Empi Baryeh's Blog, page 16

Prah, Constantine and Baryeh Reviews: Truth or Beard by Penny Reid | @empibaryeh @nanaprah @cathconstantine #PCBReviews #BookReview

Hi folks! Welcome to our first Prah, Constantine and Baryeh review of 2019. For this first review, we chose Truth or Beard by Penny Reid. Don't forget to check out the reviews by Prah and Constantine

Here's the blurb
Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why perpetually level-headed Jessica James has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks.

When Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Truth or Beard is book #1 in the Winston Brothers series. Each book is a standalone, full length (110k words), contemporary romantic comedy novel, and follows the romantic exploits and adventures of one of the six Winston Brothers.


MY REVIEW

I have to confess, the cover on its own would never have attracted me to pick up the book  despite the witty title, so I am glad one of my colleagues pointed it out and I read the blurb. The lesson here is to not judge a book by its cover!

The romance is build at a slow-ish pace as they navigate the waters of their newfound attraction coupled with Jessica's dreams, which may mean ending their relationship before it even begins. Don't get me wrong, there are some really hot make-out scenes along the way, but I thought it dragged on longer than necessary. Eventually when it happened, I was actually (then) more interested in the story than the sex, so I rushed through it a bit. Duane is a perfect gentleman, infuriatingly so at times, and he had to learn a thing or two about letting go and taking chances. He did one thing that I thought needed some grovelling before he got his HEA, but I supposed Jessica's happiness is what matters in the end, and we're never in doubt about his love for her.

To my delight, the story doesn't conform to the usual Hallmark-type storyline where love doesn't exist outside the small town. The heroine was allowed to follow her dreams and be with the man she loves.

The story is full of humour and heart. The secondary characters were well-defined. Duane's brothers--each with his own personality--were a hoot. I enjoyed the family dynamics and was happy to discover each Winston brother gets a story of his own.

One week, no strings attached | Expecting Ty's Baby @empibaryeh #Excerpt #Teaser #AAromance

Hello there! If you're following me on Facebook or Twitter, then you may already have heard that my release date has been moved forward to 30 March. To compensate you, my awesome readers, I'm going to be sharing excerpts from Chapter one over the next couple of weeks.

I hope you enjoy the read

One week, no strings attached | Expecting Ty's Baby @empibaryeh #Excerpt #LAPLoveNotes #AAromance

Hello there! If you're following me on Facebook or Twitter, then you may already have heard that my release date has been moved forward to 30 March. To compensate you, my awesome readers, I'm going to be sharing excerpts from Chapter one over the next couple of weeks.

I hope you enjoy the read

#CoverReveal: Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan | #KennedyRyan #HoopsSeries #HonMagPR

Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan   “In  ‘Hook Shot’  Kennedy Ryan does something I wish more romance writers would do. She allows the reader to experience the slow burn of growing attraction, and the often disorienting new-relationship-energy between a couple getting to know, like and eventually love each other… Kennedy Ryan gave me the perfect balance of ‘the real’ with ‘the romance.’ I highly recommend it.    - Nia Forrester, author of Commitment and Afterwards
A deeply emotional standalone romance set in the worlds of professional basketball and high fashion.
Divorced. Single dad. Traded to a losing squad. Cheated on, betrayed, exposed.
My perfect life blew up in my face and I'm still picking up the pieces.
The last thing I need is her.
A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can't resist.
Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a wrench in my plans
from the moment our eyes meet.
I promised myself I wouldn't trust a woman again,
but I've never wanted anyone the way I want Lo.
She's not the plan I made, but she's the risk I have to take.

A warrior. A baller. The one they call Gladiator.
Kenan Ross charged into my life smelling all good, looking even better and snatching my breath from the moment we met.
The last thing I need is him.
I’m working on me. Facing my pain and conquering my demons.
I've seen what trusting a man gets you.
I. Don't. Have. Time. For. This.
But he just keeps coming for me.
Keeps knocking down my defenses and stealing my excuses
one by one.
He never gives up, and now...I'm not sure I want him to.
 Hook Shot - On Sale March 28
Live Alert: http://bit.ly/2XbzXc2
Audiobook Alert: http://bit.ly/2tsr7sH
Add to TBR: bit.ly/KeLoGoodreads
Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alert! ABOUT KENNEDY RYAN A Top 30 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts.

