Carries Book Reviews

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The Moon Run
Kathleen Contine
(The Moon Run, #1)
Publication date: May 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction

He’s her biggest rival in The Moon Run. And the reason her co-pilot is dead. Now they’re being forced to race together.

Finley Clarke swore off racing after a fatal crash cost her first place and her teammate. As she comes around to the idea of entering again, she finds out the only person who is willing to be her new co-pilot is the man named Garis who caused the crash.

As Finley and Garis enter The Moon Run, they realize there’s more than just the harsh desert out to get them. The other racers will stop at nothing to win. Even if it means they have to kill. Can Finley and Garis put aside their past to win the race?

The Moon Run is the first book in a sci-fi racing series by Kathleen Contine. If you like action, compelling characters, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love this new space adventure.

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EXCERPT:

Finley Clarke would never get used to hurling across the desert at hundreds of miles an hour in a small metal tube. Most people saw her ship with its faded red paint flying toward the city and thought she was a talented pilot, especially because she stayed in first place for the entire race. Finley never bothered to tell anyone that in the last few minutes of every race, she had barely any control of the ship. Even now the joystick vibrated violently in her hands as she pushed it forward, surrounded by the endless buttons and knobs she’d meticulously memorized.

Just a little bit more.

Behind her in the navigation chair sat her copilot, Cayne. He faced backwards, his attention on the many monitors in front of him. They took up the entirety of the back of the small ship so that he needed to crane his neck to see every screen. Every so often, he would type something to check on the ship or the location of the other racers.

’ve got one coming up behind us.”

I’m not worried about it. We’re too far ahead of the others for someone else to take first place now,” Finley said, but she kept an eye on her radar as the small dot behind them grew closer.

Don’t get too cocky, Fin. It’” Cayne cautioned.

Finley smirked. Don’t worry about him. Just worry about who’s buying the first round once we win.”

Cayne laughed. It’ll be me. Always me.”

That does seem to be the case, doesn’t it?”

She’d been paired with Cayne a few years into her racing career, and their winning streak hadn’t stopped since. Finley knew Cayne was responsible for most of her wins. There was no one else she wanted as her copilot.

A third voice came over the communicators. Deep and gravelly. Don’t spend money you haven’t won yet.”

Cayne laughed. How about joining us, Bhizin? Our agent needs to celebrate with us once in a while.”

I prefer to swim in my money instead of spending it on drinks.”

Finley sighed as her eyes narrowed on the flat, sandy terrain before her. Later, guys. I need to concentrate.”

The small outline of the city grew closer. She pictured the crowd waiting for the ships to come roaring through the finish line. Her and Cayne climbing out of their ship to cheers as the president of The Moon Run handed them a trophy while they wore first place medals. The next few days would be filled with the flash of cameras, the shaking of hands, and multiple interviews. And then, just like that, they would start it all over again as they entered their next race. But they weren’t there yet.

Hang tight. Garis coming up on your left,” Cayne said. It doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand how he’s caught up to us so fast.”

Out the left side of the cockpit window, another ship the same size as theirs steadily made its way past. It kicked up a cloud of dust, making it nearly impossible to see anything. Somehow, Finley’s grip tightened even more on the joystick. Why is it always Garis?”

You’re both evenly skilled. A good rivalry makes for good races and more bets,” Cayne said matter-of-factly.

I still haven’t forgiven him for that last race in Keveka,” she yelled over the rumbling of the cockpit. We should have won.”

Point three seconds is point three seconds,” Cayne said, mimicking Bhizin.

Finley held in her groan as she eyed a small switch on the dashboard. One quick push and it would give them a small burst of speed.

Easy there,” Cayne said.

How did you know I was thinking of using it?”

Whenever the sprint to the finish line is between you and Garis, you always want to use it.”

Well, you did say to only use it for emergencies, and this is as good a time as any.” Finley flipped up the case covering the switch. Hang on.”

I don’t know if this is a good idea.”

It’s this or lose.” With a satisfying click, she pushed the switch down.

