Category Archives: Enemies to Lovers

Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Ghosts, M/F/M, Mystery, Paranormal, Review, Standalone, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Witches, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR26 #Review – Dumpster Fire by Jay Leigh Brown

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Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. I have no one to trust.

A simple job from a sweet ghost sends my life into a tailspin.

I’m racing against the stepsons of the most powerful Seer in Grand Rapids. And they will do anything to get what I’m looking for.

I should have let them have it.

Unfortunately, I’m not capable of going back on my word.

Now, with an extra job, two insanely hot jerks, and a cascade of secrets, I can no longer trust my best friend. I’m on the run, my magic is on the fritz, my life is in danger, and there is no one I can trust. All I have to do is deliver my package, keep my magic hidden, and stay off the radar of the most powerful Seer in the city without the help of my best friend.

I am Salem Teller and I never miss my mark, even when the odds are stacked against me.

*** This is a why choose enemies to lovers romance. The guys are not cinnamon rolls and Salem is no lady. It’s a tough world they are navigating, and the folks and magic that reside in it are not always nice. Please visit my group or contact me for a specific list of things that some may find painful.***

 

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Kelly’s Review

I picked this book up purely because of the book name and cover. I mean, Dumpster Fire? Come on? Who is not intrigued by that title? The cover is hot! And if you turn the page, Dump, the raccoon, is on the inside!

Enough about why I picked up the book and the cover. The story is soooooo great! This world that the author has built is original. A breath of fresh air! The throuple in this story are all hard headed in their own ways, all with their own agenda, and everyone…I mean EVERYONE has a secret. The types of magic users and types of magic being used differ than what most of us are used to and it is incredible!

As the story progresses and secrets start to unravel, the dumpster fire starts to burn hotter and hotter. Dump, Salem’s raccoon familiar, is so amazing!  It’s wonderful when they (Salem, Raine, and Reese) realize it is okay to break when you’ve found the right people to put you back together again.

There are a ton of twists and turns around every corner. One of the best things about the book is the comedy that breaks all the drama up. You will laugh, you will want to punch someone, you will want to give Salem a hug, and then back away because Raine or Reese have it taken care of (wink wink). Oh, and wait until you experience the library! The freaking LIBRARY!

 

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Jay Leigh likes all the beverages both alcoholic and caffeinated. She hates seafood and pumpkin spice and adores every flavor and genre of fine men and books. She resides in the wilderness of Michigan, boating and camping all summer, writing all winter. She’s a decent photographer and shamelessly purchases all things dachshund. A prolific breeder, she has a huge family, having far more than the allotted 2.2 children with the hottie who put a ring on it. One day she hopes to hang up her stethoscope permanently, and spend all her time palpating nothing but her shiny new retro keyboard. Dreaming in stories, she wants nothing more than to drown both your face and your panties with her words.

Enemies to Lovers, M/M

#releaseday #LGBTQIA #enemiestolovers – The Misfits of Copper County by May Archer

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When you burn down your contractor’s home… and kind of, accidentally invite him to move into yours.
First things first, that fire was a fluke. A tragic, completely unintentional byproduct of high emotions, an ill-timed backyard grilling… and one very shirtless man.
I only meant to confront Brewer—my maddeningly stoic contractor—about a few small concerns with the renovation of my historic money pit.
Instead, I got distracted by his muscles (who grills shirtless in February, I ask you?), I tripped over my words—and my feet—and… well, my carefully-ordered life went up in flames.
Suddenly, Brewer’s living in my attic, his dainty teacups are in my cabinet, his slobbery dog is all up in my business, and I find myself renovating my whole future just as surely as Brewer’s renovating my home.
Copper County was never my endgame. Once I finish writing my article, I’m off on my next assignment. But between late night conversations, sledgehammer therapy sessions, and solving the Jam Cupboard Mystery (it’s a real thing, I promise), I’m starting to think we’re building something neither of us expected.
Because the more I learn about Brewer, the more I realize I’m not the only misfit in Copper County. And that maybe it’s time I stop chasing other people’s truths… and start writing my own.

