Author: Gina L. Dartt

Publication: Bold Stroke Books



Cross Purposes grasps you from the first sentence and takes you on an adventure from beginning to end. No lag in the storyline, reader isn’t bogged down with descriptive narratives, lots of adventure and wit. Characters well developed, Gina did an excellent job displaying different personality traits, I was immersed from the first page.
My first time reading any work from this author, I was thoroughly captivated from the start, taking me by surprise. I wanted to hug Lana, throttle Michelle and Emily…well, I won’t go into details what I wanted with her, cop in uniform, what more needs to be said. A fabulous read, must have for my print collection.
 
Other work by Gina L. Dartt
 Unexpected Sparks
Unexpected Ties

Author: Renee James
​Publication: Oceanview Publishing

Not my usual reading, I admit, but so not disappointed. Not only a mystery but a journey into a very real human condition and the ramifications of being different and how society views these differences with contempt. Although, society is getting better, but still has a long way to go.
The main character, Bobbi takes you on a journey into the sinister side and the acceptance of a few in the Transgender community. Thought provoking, I cried, laughed and quite frankly was pissed at the injustices Bobbi was forced to endure as a Trans-woman. Having my fair share of suffering in the past for being a Lesbian, I could relate to a degree. I honestly had no idea how heart wrenching being Transgender and the difficulties they face on a daily basis with not being accepted as neither a man nor a woman. At least being a Lesbian, I might be called names and what have you, but I'm still looked upon as a woman, but I digress.
Bobbi is a character I feel many will connect with, she is full of wit and compassion even at the worst of times. All she wants is what we all want-to love, to be loved, have a family, a business and left alone to live her life-Unfortunately, there are those out there who will not allow her this peace. Made even more complicated with a Trans-phobia Detective stalking her.
I don't wish to spoil the story, all I can say is, read the book, a superb novel which leaves me craving more.
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Other work by Renee James:
Transition To Murder
Coming Out Can Be Murder


***ARC provided by Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing in-exchange for my honest review***

Author: Jackie D
​Publication: Bold Stroke Books


I have to admit, it took me awhile to finally start reading this book, can't explain my reluctance, it just was. Not disappointed. I was drawn into the story within the first couple of pages, had me questioning, why I had put it off? Still no answer.
I especially enjoyed the banter between Lena and her best friend, the sarcasm and wit between them provided a few chuckles. I mean seriously, we all have that ONE friend who not only makes us laugh when we need it, but at the same time make us face ourselves and we want to throttle them.
The dialogue was on point throughout, I could literally picture myself in the same room, giving the same answers and advice. Being a lover of dialogue in my fiction, not a big description fan, I really enjoyed this. To me, the characters were developed and lifelike.
A couple twists thrown in along with some mystery and let's not forget an ex, makes Lands End an enjoyable read.

Other work by Jackie D
Infiltration: After Dark Series/Book 1

***ARC provided by Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books in exchange for my honest review***
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Author: Meghan O'Brien
​Publication: Bold Stroke Books



I was pleasantly surprised how well the characters are developed and without the rush so many shorter works are prone. Anyone who has read O'Brien's other work know her talent for writing scorching hot love-scenes. She doesn't disappoint, although, she does keep you waiting.
The message is forthcoming from the get go, enjoy what you have now don't let life get in the way of happiness. Most important, sometimes you have to toss schedules out the window and live in the moment.


Other work by Meghan O'Brien
Camp Rewind(soon to be released)
The Muse
Infinite Loop
The Three
The Night Off
Wild
Battle Scars
Thirteen Hours

Author: Jaime Maddox
Publication: Bold Stroke Books


Jaime did an excellent job of portraying the struggles of addiction, not the entire focus of the story, but informative just the same. The fact the main character, Jess, works a professional job and suffers with this issue is a change of pace. So often when addiction is addressed in fiction, the character is either homeless, jobless, a criminal or all of the above, begins to feel repetitive. Throw in PTSD, romance and a psychopath to complicate matters further would probably have anyone running for their medicine cabinet.
​I can relate on a personal level to both, addiction and PTSD therefore, felt an immediate connection to Jess and was cheering her on in her plight.
All the characters are deep, bringing them to life with their complexities, an intricately woven story line adds credibility, life leaps from the pages.
If I was to point out any fault, I felt too much time was spent on Derek, yes an important character but not enough to be given the time spent on him. I would've preferred the time be allotted to Jess and Mac. Regardless, it didn't hurt the story in my opinion.
That being said, I was not aware this is a second book in a series, Deadly Medicine, being the first. If I had known, naturally reading Deadly Medicine would've been my first choice, my OCD preventing me from doing otherwise. However, Hooked, works well as a stand alone novel, once again, my opinion. I can honestly say I was not confused or had any problems following the story.


