Monday, March 18, 2024

Take Me by Stacey Kennedy

Desire can be dangerous…

In the secret world of the Phoenix club, inhibitions are left behind, fantasies become reality, and lust can lead to love in this intoxicating romance from USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy.

Nessa Hale is a hopeless romantic. Growing up, she witnessed her grandparents and parents’ epic love stories. But Nessa hasn’t been as lucky. Instead, she spends her free time swiping right on online dating apps and enduring hellish first dates trying to find the one. But when one of those dates ends tragically, Nessa is left emotionally shattered.

Ronan Crawford understands what it’s like to feel broken. As a retired Navy SEAL, he still suffers from the after-effects of war. Forming new friendships and working security at Phoenix, the secret sex club in the heart of New York City, has given him a purpose. He likes protecting people again. So when Nessa asks him to teach her self-defence techniques, he’s concerned, but up for the challenge. He can tell Nessa is suffering and he’s prepared to be her safe haven. What he’s unprepared for is how Nessa makes him feel like he’s coming back to life.

The more time they spend together, the more Ronan and Nessa help each other heal. As their friendship blossoms into something more, Ronan introduces Nessa to a world of no inhibitions and wicked desires. But when Nessa’s recovery is threatened and her life is endangered, Ronan vows to protect her at all costs. He knows he’ll have one chance to make Nessa safe again, but only Nessa can bring Ronan back from the darkness threatening to bury him…

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Phoenix series!
For book one, Watch Me, click HERE.
For book two, Keep Me, click HERE.
For book three, Save Me, click HERE.
For book four, See Me, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Take Me by Stacey Kennedy

Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Daphne Fields

 

 

“You tasted of something I’ve never tasted before.”     “What do I taste like?” she managed to ask.     His voice grew rough… “Something forbidden, but something I want to keep.”

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Mary☆☆☆☆☆
Ronan and Nessa have known each other through mutual friends, Lottie and Hunt. But when Nessa is attacked, Ronan becomes her protector. Before the attack, they flirted with each other, but nothing became of it. Now Nessa is staying with Ronan until her attacker is caught. Will the proximity lead them to the intimacy they both want?

Nessa is a nurse, and she works with sick children. When Ronan hears about one of the children needing help paying for treatments, he offers a solution to Nessa. Can he introduce her to Club Phoenix without scaring her off?

I have loved this series from the beginning, and I think Nessa and Ronan are my favorite couple. Their connection is deeper than just the club. She is the light to his dark, or so he said. This story is filled with a little mystery that you will not see coming in the end by who Nessa's attacker was. You will be on the edge trying to figure it out. I highly recommend this one and the entire series, you can't go wrong with this author.


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Nessa loves love. She's a compassionate, loving person who cares about everyone. Nessa has been on several terrible first dates lately and she's getting tired of them. When Nessa is attacked, it'll take all of her friends to show her that she can heal and come back even stronger.

Ronan is a protector. Even after his end with the SEALs, he takes his work seriously and he takes his crush on Nessa very seriously. He wants to show Nessa that she can take back the power she thinks she's lost. He wants to show her how good they can be together.

When danger lurks around every corner and their friends are put in danger too, Nessa and Ronan will have to fight for their friends and themselves.

This was a fun read with just the right amount of alpha and hot steam. You won't regret this one.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series, and I do think that the story was richer for having met most of the characters before – so you are in for a heap of goodness if you start at the beginning of the series.

Nessa suffers an awful attack, which finally wakes Ronan up to him missing his chance, and failing the woman he cares so much about. Their journey is not simple due to their pasts, but they do both recognise that there is possibly a future for them outside the Phoenix.

I enjoyed how Nessa found out why Ronan had such a fabulous apartment, and how together they could do a good thing for a very sick little boy in hospital. It was a fun way to set up some low risk but highly passionate scenes and open the door to a more permanent relationship.

My review would be incomplete without giving Dex, Ronan's support dog, a huge thank you as he was fundamental in giving both leads much comfort and belief in the possibility that love can conquer all.

