Jess—aka Reviews by Jess—is a sassy, top-ranked Goodreads reviewer who reads a little of everything. From steamy romance to dark fantasy, plus stories featuring mental health, hidden disabilities, and LGBTQ+ rep, she brings bold, unfiltered reviews readers can trust. Expect sass, sparkle, and a TBR that’s about to explode.

Reviews by Jess- Unfiltered. Unapologetic. Unforgettable Reviews.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Last War Series Tour & Giveaway


Khandarken Rising 
The Last War Book 1 
by Sylvie Grayson 
Genre: Romantic Suspense SciFi


The Emperor has been defeated. New countries have arisen from the ashes of the old Empire. The citizens swear they will never need to fight again after that long and painful war.
Bethlehem Farmer is doing her best to help her brother Abram hold things together in south Khandarken after their father died in the battles. She is looking after the dispossessed, keeping the farm productive and the talc mine working in the hills behind their land. But when Abram takes a trip with Uncle Jade into the northern territory and disappears without a trace, she's left on her own. 
Suddenly things are not what they seem and no one can be trusted.
Major Dante Regiment is sent by his father, the General of Khandarken, to find out what the situation is at Farmer Holdings. What he sees shakes him to the core and fuels his grim determination to protect Bethlehem at all cost, even with his life.
Ms Grayson has created a fascinating new world with a lot of the same old problems. Sci fi and fantasy rolled into one with a sure hand and enormous imagination. 

**On Sale for only .99 cents!!** 



Son of the Emperor 
The Last War Book 2


From the mud and danger of the open road to the welcoming arms of the Sanctuary, from attacks by the dispossessed army to the storms of the open sea, Son of the Emperor takes us on a wild ride into danger and on to the dream of freedom.
The Emperor is defeated but already unrest is growing in the north of Khandarken.
After Julianne Adjudicator's father disappears, she seeks to escape the clutches of her vicious stepmother Zanata, and flees to the Sanctuary. This is the safest place for a woman in a hostile world of unrest and roving dispossessed. But when Julianne seeks asylum, it soon becomes clear all is not as it first appeared.
Then Abe Farmer arrives at the Sanctuary seeking medical help. Abe isn't interested in taking a young woman with them, as he and his injured bodyguard struggle to return to the Southern Territory. Yet when he discovers her fate if she stays, he finds he has no choice.
But the journey becomes more dangerous as they encounter the army of the New Emperor. Caught in the middle of a firefight, they flee toward the Catastrophic Ocean. Can Abe keep her safe till they reach home?
The Last War series is a stunning portrayal of a new world created from fire and consumed at the edges …- sci fi and fantasy at its best… 

**On Sale for only .99 cents!!** 



Truth and Treachery 
The Last War Book 3


The Last War series is one of a kind. The personal relationships are intriguing… The names are cool, the plot gets thicker with each page, and I loved the author's style. I was sad to be finished and impressed by the world that Grayson was able to create. The descriptions were so real and the well-developed characters and sensuous love scenes make this a page turner.
Emperor Carlton has been backed into a corner, with his visions of expansion collapsing all around him. The skirmishes he's launched have had limited success. But he has a new plan to overthrow everything Khandarken has cobbled together since the end of the Last War, and he knows just the man to make it happen. Chief Constable Lanser is a private man with a close connection to the Old Emprie that he doesn't divulge to anyone. Although he's dedicated to his position in Khandarken, things are not what they seem in the rank and file of the police. And it's his job to fix it. Selanna Nettles is a sookie, trained in Legitamia, who works with the disposessed and injured workers in the Western Territory near her family. When she meets Lanser, her life takes a startling turn once he hires her to accompany him to a set of high-level meetings in Gilsigg. In Legitamia, these three meet up and the result is explosive. Not just for each of them but for the future of Khandarken. When the Emperor makes Conden an offer, can he refuse? Especially as it is everything he's secretly dreamed of. 

