#Review: Empire by Rachel Van Dyken - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Empire 
Series: Eagle Elite #7
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Published: May 31st 2016
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Crystal
Source: Author/Review Group
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

I have lost everything. 
My purpose. 
My love. 
My soul. 
Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle--the promise I made her, brings me back. 
So I breathe. 
I live. 
I hate. 
And I allow the anger to boil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade. 
I am broken, I dont want to be fixed. 
One last trip to New York, one last chance to redeem a lost part of the mafia family. The Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it, my job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago. 
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again. 
An arranged marriage. 
Only this time. 
I won't fall. 
Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself. 
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea. 
I am the mafia. 
I am the darkness. 
Blood in. No out.

Crystal's Thoughts: 

Coming off the devastation of Elude, I had no idea what to expect next. Luckily for us, Rachel Van Dyken never disappoints! Empire was an edgy, sexy romance that pulled on every one of my heartstrings! *NOTE: Be sure to read the beginning of Sergio's story in Elude, before starting Empire.

Happy Book Birthday to The Darkest Torment by Gena Showalter! (#Giveaway)

The Darkest Torment 
(Lords of the Underworld #12)
by Gena Showalter
Hardcover, 448 pages
Expected publication: May 31st 2016 by Harlequin HQN

Driven to his death by the demon of Distrust, Baden spent centuries in purgatory. Now he's back, but at what cost? Bound to the king of the underworld, an even darker force, he's unable to withstand the touch of another...and he's quickly devolving into a heartless assassin with an uncontrollable temper. Things only get worse when a mission goes awry and he finds himself saddled with a bride—just not his own.

Famed dog trainer Katarina Joelle is forced to marry a monster to protect her loved ones. When she's taken hostage by the ruthless, beautiful Baden immediately after the ceremony, she's plunged into a war between two evils—with a protector more dangerous than the monsters he hunts. They are meant to be enemies, but neither can resist the passion burning between them...and all too soon the biggest threat is to her heart.

But as Baden slips deeper into the abyss, she'll have to teach him to love...or lose him forever.

Happy Book Birthday to Empire by Rachel Van Dyken!

Be sure to check back this evening for our 4 Wine Glass review of Empire! 

Empire 
(Eagle Elite #7)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Expected publication: May 31st 2016

I have lost everything.
My purpose.
My love.
My soul.
Death knocks on my door, I want to answer, but every time I reach for the handle--the promise I made her, brings me back.
So I breathe.
I live.
I hate.
And I allow the anger to boil beneath the surface of a perfectly indifferent facade.
I am broken, I dont want to be fixed.
One last trip to New York, one last chance to redeem a lost part of the mafia family. The Empire is crumbling and it's my job to fix it, my job to mend the pieces that were scattered over thirty years ago.
The only issue is, the only way to fix, is to do something I swore I'd never do again.
An arranged marriage.
Only this time.
I won't fall.
Or so help me God, I'll kill her myself.
My name is Sergio Abandanoto, you think you know my pain, my suffering, my anger, my hate--you have no idea.
I am the mafia.
I am the darkness.
Blood in. No out.

Happy Book Birthday to Primal Instinct by Tara Wyatt! (#Giveaway)

Primal Instinct 
(Bodyguard #2)
by Tara Wyatt
Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 31st 2016 by Forever
ISBN 1455590282

ROCK YOU ALL NIGHT LONG

The first time he lays eyes on Taylor Ross in a bar, Colt Priestley does something few men would dare to do. He approaches the world-famous singer, shamelessly flirts with her, and gives her a night in his bed that neither of them will soon forget.

When Taylor's record label hires a bodyguard to keep tabs on the out-of-control rocker, she's less than thrilled to find it's her off-the-charts one-night stand who shows up for the job. She's terrified of letting herself fall for the damaged ex-Army Ranger, and she's determined to push him away. Yet every moment they're together simmers with tension. As the danger from an obsessed stalker mounts, Taylor and Colt are tempted to cross that line again-baring their hearts and souls as well as their bodies-and there's no telling how hot this song will get.