 

 

His lips against hers ignited a feeling he wasn’t ready for. It surpassed anything he had experienced prior. Nessa kissed him with such warmth and tenderness that it filled him with longing so strong he almost felt… possessive of it.

 

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author STACEY KENNEDY has written more than fifty romances, including titles in her wildly hot Club Sin, Phoenix, and Devil’s Bluffs series. Her books are about real people with real-life problems, searching for that special thing we call love... in a very sexy way.

When she’s not burning up the pages and setting e-readers ablaze, she’s living her happily-ever-after with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario, Canada. She’s a firm believer that wine, chocolate, and sinfully sexy books can cure all of life’s problems.

Connect with Stacey Kennedy!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

The tenderness of their kiss revealed a love she had only dreamed of having. A love that transcended time, pain, and even trauma… A love that brought light into darkness…


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Take Me (Phoenix #5) by Stacey Kennedy to read and review. Mary reviewed her personal copy of the novel.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Spring Rains by RJ Scott Release Blitz

Whisper Ridge, Wyoming #3. Spring Rains. RJ Scott.

When love is on the line, the only way to move forward is to challenge ghosts of the past and find a place to belong.

High School Teacher Chris, an amputee since his teens, has wrestled with darkness and emerged victorious. He’s a pillar of strength in the classroom, deflecting his overbearing family by day and yearning for love by night. Yet a recent reminder of his fragility at the Lennox ranch has stirred spectres of his past. Enter Noah and his son, Fox, who bring a glimmer of hope into Chris’s life, igniting a fire that dares him to fight for love once more.

After big-city pastry chef Noah inherits his great aunt Lilly’s diner in the small Wyoming town of Whisper Ridge, he can finally escape the painful memories and media fallout of an abusive marriage. He wants to rebuild their lives in a safe place, but starting over isn’t easy when money is running out, the rainbow flag in his window draws the attention of the local fire-and-brimstone pastor, and the past rears its ugly head. Through it all, Noah must decide if he’s ready to open his heart again, especially to his son’s teacher.

Noah and Chris fall in love, stand up for what is right, fight their demons, and find a happy ever after despite the odds.

Trigger Warnings: Mention of past suicide attempt.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Whisper Ridge, Wyoming series!
For book one, Winter Cowboy, click HERE.
For book two, Summer Drifter, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Spring Rains by RJ Scott

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Paperback (US)

 

 

Excerpt



I inhaled sharply as old memories flooded my thoughts and left me feeling something between the grief of never having come back to Whisper Ridge and a manic happiness at being here now. It was the oddest sensation, and I wondered how much of it was bound up in leaving Briggs and feeling free for the first time in eight years.

“Look!” Fox exclaimed.

I followed his finger, which was pointed toward the back wall, where, in bright neon orange, there was a crudely drawn cock and balls. Vandals had been inside, and I glanced around, searching for more damage, but couldn’t see any. Stools were pushed haphazardly under the counter. The red vinyl seats had small cracks and creases and were more of a sad looking thing than a reminder of the people who’d sat there. On one of them, the stuffing peeked through the cover, and I poked at it with a finger.

“This is so sad,” Fox said with a sigh, pushing open the door to the kitchen. Above the counter, a menu board hung without the descriptions of daily specials, and every corner of the place sat empty of life.

“What am I doing?” I asked the empty space, given Fox had vanished. I was worried for a moment. Then, recalling the layout of the place, knew there wasn’t much space for him to get lost in. There again, were there knives in the kitchen? “Don’t touch anything sharp!” I called out.

“Doh,” Fox replied, his voice dulled by the closed serving pass.

Doh was another word that Fox used a lot, specifically when I asked him to watch out for something, as if I hadn’t had to take him to the emergency room when he’d climbed the tree in the yard.