**On Sale for only $1.99 !!** 



Weapon of Tyrants 
The Last War Book 4


Damian Stuke was an enforcer for a gamer, but now he is in training as an undercover agent for the Khandarken military. Then he encounters a fascinating woman with a hidden agenda. But when he discovers what she is hiding, his protective instincts kick into high gear.
Fanny Master is from the elite in Khandarken, and when both her parents are murdered, she is forced to run for her life, or be the next victim of her hunter. Amid the chaos of the International Head Ball Games and as Emperor Carlton ramps up his plans for invasion, her attacker makes another attempt on her life. Will Damian save her from her unknown enemy, or is he still working for the other side? 

**On Sale for only $1.99 !!** 



Prince of Jiran 
The Last War Book 5


Shandro, Prince of the Penrhy tribe of Jiran, disagrees with his father, Sovereign Pollack, on nearly every issue that arises between them. But his goal is to uphold the family values in spite of Pollack’s conniving moves as he deals with the hotbed of competing nations.
Then Shandro is sent on a mission across the mountains into Khandarken to bring back Princess Chinata, a bride for Emperor Carlton’s Advisor. In exchange, Jiran and the Penrhy tribe are given a peace agreement, protection against invasion by the Emperor’s troops. This seems a good trade, as Carlton is hovering on their borders with his need for more land. However, not far into the journey, it becomes apparent someone is not adhering to the terms of the peace accord.
Near the tribal border, Shandro and his troops have come under direct attack from unknown forces. He digs deeper into Chinata’s background to find strong ties to the New Empire. Is it too dangerous to bring Princess Chinata into Jiran? Or as her escort, does Shandro become her defender against the Emperor’s troops? 

**On Sale for only $1.99 !!** 



Banderos 
The Last War Book 6


Loyal Hawker, an undercover agent for the Khandarken military, has never met anyone quite like the woman he encounters on his trip to the south. He’s approached by Angel, only daughter among the many sons of Gerwal Banderos, a well-known strongman who seized much of the unclaimed territory north of Adar Silva at the end of the Last War. Angel declares her father wants to meet with him on a matter of urgency. While suspicious of her intentions as she leads him across extensive territory toward the Banderos compound, Loyal can’t deny his attraction to her. With Emperor Carlton invading in an attempt to reclaim his Empire, danger hovers over the Banderos land, and the brothers show they’re not as united as they first appear. During the ensuing chaos, when the compound is besieged, Loyal must work in the midst of deceit and betrayal to protect what is left of Angel’s heritage. Can he survive long enough to find out who’s targeting Angel and save her from her treacherous brothers? 

**On Sale for only $1.99 !!** 



Sylvie Grayson loves to write about suspense, romance and attempted murder, in both contemporary and science fiction/fantasy. She has lived most of her life in British Columbia, Canada in spots ranging from Vancouver Island on the west coast to the North Peace River country and the Kootenays in the beautiful interior. She spent a one year sojourn in Tokyo Japan. 

She has been an English language instructor, a nightclub manager, an auto shop bookkeeper and a lawyer. Now she works part time as the owner of a small company, and writes when she finds the time. 

She is a wife and mother and still loves to travel, having recently completed a trip to Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and Hong Kong. She lives on the coast of the Pacific Ocean with her husband on a small patch of land near the sea that they call home. 





$20 Amazon, 5 copies of book one, one copy each of book two to six, ebooks only

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!




His Dirty Bargain by Fiona Murphy Release & Giveawe




Title: His Dirty Bargain
Series: Dirty Billionaires #3
Author: Fiona Murphy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 22, 2019



Blurb

Three billionaire brothers: Cesare, Enzo, and Dante Sabatini have everything except the one thing money can’t buy. Three big beautiful, women Alicia, Bethany, and Chloe will teach them the ABCs of love. Follow these couples as they negotiate the riskiest deal of all, falling in love.