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May is an M/M author who lives in Boston. She spends her days planning vacations, mainlining diet soda, avoiding the gym, reading M/M romance, and when all other forms of procrastination fail, writing it. She also writes MF romance as Maisy Archer. Visit her website at may archer dot com to sign up for her newsletter to hear about sales and upcoming releases, freebies and behind the scenes info and more! Or join her Facebook group, Club May!

Enemies to Lovers, Part of a Series, Review, Romantic Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR25 #Review – Given: Project Xol (Book 6) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

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Taken to a Xol lab, Cassidy prepares to meet the one woman who’s never wanted her. It’s not clear why the scientist requires her now, but she hangs on to two hopes—that Luke has gotten away and is safe, and that the vial of genetic material they’d fought to protect is destroyed. Life isn’t fair, but she pushes aside the cruelty of losing Luke so soon after finding his love. Survival, however it may come, is imperative, because she refuses to fail in ending the diabolical “cure.”Stranded in Mexico, Luke must contact the one person he’s always wanted to keep from danger. It doesn’t take much to convince his brother to be his backup in rescuing Cassidy from Project Xol’s team, and soon, the brothers follow her trail. Even with the help of the billionaire who’d once funded the research, it seems impossible to take down such a corrupt team hellbent on unethical experiments and producing something that can change the world forever. Despite the odds against them, they can only fight until the end, hoping they have made it in time…Given is the final book of the Project Xol series.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy what the heck in the Jason Bourne did I just finish reading?!?!?! Project Xol for the win!!!

Cassidy is one of my all time favorite characters. She started out as a meek and timid character but her strong badassedness had shown through time and time again. And she does not disappoint in Given. She is literally at the end of her rope but she knows she needs to do the right thing. She is out of tricks and out of rescuers. BUT, the tricks and rescuers are on their way. Even though she is adopted, she is such a pure and genuine person that she has made strong and unwavering friendships with others that become her family. And they are coming to help her. She has to take down her blood family and the diabolical “cure” as it is wrong. A new human subspecies….um, no thank you! When all things seem against you, monsters against humans, you have to pull out all the stops. When you have overcome so many episodes of hell, you can’t just stop. They do not stop. Not til the very end.

This entire series is a page turner! You will keep going and going and going. There is not one part of this series that I would change. Bravo!

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Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

Enemies to Lovers, Part of a Series, Review, Romantic Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR25 #Review – Stolen: Project Xol (Book 4) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

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After another narrow escape, Cassidy hopes for a break—for any kind of a breather from constantly being on the run. She and Luke head to a safe house arranged for them by Zero, and it’s there that they find new sources of potential help. Hendrick’s journal might show a promise of where to locate the elusive scientist, but it more than digs up Cassidy’s past. Finally given a chance to recover from his injuries, Luke struggles to accept this temporary relaxed state. After all, how much longer can he and Cassidy deny their intense chemistry? Peace doesn’t last, though, as a newcomer trespasses on the property. Together, they head to Mexico in pursuit of the man who might have answers to Project Xol’s new agenda. Getting there is a challenge, but running into the cartel is a bigger dilemma… Stolen is the fourth book of the Project Xol series and it continues in Reclaim.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Finally….a moment to breathe. Time to think. Time to get stuck in their own heads. Cassidy and Luke continue to stay on the run but get to finally “rest,” if you can call it that. The chemistry between these two is so intense and when they finally collide you will literally FEEL the heat! The rest doesn’t last too long because we get a new character that comes to the party! Welcome Tramer! OH, and spoiler alert!!!! So many secrets are unveiled!! The reason for Luke’s prison sentence is unveiled and we get a lot more information about Cassidy’s biological family. And whew! There is sooooo much to take in! Then while looking for Hendrick, they are in the clutches of the cartel. I mean super-secret science freaks and now the freaking cartel?! What more could you ask for? There is so much crazy going on in this story that you can’t help but keep turning the page to only find that you have yet come to the end of the story. Yep, another cliffhanger. C’mon folks! Time to start reading the next book, Reclaim. See ya there!