Happy Book Birthday to Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt!

Title:  Duke of Sin
Series:  Maiden Lane   #10
Author:  Elizabeth Hoyt
Format:  Paperback & eBook, 368pgs
Published:  May 31, 2016 by Grand Central
ASIN: B015NRKJRI

A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH

Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

 

#Review: Night with a SEAL by Cat Johnson - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: NIGHT WITH A SEAL
Series: Hot Seals # 1
Author: Cat Johnson
Narrator: Craig Jesson
Format: Unabridged Audiobook, 4 Hours and 24 Minutes
Published: September 5, 2014 by Cat Johnson
ISBN: ASIN: B00NC3141G
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Contest Win
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Ten years of dedication to the Navy taught SEAL Jon Rudnick one thing—he’s not afraid to risk life and limb for his country. But when navigating military red tape begins to present more challenges than the enemy it makes Jon question his future. So does Alison Cressly, the woman he can’t get out of his head.

When Ali’s life is threatened and military rules won’t allow him to intervene, Jon decides it’s time to take back control.

A team of sexy SEALs, a terrorist threat, and an attraction that can’t be denied . . . it all comes together in this launch of the new Hot SEALs romantic suspense series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author Cat Johnson. 

Linda's Thoughts:
"Don't let the tattoo fool you. I'm no angel."

#Spotlight: What Happens in Texas by Carolyn Brown (#Giveaway)

What Happens in Texas
by Carolyn Brown
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: June 7th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492638749

Carolyn Brown brings her unique voice to this tale of twin sisters finding love in a small Texas town

Cathy Andrew's biological clock has passed the ticking stage and is dangerously close to "blown plumb up." While her twin sister Marty thinks settling down with one man is just a waste of good cowboys, Cathy wants it all: the perfect husband, the baby, and a little house right there in Cadillac. But even as the town is laying bets on whose wedding will be next, Cathy doesn't see happily-ever-after happening anytime soon.

Fortunately, Cathy and Marty have best friends who aren't afraid to stir up a ruckus-and if it means Cathy's got to bust out and set the town on its ear they'll back her up-no matter how hot things get. 

AMAZON | B&N

#Giveaway: Devil and the Deep by Julie Ann Walker (#HappyMemorialDay)

I can't think of a better time to giveaway away Julia Ann Walker's Deep Six series, a series that follows ex-SEAL teammates and current deep sea treasure hunters, then Memorial Day! Can you?! Check it out!

Devil and the Deep 
(Deep Six #2)
by Julie Ann Walker
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: July 5th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492608939

Cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events are Maddy Powers' way of life. But the daring man who appropriated her father's yacht a couple of months ago is still out there, somewhere, and she wants to pay him back for the scorching kiss they shared.

Behind his suave smile and ladykiller eyes, Bran Palladino carries a dark secret that keeps him from pursuing Maddy… even though he can't get her out of his head. But when Maddy is kidnapped as part of a grand scheme, it's time to put up or shut up… because Bran can't live without Maddy now.

AMAZON | B&N

Sexy Snippets: Empire (#EagleElite) by Rachel Van Dyken

<center> </p> <p> <a href="http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/folksohana/Blog%20Events/sexy_zpsq2glnbdi.png"width="350" height="250"/></a></center> </p> <p>

Sundays have never been so sexy!

Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. Want to join in? Just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like, and then leave a comment with a link to your post. And don't forget to have a sexy-good time!