The teenager handbook, page 5, doh. Page 6, whatever. I had an entire list of things I could add to the book. Talking of lists, I took off one of my gloves and pulled out my phone. Top of the to-do list was to enroll Fox into the local middle/high school in nearby Collier Springs. Next was visiting the bank, third was a lawyer. I scrolled down and added a new line, electric to the diner, then pushed the glove back on before my fingers froze.

Our new home.

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I think you would enjoy the richness of the story more if you had read the previous installments, as those couples feature in here too.

Noah has left the world of baseball behind, his abusive household name ex-husband lost all their money in gambling and match fixing scandals. All he has is custody of his ex's son, Fox, and a diner in Whisper Ridge, inherited from his Aunt Lily. He is a brave man with only good in his heart and only a better future for Fox in his mind. That he should find himself interested in a man again is utterly unexpected, and he finds it difficult to trust it is real, or that he can acknowledge his needs as well as take care of Fox.

Chris has been in dark places since his teenage accident robbed him of his leg and left burn scars on his face and body – but the new guy in town is definitely shining a light on the possibility of a great future. I love that they are both strong, independent survivors, and that those around them only want the best for them. Fox is very mature in his behaviour, and also great fun. He and his new friends are the perfect foil for the two guys as they explore their interest in each other.

Just the right mix of drama, romance, and small-town life – thank you for another delicious love story in Whisper Ridge.


Angie☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series and I think you could read it as a standalone but we see characters from previous books that enhance knowing who they are. Noah and Chris have both gone through some crap. It's been tough. They are both such sweet guys and have such good hearts. As much as I wanted to love this book, it was just a little slow for me. My favorite character was actually Fox. That kid is amazing, he's been through so much but has such a good head on his shoulders. Fox and his two besties just made me smile every time. Looking forward to the next installment.

 

 

Author Bio


RJ Scott

USA Today bestselling author RJ SCOTT has written over one hundred and fifty romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

Connect with RJ Scott!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: RJ Scott – Special Secret Group

 
 

Hosted by

Love Lane Books.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Spring Rains (Whisper Ridge, Wyoming #3) by RJ Scott to read and review.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Mr. Important by Lucy Lennox & May Archer Release Blitz

Important New. Mr. Important is Now Available.

One New Year’s masquerade. One anonymous hookup. One billionaire-sized mistake.

Once upon a time, someone looked at my scrawny, impetuous eight-year-old self and nicknamed me Mr. Important… and I believed them.

That was my first mistake.

Two decades, a dozen failed careers, and a thousand meaningless hookups later, I’ve made more mistakes than I can count. My parents have decided I’m purely decorative, my brother thinks I need pep talks, and the gorgeous billionaire who hired me as a favor to my dad? He’s forgotten I exist.

So I’m done with mistakes.

Call it my New Year’s resolution. From now on, I’m going after what I want… starting with the mysterious silver fox in the Roman warrior mask who approached me at the charity gala and offered me a scorching, anonymous one-night stand.

Unfortunately, when our masks come off I realize mistakes are not done with me.

Because the bossy guy who blew my mind? He’d thought I was someone else. Worse than that, he’s my father’s friend. A supposedly-straight workaholic. The person I’m stuck on a road trip with for the next two weeks. And, oh yeah, my actual boss.

The farther we get from New York, the closer we become, and the harder it is to pretend I’m not falling for him. But I can’t see how someone as brilliant, controlled, and successful as Thatcher Pennington would risk everything to be with someone like me… even if he makes me feel like I’m finally Mr. Important.

While Mr. Important is set in the Honeybridge world, it can be easily enjoyed on its own.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Mr. Important by Lucy Lennox & May Archer

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Michael Dean
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

When you were madly in love with a billionaire business tycoon, it paid to master the art of negotiation… especially when it came to sex.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and you will, I think, change your mind about Reagan after reading this installment!

I really enjoyed that this book gave Mr. Important a chance to reveal himself, once he had found the person who was most important of all. We enjoy a journey of discovery and self-acceptance, along with a super sexy romance, which all starts from mistaken identity. Thatcher is such a caring guy, and thankfully does the right thing at the right time, to make Reagan really believe that this is happening and has meaning.