My biological clock has been pounding. Any minute now, I'm going to hit buy on the sperm that's been sitting in my online cart for the last six months.... any minute. I want to be a single mom. The last five years without a man have been the best years of my life. Except, I do want kids, six if I had my way. But if I’m doing it alone, I can’t really afford more than one.
At least what I need I can get off a website. I had no idea men had biological clocks too, but Enzo Sabatini proved otherwise. The control-freak billionaire married a gold-digging womb to get the children he wanted, and not surprisingly it blew up in his face. With the ink barely dry on his divorce that lasted longer than his marriage, I'm tasked with finding him a new place to live. I can't believe it's really heat I see in his eyes when he looks at me. I'm nothing like his usual women, plus size compared to size zero. 
Shock is an understatement when I see the ring. I can barely process his insane proposal of me getting the dream house and the multifamily property I want in exchange for at least ten years and two kids. Wait, what? What kind of effing proposal is that? It's not a marriage proposal, it's a bargain—one with limits and terms and signed off by lawyers. I don't care how hot he is; he's lost his mind.
So why do I say not yet instead of no? Is this going to be the biggest mistake of my life, or is there any way we can make a happy-ever-after from this dirty bargain?







Purchase Links

99c for a limited time!


Coming soon to Apple Books





Excerpt

A hand wraps around my arm as he drags me after him. “What the hell is going on with you?” he thunders once we’re out on the front lawn.
“Don’t yell at me, damn it! Are you fucking serious? You tell my boss a personal plan in a light meant to shame and embarrass me over brunch, you belittle me, you ignore me, then you want to know what is going on with me?”
Shaking his head, he takes a deep breath. “Don’t forget I let the tiny blonde close to me.”
Violence erupts from me and I shove him, hard. “She fucking touched you like she had every right to.” Oh god, I didn’t do that.
The bastard laughs as he tugs me close. I’m so ashamed I can’t look at him even though I want to push him away from me, pissed that he’s daring to laugh. “Fuck, woman, you are driving me crazy. Why can’t you be normal?”
With a sigh I give in to resting my head on his chest. All at once, the anger and pain disappears as I inhale his scent, feel his body against mine. “I’m not going to apologize. Normal is boring. If I were normal you wouldn’t look at me twice, you would have already moved on to your next bimbo.”
“Hmm…” His hand runs up and down my back soothingly. “I won’t lie, you’re right. Bimbos are boring, you could never be called boring. So I’ve been thinking…” He pulls out something shiny from his pocket. No, it can’t be. Holy fuck, it is. “I have another deal to offer you. Marry me and we’ll fill this place with laughter and memories. Help me turn it from a house into a home. I want at least two kids, any more is up to you, and in return I’ll buy you the multifamily property you want, and this place is yours free and clear as long as we hit ten years. We give it at least ten years and you’ll think you’ve won the lottery. If you want out any sooner, I’ll make you regret ever meeting me.”
I stumble back from him on shaky legs, staring at the enormous ring in horror. “What kind of marriage proposal was that? It was a marriage proposal, right?” How could he say such awful things at the same time as asking me to marry him? “Have you lost your mind?”
At least he has the decency to blush. “What? It’s an honest deal between two people, a hell of a lot more honest than ninety percent of the proposals happening any given day. I get it, you have a hard time trusting men are going to stick around, treat you well, and be faithful. The ring gives you the first one, and I don’t have a problem with either the second or third thing. I bought this house for you, you can make it anything you want. If we divorce you’ll get it in the settlement on top of the multifamily and more than generous alimony, as long as I get custody of the kids.”
This is a dream, a nightmare, a crazy Klonopin-induced nightmare because who the hell would believe this is real? I’m shaking my head, trying to clear it, trying to figure out what is happening. The ring is thrust in my face again. It’s enormous, an odd pinkish peach color. “What is it?”
“It’s a padparadscha, a kind of sapphire. Normally, I wouldn’t have gotten something so big at twenty-eight carats, but the only other one they had was only four carats and that didn’t seem right at all. A diamond didn’t seem unique enough for you. I’m also willing to admit I didn’t want any man thinking you were available.” He shrugs.
And it’s the sweetest thing I think he’s ever said. How could he say that while also saying all the other crap? “We’ve known each other a week, less than a week. I can’t marry you, it’s crazy.”
“How is it crazy? We both know what we want, we both want the same thing, and we both want each other. When something’s right it’s right. When you know you know. What difference does it make from one week to one year?”
“Because, I don’t know how you like your coffee. I don’t know your favorite food, color, or book. I don’t know if you sleep naked or in pajamas. I don’t know anything about you other than you have way too much money, an enormous ego, and okay, yes, I want to have sex with you, but that doesn’t make a marriage, not even one for just ten years.”
“We couldn’t make a marriage without the sex.”
“I don’t want to breastfeed. I’ll do everything I can to make sure I have a C-section up to and including bribing my doctor. Even if I didn’t have to work, I want to after my maternity leave is over. I want six kids, not two, not four, six. I want private school but not religious schools. I don’t want to take my kids to church on Sundays, I want them to choose what they believe in. I don’t want to do the Santa myth thing or the tooth fairy. I want my kids to know they’re important, but I refuse to let them believe the world revolves around them. Those are important, those things could break up a marriage. Those are the things you learn over the course of dating and having an actual relationship instead of just jumping into a marriage.”
“So you’re saying, no?”
Oh god, he actually looks sad, then he blinks and it’s gone. Deep down I want to scream yes, fuck caution, fuck that it’s too soon, he wants me, bought a house for me, he bought a ring, except he’s saying things like ten years and threatening me with horrors unknown if I dare to want a divorce before ten years. Fear outweighs everything. “I’m saying not yet.” 
“I should have known.” He flicks the ring at me. I can’t catch it, it falls at my feet. “Keep it, I sure as fuck don’t want it. Use it to go toward your sperm donor.” I can’t believe he’s just walking away.
I’m frozen where I stand. It was real. Enzo Sabatini just asked me to marry him. No, he offered me a deal, a bargain, one with a whole lot of strings he would use to tie me up. The insane ring glints up at me. I bend down; it’s heavy. Don’t do it, Chloe. A sick curiosity has me slipping it on my left ring finger. My stomach flips a dozen times—it fits perfectly.
In the moment I was positive I did the right thing, but now…I’m not sure anymore.






