Review—Three Heartbeats Away (The Mortician’s Daughter #3) by C.C. Hunter

Publisher: Everafter Romance

Published: June 18, 2019

Genre: Paranormal

Source: E-book

Rating: 4 stars

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Blurb:

The dead carry their secrets with them… 

At least until they end up at Riley Smith’s door. Her latest spectral visitor is a murdered bride with a need for revenge, and not necessarily for the person who killed her. Never mind that killer is about to strike again. Riley’s determined to help, but is missing Hayden, the hot, ghostly boy who’s always had her back. 

Living, breathing Hayden is awake, which means his spirit isn’t around to flirt with Riley anymore. Worse yet, the “real” Hayden doesn’t remember her. Their connection had been so strong. Did his feelings for Riley just disappear into the ether? 

As Riley gets closer to finding the bride’s killer, other secrets are revealed: secrets that changes everything Riley thought she knew about her parents. But before she can completely unravel the mystery of her past, Riley will need to escape the murderer that threatens her future.

Review-

*May contain spoilers from previous books; be aware.*

Yessss! That was so satisfying; Riley and the gang were phenomenal and I’m kinda sad to see them go. Much like any beloved series, it’s always hard to see characters go. 

Three Heartbeats Away felt so much more angsty than the other books. Mainly because Hayden has finally come out of a coma and has a freaking girlfriend. That would have been so nice to know before! I was just as mad and sad as Riley was at that part. 

As always, the story is more than just the romance aspect to it. We’re dealing with familiar elements and dysfunction. Which is very realistic and happens to very many families—especially alcoholism. Then there’s the fact of dealing with a serial killer and bridezillas! I really liked that part of the book. 

This concludes the wonderful story of Riley and her gang of amazing friends. The story is engaging, sad at times, and above all else, was one that was able to take me far, far away from my own problems. I loved The Mortician’s Daughter trilogy and will continue to be a fan of anything Hunter puts out. 

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

About the Author:

C. C. Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty-five books, including her wildly popular Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. In addition to winning numerous awards and rave reviews for her novels, C.C. is also a photojournalist, motivational speaker, and writing coach. In February 2018, Wednesday Books will publish her contemporary young adult and hardcover debut, This Heart of Mine. And the first book of her new paranormal young adult series, The Mortician's Daughter: One Foot in the Grave was released on October 31st 2017. C. C. currently resides in Texas with her husband, junkyard dog, Lady, and whatever wild creatures that meander out from woods surrounding home.

C.C. Hunter is a pseudonym. Her real name is Christie Craig and she also writes humorous romantic suspense romance novels. www.christie-craig.com


C.C. would love to hear from you. Because of deadlines, it may take her a day or so to get back with you, but she will reply. cc@cchunterbooks.com

Review for first book right here
Review for second book here

Review-Dark Gods (Academy of the Gods Book 1) by River Ramsey

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Release date: July 24, 2019

Blurb:
At the Academy of the Gods, winner takes all and the games are about to begin. 

The name’s Kore, daughter of Demeter, crown goddess of spring, but you can call me Kory. 

Along with my invitation to attend the elite Olympus Academy where all the top deities send their brats for training, comes the news that I’m betrothed to Hades, tall, dark and brooding god of the underworld. 

I’d much rather be Queen Bee of my girl gang back home, slinging Panaceas to spoiled rich Olympians, but I have three years to enjoy my life before I’m ruling the denizens of hell at Hades’ side and I refuse to waste it making him look good. 

Turns out, my betrothed has a gang of his own. The Triad, made up of Hades, Loki and Fenrir, rules the school and they expect me to bow down like everyone else. 

Sure, Janus. Cue eyeroll. 

The three of them share everything, and when I humiliate Hades my first night at the Academy by making the tiniest immortal faux pas, their lust turns to cruelty and they start to edge in on my side hustle, but that’s fine with me. Four can play at that game. 

This is the first book in the Academy of the Gods series, a Paranormal Bully Academy Romance retelling of Hades and Persephone. Slow burn, all characters are 18+. 

Review:

I love when a book surprises me. I’ll be honest and say that I saw that author offering up arcs for a paranormal bully romance. That’s all I saw! I’m a sucker for a bully romance and this one didn’t disappoint in the least. On top of that deliciousness, this is a retelling of Hades and Persephone. Greek mythology, Norse gods, and reverse harem? I’m here for it.