I enjoyed the non-romantic backdrop – and it was fun to use a company's problems with social media to hang the plot on, as it gave Reagan a chance to shine, as well as giving a baddie to the story not only in a romantic sense, but also in the business. Lots of low-level intrigue which adds context and opportunity for the two guys to spend time together, and figure out just what is important!

I am looking forward to future books in this series.


Angie☆☆☆
I will probably be in the minority with my thoughts on this book. The release of the book kept getting pushed back. I can honestly say I don't know the reason why but when it finally hit my eReader I was excited to dive in. The first part at the masquerade was amazing and hot. I also liked how we didn't have to wait to see who was under each mask. I liked both Reagan and Thatcher right away and was excited about how their romance was going to play out. Sadly, I was bored out of my mind the first half of the book. I know more about PR than I ever wanted to, and it was boring. I mean, super boring. The whole drama with the company seemed to be at the forefront at first and I wasn't wanting that. I wanted more romance and less company drama. I love both authors separately and together and will continue to read the series, this one just didn't work for me.

 

 

It had only been one night, but his submission had been enough to imprint on my brain for a lifetime.

 

Author Bio



LUCY LENNOX is a USA Today bestselling author and winner of the A.C. Katt Gay Debut Novel Award.

After enjoying creative writing as a child, Lucy didn’t write her first novel until she was over 40 years old. Her debut novel, Borrowing Blue, was published in the autumn of 2016. Lucy has an English Literature degree from Vanderbilt University, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the years and years of staying up all night reading tantalizing novels on her own. She has three children, plays tennis, and hates folding laundry. While her husband is no shmoopy romance hero, he is very good at math, cooks a mean lasagna, has gorgeous eyes, looks hot in his business clothes, and makes her laugh every single day. She writes gay romance with heart, humor, and heat!

Connect with Lucy Lennox!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lucy's Lair

 


May Archer

MAY ARCHER is an M/M author who lives in Boston. She spends her days raising three incredibly sarcastic children, alternating eating Jax and Tostitos, planning beach vacations, avoiding the gym, reading M/M romance, and occasionally writing it.

Connect with May Archer!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Club May

 

 

The man was a contrary mix of submission and snark, adorable blushes and cutting comments, but which Reagan was the real one?

 

Hosted by

Give Me Books Promotions.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Mr. Important (Honeybridge #2) by Lucy Lennox & May Archer to read and review.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Callum by Sawyer Bennett Release Blitz

Pittsburgh Titans. Callum. Available Now.

Callum Derringer was hired by the Pittsburgh Titans to help rebuild the organization after a devastating plane crash left its future unknown. Now that he’s got the team back on track, it’s time to put some effort into his own life.

When I accepted the job of general manager with the Titans, it was just the opportunity I needed to prove myself to the sports world. Unfortunately, my career isn’t the only area in which I’ve previously made mistakes and the past is about to come back in a big way.

Juniper Ryan is… complicated. Smart, funny and insanely gorgeous, she was my first love and my first heartbreak. But my loss was my stepbrother’s gain and she’s been his wife for five years now. I’ve done a decent job of putting her out of my mind but when Juniper breaks down and calls me for help, I know it’s bad. I’m gutted to learn that she was pushed into the arms of a monster.

Vowing to put our past aside, I learn dark truths about my brother and his marriage to my first love. And to make matters worse, I’m beginning to realize the feelings I once had for Juniper aren’t tucked quite as far away as I had hoped.

When things take a dangerous turn, I’m willing to put myself in the line of fire to keep my girl safe. I was a fool to walk away from Juniper the first time and I’m a man who knows better than to make the same mistake twice.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Pittsburgh Titans series!
For book one, Baden, click HERE.
For book two, Stone, click HERE.
For book three, Gage, click HERE.
For book four, Coen, click HERE.
For book five, Drake, click HERE.
For book six, Cannon, click HERE.
For book seven, Hendrix, click HERE.
For book eight, Camden, click HERE.
For book nine, Bain, click HERE.
For book ten, Van2, click HERE.
For book #11, Boone, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Callum by Sawyer Bennett

Book 12
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Signed Paperback (US)
Big Dog Books (Sawyer Bennett)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Jason Clarke & Lessa Lamb

 

 

“You’re just dying to fall back in love with her again, aren’t you?”     “I’m not sure I ever left. I fucked up long ago and now I want it back.”     “I’d bet on you to win, Callum.”