4 Wine #Review for Awakened by a Demoness by Felicity Heaton!

Title: Awakened by a Demoness

Series:  Eternal Mates #10

Author: Felicity Heaton

Format:  ebook

Published: May 21st 2016 by Felicity Heaton

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Source: author

Reviewer: Lexi

Rating: 4 out of  5 Wine Glasses

Asteria of the Second Legion of demons has messed up. Royally. With a capital everything. Certain that her dark lord is about to end her in the most painful way imaginable, she’s stunned when the fallen angel offers her an uncharacteristic shot at redemption—and determined not to fail him again. With her life on the line, she sets out on a mission that sounds easy but proves to be far from it when a hot slice of angelic eye candy comes storming into her life, stirring dangerous desires and tempting her more than any male before him.
Fifth Commander of the Echelon, the highest order of angels in Heaven and those responsible for hunting demons, he will allow nothing to stand in the way of fulfilling the mission he began close to a century ago so he can finally return to his home. On the verge of securing the half-breed he has been hunting, he can almost taste victory—until a sassy demoness struts into his life, awakening wicked needs and forbidden hungers that will test him to his limit.
When their mission brings them on a collision course, can they fight the fierce heat of the passion that blazes between them to claim a victory for their side or will it burn their resistance to ashes and set their hearts on fire with a love both forbidden and eternal?

Lexi's Thoughts:

No need to worry about Awakened by a Demoness being number ten in the Eternal Mates series, Heaton has just as much excitement and heat as book one! 

#Giveaway: The Marshal’s Justice by Delores Fossen

The Marshal's Justice 
(Appaloosa Pass Ranch #4)
by Delores Fossen
Kindle Edition, 224 pages
Published May 1st 2016 by Harlequin Intrigue
ASINB015MNNJ1Q

A Texas lawman will move heaven and earth to keep his former lover and their infant daughter safe

A shoot-out on the banks of Appaloosa Creek is the last place marshal Chase Crockett expects to find his ex-lover. Former criminal informant April Landis is supposed to be in WITSEC awaiting the birth of their child. But the desperate woman caught in the cross fire isn't pregnant.

Telling Chase he was a father—two months early—wasn't an option with murderous thugs targeting April and their infant daughter. Despite the violence that divides them, her only prayer is to trust the Texas lawman sworn to protect his family. Until desire ambushes them again, leaving April and Chase at the mercy of a past with no promise of a future.

AMAZON | B&N

#Spotlight: Awakened by a Demoness by Felicity Heaton (#Giveaway)

Awakened by a Demoness, the tenth book in New York Times best-seller Felicity Heaton’s hot paranormal romance series, Eternal Mates, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release of this awesome milestone in the series, she’s holding a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY and sharing sneak peeks of the book.

Enter the Awakened by a Demoness international giveaway (ends June 5th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate by using the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post or at her website, where you can also download a 4 chapter sample of the novel.

Here’s more about this forbidden romance between a powerful angel warrior and one very sassy wicked demoness, including an excerpt for you to sink those teeth into!

Awakened by a Demoness 

(Eternal Mates #10)

by Felicity Heaton 

Expected publication: May 21st 2016

Asteria of the Second Legion of demons has messed up. Royally. With a capital everything. Certain that her dark lord is about to end her in the most painful way imaginable, she’s stunned when the fallen angel offers her an uncharacteristic shot at redemption—and determined not to fail him again. With her life on the line, she sets out on a mission that sounds easy but proves to be far from it when a hot slice of angelic eye candy comes storming into her life, stirring dangerous desires and tempting her more than any male before him.

Fifth Commander of the Echelon, the highest order of angels in Heaven and those responsible for hunting demons, he will allow nothing to stand in the way of fulfilling the mission he began close to a century ago so he can finally return to his home. On the verge of securing the half-breed he has been hunting, he can almost taste victory—until a sassy demoness struts into his life, awakening wicked needs and forbidden hungers that will test him to his limit.

When their mission brings them on a collision course, can they fight the fierce heat of the passion that blazes between them to claim a victory for their side or will it burn their resistance to ashes and set their hearts on fire with a love both forbidden and eternal?