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

Enemies to Lovers, Part of a Series, Review, Romantic Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR #Review – Find: Project Xol (Book 3) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

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Armed with data they don’t know what to do with, Cassidy and Luke struggle to escape the invincible recruits from Project Xol. Desperate for help, Cassidy strives to locate a safe place for Luke to recover. There’s no time to fall into a false sense of security—not when she’s wanted for alleged murder. She needs to protect her father’s intel from zealous scientists and to figure out a way to avoid the law. Trust doesn’t come easily for Luke, but he must have faith in Cassidy when he’s too wounded to protect her. Even though they have limited options on the run, he hopes they’ve found an unexpected ally in a rural location. Too high of hopes, it seems, because they’re only pushed closer to law. Captured, Luke reaches out to his brother for help. But could that one call be all it takes for the leader of Project Xol to finish him? Find is the third book of the Project Series, which continues in Stolen.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Holy, I don’t even know what to say! Book 3 starts exactly where book 2 ends. Literally….BANG!

I have no clue how these two keep going on, but they do. Luke is hurt bad and Cassidy has to get help, and fast. Zero, thank the gods for Zero, gets her on a path, and she finds a helpful hand. But even this helpful hand doesn’t last long. They have fallen into a bizarro mad scientist war and they were just innocent bystanders a week ago. Chaos is a constant and it is sucking them dry. However, everything that was before Project Xol just doesn’t seem important anymore. Their relationship is getting stronger. But they can both be their own worst enemy when it comes to their relationship. Each one, with good reason, questions their feelings because of the constant chaos. Is it real? Is it because they are constantly being hunted? Do they only need each other right now? They hardly know each other, but there is sooooooo much chemistry!!!!!!!

***small spoiler alert*** THEY KISS!!!!!!!

There is so much going on all the time. And so many twists! You don’t really know who to trust, when to sleep, can you go outside, will he kiss me again? (yes, he does)

You really should stop reading this review and just read Find. And as soon as you finish Find, skip reading my review for STOLEN because you will just need to read it too like I did. 😊

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!

Bully, Enemies to Lovers, Fae, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review – Book 2: Zodiac Academy: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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They tried to break us.
They almost did.
But we’re not going anywhere.

The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don’t know what’s coming. We have to be smart. Fighting them one on one isn’t an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won’t be easy, but if we pull it off, they’ll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.

Besides, they’ve already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?

I finished this book in 24 hours. I completely devoured it and I have to say that I haven’t been this invested in a series in a long time. I’m so glad the whole series is published because there is no way I could have waited patiently between books.

So the story continues with Tory and Darcy fighting for their rightful place within Zodiac Academy. While the Heirs are a little nicer to them, they still can’t be trusted. Tory and Darcy get their revenge and I haven’t laughed out loud while reading in such a long time. It was amazing and so funny. Once you get to the pitball chapters, I couldn’t read fast enough.

This book had action, suspense, lust and the spice is definitely increasing. I have to stop myself from googling spoilers. Clearly I am not patient when it comes to slow burns/enemies to lovers.

I can’t wait to see what happens next with but I am so rooting for Darcy and Orion. Their little moment was hot AF. Then you get Tory and…well, I’ll let you read the book to find out who she ends up with.

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4bXpJmn

Bully, Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fae, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, new adult, Part of a Series, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review – Book 1: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling dark fantasy romance series from authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti – a Booktok sensation!

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch – all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?

***This is a enemies to lovers romantasy – don’t go expecting a sweet school for magic with friends around every corner. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride***

Oh boy where do I even begin? So first off, if bullying isn’t your jam, you will wanna skip this series. I know it’s a bit older but if you’re like me and just checking it out for the first time, please be warned that the bullying isn’t subtle. Now I’m not usually one for the bully trope but I kept seeing this series every where. After reading Rebecca Yarros’s fantasy world, I needed more. So I decided to check this out and I devoured book 1. Like absolutely devoured. It’s an easy read and I really enjoyed the world building. I even downloaded a horoscope app because of this series. lol

So we meet Darcy and Tory, who are twins and are super down on their luck. After turning 18, they find out that they’re actually Fae and from another world. No more cold windy Chicago for these girls.

