JoRead

CHASING VENGEANCE

Author: Katie Reus

Series: Redemption Harbor

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: April 9, 2019

About the Book

From USA Today bestselling author Katie Reus comes the final story in the explosive Redemption Harbor series where sparks fly and so do bullets…

Wanting her means putting a target on her back…

Layla’s taste in men runs toward the epic side of awful. With one murderous ex-fiancé already behind her, she’s attempting to start over in Redemption Harbor with the help of her bestie, Nova. And wine. Lots of wine. The very thing that helps her make another epic mistake—trying to kiss Xavier, one of her newest friends. So what if he’s sexy, funny, and has completely taken over her fantasies? Relationships and Layla don’t mix. And Xavier is clearly not interested anyway.

But it’s too late to walk away…

Any good hitman has no business forging a personal life…no matter how great the temptation. And Xavier is an exceptionally good hitman, with a long list of enemies. Even if Layla could somehow look past his profession, he’d never put her in jeopardy. But everyone has their breaking point—and when Layla accepts a date with someone else, Xavier’s possessiveness is unleashed. The greater the risk, the sweeter the reward…until Xavier’s sweet Layla is used against him by someone from his past. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from the enemy hunting her from the shadows.

Add CHASING VENGEANCE to your Goodreads TBR!

Get your copy of CHASING VENGEANCE today!

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo

About KATIE REUS

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Instagram

Excerpt

“Did he kiss you?” he demanded, unable to let it go.

“So what if he did? Maybe I kissed him,” she snapped. “Maybe I put on a little strip show for him to the tune of ‘American Woman’! Maybe I let him touch—”

He cut off her words as he crushed his mouth to hers. Xavier didn’t want to know if she’d done anything with her date. He didn’t care. Okay, he fucking cared , but if she’d done anything with that guy, it didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was completely possessing her right now and wiping the memory of any other man from her mind forever.

She moaned into his mouth, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she jumped up, wrapping her legs around him. The way she clung to him surprised the hell out of him. She should probably call him out for being a jackass and showing up at her place at midnight.

His erection was hard between his legs, pressing against his abdomen, pulsing with need. She had to feel his reaction to her—and this was all for her. His entire body thrummed with energy, with the desire to thrust deep inside her over and over.

They needed to get to a flat surface. He desperately needed to taste all of her. To hear her moans of pleasure as she came against his mouth.

Xavier felt possessed with the need to have Layla even as he told himself this was insane. But as his tongue teased against hers, all common sense scattered like grains of sand at the beach. There was nothing else in the world but him and Layla. Nothing but right now.

And he needed to see her naked. Needed to taste her everywhere. Earlier tonight, in that dress, she’d looked incredible. Mouthwatering. And he’d wanted nothing more than to strip it from her body, to kiss and tease every inch of her. Now he was going to get the chance to imprint himself on her forever.

“Clothes off,” he rasped out as he pulled back from her mouth, his breathing harsh.

She blinked at him, her expression as dazed as he felt. “What?” she whispered.

“I want to see you naked. Now.” His voice sounded guttural, uneven. His words weren’t even particularly dirty, but her cheeks heated up. Oh hell. He’d misread things. They needed to slow down now. “This is too fast—”

“No, I want this. I’m just…wrapping my head around this. Us.”

That was all he needed to hear. He grasped the hem of her shirt and tugged it over her head. He hadn’t come here for this. He’d come here to warn her away from that guy, but… Hell, maybe he had come here for exactly this. He couldn’t lie to himself. He needed her like he needed his next breath.

I just realized I haven't been here in about 2 months!! That is a looong time for someone that used to read at least one book per week and loved sharing her thoughts of said books with others. But you know what's to blame? NETFLIX! 

This may or may not be me :D

It started a few months ago with a series called The Haunting of Hill House and it's been downhill since then because I also found The Last Kingdom, Queer Eye, The Umbrella Academy, among many, many others. I really, really need to start managing my time better otherwise I won't be able to meet my goal of 65 books this year. Wish me luck! 

Buy Links: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/this-earl-of-mine/

Description:

In a desperate bid to keep her fortune out of her cousin’s hands, shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed marries a condemned criminal in Newgate prison. The scoundrel’s first kiss is shockingly heated, but Georgie never expects to see her husband again. Until she spots him across a crowded ballroom.