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
This is the twelfth book in this series, and they have all been excellent stories, this is no exception.

Callum truly has a horrible family; it is almost unbelievable that he is such a great guy, given the toxic situation of his past. Having to face that and see his first love, now married to his stepbrother, clearly in distress and pain, brings him up short and changes his understanding of the situation.

It is almost a relief that Callum is not perfect and has a second chance at making amends for his youthful error in leaving Juniper behind. As always, the rest of the team are in support, and the women rally round and give Juniper a chance at a much brighter future. It makes for a moving and ultimately very romantic read.

Another lovely installment – and as we get farther from the crash, the team pay tribute and honour the past, but are living their best lives now, which I love!


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is a great second-chance romance.

Callum has drama in his family life. After leaving to pursue his career, he never quite understood what he was leaving behind. With his career going well, when he gets news that his mom is in the hospital, he reluctantly returns home.

Juniper has lived a life of secrets. She has endured so much in her short life. When she sees Callum again, she’s not sure how to feel. Her life would’ve been so different had Callum decided to bring her along. But that’s the past.

Callum sees the situation for what it truly is and he knows just what to do. With his mom out of the hospital, despite her denial, Callum knows that he can do one good thing while he’s home. He can get Juniper to safety.

With their relationship renewed to friendship, their attraction still there, can Juniper trust that Callum won’t disappear again? Will Juniper’s past dictate her future?

This was a fun, sexy read. You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

“If you could ask for one thing, knowing the answer would be yes, what would you ask for, Juni?”     “Will you kiss me?”

 

Author Bio


Sawyer Bennett. New York Times Bestselling Author.

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author SAWYER BENNETT uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, click HERE to sign up for her newsletter.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

Connect with Sawyer Bennett!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Sawyer Bennett's Never Ending Party

 

 

“There’s always been a part of my heart that belonged only to you.”     “That’s good, Juni. I can work with that.”


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Callum (Pittsburgh Titans #12) by Sawyer Bennett to read and review.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The American by Jodi Ellen Malpas Release Blitz

The American. #1 New York Times Bestselling Author. Jodi Ellen Malpas. Temptation has never been so dangerous.

Temptation has never been so dangerous.

A domineering force in Miami’s volatile criminal underworld, Brad Black is respected. Feared. His deadly accurate trigger finger and indestructible persona has earned him his intimidating reputation and, up until six months ago, hookers, drugs, and protecting the Black empire was the sum of his life’s purpose.

Until he saved her.

Wild, brave, and beautiful, Pearl Kennedy is Brad’s kryptonite. A distraction. A young distraction. But with enemies joining forces, coming at them with more force and less mercy than ever before, she’s also a deadly distraction. Focusing on the end game, finding and killing their enemies, has to remain his priority.

But Brad completely underestimates the power of his connection with Pearl.

And he can’t shake the niggling feeling that there’s more to her than meets the eye.

Pearl Kennedy was saved from the clutches of human traffickers by one of the world’s most notorious criminals—Brad Black. Since being taken back to his family’s mansion in Miami, she’s felt safe and protected, despite Brad’s cold, brusque, and confusing treatment. He should disgust her—he’s flaunted his hedonistic tastes unapologetically. But no matter how hard Pearl tries to fight it, she’s drawn to the lethal, handsome killer.

Yet she knows she’s living on borrowed time, and to succumb to the attraction would be to expose herself and her secrets.

And then it will be just a matter of who will kill her first.

The monsters from her past.

