the tech /gadget genius.  

Anton's papa was a tough mafia guy who was always The Family before his own family. He said, his mama, was dead long ago. His father used up until he was no longer useful.

The Pakhan Igor Vetrov was paranoid and feared Anton but he will use him up just like he always did And then when he doesn't need him anymore Anton will be in the ground ! Anton just knows that but stays loyal for a very long time until he has an "aha" moment guided by a few other people's wisdom.  Igor's nephew, Timofey is the real enemy to that Mafia group and he's insanely clever. 

It cracked me up when she thought, don't get attached, they're criminals not soulmates There's quite a few moments like that. Funny! They LOVE her food and that she cooks for them. Anton doesn't.   I loved how Mary went from timid, undervalued and went to so much stronger with the help of Anton and his friends. Her self esteem and skills grows and grows.

 He thinks, what's the matter with me I don't laugh but he just did because Mary said something funny in the shower with him.  She always keeps him off balance.  I enjoyed that so much !

What can I say about Jasper, her gay LONG time friend from their youngest days in school. He is HILARIOUS , seriously talented in his fashion salon and helped Mary get out of jams for as long as they have known each other. HIS love life is a mess ! Her grandmother was the best and was shocked when she first encountered Anton and his group !  

I enjoyed Gordo, the fat-cat who is the neighbor's cat but has basically adopted her ! I loved how she communicated with him often. Something that Anton found odd but later made him smile. 

The battles are epic and I loved the ending with the great Epilogue !

I got an ARC from the author and now I want to read more of her books like this.  

Booksprout/When I Touch You/ Book 2 of ALL FOR YOU by Tmonique Stephens

  Novel amazon

 Book 2 of 2: ALL FOR YOU 

 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJYJQQXJ

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2025

328 Pages 

Goodreads 

Megan the Mattress.That’s what they call her. It’s well deserved, but also, it’s no one’s damn business how many men
she's screwed, even if it was half of Sessory Corners. That was then. After three years of celibacy, Megan has her Real
Estate license and her priorities are in order. All she needs is a sponsor willing to teach her and no distractions.
Enter Tobias Price. The definition of a bad boy, he strolls into her life with his big D swagger she couldn't ignore. Talk about a distraction! Her libido revs every time he’s nearby.
She won’t give in, can’t give in. She’s come too far to backtrack into her wonton, self-destructive ways.

All Tobias needs is a little peace to figure out the phase of his life. Sessory Corners, with its small-town lifestyle, is the perfect place for the Navy Seal to chill until his life collides with Meghan.
She’s a time bomb, a walking disaster, and so fucking sexy he can’t think straight. She is a no-go zone. A taboo. Has an invisible ‘Do Not Touch’ sign plastered to her chest. She's the last thing he needs.

None of that is enough to keep her out of his mind and out of his bed.

Spicy Contemporary Small Town Romance. Explicit

 Must review on: Amazon

Optional- Goodreads, Bookbub,  

---MY 5 STAR REVIEW- TITLED: This girl causes pure chaos & I loved her

6'5" Tobias (Gator) Price starts out this story just minding his own business...until her ! Mattress Meghan. She's spunk and takes no guff of of him. She's so done with men. 3 years celibate and even though her body wants more, her mind is saying, "No way!" And what a mouth she has on her !

Tobias is on his way to visit his former military friend, because he is on temporary leave but doesn't plan on re-enlisting. Noah and his wife Kensley and their son Kevin. Sweet  kid, his wife not so much. She hates Meghan is always in her face when she sees her; calling her "Mattress Meghan".  The first time Tobias visits, Kensley sets him up with a blonde blind date. She's Tobias's usual type but he's not biting. She sure does everything she can to seduce him !Meghan admits there is some reason for the hostility from Kensley.  Although she's not the same person, people just won't let it go. It puts in some dangerous situations and it also draws Tobias in too ! He's lethal to other but so tender to her and will stand up for her EVERY TIME ! I loved that he gave her a New Nickname, "Meg'! Noah agrees with his wife that he doesn't rush Meghan but he's keeping an eye on her. He doesn't want Tobias dating her but not much he can do about that ! Tobias is all in before he even can figure out why he's SO drawn to her. 

This is such a GREAT, beautiful, emotional  story. There are surprising twists and challenges for both of them because of maddening injustices and small town minds. The things that Tobias went through in that town was horrid ! The story does end with a HEA, Meghan and Tobias Style !  I  loved when Tobias has a vision of a look-alike baby girl being held by Meghan. He wonders if it's a premonition?

 I read this book through Booksprout and I'm so grateful that I did !

 

It looks like Meghan is going to have a baby girl! The Epilogue shows more about that and I loved it ! 

Netgalley/Kill Creatures by Rory Power

   274 Pages

Netgalley link

 amazon 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press

 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DHVQLJ5J

Pub Date Jun 03 2025 | Archive Date Jun 03 2025

Random House Children's | Delacorte Press

Mystery & Thrillers | Teens & YA

 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Last year, Nan’s three best friends ventured into the canyons near their small town and never returned. Now one of them is back, and Nan can’t believe it…because she’s the one who killed them. From the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls comes another dark thriller about friendship, jealousy, desire, and revenge, with a twist ending that needs to be talked about.