Notorious rogue Benedict Wylde never expected a wife. He was in Newgate undercover, working for Bow Street. To keep their marriage of convenience a secret, Wylde courts Georgie in public, but the more time they spend together, the more their attraction sparks.

Could an heiress with the world at her feet find happiness with a penniless rake?

Author Bio:

Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of Regency, Victorian, and Renaissance historical romances, including the Secrets & Spies series: To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart and A Counterfeit Heart. All her books feature her favorite feisty, intelligent heroines, (badasses in bodices!) wickedly inappropriate banter, and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss. 

The Duke I Once Knew - Olivia Drake 

Lovely second chance story. Abigail and Maxwell were such a joy to read as a couple and as independent characters. They were sweethearts when young but circumstances beyond their control made them part ways. Years later, Abigail is what could be considered long in the tooth. She didn’t even get to enjoy a season because of her love for her aging parents and now that they are dead she’s forced to face her reality of being a spinster with no life of her own. With that in mind, she concocts a plan that would allow her to take the reins of her life and live life on her own terms. Unfortunately for her, Max shows up and ruins all of her plans. I loved that they didn’t act as if the years hadn’t changed them or made them perfect strangers (that’s actually one of my pet peeves when it comes to this trope) but instead, their relationships builds over time. I mean, it was still kind of fast because it all happened in the span of a week, but I still found it feasible.

The story includes a pugilistic match and I always find that kind of scenes fascinating. I think it keeps the story interesting. I also loved the fact that even though there were more than just a few characters, the story didn’t feel convoluted, on the contrary, each one of them helped the story move forward and feel more real. There might have been a few clichés and the story might not be the most refreshing take on the trope but it was still enjoyable and entertaining.

*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher**

The Devilish Lord Will - Jennifer Ashley 

Last book in this trilogy but book 10 in The Mackenzies & McBrides series, it tells the story of how Lord William Mackenzie helped his family return to their homeland after the Jacobite risings.

This is one of my favorite series ever and so is the author but I’m afraid this book was only ok and not as exciting nor romantic as the rest of the series. I was several chapters in and still didn’t know where the story was going and I felt lost somehow. It took me a long while to really get into it and although it did get better, I still didn’t feel any sparks between Josette and Will, not even with their shared past. I don’t know, perhaps because of everything that was going around them, what with the treasure hunting, Josette’s blackmailer, and Will on the run, it felt as if the story didn’t leave much room for romance.

*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher*

Maddox (Savage Kings MC #5) - Lane Hart,D.B. West 

War sends Maddox to aid his sister Audrey during a hurricane storm. Audrey is no scaredy cat but due to a childhood tragedy she’s terrified of storms. Maddox starts a “friendship” of sorts with Audrey not realizing that doing so would affect both their lives in more ways than they ever thought possible. This story is part of a series but I think it can still be read as a standalone, although it would be much more fun to read the previous books first. 
So, the so-called friendship was sweet, sexy and steaming hot! I loved that Audrey was not ashamed of her sexuality nor did she try to be someone she was not. She knew what she wanted and was definitely not going to let her brother or anyone else ruin her chance at happiness. Maddox was charming and sweet however was no pushover and was very aware of what it took to be a real Savage King. 
Other members of the club make appearances here, including those that have reached their HEA and those that will soon. A bigger threat now looms over the club and it’s going to take all of the brothers to bring it down, by any means necessary. 

~~ NOTE TO READER: There are a couple of instances of sexual harassment and physical torture ~~ 

*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher**

One Snowy Night - Jill Shalvis 

~ reviewing the audio version~ 
Exactly what I was looking for. Cute, fun novella filled with sexual tension with a tiny, bit of spice thrown in. Rory and Max had been sort of antagonizing each other for a long time up until they are forced to share a ride back home. Trouble arises in the way and fortunately for them, that gives them time to sort things out and get things right. Everything wrapped up too fast but the ending was still satisfying. I definitely recommend if you're looking for a Christmasy, quick read. 

This story started with a bang. It showed us more of the world the other supernaturals creatures come from and what happened after one of the "demons" decided to stay on this realm. So far so good, but then as the story progressed there were some things that kept me shaking my head and made me go Huh? what? and why? Things that weren't congruent with what was previously said in the book and just some attitudes in general by all the characters. I wasn't too happy with the ending either, I felt it wrapped up too nicely.