AMAZON

Saturday Sangria: Starfruit Sangria Recipe (#Wine #Sangria #Recipe #MemorialDay)

<center> <a href="http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/folksohana/Blog%20Events/Sangria_zps3wsdz6mg.jpg"width="350" height="250"/></a></center>

Welcome to Sangria Saturday, where ever Saturday you will find a delicious sangria recipe to go with your weekend reading! Have a recipe of your own? Join the fun and leave us a comment or a link to your own post!  

Memorial Day weekend. The start of summer. Beaches and Barbecues. Food and Brews. And what better to go with all of that then a refreshing and delicious sangria recipe?! Well, do I have one to share with you! First and most importantly though, I hope that you take a moment this weekend when you're with your friends and family, to remember why we celebrate this holiday. Remember our fallen heroes and thank those that serve past and present, as well as their families who are the supportive backbone for them... Thank You! 

Stay safe, have fun, love lots! Happy Memorial Day!

Starfruit Sangria Recipe

Perfect for fans of hard lemonade who like to pretty up their sangria!

Read an #Excerpt from For 100 Days by Lara Adrian! (#Giveaway)

For 100 Days 
(For 100 Days #1)
by Lara Adrian
ebook, 375 pages
Published May 24th 2016 by Lara Adrian, LLC
ISBN139781939193124

Pleasure has a price . . .

Just when everything in my life is falling apart, I find a chance to turn it around--to step into someone else's glittering world, if only for a little while. I become someone new, no longer the woman defined by an ugly past, but a woman freer and bolder than myself. A woman who isn't afraid to explore every passion, even at its darkest, with a mysterious and seductive man who believes my mask is real.

Handsome and commanding, enigmatic and irresistible, billionaire Dominic Baine is an obsession I cannot afford and should not risk. He ushers me into consuming new pleasures and addicting new desires, until the line between my real life and the fantasy one I've stolen with him begins to blur.

I know I cannot keep my truth from him. I know my past will not stay buried forever. But before I can make it right, everything comes crashing down. I have deceived this powerful, dangerous man . . . and now there is a price to be paid.

AMAZON | B&N

#Spotlight: Knights of the Tarot Series by Nina Mason

Nina Mason has just re-released significantly revised editions of the books previously published as Starry Knight and Dark and Stormy Knight. If you've read them in the original version, you might want to do so again because they're very different now. If you haven't yet checked out Nina's excellent books, you don't know what you’re missing!

#Review: One Night with a Cowboy by Cat Johnson - 4.5 Wine Glasses

Title: One Night With A Cowboy
Series: Oklahoma Nights #1
Author: Cat Johnson
Format: Overdrive, 336 Pages
Published: Zebra; Reissue edition (September 2, 2014)
ISBN: ASIN:B00MMMGY0E
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Library
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Oh yeah. A single look at the leggy blonde in the stands and Tucker Jenkins is ready to buck all night long. It’s time to forget all about his cheating ex and his usual hands off policy.

One Hot Night…

Becca Hart is an East Coast professor. Not a buckle bunny. But no degree can prepare her for the moves of the sexy bull rider she hooks up with at her first rodeo … Or the shock of finding him at her first Oklahoma State University staff meeting.

One Happy Ending…

Tuck knows it’s all about holding on, no matter how wild the ride. Now he just has to convince Becca that a rough start out of the chute doesn’t mean they aren’t a smokin’ combination …

Linda's Thoughts:

Becca watched Tucker bend at the waist. Mmm, mmm. He was sure built nice. From the top of his felt hat to the tips of his worn leather boots. Those leather chaps he'd just slung around his hips weren't too bad, either.
He reached back to buckle the chap straps first around one jean-clad thigh, and then the other. And she'd thought the rodeo would be boring. Ha! She could watch Tucker do this all day. Buckle and unbuckle. Bend and stand.
She let out a sign filled with pure contentment. "All right, Em. I'll admit it. Cowboys are hot."
Next to her, Emma laughed. "Oh, yeah."