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Author Bio

Due to commitment issues I have lived in many different cities and my favorite is Chicago but I have managed to settle into Austin and perhaps my commitment issues are behind me.

I have enjoyed reading from a very young age and it wasn't long before the children books bored me and I read the books my mother enjoyed Stephen King and Dean Koontz and I didn't sleep without the light on until I was about ten.

I came across my first Harlequin by accident and it was love at first read, no one died and happy endings? It was a whole new world and I loved it.

I wrote my first story at eight and everyone died, of course. Since then I would like to think I've gotten better and now I'm writing the happily ever afters I first fell in love with, with some hot sex thrown in along the way.
As a plus size woman myself, I have started writing the stories I always wanted to see myself in but never did. And now I’m ecstatic to give BBWs the happily ever afters with hot Alphas I want to read.

Taming My Whiskey by Melissa Foster




Title: Taming My Whiskey
Series: The Whiskeys: 
Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #6
Author: Melissa Foster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 23, 2019



Blurb

Buckle up for a wild ride as Dixie Whiskey finds forever love in TAMING MY WHISKEY, a funny, sexy, and emotionally riveting standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. The perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more!

Being the princess of the Dark Knights motorcycle club doesn’t come with a white knight or a fairy-tale castle, and that’s okay, because Dixie Whiskey has never needed a man to slay her dragons or make her whole. Even so, after watching each of her brothers fall in love, she’d sure like a shot at her own happily ever after. But with the Dark Knights watching over her and the only man she’s ever wanted out of reach, she’s not holding her breath.

As the launch of Silver-Stone Cycles’ biggest line approaches, Jace Stone is left needing a favor from the one woman who holds the power to take him to his knees. He knows when it comes to sinfully gorgeous and sharp-tongued Dixie Whiskey, he must stay on his toes and keep his walls firmly in place. But Jace needs her for his business—and Jace Stone always gets what he wants.