Overall it was entertaining but not my favorite in the series. I'd give this one 2.5 stars for the things I mentioned above but the world building was different and unique so I'm rounding it to 3 because I think others would like this one more than I did for that alone.

Can you see the smoke coming out of my eReader? This series started solid but now it's rock hard awesome <3

So, War has tried to lead two separate lives for as long as he can remember; in one he's the loving caretaker of both his sister and son, in the other he's the sergeant-at-arms of Savage Kings MC. He's been doing his best to keep each life as separate as possible but now his association to the MC may cost him custody of his beloved son, or worse. Nova and him meet in the most random circumstances and what starts as fun sexy times becomes a fight to stop War's live(s) from crumbling down.
These two were fire from the beginning. Their relationship was explosive in and outside the bedroom. Nova was smart, witty, and caring. She knew what she was getting into and owned her decisions. I love heroines that may make mistakes but own up to them so I definitely liked Nova's character. War had some anger issues that made him look terribly menacing but given the circumstances I guess his reactions were somewhat understable. In fact, I think it was that attitude that also made those around him feel protected (I'm not saying anger is ever ok, I'm only stating how I saw this character portrayed). In the end they make everything work out for them, too bad the MC seems to be in even more hot water than ever.

If you like explosive romance stories full of action, drama and funny, not to mention delightful sexy moments, then this is a story you will definitely want to read!

* I received a copy of this story at no cost to me. This is my honest opinion and in no way influenced by the author or publisher. *

= MATURE READERS ONLY, 18+ =

Get your copy of WAR here: mybook.to/SKWar

Free with Kindle Unlimited! 

Love with a Notorious Rake - Karyn Gerrard 

You now that feeling when you already like an author's work and then you read their newest and you're totally reminded of why you like it? This was a perfect example of it for me. 

With a course hovering over his head, Aidan has spent his entire adult life in debauchery. His last stint lands him in the care of Cristyn's father's sanatorium, where she acts as kind of a physician's aid to her father. He and Cristyn form a friendship that eventually transforms into more but because of Aiden's reservations they end up parting ways.

I loved Cristyn's openness and candor. She still behaved as a proper lady however that never stopped her from acknowledging her feelings, speaking her mind, and demanding the respect she knew she deserved. 
I found Aiden's true feelings touching and the perfect basis for his addictions. There was honesty in what he did and as a character he grew immensely, trying to make up for past mistakes, and by taking up on his family's radical ideas of helping those in need. He was frank about his mistakes and totally owned them. I particularly loved how he handled his association with an old paramour, which in the eyes of his society would have been total ruin, possibly even worse. 

Other characters from previous books make appearances here giving us glimpses of Aidan as part of a loving family. It also provided a sort of epilogue for the other men of Wollstonecraft stories, which I always consider a treat. Overall, I thought it was an endearing, charming, and unique story. I would recommend this series and author to anyone that enjoys history along with their romance.

* I received a copy of this story at no cost to me; this is my honest opinion and in no way was it influenced by the author or publisher. *

Holidays on Ice - David Sedaris 

I was looking for something to listen during the Holidays and this was recommended to me. I tried, I really did but half way in and more than merry this was compendium of bitterness and bad jokes. I know it supposed to be "dark" humor, and believe me, I can appreciate dark humor but this one never hit the mark. Definitely not for me

The Leading Lady (Half Moon House Series) - Deb Marlowe 

What a pleasure to pick up a book by a new to me author and thoroughly enjoy it! <3 
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first one yet I never felt lost or like I needed to read the first one first. 
I love enemies to lovers stories and this one hit the mark in all the right places. Callie is smart, determined, caring, and knows how to fight against injustices in a world where men set the rules. Although Truitt was at first hesitant of working alongside such woman, he learned to admire her both as a fighter and as a woman. Their romance had the perfect pace and their chemistry, in and outside the bedroom, was perfect as well. They made have made a few mistakes towards the end but overall they made a pretty good team. I think they are one of my favorite couples ever. 