Last summer, Luce, Edie, Jane, and Nan took a boat out for one final swim in the river. It was a perfect summer night.

But the only one who returned that night was Nan. Edie, Jane, and Luce disappeared, and Nan’s story has always been the same: She has no idea what happened. The girls went ahead, and it was as though they vanished into thin air.

Now, one year later, all of Saltcedar has gathered at the river for a memorial. Nan even recreated the outfit she wore that fateful day last summer. And when Luce climbs out of the water, no one is more surprised than Nan.

Because Nan killed her. Right before she killed Edie and Jane.

---

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780593302316
PRICE	$19.99 (USD)
PAGES	288

MY 3 STAR REVIEW- Titled:just okay in my opinion 

The cover is what drew me in, I loved it ! And the plot was a great idea !  It does have twists and turns.  However at the end, it left me feeling  very very disappointed  and unsatisfied. Sorry author. 

----------------------- 

Not included in review: I   really wasn’t expecting the ending, and I don’t know who’s more twisted, Nan or Luce.

Kindle/ How the Hitman Stole Christmas (Holiday With a Hitman # 1)BY Katie Reus

 amazon 

 Book 1 of 3: Holiday With a Hitman 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C9MZ1M1W

Publisher ‏ : ‎ KR Press, LLC

166 PAGES

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 24, 2023

 

Tis the season for a grumpy-sunshine romance with a side of murder and mayhem!

She hates Christmas and everything that goes with it…

Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she’s been watching him for months with her drone. She’s never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn’t seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he’s committed.

But this holiday is one she’ll never forget…

According to Theo, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she’s targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him “for her own protection”, Elliana is starting to reconsider her grinchy stance on the holidays. And when everything finally comes to a head, the results are bound to be…explosive.

MY 5 STAR REVIEW- TITLED: Explosive and Hilarious

 Elliana Reed I loved you and your friends, Weston and Rebel ! Yes, she definitely HATED Christmas with a passion but her friends loved her anyway.  I liked how the story started out one week before Christmas with "E" a very skilled former marine is "stalking" her very hunky neighbor !  She had been an explosives expert and claims she still knows her stuff.  She gawks at him from her two story house and likes what she sees.  She's turned into a voyeur and shakes her head at herself but still keeps watching. The conversations with herself are hilarious ! And that's all before she even knew his name !!

Her friend and  business partner is the cautious one and warns her to be careful. Her friend Rebel Martinez is a global musical superstar. She's bold and eggs her on for awhile before telling her to set boundaries in place. Yeah, like that's gonna happen, lol ! To be fair, she does try just not real hard !

Now enter the Charming Killer. He's Theo Contos . He's beautiful, muscular, huge, funny and very effective at his "job".  Now he's out to charm her.  And he has a GREAT family and a great reason for sliding into this kind of work.  I loved how Theo is ALL in for anything Christmas and it's hilarious how mad she gets when he Christmas ups her house, Grinch and all. I laughed so hard through a lot of the book. And I loved the hilarious titles on each chapter and I will be re-reading this book over and over. 

By the way, The action, suspense and ending was spectacular and I want to read more about this family. Her family, not so much!  His family is now the one she wants !

NETGALLEY/ Pub Date Jul 29 2025 | Archive Date Aug 12 2025 / BOOK: Road Trip With a Rogue Her Majesty's Rebels #3 by Kate Bateman

               AMAZON LINK  

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DCTNTP9Y

Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Paperbacks (July 29, 2025)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 29, 2025

Description

Mistakenly holding up the coach of the man who broke her heart is bad enough, but having to endure his sinfully alluring company all the way to Scotland is Daisy Hamilton’s worst nightmare . . . and her most secret desire.

A midnight mishap.

Daisy Hamilton’s new mission for King & Co., London's premier private investigation firm, is simple: stop heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. But her case is derailed when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, Duke of Cranford—cynical war hero, infamous libertine, and the very man who broke her heart five years ago.

A reluctant road trip.

Lucien’s determined to see his lovestruck nephew married to Miss Brand, but the unexpected appearance of Daisy— the one woman he’s never been able to forget—could ruin his plans. As they follow the runaway couple together, Lucien decides that delaying the headstrong Daisy by any means possible—including seduction—will be his absolute pleasure . . . and hers.

A dangerous desire.

After Daisy’s reputation is threatened, Lucien makes a scandalous claim, but when an unexpected enemy threatens her life, he realizes she’s the only woman for him. Their past encounters have made Daisy almost as jaded about love as Lucien himself, and it’s going to take action, not words, to convince this knife-wielding hellion to risk her heart on him again...

My 4 STAR Review Notes- TITLED: Hulk & Fire 

 This is a delightful, spicy adventure with great chemistry and banter between Daisy and Lucien ! Daisy had great Fire ! Lucien is a hulking, brooding hero and  Daisy is that spirited, knife-wielding heroine, that I love too !

They go on quite the adventure  and it was fun watching that adventure unfold. I enjoyed getting to see them finally get their HEA!

Bkfunnel/ MOST WANTED by DARAH LACE

  For any other questions, please contact:
Darah Lace <darah@darahlace.com>

A bounty on the line, a hunter who bedded then betrayed her, and a strip club—she’ll bare it all to get her man 

 A Spicy Contemporary Short Story

This story contains graphic language and a sexual encounter that some readers might find fun and too difficult to pass up.