The girls find out that they’re heiresses to the throne but 4 other heirs will have none of that.

The stuff these poor girls go through is unreal. I had issues in highschool but man, I am so glad I am not these girls.

Most of the characters I absolutely loathe but the one guy, Orion, is actually coming around. I can’t wait to see his relationship with Darcy grow. If they even end up together. I have no idea and I’m trying not to read spoilers but it’s killing me. This is why I tend to stay away from the slow burn enemies to lovers thing because I want the spice right away.

Anyway, if you want a fun ride with 4 beyond grumpy guys who would stop at nothing to claim their throne and two girls who refuse to back down, this is for you.

Available in KU – https://amzn.to/4isLywH

Enemies to Lovers, Review, Romantic Suspense, slow burn, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR25 #Review – Lost (Project Xol #2) by Audrey Kaye/Amabel Daniels

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Foiled from gathering the data Rosa had sent her to retrieve, Cassidy worries what to do next. The scientific files are lost in the sewers of NYC, but new directions arrive. Now, Cassidy is asked to collect intel that’s in Texas, locked in the archives of the man Rosa was once married to. Wounded by the lies from the only person who’d ever been her family, Cassidy carries on. Despite her confusion of her past and those she can trust, Luke has more than proven he’s reliable. There’s no doubt in Luke’s mind that he’s sticking with Cassidy for the answers to Project Xol. Besides his need to protect her, he struggles to ignore why he’s so determined to remain with her when trouble is nipping at their heels. Danger follows them once again, both from Rosa’s home to Luke’s past in prison. Getting to Texas is one matter, but obtaining the files they need is another, especially when their enemies won’t hesitate to kill. Lost is the second book of the Project Xol series, which continues in Find.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am completely invested in this series! I read Lost in record time. I cannot put this down!

Reader Note: The first book and this book end in serious cliffhangers. I am expecting this throughout the series. However, the entire series is out so you can binge read! 😊

Cassidy and Luke cannot catch a break. Trouble, that belongs to neither one of them, is seriously stalking them. And on top of it all, the chemistry between these two is super intense. Such a SLOOOOOOOW burn. I feel so bad for them because just when you think they are going to get a teeny tiny little break and maybe be able to release some of the tension, then BAM! One more crazy twist and they are on the run again!

I really got intrigued because we started to learn a bit more about Luke and his past. Cassidy has quite the twist thrown at her about her past as well. As more secrets are uncovered, we start to see how Luke’s and Cassidy’s past, unbeknownst to them, are actually intertwined. Now, the how and why need to be uncovered…. if they can get the files they are after.

I literally had to pull myself away from the book to write this review. I need to run now so that I can start ‘Find’ and figure out how they are getting out of their current mess. I’m loving Project Xol!

Amabel Daniels

Amabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, three adventurous daughters, and a collection of too many cats and dogs. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”

Enemies to Lovers, Mafia, Military, Review, Standalone, Suspense, Thriller

#Review #Mafia #Military- American Novela by Marcus Amaro

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When Filipino-American U.S. Marine Angelo Marquez receives orders to work in Spain from an old friend, the assumption of a laid-back workcation in Europe disappears when his eyes catch the attention of fiery fashion editor Elena Sanchez Vicario. Quickly, the line between military discipline and succumbing to the urgings of his heart becomes blurred when remnants of Angelo’s past are discovered, and his mid-summer romance quickly turns into a fight for survival in the streets of Seville.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I picked this book up on a whim while looking for something different to read. The cover grabbed attention, the blurb piqued my curiosity, and the writing kept my attention right to the very last page.

What is the essence of war? After reading this book, to me, it can mean so many different things.