So the romance was wonderful but it was not the only good thing about the book. Not exactly a story about spies it had some its elements. The suspense was engaging from the start and it kept me turning the pages even when it wasn’t about the two main characters, which is always a good thing. Most of the story takes place in France and I loved that the author didn’t use any “accented” dialogue nor used unnecessary situations to remind me where the story was taking place. 
With complex, fun characters; suspense, action, and romance, this is a story I definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys stories outside ballrooms. 

*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher*

More or Less a Temptress (The Somerset Sisters #3) - Anna Bradley 

Regency romance story with a brooding man and a timid debutante. The mystery aspect kept me wondering until the end but I found it hard to connect with the characters, especially Hyacinth. I don't know if it's because I'm starting to find meek debutants tiresome or it was this heroine in particular that I din't like. Lachlan was ok for the most part but there were instances when I thought his surliness was over the top. I also found the pace a little to slow for my taste and the end was not my favorite either. Overall it was an ok read but unfortunately not the best in the series or by the author. 

* I received a copy of this book at no cost to me. This is my own opinion, not influenced by publisher or author.*

Heart Throb (Hearts of Metal #7) - Brooklyn Ann 

This series will hook you from the beginning! This is the seventh and unfortunately the final book in the series but it can definitely be read as a standalone.

Lexi is well aware of her looks and doesn’t need to be reminded of them every five seconds. At this point in her life she’s more concerned about making a butt-kicking documentary about the metal band Vicious and fulfilling her dream of making a feature horror film. She just needs to stop worrying about (and staring at) the grouch in the band in order to meet her deadline.
Brand, the bassist of the band, is that grouch. He’s had a tough childhood and doesn’t let anyone get close. Letting people into his life means giving them a chance to hurt him and he’s tired of that. Not even the model-look-alike disrupting his life is going to change that.

Lexi and Brand were a super cute couple. They both tried to deny their attraction from the beginning and so drama and plenty of laughs ensued when they pretended there was no chemistry between them. Brand might have acted all gruff and indifferent at times but he had some deeps scars that made him act that way. Luckily Lexi saw past that dark exterior and focused more on the man that worried about and cared for her. He made some huge mistakes along the way but he learned his lessons and proved he was capable of love.

I don’t want this series to end because I need more from all of the bands! I loved the way each character was not only depicted as skilled at what they did but also as imperfect, vulnerable, normal human beings. I also appreciate how they went through some ordinary, real life situations because that made them even more real. Like when Lexi was having some bad cramping and everyone kept commenting on her looks instead of how she was feeling… yeah, that right there made me want to hug the author! Situations like that happened in all of the books and man, I loved those little bits in each of the books. You can also tell the author loves the metal rock world by the way she describes it and lets us readers be a part of it. I didn’t think I was a fan but after going behind the scenes of the music I know I will give it a try. This was a fabulous read, with well-developed characters and a fascinating setting. I definitely recommend it.

*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher**

It took me several attempts but thanks to the brilliant and persuasive review of The Haunting of Hill House by Char's Horror Corner, I pushed on through and watched the whole thing and what to you know, I liked it. Like a lot!

I wouldn't call it terrifying, exactly, but oh, how much fun it was to just sit there and let the story unravel and try to connect all the pieces together. Horror? Don't think so. It was however edge-of-your-seat suspenseful and an amazing psychological thriller.

The best part though, the family dynamics. The Crains siblings lived a very happy, practically idyllic childhood up until they moved to that old house. I don't know if it's because my family is almost as big as theirs (and we bicker almost as much) or because all of the actors portrayed their characters with such realism that it was nearly impossible not to grieve with them. Or laugh at all their antics for that matter...  

(I laughed so hard at that one ↑↑↑) 

So, in short, if you have doubts about it because you don't do horror or you're scared you're going to be scared witless, you should still give this one a chance. I mean, yeah, there are a few jump scare moments but nothing that's not going to let you sleep at night - I hope *he he*

I think once you get a hang of the story there is not much to be scared of because there is nothing to be scared of (sort of). You really just want the family to be happy. To be able to move on with their lives without the pain of the past or fear for their future. 

I think the hours spent watching this show were hours very well spent. 

"I loved you completely. And you loved me the same. That's all. The rest is confetti."

Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go dry up my tears and get me a copy of the book. 

Have you watched it yet? Have you read about this theory? I did cry... and got upset at myself for not realizing it before o.O

And did you catch all the "extras"? It took me a few episodes to realize it but once I did it was impossible not to take notice.