Kore, aka Persephone, is one of the spunkiest and coolest characters I’ve read this year. I loved her sass and how she didn’t take any crap from anyone. Especially not the elusive and dickish, Hades, and his boys; Loki and Fenrir. Hades is hot...no pun intended. I can’t help but love the jerks and he’s a huge one. The moment Kore steps in the academy and makes a fool of him, she’s the target of a longtime tradition.

Kore won’t go down without a fight and Hades wasn’t really anticipating that kind of fight from her. When I say I loved the banter and the plot (which was perfectly paced) it means I think you will too. The bully romance genre can at times feel stifling and repetitive. I’m happy to say that Dark Gods holds its own. It’s the first in a series but it’s totally worth it and doesn’t end on a terrible cliffy. I know how much some hate those. If you’re looking to feed your addiction with the latest academy bully book, look no further!

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Review-Fortuna Sworn (Fortuna Sworn #1) by K.J. Sutton

Publisher: Once Upon a Time Books, LLC

Published: June 26, 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Source: E-book

Rating: 4.5 stars

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Buy links:

You could read for FREE through KU

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Blurb:

We were meant to be seductive. We were designed to lure humans in. 

Fortuna Sworn is the last of her kind.

Her brother disappeared two years ago, leaving her with no family or species to speak of. She hides among humans, spending her days working at a bar and her nights searching for him. The bleak pattern goes on and on... until she catches the eye of a powerful faerie.

He makes no attempt to hide that he desires Fortuna. And in exchange for her, he offers something irresistible. So Fortuna reluctantly leaves her safe existence behind to step back into a world of creatures and power. 

It soon becomes clear that she may not have bargained with her heart, but her very life.

Review:

I think this is the perfect addition to those seeking a new twist on books involving the fae. I thought it was unique, dark, and intriguing. My only complaint is that I’m not much in the mood for a love triangle (maybe more, since there’s three potential love interests) because I’m always going to be team #whychoose. I can’t help it—all the love interests in Fortuna Sworn are swoonworthy in their own rights. The better question is, why would you WANT to choose?

That being said, I thought the story was incredibly written. The world is complex and at times kind of evil. I liked that a lot. Our main character, Fortuna, is stealthy, cunning, and fiercely loyal. I took an immediate liking to her and my love for her only grew throughout the book. Collith is the man who shows up out of no where and helps her in all kinds of ways. One of them being there to help her save her brother. But his offer comes with stipulations. 

We’re then taken on one hell of a ride where the fae hand out manipulations and betrayals as of they’re candy. Some aren’t what they seem. And the sexual tension and chemistry between Fortuna and those love interests is on point. Did I mention that I wouldn’t be sad if our lovely protagonist picked them all? 

I recommend for those looking for books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Similar but still unique and different in their own ways. 

*Thank you to the author for graciously providing a free copy in exchange for an honest an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

About the Author:

K.J. Sutton lives in a land of darkness and snow. She spends her time writing stories or watching twisted shows on Netflix. She always has a cup of Vanilla Chai in her hand and despises wearing anything besides pajamas. She adores interacting with fellow writers and readers. Until then, she's hard at work on her next book. K.J. Sutton also writes young adult novels as Kelsey Sutton.

Be friends with her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter to make sure you never miss an update!

Review—Two Feet Under (The Mortician’s Daughter #2) by C.C. Hunter

Publisher: EverAfter Romance

Published: December 15, 2018

Genre: Paranormal 

Source: E-book

Rating: 4 Stars

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Blurb:

Riley has accepted that her special gift is to help dead people with their unfinished business. But she never thought she’d be tasked with helping the spirit of a convicted criminal who died in prison. He may lead her on the scariest mission yet, but helping him could mean saving the life of a child. The convict’s daughter needs a liver transplant and the one person who could still be a match is his brother…who also happens to be a gang leader.

Hayden’s not happy that Riley’s discovered who he is and is seeing him sick and unconscious in his hospital bed. This feels like as good a time as ever to cross over and put all of them out of their misery….but Riley is in danger. She’s visiting some of the most dangerous spots and confronting some of the creepiest low-lifes in town. For her, he’ll need to regain his strength and fight to keep her safe.

But dealing with other people’s problems still can’t keep Riley from her own. Her dad’s drinking has gotten worse. And she’ll soon learn it’s because he’s been keeping a huge, horrible secret that will change everything she believes about her family and her mother’s death.

Review-

This may have mild spoilers from the first book. So if you’re reading this....prepare yourselves. If you want, skip the sections that are marked spoilers and just go to the end. 