She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine, Kennedy's writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta families living with Autism, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.
 WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE |  READER GROUP | AMAZON |  BOOKBUB | BOOK + MAIN | NEWSLETTER

#BookReview: A Duke By Default by Alyssa Cole

A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

BLURB
New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss…when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.

Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice—and his attraction to her—but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.

Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?

MY REVIEW

A Duke By Default picks up where A Princess in Theory left off (sort of). This is the story of Portia Hobbs, who is introduced to us in book 1 as the heroine, Naledi’s, not-so-together best friend.

Portia sets out to reinvent herself and become a better person and friend. She decides to do this as a swordsmith’s apprentice in Scotland. I never got the rationale for this, but it was different, and it fit the person we met in book 1.

However, as they soon discover, the body can only resist so much when true love calls. The romance builds slowly but steadily and allows Portia and Tav to grow as characters. This means they don’t jump into bed for a good part of the book, which may be frustrating to some readers.

For its length, the story tries to deal with quite a bit such as ADHD and mental health, which I think was well-done for the most part, but it competed at some points with the romance. I wish there had been more sword making too.

Overall, I thought it as a well-written book. A little less engaging for me than book 1, but still entertaining and worth the read. Some readers may actually prefer this, because it’s a little less fairytale-y, and may, therefore, feel more real.

I read Book 1 first, and it was great to see all my favourite characters from there make an appearance here too. For a lover of series romance that is always a nice bonus.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars








View all my reviews

SPOTLIGHT: A Taste of Passion & Ambitious Seduction by Chloe Blake and Nana Prah | @chloeblakebooks @NanaPrah @honmagpr

A TASTE OF PASSION BY CHLOE BLAKE & AMBITIOUS SEDUCTION By NANA PRAH 
Stand-Alone: yes Publication Date: March 5, 2019Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Interracial Heat Level: SensualA TASTE OF PASSION BY CHLOE BLAKE(Series: Deliciously Dechamps Book 3) The exquisite night Maya North spends with a seductive stranger is the perfect prelude to her new life in Paris as co-owner of a French vineyard. Until she discovers that her mystery lover is her new business partner, Nicolas Rayo—and he’s trying to buy her out. That’s when the LA corporate consultant decides it’s war—even if her heart says Nic’s the one…

AMBITIOUS SEDUCTION BY NANA PRAH(Series: The Astacios Book 3)Heir to his family’s international empire, Leonardo Astacio chose to make his name in the legal arena. Now he’s up for a partnership and must work with his competition, ambitious attorney Kamilla Gordon, to win their firm a deep-pocketed client. In Aspen, the simmering attraction they’ve been fighting boils over. But when they uncover corruption that reaches to the highest levels, can passionate rivals become lovers for life?

AVAILABLE ON:
AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | BARNES AND NOBLE | HARLEQUIN | KOBO
ABOUT CHLOE BLAKE Chloe Blake can be found dreaming up stories while she is traveling the world, or just sitting on her couch in Brooklyn, NY. When she is not writing sexy novels, she is at the newest wine bar, taking random online classes, binge watching Netflix, or searching for her next adventure. Chloe has published two erotic novels under the pseudonym Chloe Blaque. Readers can find out more about Chloe and her books from her website at www.chloeblakebooks.com.

CONNECT WITH CHLOE BLAKEAUTHOR WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST
ABOUT NANA PRAH Nana Prah first discovered romance in a book from her eight grade summer reading list and has been obsessed with it ever since. Her fascination with love inspired her to write in her favorite genre where happily-ever-after is the rule.
She is a published author of contemporary, multicultural romances. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s, reading, over-indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.

CONNECT WITH NANA PRAHAUTHOR SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER

Enjoy #ReadAnEbookWeek with Sweet and Sensual #African love stories | @empibaryeh #LoveAfricaPress #Romance

It's #ReadAnEbookWeek, and to celebrate, some of my books are discounted by 25%! Yes, 3 - 9 March, 2019, you can get Forest Girl, His Inherited Princess and Be My Valentine at a discount on Smashwords.




As you can see, it's not just my books that are on sale. Love Africa Press is also having a sale, so don't waste time. 