Mackenzie “Mac” Loveless is determined to make it as a recovery agent and works twice as hard as her male counterparts—one in particular, who pushes all the right buttons, including the one between her legs. But after sleeping with the enemy, only to have him betray her, she makes it her mission to take as many bounties from him as possible.

Former Navy SEAL turned bounty hunter, Asher Sloane is on the hunt for a drug dealer who skipped bail, but what he catches is trouble in stilettos—his competitor and the woman he can’t forget.

 MY 4 STARS REVIEW NOTES- TITLED: THEY really are competitive

The story opens with Asher going to a strip club looking for the girlfriend of Warren Elkins. He's the one who skipped court on a drug charge.  Women approached Asher but he wanted Mackenzie Loveless. I really enjoyed when he texted Mac to join him and she basically told him to get lost !   There's no way that's happening because he really deeply regrets betraying her . And so far she hasn't spoken to him, let alone forgiven him.  But he has hope although he's furious finding her in that strip club!

I liked how this quick story ended. It was fast & furious, sexy &  funny ! 

Bkfunnel/ Secrets in the Mist Book 5 by Cait Byrne

   amazon

 Book 5 of 5: The Lochraven Romantic Mystery Series 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FRPNGQMY

159 Pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2025

When Isla MacLeod opens a mysterious black box, she triggers a deadly curse—and now she has just ninety days to live.
As time runs out, Finlay Fraser digs into ancient magic, forgotten family secrets, and a past long buried. But some spells demand sacrifice. And saving Isla may cost them everything.A breathtaking finale full of romance, suspense, and the timeless pull of love against fate.

------------- 

My 5 STAR Review Notes- TITLED: Is this their final time together?

Isla, Finlay and Shakespeare are back at it again; continuing on their journey ! Isla makes a 90 day Bucket list to do before she dies. Isla finally gets to meet Finlay's mother Emmaline and they hit it off. So does her gran Moira. Finlay and Moira are terrified but try to keep everyone's hopes up ! Everyone is charmed by and loves Shakespeare and he once again helps find some clues. Unexpected help comes through Stevie, the nephew when they visit Finlay's mother. Seems he's not as childlike as Finlay thought. He's actually quite scholarly and has access to Ancient Texts !

It was nice to be reminded that Isla has synesthesia (that she tastes books).  But after opening that horrible box she now can feel emotions of books, documents and etc.  Clever. Most of the book was just that, clever !

If that's not problems enough, they still are looking for Finley's father who disappeared and most people don't remember much about him because of a forgetting spell that was cast.  

 There are great surprises after surprises with it all ending with the greatest surprises of all !

 I got to read this book in advance and thoroughly enjoyed it !

 

Review by Nov 24, 2025/Bksprout/ Claimed by the Bratva King BY ROXY VALE

 Booksprout 

She’s the fiery off-limits detective who put me in cuffs.

I’m the Bratva king she swore to destroy—and the reason she wakes wet and restless.

She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s already mine.

Eileen O’Rilley’s got that red hair and green eyes combo that gets under my skin.

That sharp, tempting mouth and curves that are built for sin.

She thinks she’s hunting me—but the closer she gets, the easier it is for me to catch her.

She cuffed me once. Now I’m the one who won’t let her go.

She interrogated me. I played.

She tried to break me. I teased.

She’s the one woman I should destroy—but I crave her instead.

And when danger comes for her, I shield her before I even think.

When she trembles in my arms, I feel her heart beat against mine.

She’s the only rule I was never meant to break.

​But now it’s too late to walk away.

And if I can’t have her—no one will. 

Hosted by Roxy Vale Romance

Note from the Author

Enjoy the book! And please leave your honest review when the book goes live on 24th of November 2025.

Must review on:

Amazon

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download) 

My 5 STAR REVIEW- What a Wild Ride !

Eileen O’Rilley what fierce, redheaded, take no prisoners kind of woman. I loved her ! And she's hot on the pursuit of the evil Bratva King, the Russian, Mikhail Gagarin. And she's never one to give up on getting him, it's her mission.  She's got quite the Irish mouth on her. And at times is pretty funny. Sullivan is the boss in her precinct who gives her nothing but trouble. He wants her gone and isn't shy about it.  Soon, just about everyone wants her gone or dead. 

 Mikhail has his men, with Yuri being his closest one. Sergi is another,  with Dimitri being a big pain always yelling for violence, retaliation even when it wasn't smart !I liked Mikhail's grandmother in the scenes that she shows up in and we get to hear some of her history of loving toughness as well.    Mikhail is torn between letting Eileen get killed but he keeps saving her ! He was a great character !
Katie Alverez is her partner who enjoys the wild chases with Eileen as much as at times it scares her.   She adds some funny moments as well. 

I liked Mikhail's grandmother in the scenes that she shows up in and we get to hear some of her history of loving toughness as well.  

I enjoyed being able to get both of their points of view. And yes, there will be a lot of HOT scenes between Mikhail and Eileen as much as they hate each other.  Violence and death does chase after them.  A Mexican cartel leader, El Lobo is a tough opponent, with the intent to wipe out anyone who stands against him. Especially the Bravta king and all of  people!  It has a spectacular final battle and a very satisfying ending.  I will be re-reading this book again !!