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**SPOILERS**

Okay, so how about that ending of The Mortician’s Daughter? And how we FINALLY know all about Hayden. Hayden. Sigh... he’s SO dreamy. Then the way Two Feet Under ended—uh, lets just say that I thought I was prepared for it. But I wasn’t!

Much like first book, we’re taken on dangerous adventure with Riley and the help of Hayden—did I mention she’s in danger? Well, she is! As many of you know, Hayden is in a coma and since Riley now knows who he is, she’s able to go and visit him everyday. To try to get him to fight for his life. But Hayden doesn’t like that she’s seeing him in such a vulnerable light. 

Hayden being the dreamy man he is, won’t cross over until he knows Riley is safe. THEN that ending happens. What’s a girl to do? Well, get into the next and final book to see what happens and how everything comes to end. 

While we’re dealing with the Riley/Hayden show; we also have Riley’s father. Who we find out in the first book, is actually an alcoholic. It seems to be getting worse for him too. There’s so much to deal with and I’m ready for the next book. 

**End Spoilers**

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Alright. All I’m gonna say, is pick these babies up! So good. 

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy for an honest an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

About the Author:

C. C. Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty-five books, including her wildly popular Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. In addition to winning numerous awards and rave reviews for her novels, C.C. is also a photojournalist, motivational speaker, and writing coach. In February 2018, Wednesday Books will publish her contemporary young adult and hardcover debut, This Heart of Mine. And the first book of her new paranormal young adult series, The Mortician's Daughter: One Foot in the Grave was released on October 31st 2017. C. C. currently resides in Texas with her husband, junkyard dog, Lady, and whatever wild creatures that meander out from woods surrounding home.

C.C. Hunter is a pseudonym. Her real name is Christie Craig and she also writes humorous romantic suspense romance novels. www.christie-craig.com


C.C. would love to hear from you. Because of deadlines, it may take her a day or so to get back with you, but she will reply. cc@cchunterbooks.com

Teaser Reveal—IF YOU DARE (Dare #3) by Shantel Tessier

   

   

     

 

IF YOU DARE (Dare #3) by Shantel Tessier Release Date: August 26th Cover Designer: Tracie Douglas at Dark Water Covers

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42672753-if-you-dare

   

PRE-ORDER NOW AVAILABLE! IF YOU DARE (DARE SERIES #3) Amazon US- https://amzn.to/2Rdib5J iBooks- https://bit.ly/2IggAcx Kobo - https://bit.ly/2x0zP3n Nook: Coming Soon

 

NOW AVAILABLE & FREE IN KU! I Dare You (Dare Series #1) - ON SALE FOR ONLY $1.99 Amazon US- https://amzn.to/2IJRYYz

I Promise You (Dare Series #2) Amazon US -https://amzn.to/31vywqR

Blurb: 

The game was over. The dares were getting old, and the secrets were piling up faster than the bodies.

But someone had other plans. They wanted to play a new game.

was the love of his life until he found out what she was hiding. Now he wants to seek his revenge in the most daring way.

Deke Biggs has always been a shark. He’s not afraid to kill, and he's about to become her worst nightmare.

But there’s a new player, and she plans on taking everything, no matter what the cost.

Try to beat him— If You Dare!

Who will win and who will lose?

About the Author:

Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book.

She considers herself extremely lucky to do what she does while getting to work from home. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. She hates coffee but loves wine. She and her husband are both huge football fans, college and NFL. And she has to feed her high heel addiction by shopping for shoes weekly.

Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her husband and daughter, along with their cat and dog.

Connect w/Shantel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShantelTessierAuthor/ Readers group: Shantel's Sinful Side - https://bit.ly/2l9EUBJ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shantel_Tessier Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantel_tessier/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7086716.Shantel_Tessier Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KKeTpa Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shantel-tessier

 

Blog Tour Review + Giveaway-Say No to the Duke (The Wildes of Lindow Castle #4) by Eloisa James

Find out about the other Wildes if you haven't already!

Publisher: Avon Books

Published: June 25, 2019

Genre: Historical Romance

Source: Print copy

Rating: 4 stars

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Buy links:

Amazon US

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Blurb:
One little wager will determine their fate—a daring escape or falling into temptation with a rakish lord. 

Lady Betsy Wilde’s first season was triumphant by any measure, and a duke has proposed—but before marriage, she longs for one last adventure.