The ship rattled and shot forward, pushing Finley back into her seat. They flew through the sand cloud, past Garis ’ship, and back into the lead. She risked taking her eyes away from the window to look at him as they passed.

Garis sat in his cockpit with his head down. The visor on his helmet obscured his face, so she couldn’t be sure if he saw them or not.

Finley waved anyway before focusing back on the race.

Are you happy with yourself?” Cayne asked.

Of course,” she answered. How much farther to the finish line?”

Before Cayne could answer, Garis ’ship pulled up next to them. Red light filled the tiny cabin as an alarm sounded in the cockpit.

He’s way too close. You need to take evasive maneuvers, Fin,” Cayne yelled.

Author Bio:

Kathleen Contine is an award-winning author who has always loved stories about aliens and far off galaxies. She graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelors in English with a concentration in professional writing.

When she isn’t writing her newest sci fi book, she’s watching Star Wars, playing video games, and reading other thrilling space operas. Metal Bones is her debut novel.

To keep up with Kathleen, visit her website at KathleenContine.com

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Wicked Suspicion
Patti O’Shea
(The Paladin League, #6)
Publication date: July 28th 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

In the treacherous world of covert operations, Special Forces Sgt. Case ” Lundquist thrives on danger. Undercover as a gunrunner, he dances on the razor’s edge, avoiding rebel forces who hunt him relentlessly. But when his mission jeopardizes a woman’s life, he breaks the rules to protect her.

Nyx Templeton is no damsel in distress—usually. But this time, she’s out of her depth. She doesn’t trust the rugged mercenary who steps in, until she recognizes him from a picture she saw years earlier. He’s her brother’s best friend. She remains quiet, knowing one wrong word could cost him everything.

Case battles to stay focused, but Nyx is a distraction. When she boldly asks him to cash in her V-card, he can’t resist. It’s not just a yes—it’s a hell, yes!

But in the high-stakes game of arms dealing, every edge counts. Nyx unwittingly becomes a pawn, and Case must navigate a deadly web of betrayal to keep her safe. As shadows close in, their love becomes the ultimate weapon—one that could save them both or destroy everything they hold dear.

Wicked Suspicion is a gripping romantic suspense novel that combines heart-pounding action with sizzling chemistry. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as Case and Nyx fight for survival and love in a world where danger lurks around every corner.

Indulge in a protective Special Forces hero and a heroine who knows how to take care of herself, but can admit when she’s in over her head. This romantic suspense story features an experienced hero and an inexperienced heroine who is keeping her identity as his best friend’s little sister a secret.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

How are we supposed to play out a fake engagement when we know nothing about each other?”

’ll have to manage. Your name is really Nyx? You didn’t lie to Vargas, right?”

It’s really Nyx. I guessed his men would locate the Jeep I rented, search it, and find the rental paperwork. I thought it would go worse if I didn’t tell the truth.”

The merc nodded. You’re smart and able to think quickly. Good. We’re going to need that to pull off this charade.”

They needed a miracle to get through this, but she kept that to herself. You know my name, but all I know is Vargas called you Se”

I go by Charlie Case.”

Go by. He might as well say he was using the alias Charlie Case. Do you want me to call you Charlie?”

” The answer came immediately.

” No response. Yep, Charlie was not his real name. Do you have a nickname I could use?”

I have a handle, but it’ll sound strange to Vargas if you use it.”

The man was annoying the hell out of her. I have to call you something. Tell me the nickname and I’ll offer my opinion on how usable it is.”

Frowning, he said, My buddies call me Lurch.”

” It was sheer dint of will that kept her voice low.

Her brother’s best friend was Lurch.

It was a Special Forces thing that everyone had a handle of some sort. Although she’d never asked, she suspected it was about security, but her brother went next level. He’d given her a nickname when they were kids—one she hated—and he used it all the time. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually called her Nyx.

Was this the same Lurch? The one her brother trusted?

She’d only seen a picture of him once. Dylan with his three buddies. Nyx recalled him enlarging the image for her, pointing at them as he gave her their handles. This is Ollie,” he told her. That’s Mick, and that’s my best buddy, Lurch.”