Or Brad Black.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Unlawful Men series!
For book two, The Enigma, click HERE.
For book three, The Resurrection, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

The American by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

I’m… me. Hookers. Cocaine. A killer. The American.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Mary☆☆☆☆☆
The men are back and better than ever, and the women are there for their men.

This book is filled with so much that your heart will burst with excitement with all that is going on, but in the end, you will release a happy sigh that you have gotten the chance to know the Unlawful Men.

I laughed, cried, and almost wanted to stop reading but I had to know what was going to happen next. Rose, Danny, Beau, James, Brad, Pearl, and the rest of the crew are at their best in this last installment.

I highly recommend reading all of this series because you do not want to miss anything. This will be a series I will read over and over because it is awesome. Thank you, author Jodi Ellen Malpas, for the Unlawful Men, their story was excellent.

 

 

Author Bio

JODI ELLEN MALPAS was born and raised in England, where she lives with her husband, boys, and Theo the Doberman. She is a self-professed daydreamer, and has a terrible weak spot for alpha males. Writing powerful love stories with addictive characters has become her passion—a passion she now shares with her devoted readers. She’s a proud #1 New York Times bestselling author, a Sunday Times bestseller, and her work is published in over twenty-five languages across the world.

Connect with Jodi Ellen Malpas!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Love, lace and everything ish.

 
 

Hosted by

Valentine PR & Literary Management.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The American (Unlawful Men #5) by Jodi Ellen Malpas to read and review.

Monday, March 11, 2024

On Guard by J.R. Gray & Andi Jaxon Blog Tour

He's going to break my heart and I'm going to let him.

Selling my virginity wasn’t how I saw my first week of college going.

But after my parents cut me off, an offer from a gorgeous rich stranger doesn’t sound so bad.
It’s only twenty-four hours and I’ll never have to see him again.
Wrong.

Much to my horror, the stranger is Oliver Godfrey, the captain of my fencing team.
And as if that isn’t bad enough, his parents own half the city.
There is no escape from him or the way he makes me feel.
He’s everything I don’t want.
And everything I need.

A playboy like him shouldn’t look at me twice, so why is he ruining my life?
But what Oliver wants, Oliver gets, and he wants me.
He’s arrogant, possessive, and infuriatingly obsessed with me.
This can’t work.

His parents want him to marry an heiress so I can’t keep him.
All I can have is stolen moments hidden in the dark.
He's going to break my heart and I'm going to let him.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

On Guard by J.R. Gray & Andi Jaxon

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Excerpt



I can’t bring myself to look him in the eye. Someone like him won’t care about my problems. I doubt he’s ever had money issues. He was probably born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

“It’s just life.” I shrug when he doesn’t walk away.

“You’re a student here. A freshman, if I’m assessing the situation right.” He pauses, and I can feel his gaze scanning over me. “So what could it be...” His words aren’t unkind, but they are probing. “Family issues or money issues.”

Ding ding ding.

How did he know? Is it written on my face? A stamp on my forehead?

“I must be easy to read.” I suck in a shaky breath to collect myself and keep my voice steady. “Both.”

“Ah, yes, I can see how one would easily follow the other.” He takes a seat on the bench next to me. “Want to talk about it?”

“Not really.” I laugh without humor. “It’s not going to help.”

“You never know. Sometimes discussing things with a stranger can give you a perspective you might not have seen yourself. What do you have to lose? I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. Even if you told me the innermost details in your heart, I don’t know your name.”

“You know where I live, and we go to the same school.” I assume anyway.

“You live in a building with hundreds of other kids, and we go to a school that’s attendance is in the tens of thousands. It’s nearly the same as being anonymous. You don’t seem like you have anyone else to talk to. I’m a good listener, I promise.”

I exhale a weary breath I feel in my bones, knowing he’s right. I don’t have anyone else. “My parents cut me off because they think I slept with my high school boyfriend.” I sneak a half glance at him to gauge how he’ll react to my statement.

Stone face. Not even a single twitch of his mouth.