No gentleman would agree to her scandalous plan—but Lord Jeremy Roden is no gentleman. He offers a wager. If she wins a billiards game, he’ll provide the breeches.

If he wins…she is his, for one wild night.

But what happens when Jeremy realizes that one night will never be enough? In the most important battle of his life, he’ll have to convince Betsy to say no to the duke.

Review:

Say No to the Duke is a fun read! Betsy and Jeremy were a hoot to deal with. The delicious banter, the sexy kisses, and the way that they tried very hard not to fall for each other was what made me love them so much.

Betsy is a strong and independent lady—she also hides who she truly is because of stupid society rules. All the while, men are falling at their feet just to have a chance at marriage with her. Betsy’s having none of it though. The only one who seems to truly see her is Jeremy Roden.

Jeremy suffers PTSD from being in the war. The only time he feels light and free is when he’s around Lady Betsy. He wants her. Badly. Who can blame the guy? Betsy is awesome in all the ways that count.

Those looking for witty banter and a somewhat love/hate relationship; I can’t recommend this enough!

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy for honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.

After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Timesop-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.

Eloisa...on her double life: 

When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.

When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.

So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.

One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.

***GIVEAWAY***

COMMENT ON THIS POST AND I'LL CHOOSE A WINNER TO WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK!
Please leave an email I can get in touch with in case you win.

Review—One Foot in the Grave (The Mortician’s Daughter #1) by C.C. Hunter

Publisher: Bookends

Published: October 17, 2017

Genre: PNR

Source: E-book

Rating: 4 Stars

GOODREADS

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Blurb:

Her dad’s job is with the dead . . . and he’s bringing his work home with him. 

Once again, seventeen-year-old Riley Smith is the new kid in school and her dad’s career has her back to being dubbed a freak. Truth is, she’s a much bigger freak than her classmates think. The only company she keeps these days is the dead who follow Dad home from work. She can see them. She can speak to them. And Fate seems to think she can help them solve their last problems so that they can move on to the other side. Which is odd, because with the loss of her mother and her father’s alcoholism, she’s got enough problems of her own. 

But nothing could prepare her for the next tormented young spirit who darkens Riley’s door. The young woman’s death wasn’t the accident everyone believes. Soon Riley finds herself face-to-face with the killer and her only protection comes in the form of another spirit, Hayden, a boy her age with a heart-melting smile and understanding eyes that make her feel safe. If she can escape becoming the killer’s next victim, Riley knows she’ll have to help Hayden move on too, but what if she can’t let him go? 

Review:

Wow. What a whirlwind! It’s no secret that I’m a huge C.C. Hunter fan. The Mortician’s Daughter was unique and totally fun. It had the charm that is Ms. Hunter, all packaged up in a paranormal bow. Riley has a unique gift that allows her to talk to and help spirits cross over. There’s also the teeny tiny fact that her father is a mortician who sometimes brings his work home; without his knowledge. 

What I loved most about this book is that it had a nice blend of romance and mystery. The love interest, Hayden, was such a dreamy character! I was immediately endeared to him—as was Riley. We have a mystery that’s a large part of the main plot and then we also have the smaller mystery on Hayden. And why he’s so different from every other spirit Riley’s ever dealt with. 

I’ll admit that I knew right away the mystery surrounding our lovely guy. It still left me feeling anxious to get the next book! We meet a bunch of quirky characters that make huge impressions on the readers. If you’re looking for a somewhat lighthearted PNR, don’t pass this one up!

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

P.P.S. Stayed tuned for book two review (coming up in a few weeks! And the third and final book!).

About the Author:

C. C. Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of over thirty-five books, including her wildly popular Shadow Falls and Shadow Falls: After Dark series. In addition to winning numerous awards and rave reviews for her novels, C.C. is also a photojournalist, motivational speaker, and writing coach. In February 2018, Wednesday Books will publish her contemporary young adult and hardcover debut, This Heart of Mine. And the first book of her new paranormal young adult series, The Mortician's Daughter: One Foot in the Grave was released on October 31st 2017. C. C. currently resides in Texas with her husband, junkyard dog, Lady, and whatever wild creatures that meander out from woods surrounding home.

C.C. Hunter is a pseudonym. Her real name is Christie Craig and she also writes humorous romantic suspense romance novels. www.christie-craig.com


C.C. would love to hear from you. Because of deadlines, it may take her a day or so to get back with you, but she will reply. cc@cchunterbooks.com