 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

BKFUNNEL/Her Unexpected Cowboy BY DANAE LITTLE

 

She’s a goat rancher in desperate need of help. He’s the cowboy who lands on her doorstep with amnesia. Neither expects the dangers that will follow…

Sydney clings to her loneliness like a badge, refusing the help she desperately needs for her ranch. When a broken and bleeding (and handsome) cowboy winds up on her porch, she has to decide whether to help him or send him limping away.

Waking up on a deserted country road, Jameson is lost without memory or identity. A beautiful and intriguing woman offers him shelter, but a sense of peril grows as he recovers on her ranch.

The tension spikes when the local sheriff pays a visit. Something about the smooth-talking man unnerves Jameson, and it's more than just how he speaks to Sydney.

As the past catches them up in a web of danger, Jameson and Sydney realize there is more at stake than just their hearts—their lives hang on the thread of Jameson’s lost memory.

Read Her Unexpected Cowboy, book one of Unforgettable Cowboys, a clean and wholesome romance series with a touch of suspense, where the stories are stand-alone but the characters are tied together.

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MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED: I loved it all 

28 year old Sydney drew me right in -right away. Her and her way to talking to her animals like people because she is SO Alone ! The cat, Mr. Paws as she calls him is a prime example of that and made me smile ! Guardian is the other animal that she's closest to. He's a beautiful, large, gentle white dog who adores her !  Sydney's Aunt Meg and Uncle Joe left her the ranch and she loves being thee far from the interference of others. She's had bad experiences and her former boyfriend, the sheriff is one of them. She dated him until she was humiliated by knowing he was a married man ! He still comes by trying to wangle his way back into her life. What a sleaze ! And Sydney's not having it !

When "the man" shows up at her door she greets him with a shotgun until she lets him sleep in the barn.  With the goats and other animals.  Home, who is the old man who  helps out on the ranch is stunned that she did that and continually warns her of the dangers ! Yes, she totally understands that though. Homer cares about her and the ranch. And this newbie doesn't have a clue to what he's doing but he wants to learn and soon shows a lot of interest in Sydney.  The trouble really takes off, after he remembers his first name and slowing starts to remember more. Then it really hits the fan.  

I loved both independent, skilled caring, isolated, Sydney and her mystery man who as he remembers seems to have some stealth skills as well.  It was a great story, charming romance with enough  sweet animals and thrilling dangers to keep things interesting ! I would really like to read more of her books. 

Tuesday, November 25ARC/ A Bride Till Christmas by Elizabeth Everly

   For any other questions, please contact:
Elizabeth Everly <elizabeth@elizabetheverly.com> 

“This Christmas is my last chance… I must find a bride, and I must find her now!”

When Beatrice Hamilton’s family faces financial ruin, she takes the boldest step of her life, calling upon the Earl of Athenwood with a shocking proposal. With her late father’s debts threatening her mother and sister, Beatrice sees only one solution: offer herself as the ideal bride for a desperate nobleman racing against time. Armed with determination, intelligence, and a talent for estate management, she breaks every rule of propriety to save the people she loves most.

James Alford, Earl of Athenwood, has just fifteen days until Christmas to marry, or lose the inheritance that could save his estate. Haunted by the tragic death of his first love, he has sworn never to risk his heart again. A practical marriage seems perfect… until Beatrice’s quiet strength, clever mind, and their shared love of poetry begin to thaw his grief-stricken soul.

With Christmas fast approaching, family schemes, jealous rivals, and hidden agendas close in, threatening everything they’ve built. Can two wounded hearts survive the season of uncertainty, and discover that even the most calculated marriage can blossom into love?

------------- 

MY 4 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Love Challenges

Beatrice what a loving, sweet, gentle kind woman who while afraid takes that bold step to offer herself in a marriage of convenience.  She was so innocent and loves books and poetry and her sister and  mother so much ! Her younger sister Sophia is so sweet and lively and her mother the Honourable Mrs. Robert Hamilton, is frail and she is honorable ! They deserve so much better and Beatrice is going to get them there; well taken care of.  

James, is quiet, gentle man who doesn't smile much. He's kind of standoffish and afraid to love again. It was great that he WASN'T a snob.  Unlike his sudden unwelcome visitors, Aunt Juliana and his cousins, Millicent and nasty cousin Rayleigh. They were such downers that they could make a rainbow cry !!!  They are all disapproving to everything and often spoiling everything. Rayleigh seems to be up to something nasty ! On the other hand James's, Aunt Catherine was a ray of sunshine and her son,  David was also. He promptly was enthralled by Sophia and you could see that they deserved to fall in love ! They were well matched !

James had lost a woman he loved before so he was fighting his attraction to Beatrice. Beatrice is confused by his affection and then coolness but they also enjoy some good times together anyway. 

I liked the challenge that came at the end which resulted in a happy turnaround to their story. The Epilogue put the frosting on the cake !

 

Nov 21/HOOPLA/Indecent Exposure by TESSA BAILEY

   amazon

 Book 2 of 3: The Academy

Tessa Bailey Series: Academy

HOOPLA LINK  384 PAGES 2018 HarperCollins Publisher

Jack Garrett isn't a police officer yet, but there's already an emergency. His new firearms instructor-the one who just dropped every jaw in the academy gym-is the same sexy Irish stranger Jack locked lips with last night. The Olympic gold medalist and expert markswoman is now officially off-limits, but Jack's never cared much for rules . . .