When the tall, gruff, and darkly handsome biker presents an opportunity that any other woman might see as the chance of a lifetime, Dixie turns him down flat. But Jace is determined, and he pulls out all the stops—sending Dixie’s overprotective brothers up in arms. Rebellious Dixie takes a stand—going after the freedom, and the man, she’s always wanted. One scorching kiss leads to an undeniable connection, but Jace isn’t looking to be tied down, and Dixie refuses to play second fiddle. Can two untamable hearts find forever love in each other’s arms?

For more hot Whiskey love, check out Melissa’s other Whiskey novels.
TRU BLUE
TRULY MADLY WHISKEY
DRIVING WHISKEY WILD
MAD ABOUT MOON
And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!





Purchase Links


AUDIO





Excerpt

She walked over to a table where three guys had just finished their beers and grabbed their empty bottles. “Refills?”
“Yeah, thanks,” one of the guys said.
 She walked away with the human inferno that was Jace Stone on her heels.
“Dixie, how can you be upset with me? I gave you a twenty-thousand-dollar donation for the auction.”
She set the bottles on the bar and said, “Which I truly appreciate, but giving of yourself and giving money are two different things. One is easy and mindless. The other tells me who you are. It was a real eye-opener.” She crossed her arms and said, “What did you need help with anyway?”
Diesel grabbed the empty bottles, and Dixie said, “Another round, please.”
“I’m rolling out the Legacy line in the fall.”
“So I’ve heard. Bear’s pretty excited.” In addition to working at Whiskey Automotive, Bear worked part-time designing and building custom motorcycles for Jace’s company. He hadn’t worked on the Legacy line, but he raved about it.
“We all are. This line is my baby. I’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into it. It’s the first motorcycle line that will have bikes designed specifically for women. Nobody’s doing that, Dix. This is a huge deal.”
Bear had told her all about Jace’s innovative, sleek designs for women. It was a genius idea, and it didn’t surprise her that Jace had come up with it. But she couldn’t help thinking about Jace researching the contours of women’s bodies…
Diesel put three bottles on the bar, eyes locked on Jace. “Stone,” he said evenly.
“Diesel.” Jace lifted his chin in the manly greeting Dixie was accustomed to.
“Thanks, Diesel,” Dixie said, and as she headed to the table with Jace beside her, she said, “Congratulations on the line, but what does it have to do with needing me?” She set the bottles down, flashed a smile at the customers, and said, “Can I get you boys anything else?”
One of them looked her up and down lasciviously. Jace stepped closer, and the guy shifted his eyes away and said, “No. We’re good.”
Dixie spun on her heels, grabbed Jace’s arm, and dragged him to the side of the room. She felt Diesel’s antennae springing and glanced at the bar, mouthing, I’m fine! Turning her attention to Jace, she spoke in a harsh whisper. “You just fucked up my tip, and I don’t appreciate it. So whatever you have to say, say it and be gone, okay? I’ve got work to do.”
“That guy was looking at you like you were a piece of meat.”
“No shit. They all do.” Except now that she was thinking about it, Jace never had. Not once. In fact, in all the years she’d known him, this was the longest he’d ever looked at her. He didn’t live in Peaceful Harbor, but he traveled there often to see his brother Jared, who hadsigned up for the auction. Jared owned a restaurant in Pleasant Hill and lived there for several months out of the year. “I have a lot to do, Jace, so if you have more to say, please get on with it.”
“I’m launching a women’s clothing line called Leather and Lace when we launch the Legacy line. We’re making a calendar to promote the clothing and the new bikes. The photo shoot is next week, and the woman I hired to model got hurt and can’t make it. I want you to replace her.”
She blinked several times, unable to believe what she was hearing. An incredulous laugh tumbled out. “Do you even fucking know me, Stone? I am not a pinup girl!” She took a step away and he grabbed her arm, tugging her back to him and keeping her so close, she could see flecks of gold in his sexy hazel eyes.
“This is important to me, Dixie. I don’t want someone who fakes being a biker. I want an authentic woman. I want you.”
“Do I need to point out that I was your secondchoice, or maybe your tenth. I don’t know or care, because any way you cut it, the answer is no. I told you, I’m not a pinup girl.” She held his steady gaze with an ice-cold one of her own and said, “For the record, Whiskeys don’t play second fiddle to anyone. Sorry, Stone, but you’re out of luck.”
“Come on, Dixie,” he pleaded gruffly. “I’ll let you auction me off.”
“Too little, too late. The ballot is full.” The lie felt victorious. She yanked her arm free and said, “I have customers to help. Good luck with the line. I’m sure, like everything you touch, it will turn to gold.”
“With you on board, it’ll be legendary.”
“No.”
He leaned closer and lowered his voice to say, “This isn’tover, kitten.”
“What the hell did you just say?” Anger simmered inside her. She poked him in his rock-hard chest and said, “I’m nobody’s kitten, and you’re this close to earning a knee to your groin.”
“You definitely know how to use those claws, and you’re so sweet I bet you purr,” he said arrogantly. “You know you want to do it, Dix.”
His eyes drilled into her, causing heat to sear through her veins and her traitorous nipples to pebble into aching peaks. Damn, he played dirty.
“Careful, Stone. This kitten bites.”