“And I thought I had it all figured out,” I continue, just to fill the awkward silence. “I had my loans lined up and a job. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to juggle all the work and studying, but I really thought I could do it.” I swallow back a sob, refusing to let anymore weakness show. But my chest is tight, and my stupid lip trembles.

“What happened?”

“I got fired, and my first loan payment hasn’t processed yet, and while the school will wait, nothing else will.” I pull my knees into my chest and drop my head to hide the fresh wave of tears threatening to fall down my face.

“The school will wait. Is there a textbook you need or a computer? Usually you can sit in the library and use theirs. They don’t let anyone check them out for this exact circumstance.”

Well, that solved one problem. “I didn’t know that. Thank you, but textbooks were the lowest on my list of emergencies.”

“What am I missing? What is higher?” He gives me another once-over, finally settling on my face with his deep probing blue eyes.

“I had to skip a meal plan because I couldn’t afford it. I only got so much aid and scholarships, and because they take into account my parents’ income, they wouldn’t loan me anymore, and my parents won’t help, so I had to remove something. I thought if I worked I could at least buy textbooks and food if I’m really careful, but then I got fired, and I’ve put in dozens and dozens of applications, but no one has called me back, and my phone will be shut off if I don’t pay in a few days, so they won’t even be able to call me. I have six dollars to my name, and I’ve been over and over it, and I can’t make it work. I’m down to my last ramen.” I’m barely breathing at the end of my rant. My face flushes with frustration and embarrassment. I should be able to figure this out, to take care of myself, but I can’t. I can’t get a break, and I’m tired of trying.

He doesn’t say anything for a long time. I’m pretty sure he’s attempting to come up with an exit strategy.

“You don’t have to stay and keep listening to me. I know it’s a lot of word vomit from a stranger. No need to say anything. I know you want to find a nice way to leave,” I mumble as I pick at a string on my pants.

“You’re quite wrong on the direction you think my mind went.”

I meet his eyes for the first time. He’s younger than his style suggests, or maybe he has a young face, but where at first I’d thought he was a doctoral or master’s student, he’s probably not more than a few years older than me. “What were you thinking?”

His expression strains between amusement and a deeper ruefulness, but that doesn’t give me any clues to what he’s thinking. “I shouldn’t say. My mind goes a lot of places better left off public consumption.”

“Can it be worse than the direction my life is already going?”

“That entirely depends on your definition of bad and proclivity to solve your problems with out-of-the-box thinking.” He shrugs, smile not wavering.

“I’m willing to try almost anything at this point.” My voice has a breathy quality I’ve never heard from myself before.

“Have you tried the food pantries?”

I scoff. “Don’t tell me that’s what you had in mind? And yes, one. I’m only allowed to get one box a month, and the other is run by my parents and their church. I know the second I show my face in there, they’d know about it.” I realize after I said it how easily I can be found with that information, but what did it really matter?

“Zealots for relatives. Delightful.”

“Hardly.” I let out another shuttering breath. “Thanks for listening. I should pull myself together and go hand out resumes.”

“But of course, I won’t keep you.” He stands but lingers. “Would you like a different way to earn a few thousand dollars?”

I cough as my eyes bug out of my head. “A few thousand dollars? I’m not selling drugs.”

“It’s not selling drugs, and I can assure you it’s legal.” He’s almost amused by my response.

I narrow my eyes, not believing him. “If there was a way to make thousands in a night without selling drugs, wouldn’t everyone be doing it?”

“No, because I wouldn’t pay just anyone.” He’s not amused now but watching me with a heat in his gaze that I’ve never felt before.

My heart skips a beat or two, and my breath catches in my throat. “Wh-what do you mean?”

“Give me twenty-four hours of your time, and I’ll give you, say, a thousand dollars.” There’s no hesitation. He offered the amount like it’s pocket change. That much money might get me through the whole semester if I’m careful.

“Twenty-four hours of my time to do what?” My voice cracks. Deep down in my gut, I know.

“Anything I want.” The seductive lilt to his voice has my stomach fluttering.