Katie McCoy's been cooped up in a shooting range for too long. A wild love affair is just what she needs to let loose, though she never imagined it would be with her smokin' hot trainee. She cannot get involved with Jack-but a quick fling? Perfect. Falling hard for a charismatic recruit with an equal amount of sex appeal and secrets? Bloody stupid.

Jack's charmed the pants off plenty of women (literally), yet few have ever looked beyond his perfect surface. Until Katie. He'll do anything to keep her in his life . . . except tell her about his past. But a tiny lie of omission never hurt anyone, right?

----My 5 Star Review TITLED:  He's the Big Baad Wolf !

I loved when Irish Katie likened Jack to The Big Bad Wolf and herself as the unwitting Little Red Riding Hood.  Jack can't understand why he's so drawn to her; she's so different than his usual and he cant get her off his mind. That scares Jack. Katie is scared of her attraction to Jack too !  I also loved that Jack often called her, Snaps because of all her picture taking. So tourist but he finds he begins to adore that. That and her rambling and obsession with American mob murder stories.  Jack's friend Columbian friend & roommate, Danika Silva, I quickly fell in love with.  Charlie Burns is his other friend good friend, fellow team mate & roommate care deeply for him and don't want to see him self-destruct.  

This story was different. Yes, it was emotional but also funny, cute and sweet. In book 3 of the Series- Disturbing His Peace: The Academy, we get to read Danika's story about her  Lt. Greer Burns which I think I will be reading too. In this book it was clear there was a strong attraction between the two of them and then he went & put both feet in his mouth and she was FURIOUS !

I read this story through my HOOPLA App and want to read it again! 

HOOPLA/ Zeke (Alien Berserkers of Izaea Book 3)

  HOOPLA EBOOK LINK

Goodreads   Amazon

237 PAGES  2025/ email :news@minacarter.com

 Rescued by an alien berserker. One bed. Zero control. Michelle came to Parac'Norr for construction work, not to lose her mind over a handsome alien with yellow eyes that make her forget how to breathe. Zeke is unfairly gorgeous, all carved muscle and controlled power, and he watches her like she's the only thing worth looking at in the galaxy. But when ferals snatch her, the gentle medic transforms into death itself, tearing her captors apart with his bare hands. She should be terrified… instead, that just makes him more attractive. Trapped by a blizzard in a one-room cabin, there's just one bed… She is SO done for. Especially when he claims she's his. But something's been hunting them through the storm. The real danger isn't the monsters outside… it's that she's starting to need Zeke in ways that have nothing to do with protection. And on this frozen planet, giving him her heart might be the one risk she can't survive. 

-----------------------------

--My 5 STAR Review Notes- TITLED: Thrilling SciFi Romance 

Zeke is going to have to work to keep her.  Michelle Trevor is a tiny woman who is also a clever one; skilled in engineering. When she gets snatched,  by some gruesome, ugly ferals, her broken leg is going to get worse but so is her terror.  Because these were alien murderous berserkers. Zeke is joined in the hunt  to find her by Raaze; a feral excellent tracker who is new to the planet and new to being Izalean.  Zeke barely can tolerate him at first. But Zeke's garrison commander, Kraath, tells him to cool it, to stand down and let them get going to find Michelle. Things are about to get worse between the horrible incoming storm, the possibility to losing her blood trail and finding that there is another pack of ferals chasing after the first group. Zeke is furious and very afraid for her ! What an interesting character Zeke is. Talk about him having blood rage and then when something called his  legion. Turns out there is two in one  personality to him ... he has a symbiote! Ah, then I got it ! Things just kept getting more interesting from there. I already liked the both of them and was hoping for a good ending for them ! 

Mina Carter did an outstanding job when it came to building this foreign world, describing aliens, attacks, dealing with emotions  and the tremendous pull between Michelle and Zeke.  It kept me all in.  I loved the unexpected ending of the story. We get a quick look at sly Raaze and he's definitely plotting something and he's going to get his own book.

I read this book via my HOOPLA app and really enjoyed it ! 

 ---------------------------

 AUTHOR INFORMATION: Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband, daughter and a cat who moved in and never left. Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity, Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few. A full-time author and cover artist, Mina can usually be found hunched over a keyboard or graphics tablet, frantically trying to get the images and words in her head out and onto the screen before they drive her mad. She's addicted to coffee and Dairy-lea cheese triangles.

NOV 21/ AUDIO/HOOPLA/Dream Girl Drama A Novel Tessa Bailey Series: Big Shots

   Goodreads  AMAZON

  Callie Dalton (Narrator), Teddy Hamilton (Narrator)

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D2VNCDRQ

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon

PAGES 383

Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 4, 2025

A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can't seem to forget takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.
When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier's car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can't wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad's new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe's mother. Oh, and they're engaged.

Sig's dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more...