Angelo is a Marine that has been in some crazy scary situations in warzones. The writing for these situations, even though I am not well versed in this lingo or situations, felt very real causing my heart to race and the hairs on my arms to rise as if I were right in the middle of the action. Angelo’s character is so easy to like that you will feel like “one of the guys”, even though you are only the reader.

Elena, what do I say about her. I have to say that I wanted to hate her. Especially at the beginning with their first encounter. I honestly wanted to strangle her and sort of got irritated because I thought I had the plot all figured out. She was this ice princess that Angelo was going to thaw out. Well, my friends, I had it all wrong!!! Give Elena a chance because she will change your mind!

Now, we have a budding romance forming, while demons from the past come forward, all while working with multiple agencies. It sort of ends up having a Jason Bourne vibe without the amnesia (and I love me some Jason Bourne!). Seriously, this book has a lot of a lot! The story hits on so many points with suspense, thriller, action, romance, hidden identities, kidnapping, military….I mean the list goes on and on and on. I highly recommend this book!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading many more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

 

Marcus Amaro’s life is a dynamic story of resilience and adaptability. After a 21-year career in the US military, he discovered a hidden creative spirit and took on various roles that showcased his adventurous fire. From becoming a hibachi chef to a U.S. Marine to racing sports cars, designing clothes, and writing. Amaro has explored different paths with childlike curiosity and unending enthusiasm. Now living in San Diego, he enjoys taking on challenges and learning new things, even if he has no idea where they might lead. For him, the joy is in the journey, and he embraces each experience, hoping to surpass his own expectations as the ultimate reward. 

 



Enemies to Lovers, Mystery, Part of a Series, Review, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR25 #Review – Seek (Project Xol #1) by Amabel Daniels/Audrey Kaye

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Cassidy is determined to find her mother at any cost…

It’s been months since Cassidy Shaw has heard from her mother, Rosa, a world-renown scientist. When she does, it’s in the form of an urgent edict to retrieve a key. Arriving at Rosa’s apartment in Cincinnati, Cassidy encounters strangers. One man who seems determined to silence her. The other, could he be her savior?

Luke Dixon enters the fray, believing his neighbor is being attacked. Never one to ignore someone in distress, he’s then shocked to realize he’s the one needing rescue. Bound together through violence, Cassidy and Luke must come to trust each other as they embark on a search, armed only with the key and Rosa’s cryptic directions. It’s a journey with unexpected answers and decades-old research. A search with more questions…and a lethal enemy who returns when least expected.

Seek is the first book in the thrilling Project Xol series. If you like gripping novels about seeking justice, entangled lead characters, and twisting outcomes, then you’ll love this romantic suspense series from top-selling author Audrey Kaye!

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Notting Hill to Mission Impossible overnight! Holy OMG!

Reader Beware: This story ends with a major cliffhanger. I recommend being ready to dive right into the next book.

I could NOT put this book down! There was never a dull moment from the very beginning right to the very end. I started it, turned the page, it was over, I was purchasing the next in the series. Seriously, it was that good!

Cassidy is adopted. She and her mother are not super close. As both women are very independent, when Cassidy receives a letter in the mail from her mother stating, “I need your help,” it scares her deep. This letter puts so many things into motion. She is almost strangled to death and Luke saves her! Oh, and Luke. What can I say about Luke. I am still trying to figure out what he did in his past life, but he is as chivalrous as they come. However, he is definitely atoning for something. These two have a chemistry that is super intense.

These two end up needing one another more than each of them care to like at the beginning but cannot stay away from each other. The constant facing of fears can be exhausting for these two but the spiking of their heartrates and anxiety is also met with the mellowing crash of realizing survival is possible.

Seek is action packed with a lot of suspense and danger. But things are just starting to heat up!

 

Profile avatar for Audrey Kaye

Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Audrey Kaye writes romantic suspense featuring strong, stubborn women and the men who can’t help but fall in love with them. Audrey lives with her husband, three daughters, and many pets, and has previously published under the name of Amabel Daniels. Her first novel, Better Than the Best, was written in 2015, and it’s been a wild ride of imagining the improbable ever since!