I gasp, despite knowing what he’d meant. “I couldn’t.” But I want to.

“No? Not even to not starve?”

I shake my head. “Thanks for the offer, but I really can’t. I’ve-I’ve never slept with anyone.”

He cocks his head to the side. “But you said...”

“I said my parents thought. I didn’t say it was true.” My voice quivers, betraying me even more.

He blinks, but his smile returns with vigor. “You’re kidding.”

“No,” I whisper.

“Why didn’t you tell the zealots as much? Surely, they would have accepted you back into the fold.”

“Because they wouldn’t believe me, and they wanted me to put off going to college until I’m more mature.” I jut out my chin out, not ashamed I’ve chosen myself.

“A bit of spirit then. I like it.” He lingers for another moment before reaching into his inner jacket pocket and pulling out a metal case. He takes a card from it and holds it out. “Three thousand dollars for twenty-four hours. You don’t have to answer now. Think it over.”

I take the heavy black card from him expecting to find a name, but there is only a number, and when I look up, he’s gone.

I know I can’t do it, but three thousand dollars...

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Shannan☆☆☆☆
On Guard is the first book in the New York Gods series.

Isaac Becker's parents disowned him when they found out he was gay. He went to college to find a new start but not having enough money to eat was not something he thought would happen. When he's outside on the sidewalk feeling sorry for himself, an opportunity he didn't expect comes from a man calling him Kitten. Isaac didn't expect to sell his virginity, but he sees no other way. Twenty-four hours with the man to do whatever he wants. He's nervous but he wants everything the man is offering him.

Oliver Godfrey is the captain of the fencing team. He has until he's done with college and his parents marry him off to someone of their choosing. Oliver never expects to see Kitten again, especially in his fencing space, but something about Isaac calls to him in ways he never expected. Can he go against his family’s expectations? Can he keep the only person he's ever loved?

I absolutely got lost in this world. I love Oliver and his twin brother, Owen. The differences are so glaring; I can't wait for Owen's book. I wasn't a big fan of Oliver in the beginning but watching him change and show that softer side with Isaac was everything I needed to be Team Oliver. Oliver was Isaac's safe place where he could finally be the person he always kept hidden within.

I can't wait for what's next in this series!!


Angie☆☆☆
I was super excited to read this book when I read the blurb. I didn't hate this book, but I also didn't love it. I think I struggled the most because of the writing style. You could definitely tell this was written by two different authors and it didn't flow smoothly.

I felt for Isaac when we saw how his first boyfriend did him dirty and his parents’ reaction. It breaks my heart to know that people still deal with this and go through that in this day in age. Oliver was a jerk, but had a sweet side for Isaac. Isaac's roommate was amazeballs, and I hope he gets a book. Oliver's twin, Owen, was someone I'd like to see again as well.

The second half of the book was better than the first half and even though I struggled at times, I'm happy I stuck with Isaac and Oliver through their journey to happiness.

 

 

Author Bio


J.R. Gray. Author.

J.R. GRAY is a cynical Chicago native, who drinks coffee all day, barely sleeps, and is a little too fashion obsessed. He writes realistic and damaged characters because everyone deserves a happily ever after.

Connect with J.R. Gray!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: J.R. Gray Pack

 


Andi Jaxon. Butt Stuff & Heartbreaks.

I am probably one of the most random people you will probably ever come in contact with. My favorite accessory is rainbows (I have glasses and converse), big hoop earrings, and fake eyelashes (I only recently learned how to put them on). I always have coffee on hand so I can try to keep up with the three minions I’ve created.

I write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be a little dark but with some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.

I like to dabble in a little of everything when it comes to stories. Romantic suspense, MM, a bit of erotica, with plans for Greek retellings, maybe some fairytale retellings, and some shifters. I write broken people who fight for their happily ever after, in all the many forms it takes.

Connect with Andi Jaxon!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Andi’s Junkies

 
 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of On Guard (New York Gods #1) by J.R. Gray & Andi Jaxon to read and review.