------------My Review Notes- Titled: The title fits

Sig meets Chloe and he sure knows how to swear and he's gobsmacked by her. Although Sig sure does a lot of swearing ! Yeah, yeah I know he's a hockey player and I'm thinking most of that was in his thoughts. Chloe is one beautiful, charming, mischievous woman who knows how to get her way.  She thinks it's fun to swipe champagne without paying for it. She's got some interesting logic about it. It's funny too ! Sig is working for the Bear Cat Hockey League  and wonders if Chloe is out of his league. I liked how Sig called her Dream Girl after greeting her with roses after a public harp performance.  Chloe Clifford is such a sweet, CLUELESS innocent in some ways woman. I liked her. Her mother not so much ! She overprotected her protege daughter to the point of making it impossible to live on her own far from her mother's control.  Chloe had dreams of her own which her mother Sophia, is blocking but Sig is helping her with to the dismay of her mother and his father.  Not sure I was going to like Sig's father Harvey, at all; he seemed to be always following the money but could possibly be in love now. Time will tell.  Men, fellow hockey players think that Chloe is hot and want to date her but is Sig happy? That's a Big NO !!! Let the fun begin !!! They grew up SO different but the connection that they are fighting is strong ! And now Sig, is on the hunt for the truth about his father although his mother, Rosie wasn't much help. Is she hiding something too? 

 The voices in the recording were good and I enjoyed how it was produced. And how much time had passed/ how many the months had gone by that was mentioned in the chapters of the story was nice too.   

Voices were wellperformed by Callie Dalton and Teddy Hamilton. 

By the way, I really liked the Audio book cover and was thankful that I could listen to it on my HOOPLA app. 

Bkfunnel/ One Night with the Prince by Vera Everhart

  email- For any other questions, please contact:
Vera Everhart <hello@veraeverhartromance.com>

She unlocked his deepest yearnings. . .but who she is, he doesn't know

I had a one-night stand with a masked stranger. Now I’m pregnant with his baby. 

It took guts–I ditched my fairytale wedding and hopped a plane to Venice.

On a crazy-wild Carnivale night with a mysterious man, I surrendered my v-card.

I felt gorgeous and alluring behind my mask. 

Shocker!

Luca Morelli is the rogue prince in the tabloids!

His sweet-nothings meant nothing. . .I never wanted to see him again. 

Surprisingly, I’m his new publicist.

We’re fake-dating to restore his image as crown prince.  

He’s appallingly arrogant. Infuriating. 

But I can’t resist his stolen glances, devilish grins–the want in his eyes.

He shields me from the relentless paparazzi chasing us.

In the limo, his eyes are tender and soft with sorrow.

For him, royalty is a cage not a crown.

My heart stirs with unspoken love.

Fearing royal life for a child, he scheduled a vasectomy.

But he doesn’t know I’m already pregnant.

------------ 

MY Review Notes- 4 Stars Titled: Short but with depth  

What a name our female main character has, Leonora Emerald Scott and she sure knows how to make a dramatic exit !  I didn't hate her fiance that she left at the altar either which was a refreshing change.  She flees to her cousin Valaria in Venice and the fun begins ! Valaria is a whirlwind of help for Emma, as the story calls the now freer Leonora.

 Ah. Luca, the Crown Prince of Evarra. He's something else!  He is the loving despair of his mother, Marchesa Isabella Morelli. He does have a helpful "shadow" Pietro though.  There's a secret there. He doesn't recognize Emma at first but she is someone that he just can't forget about.  Emma made me smile more than once. And I liked how the story ended and would have enjoyed more.  

 

? Have to buy? NETGALLEY/ READ NOW BOOKS/ Lunch Tales Suellen by Lucille Guarino

    

     AMAZON   Netgalley

Romance | Women's Fiction

Old scars. New love?

Suellen Atkins' trust fund has given her everything except love. As the youngest attorney in a major law firm, her life is filled with reckless spending and meaningless flings. But when she dumps her latest wild guy, he doesn't leave quietly.

Unable to shake the feeling she's being watched, Suellen runs into an old classmate at a colleague's farewell. Adam Isaacson is one of the good guys - and that might be more scary than her stalker ex. With the echoes of her parents' tumultuous marriage still ringing in her ears, Suellen can't imagine anything this promising.

When a shock medical diagnosis complicates things, her proclivity for self-sabotage goes into overdrive. As life turns upside down, her lunch friends at the law firm become a lifeline in the storm. But even they, with all their good intentions and well-meaning advice, can't save Suellen from herself. Nor can the man who's fallen in love with her. Only she can do that.

-------------------------- 

My REVIEW-   4 Stars Titled: Suellen is going on a rough ride

 Suellen, life is wild for this spoiled rich girl until her health surprises her with some unexpected health news.  She now faces the possibility of true love and a serious health challenge.  Now she has to try to find out who she really is. She has to find out how to deal with everything.  . I enjoyed the funny times and that Suellen has a white Persian cat! It all winds up with an exciting ending. 

I read this eBook through Netgalley.  

nov 17/ARC Bkfunnel/Once Upon A Vegas Night By Claire Kirby

  email - Claire@clairekirby.com

Five years ago, I escaped my crime family to build a new life. New identity. Clean slate. Then a one-night stand turns out to be my new billionaire boss. And the father of the child growing inside me.

 One night of anonymous passion to celebrate my dream job.

No names, no strings. Just mind-blowing chemistry.

Passion with a seductive stranger whose intensity awakened desires I never knew existed.

Monday morning reality check: my one-night stand owns the casino where I work.