Check FOREST GIRL and LOVE AFRICA PRESS BOOKS on sale now. You can also start by checking out the blurbs below!

Olive-green eyes held her captive | #LAPLoveNotes #Romance @EmpiBaryeh

Happy Friday! it's #LoveNotes day again, and I'm sharing another snippet Mr Hot Mocha Perfection, which is featured in the Be My Valentine Anthology from Love Africa Press. In this snippet, my heroine has her second encounter of the day with my hero and discovers who he is!

#BookReview: A Princess In Theory by Alyssa Cole | @AlyssaColeLit #RoyalRomance #AfricanPrince

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?


MY REVIEW

The first thing that attracted me to this book was the gorgeous cover! A close second was the title. This is my first Alyssa Cole book, and let me just say wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
In this Cinderella-story, a case of mistaken identity thrusts a prince in a situation where he gets to live as a commoner while wooing the woman he’s destined (by royal and religious decree) to marry. This is a good thing because said woman, Naledi, has no knowledge of this betrothal.

Though naturally caged, Naledi finds herself opening up to Thabiso and their attraction soon leads to some very steamy encounters. The romance between them is sweet and they each learn to step outside their comfort zones. From their affair in New York, the story takes us to Thesolo where we get to see Naledi as the princess she was always meant to be.

I’ve always thought, of all the fairytales, Cinderella is the one you can’t really do a whole lot with. Ms Cole shakes this position with her story.

I really liked the strong female characters and the general celebration of femininity in the story – particularly when they arrive in Thesolo. The secondary characters were well-rounded and added flavor to the story. I am thrilled to know that all those who made an impression on me get their own stories too!

All of that said, I should mention that Thabiso’s cluelessness in some parts was a little odd for me especially since 1) he was already exposed to world outside the continent and 2) his country wasn’t some backward underdeveloped nation. That was a little too Coming To America-y for my liking. The other thing is purely me being critical as an African. There were one too many West African references for a country that’s nestled in the tail end of Southern Africa. I noticed them, because I’m West African; most readers would probably not notice.

Overall, this is an excellent read whether you believe in fairytales or not. Highly recommended!




My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#CoverReveal: Expecting Ty's Baby by Empi Baryeh | #FromGhanaWithLoveSeries #ExpectingTysBaby #ChancingFaith

EXPECTING TY'S BABYAuthor: Empi Baryeh
Series: From Ghana With Love #2Stand-Alone: yes
Publisher: Black Opal BooksGenre: Romance, Contemporary, MulticulturalHeat Level: SensualCover Artist: Kim Killion
Release Date:  March 23, 2019



Abandoned by her father at a young age, beauty therapist, Patricia Owusu, has learned the hard way that men can’t be relied on. She’s determined to make it on her own without falling into the cultural trappings of marriage. However, when she finds herself pregnant after a torrid love affair with African-American financial consultant, Ty Webber, she discovers one man’s resolve to stick around.
When Ty discovers Patricia is carrying his baby, he offers marriage; because real men take responsibility for their actions. He isn’t prepared for Patricia’s stubborn determination to make it on her own. But nothing will prevent him from claiming his child or the woman he considers his.

Can Ty convince Patricia to take a chance on him to help provide a loving home for their baby, or will Patricia’s mistrust lead her to miss out on true love and rob her child of the type of father she never had?

(Expecting Ty's Baby)



Missed Book 1 in the series? Grab it in ebook, paperback or audiobook formats (+ meet Ty and Patricia from book 2):
Black Opal Books |Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | All Other Buy Links

He didn't do short-term relationships
American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn’t date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he’s at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it’s too late?
Until he met her!
Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and others, that she’s more than wife and mother material. To do so, she’s prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?
Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?
(Chancing Faith)




Empi Baryeh is the award-winning author of Most Eligible Bachelor (Book of the year, 2017 Ufere Awards). She writes sweet and sensual African, multicultural and interracial romance, which happens to be her favourite genres of romance to read. Her interest in writing started around the age of thirteen after she stumbled upon a YA story her sister had started and abandoned. The story fascinated her so much that, when she discovered it was unfinished, she knew she had to complete it. Somehow the rest of the story began to take shape in her mind and she's been writing ever since.

She lives in Accra, Ghana, with her husband and their two lovely kids.


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