Nyx leaned closer to the mercenary. The man in the picture had a military-short haircut and no facial hair, and she did her best to see through the merc’

I told you,” he said. You can’t use my handle.”

Ignoring him, Nyx tried to superimpose the face of this man over her memory of that picture. Yes, this was Dylan’s best friend.

As surprise gave way to certainty, she tightened her lips. She’d talked to Dylan a couple months ago. He, Lurch, Ollie, and Mick had gone on a fishing trip, and he’d made an offhand comment about it being touch and go that Lurch would get leave.

Dylan wouldn’t be friends with a merc, especially one with loose enough morals to be a gunrunner. Mere weeks ago, Lurch had been in the Army. It didn’t take much to connect the dots.

She couldn’t tell Lurch she knew who he was, or that she was Dylan’s sister. Even with the shower running, the risk was too great. Nyx would pretend his cover story was truth even when they were alone. It was the only way to protect his mission. It was the only way to protect him.

Because this man was not a mercenary.

He was US Army Special Forces, and he was on a covert op.

Author Bio:

Patti O’Shea’s passions are writing, airplanes and traveling. Fortunately, she’s been able to enjoy all three. After receiving a degree in advertising copywriting, she took a job with a major U.S. airline and now works in 757 Engineering. Besides teaching her about the planes she

loves, it’s given her an opportunity to travel to places like Australia, Papua New Guinea and Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Writing, though, remains her primary love. Patti created her first romance when she was in junior high school and has been hooked ever since. She should have figured out she was a writer years earlier, however, since her dolls had such involved lives, complete with goals, motivation and conflict.

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Sin & Mistletoe Anthology
Alison Mackenzie, Amanda Holly, Isabella White, Jade Marshall, M Kay Noir
Publication date: November 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Mafia, Romance

This Christmas, forget about tinsel and trees.

Get ready for dark & dirty, jealous and possessive.

In the darkness, a tempting surprise waits for you. There will not be an exchange of gifts, only shadows waiting to claim you. This holiday season, forget about happiness and family.

Instead, we welcome you to embrace the darkness.

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Code of Knights and Deception
Eliza Hampstead
Publication date: December 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Time-Travel

Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling time-travel romance!

’s family vacation in England takes an unexpected turn when a visit to the historic Warwick Castle catapults her back to the year 1401. Stranded in a world vastly different from her own, she must adapt to the brutal realities of medieval life, ultimately discovering a strength and resilience she never knew she had.

She finds unexpected friends and solace in her ancient surroundings, but her newfound peace is shattered by a violent attack. Driven to action, she disguises herself as a man and begins sword fighting lessons, determined to defend herself.

Henry, the castle’s enigmatic master-at-arms, is a chivalric knight with dark secrets. As he trains Sophia, their connection ignites a forbidden love that defies the strict social norms of the time. But their passionate affair is threatened by his deception, which could shatter the fragile world Sophia has come to cherish.

As danger looms and the truth about Henry comes to light, Sophia faces an impossible choice: return to her own time or risk everything to protect the man she loves and the new world she’s come to cherish.

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Author Bio:

Award-winning author Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she’s not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of mediaeval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she’s always planning her next adventure.

Grab your free copy of the bonus story of how Mike met Charlie and how they spent their first hot night together by signing up to Eliza’s newsletter to receive information about new releases:

https://subscribepage.io/Jsj7Dt

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Sparks Ignite
Aurelia Yates
Publication date: July 26th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Colt Donovan has it all: a thriving bar, stunning looks, and a stream of admirers. But despite his success, he can’t shake the memory of Maggie Wilson, the woman who stole his heart during one unforgettable weekend. Her taste lingers on his lips, and her sassy spirit haunts his dreams.

Determined to find her, fate brings them together, but with a cruel twist—Maggie is now on the arm of his best friend. Torn between loyalty and desire, Colt faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: risk his friendship for the woman he can’t forget, or let her slip away forever.