His eyes flash recognition before ice replaces fire.

Nick Dixon—forty-five, formidable, and haunted by ghosts I cannot see.

There’s a certain darkness to him…a strange erotic need of sorts.

I find I rather liked it. And I find I want more of it.

But when two pink lines appear, everything changes.

Because if my family discovers I'm pregnant with his child, they'll drag me back into their world of violence and control.

My review- TITLED:  Romance & Trouble

Lucia is going to start her new Events Coordinator job at the Diamond Crown Casino on the Strip. Her friend Tasha and Lucia are going to party first. Nick, you're up next.  I liked the sweet slow start of their "friendship/seduction".  Then it get Hot !  After awhile when Lucia is working at the casino, Nick's CCO, Diana notices what's going on and sees how torn Nick is. She knows his pain. And Lucia's. She gives Nick some great advice, more than once. 

Things move along and then then while still emotional, they slow down quite a bit almost in the middle of the story.  But then it explodes when I discovered what Lucia is hiding.  And I get all caught up in the story again..big time. Oh, wow how in the world is this going to work out? 

 I got an ARC of this book and enjoyed it. 

free bkfunnel/ MY GRUMPY LAWMAN BY CHARLOTTE MAE

  Amazon 55 Pages 

 Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 10, 2024

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3YJM6KR

Part of: Woodbrook Second Chances (12 books) 

email-   https://www.bookbub.com/books/extraction-by-jodi-burnett

Of course…he’s the Sheriff now.   

When I left Woodbrook with a rich city slicker years ago, I never imagined I’d be back, broke and alone, sitting in a cop cruiser with Hudson Wiley – now our hometown’s Sheriff and resident beefcake.    

He's everywhere, with those piercing eyes and that cocky grin, And I can't shake the memories of what we used to be. My high school sweetheart stirs up old desires I thought I’d buried. The storms brewing in Oklahoma can’t compare to the storms inside Hudson and me.   

I broke his heart back then and he won’t let me forget it. He may think I’m a Princess, but he’s wrong. And who knows what he’ll do when he finds out I’m lying.   

Maybe being in handcuffs wouldn’t be so bad with him… 

4 Stars-my review notes:  Misunderstandings 

 Matty sure made a huge mistake. She still is paying for that one ! And seeing the grownup version of Hudson brings even more pain to Matty. And he sure hasn't forgotten or forgiven her betrayal.  That leads to some tense times between them.  This is a short but good and sweet romance with a happy ending.  I liked Matty and Hudson together. 

One person that I really liked was her boss at the diner,  Paisley,   She's tough when she needs to be but also kind and supportive to Matty as well.  I would like to read her story in the book, "Cinderella and the Oil Man." I got a quick look at it in this book and I liked it what I read. 

 

 

 

ARC/BKFUNNEL/ Princess Mafia Protector by Ava Donato

  Amazon Bookbub

info@ninacostaromance.com

“An arranged marriage. My bodyguard. My enemy.
Tell me again how this ends well.”

I’m Isabella Morelli — mafia heiress, spoiled princess, and apparently… collateral.

Nico, my brother and the new Don, just arranged my marriage to Mikhail Sokolov.
My childhood friend. My first love.
The man who vanished without a word eight years ago… and returned colder, deadlier, and impossibly off-limits.

Now he’s my shadow. My protector. My cage.

But someone wants me dead, and the conspiracy runs deeper than anyone admits.
My father’s best friend may be the killer.
Viktor whispers lies while the Vitales plot war in the shadows, and somehow, Mikhail is caught in the middle.

I swore I hated him.
I swore I wouldn’t fall.

But as we’re trapped together in this twisted game of power, secrets, and blood, the lines blur fast.

And when the truth finally comes out, I’ll have to decide what’s more dangerous…
Loving him.
Or trusting him.

My Review Notes - TITLED: Who can be trusted? 

What a great choice for this eBook cover. I don't trust Viktor.  I have questions about several other people. Including Isabella's close friend and cousin Sofia who calls her Princesa.  Sometimes  at times, she doesn't really seem to be helping.  Elena Vitale seems definitely shady.  What about trusted Sergei ? I've got so many questions !!! The tension and confrontations are tense and so well written !! Kept me involved every step of the way !

The pull between  Isabella and Mikhail is strong and everything comes to an excellent, smashing end. 

 I received an ARC and I'm so glad that I did !

BKFUNNEL/CATastrophe In Hickory Hollow BY IRIS THORN

  Email- For any other questions, please contact:
Iris Thorn <iris@iristhornbooks.com>

A Street-Wise Cat, a Small-Town Murder, and One Nosy Amateur Sleuth

En route to a new life, Brittney Brewster wanted coffee and an open highway.
Instead, her car dies in Hickory Hollow.

Then, a body turns up in the park.
Everyone has a reason to want Trevor dead.
But the gossipy town is tight-lipped.

The sheriff isn’t asking enough questions.
But Brittney is—too many, according to the anonymous threats.

At her side is a one-eyed stray cat with perfect timing and no boundaries.
Together, they gather clues, endure side-eyes,
and try to stay off Sheriff Riggs’s radar.

The “Social Club Ladies” seem so sweet…
But Doreen, Mimi, and Lila each harbor secrets tied to Trevor.
Nancy warns, “People come and go here, especially when they want to
take care of business…out of sight.”