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Coming Soon


Releasing October 14, 2020







Author Bio


Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.


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Deranged by Bella J. Release




Title: Deranged
Series: American Street Kings #3
Author: Bella J.
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense/MC
Release Date: October 23, 2019



Blurb

Temptation. It’s a powerful thing.

It possesses you. Corrupts you. Turns a pure soul into a reckless beast.

Once it has you in its clutches, you can’t escape it. It won’t let go, not until
it perverts everything innocent.

The day she walked into my life, I should have known I’d never be the same again.
Her secrets lured me in, enticed me with truths that would be my
ultimate ruin.

I had a war to win. Battles to fight. But her scent turned me into a crazed hunter, manipulating me down a different path of destruction.

In the end, she will be my downfall.

Until then…I’ll keep her. 



Purchase Links


Free in Kindle Unlimited





Excerpt

I made my way through the crowd, never taking my eyes off her. She stood motionless by the door, her gaze reaching for me across the sea of people between us. I wasn’t sure whether it was the buzz of the atmosphere around us, or the magic I saw swirling in her irises, but as I broke through the crowd, I rushed to her. And without thinking twice I grabbed her face between my palms, forcing her back and crashing my lips against hers.
It was insane. I didn’t even know her. I didn’t know who she was other than she called herself Wraith. I didn’t know where she was from. How old she was. Did she have family around here? I knew nothing about her. All I knew was, I wanted to kiss her. So, I did.
I felt her hesitate, pulling back slightly. But I held her face between my hands, refusing to let go, and I forced my tongue through the barrier of her lips while fusing my mouth to hers, desperate to taste her. It felt like I was on a high I had never been on before, this kiss of a stranger forcing a kind of rush through my body I couldn’t explain.
I continued to push her back into a corner, hiding us from the rest of the bar.
She didn’t touch me, but she kissed me back. Her tongue lapped against mine as if she was searching for my taste like I was hunting for hers. She tasted sweet, like oranges, with a subtle trace of mint and heat all swept together in one mind-blowing kiss. The thrill, the thirst, and the urge to never stop was overwhelming. It had my insides tangled up in a vice of desire and hunger, a need to explore and push the limit with this woman who somehow just walked into my life uninvited.
Her gentle moans might as well have been a wrecking ball, slamming against my chest, breaking my self-control into nothing but shattered pieces of lust. It was driving me mad, and I had to tear my lips from hers in order to catch my breath. Leaning my head against hers, I didn’t open my eyes. “Who. Are you?”






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Depraved must be read before Defiant


Free in Kindle Unlimited




Free in Kindle Unlimited






Author Bio

All the way from Cape Town, South Africa, Bella J lives for the days when she’s able to retreat to her writer’s cave where she can get lost in her little pretend world of romance, love, and insanely hot bad boys.

Bella J is a Hybrid Author with both Self-Published and Traditional Published work. Even though her novels range from drama, to comedy, to suspense, it's the dark, twisted side of romance she loves the most.


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