Other work by Jaime Maddox:
Deadly Medicine
The Common Thread
Bouncing
Agnes




***Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books provided an ARC for my honest review.***

Author: Erin Dutton
Publication: Bold Stroke Books

Capturing Forever delves deep into the many strings entwined in a relationship, without realizing, priorities tend to get blurred, family forgotten or worse, lost. Enter the world of Jacqueline Knight and Casey Meadows, the tumultuous relationship surrounding their lives.
Erin takes you deep into the heart of both these women, how they felt. The story flows like a river, smooth on the surface, beneath, a current pulling you away.
I related to both characters, their hopes, happiness, pain and frustration. A classic in the making, Capturing Forever will captivate to the end.

Other work by Erin Dutton:
Officer Down                                           For the Love of Cake
More Than Friends                               Reluctant Hope
A Perfect Match                                     Point of Ignition
Designed for Love                                 A Place to Rest
Fully Involved                                          Sequestered Hearts



***I wish to thank Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for providing an ARC for my honest review.***

Author: Gun Brooke
Publication: Bold Stroke Books

I found this story hard to connect with, the characters just didn't draw me in like Gun's other stories have. They were lacking the WOW factor, in my opinion. I'm not implying the story is bad, because it's not. I could get into the story to a point, Gun is talented at immersing the reader. I wish there was more back story with Kendal and Holly. I didn't feel they had enough life in them, therefore had a difficult time relating.
Still enjoyed reading it, Gun is one of my favorite authors, this particular piece was simply not my cup of tea. For those of you who like a fast paced story line with developed characters but not emotionally complex, this is perfect.

Other work by Gun Brooke:
Exodus- Escape- Book Three(soon to be released)                                   The Blush Factor
Exodus-Pathfinder-Book Two                                                                                Speed Demons
Exodus-Advance-Book One                                                                                     Fierce Overture
A Reluctant Enterprise                                                                                                September Canvas
Change Horizons                                                                                                             Pirate's Fortune
Soul Unique                                                                                                                        Warrior's Valor
Sheridan's Fate                                                                                                                Rebel's Quest
Coffee Sonata                                                                                                                   Protector of the Realm
Course of Action                                                                                                             


***I wish to thank Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for providing an ARC for my honest review.***
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Author: Sheri Lewis Wohl
Publication: Bold Stroke Books
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Evil exists

This book reads like the earlier works of a Stephen King novel, I am reminded of 'The Shining'. Led at a heart-pounding pace through dark corridors and other-worldly beings. Throw in a demented nurse- bringing to mind 'Silent Hill', one cannot flip the pages fast enough.
Not all terror, a cast of well developed characters lead you through a maze of complex emotions. Lorna, dealing with past transgressions. Renee, wrestling with doubts. Anna, brought face to face with her with what she fears most. Sadie, the power of belief. Lastly, nurse Thompson, reminding us, evil exists and is thriving.
My first time reading the works of this author, I am delighted to have another gem to add to my collection from Bold Stroke's talented crew.

Other work by Sheri Lewis Wohl
Twisted Whispers
Twisted Echos
She Wolf-(soon to be released)
Necromantia
Vermilion Justice
Scarlet Revenge
Burgundy Betrayal
Crimson Vengeance


***I wish to thank Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for providing an ARC for my honest review.***

Author: Jenny Frame
Publication: Bold Stroke Books

Touching

I cannot recall the last time a book reeled me in the way this one did. From the first page I was drawn in to the world of Harry Knight.
Countess of Axedale Hall upon her father's death, Harry desires neither the title, privilege or emotional attachments. Can a simple housekeeper, Annie Brannigan and her daughter, change Harry's mind?
Courting The Countess has an historical feel in a present day world, a thought provoking tale filled with raw emotions throughout. Jenny has a magical way of pulling you in, making you feel every emotion her characters experience. I humbly admit on more than one occasion there were tears in my eyes.
My first time reading any work from Jenny Frame, I am hooked and have since bought more of her engaging books.

Other titles by Jenny Frame:
A Royal Romance
Heart of The Pack
Dapper

​***I wish to thank Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for providing an ARC for my honest review.***