And lurking in the background is creepy Hank Drummond.
Always watching. Always nearby.
His past confrontations with Trevor raise dangerous questions.

Can Brittney unravel Hickory Hollow’s grudges before the killer strikes again—
or will her fresh start be cut short… purr-manently?

Perfect for fans of sharp-witted sleuths, quirky towns, and cats who steal every scene.
This prequel is your ticket to a fun, brand-new cozy mystery series.

----My Review Notes- titled:  A sweet Mystery

The Sweet Spot Bakery  is burning. Now Brittney has to stand on the curb and watch it happening. She had managed her grab her 18 year old employee Janelle out the door to escape. As both are sobbing and on oxygen from paramedics, they can hear the gossip around them.  It's not anything good or what she needs to hear while her business goes up in flames!  Now stranded in an unfamiliar, unfriendly small town, she is shadowed by that odd, beautiful green eyed cat.  Is he going to become her best friend? She figures he needs a name so she called him Blink. The Sheriff, seemed though.  Sheriff Riggs seems both competent and guarded all at the same time, like he's hiding something.   What does he know about Trevor Keene? 

A Mystery gets solved but it doesn't sound like Hickory Hollow and it's people might not be finished with Blink and Brittney.   She's being encouraged to return sometime to the town and the secrets of Maple Lane. 

Bkfunnel/ Forbidden MC Enforcer BY TANSY RHODES

  For any other questions, please contact:
Tansy Rhodes <info@tansyrhodes.com>

They sent me to seduce her. Then kill her.

I've killed for my motorcycle club without question. My loyalty belongs to Serpent MC—they're the only family I've ever known.

Then I meet Sofia Blake.

She's everything I'm not—gentle where I'm violent, healing where I destroy. A single mom fighting to build a better life for her daughter. 

But I'm lying to her about everything. My name. My job. The reason I'm in her life.

My club comes first. It always has. 

The problem with caring about someone in my world? It makes them a target.

Love is weakness. Trust is dangerous. And the closer I get to Sofia, the more I risk destroying everything. 

Some men are born monsters. Others become them.

-----MY  Review notes- TITLED- Who will survive this? 

First off, I just have to say, what a great eBook cover !  Ukiah starts out the story with his point of view in this shorter story. He's standing over the body of Ramon watching his blood flow out. His best friend Max, calls him "Ki". Ukiah has been in the  Serpent MC for 18 months. He's trying to earn his way into the club, to get patched in with his first solo kill.  He sees that he has purpose now but it could be coming to a screeching halt soon. Viper Cross is pleased and Ki is happy about it until he sees his next ''assignment." 

When he meets Sofia and her 11 year daughter Elena, he's very willing to seduce her. Her daughter now hugs him and calls him, "Bear", affectionately. Whoa. It's starting to feel like a real family. Oh boy, he's in big trouble when it hits the fan and you just know that it will.  When it does who will be left standing? I hope that it's Ukiah, Sofia and Elena! The story doesn't end here. 

Ukiah is on the hunt now so the story continues in Book 1 of the Serpent MC's:Bad Boy Biker Romance Series.  

________Personal note: 

--- I don't think I will read the rest bc this ended on a cliffhanger where Sofia is murdered and Elena taken by the rival MC gang, The Iron Wolves.  

FREE BKFUNNEL/ Doggone Murder by Brenda Bairn

  

For any other questions, please contact:
Brenda Bairn <hello@brendabairnbooks.com>

A Wild & Wooley Cozy Mystery 

Janet Wild has always loved dogs.

But she never expected one to fall out of the sky. Or the murder that followed. 

While hiding in a canyon overlook after a particularly bad day, an injured Scottie dog lands on Janet’s car.  

When Dr. Klieger, the veterinarian treating  McTavish, is murdered, Janet turns to Simon Blake, an aging investigative reporter, and Jennifer Wooley, her BFF from days gone by, for help in avenging both.

They soon find themselves entangled in a labyrinth of clues, cryptic phone calls, and a growing list of suspects. Getting to the facts is not easy and the three find themselves chasing after a few red herrings.

Was Klieger killed by Lacey,  his veterinary assistant? Did Albee Strang, the local dog breeder, push McTavish off the cliff? After Janet's car is vandalized, she worries she's next.

With danger circling closer and trust in short supply, Janet must rely on sharp wits, loyal friends, and the steadfast courage of a battered Scottie to chase the truth before the killer strikes again.

My REVIEW-  TITLED: Janet's having a Very BAD, bad day !

It doesn't look like her days are getting  much better when Simon Blake first steps into her life. He knows a lot about her because he does his homework. He's not just all charm, although he has the looks and some former fame. I wonder if he knows she got served with divorce papers?  He does know that her friend Jennifer has been her former partner.  I really liked that when Janet recuses the little dog, she promptly names him, McTavish ! After that more disaster happens after she takes him to an emergency vet clinic.  I really liked the vet and his office assistant Lacey Mortenson. There was just the two on them there that night. 

I liked that Janet had friends like Jennifer who is helping by doing some digging of her own.  All the time cautioning Janet to be REALLY careful because there must be something deeper going on ! 

I liked how it all ended and how Chapter 7 was titled: New Leash on Life.  Clever title and a new life hopefully !