Maggie, fresh from a painful breakup, dips her toes back into the dating pool, only to find no one compares to Colt Donovan. When he appears at her best friend’s wedding, his piercing blue eyes make her weak in the knees. Despite the man by her side, she can’t resist the magnetic pull of Colt’s presence.

Colt Donovan is trouble—the kind of trouble Maggie can’t afford, especially with danger lurking around every corner whenever he’s near. Can she navigate the treacherous waters of love and peril, or will she lose herself to the undeniable allure of the one man who makes her burn?

Dive into a whirlwind of passion, heartache, and suspense in this captivating romance where love tests the boundaries of friendship and fate.

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EXCERPT:

’showing up has shaken me. I nervously fumble with my dress, trying to hide the embarrassment that’s bubbling inside me. I never would have thought Charles would do something so desperate. After he claimed we were too different and I was beneath him, I would have thought he would have moved on. He and Nat seem perfect for one another. They were both on the same level. The level where you’re in between childhood and adulthood. You still think of only yourself before others. Yeah, that one.

Jay more than handled the problem and for that, I’m relieved. I’m not sure if he could see how upset I was or if it was a chance for him to get his hands dirty with blood. Something tells me he enjoys intimidating others along with beating the crap out of them.

Speaking of the devil himself, he struts back into the tent with a smile that I could only describe as amusement. I’m sure his size makes him feel like King Kong. He’s standing around six-one, but his muscles are larger than most of the men I’ve ever seen. Other than one other man. I’ve had the pleasure of being pressed up against.

Are you okay?” Jay asks.

I nod, but I know I’m not. I don’t know how to feel.

The D.J. taps on the microphone getting everyone’I want to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Joel Huntingburg!”

The music cranks up as Macy and Joel walk in holding hands and dancing onto the dance floor. Everyone claps and it seems the outburst is forgotten as the evening kicks in.

After the newlywed couple cuts the cake, everyone takes their seat and I know it’s my time to make my speech. Tapping my glass, I stand up, I want to make a toast,” holding up my glass I continue. To the new couple. May your marriage be filled with happiness, and your hearts filled with love, and Macy, may you never have to call Bob again to do Joel’s handy work,” I wink at Macy and she laughs with a few others knowing exactly what the hell I’m referring to.

Everyone cheers, “Here, here.”

A few hours later, when the non-partiers go home, the lights go dim and the atmosphere changes to more of a club style vibe. When couples make their way to the dance floor, I stay planted in my chair, not bothering to look up. Concentrating on the napkin in my hands, I twist and pick it apart. I should get up and socialize with the other bridesmaids who have all gathered at the edge of the dance floor, talking in a deep conversation, but I don’t have it in me. My body is tired from these past two weeks of running around gathering and collecting items for this beautiful event.

When April, the girl I can’t stand, turns to her left and smiles at someone, I crane my neck to see who’s got her attention. I jump when someone’s breath fans my skin.

I need a dance,” the deep voice says. You owe me a date.”

Jay.

My cheeks heat with discomfort. I really don’t know why I agreed to go out with him. His good looks and bad boy persona make me want to run away. I can’t visualize him as being husband material. A good fuck, of course. He’s everything you would want sweating over you, but I’m not looking for a good fuck, so why did I agree?

Sliding my chair back, I stand, only to face Jay as he softly wraps his hand around my waist, pulling me out of the dance floor. The music changes to a slower beat and I place my hands on his shoulders.

I’m about to step into his embrace when my body is jerked backwards. I gasp when I stumble up against something solid. My body instantly melts. There’s one person who my body has ever melted for, Colt.

Your body remembers me, hmm?” He brushes his lips against my ear. Does your pussy remember my fingers, or should I reintroduce them?”

Author Bio:

International, Barnes and Noble and Amazon Best Selling Author

Aurelia writes contemporary and dark romance and enjoys reading it just as much! She lives in Alabama with her husband, daughter and fur babies. She spends most of her time taking care

of her loved ones and plotting stories. Excited to begin this new journey, she’s looking forward to sharing her stories.

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