Lana – Page 148

DGR’s Most Anticipated Summer Reads

May 13, 2016 by Lana · 2 Comments

It’s hard to believe that Summer is finally just around the corner. Especially since you definitely wouldn’t know it by the weather here in the Windy City. It’s a balmy 60 degrees here with a high chance of the weather changing more frequently than a teenage girl getting ready for her first date. But I digress…

What does summer mean for me? Welp, it basically equates to me living in maxi dresses and flip flops and enjoying the amazing weather outside with my nose stuck in a book because priorities. Going to the pool? With a book. Going to the park? With a book. Socializing? Is it about books? But I digress again.

With the upcoming months bringing some of my most anticipated releases, I figured why not share them with my dirty birds? Because I’m nothing if not a pusher. So without further ado, below are some of my most anticipated reads that will be releasing between June and August.

JUNE RELEASES

BACKFIRE by Keri Lake (June 9): Pre-Order | Add on Goodreads

I had the immense honor to beta read this book, and no joke, I’ve read it twice more since. I’m obsessed with this author and if she’s not sick of me by now, it’s a miracle. This is a standalone novel set in the world of Ricochet’s Vigilante series. Which, by the way, if you haven’t read yet, I highly recommend you rectify right meow. (one-click Ricochet HERE)

This book is a standalone set in the same world as Ricochet.

No matter how unbreakable he may seem, every man has a weakness.

A year ago, my home became a bloodstained crime scene. That night marked the beginning of my hell—the same night I was tortured by my enemies and tossed into an underground prison to die.

They failed. I survived.

Now that I’m free, only one motive burns in my soul: revenge.

Lucky for me, they think Jase Hawkins is dead. Maybe I am. I’ve got nothing but a cold, merciless rage, and Black Betty, the sharp steel blade that never leaves my side.

Then she drifts into my life.

Lucia wants answers—so much so, she’s willing to fall into the darkness where my enemies lie in wait, to kill her for what she knows.

Or to take her for the depraved fantasies her body alone can rouse in a man’s mind.

Me? I want her for the fire in her touch that feeds my addiction, forces me to feel what has become numb, but my appetite for bloodshed runs deeper than flesh.

For my own sanity, I’ve vowed to stay away from her. Because she’s my only weakness, an obsession that leaves me craving more—one that could make even the most steadfast plan backfire.

Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn (June 7): Pre-Order | Add on Goodreads

No lie, I read the blurb and I actually started to salivated. Now if you follow my reviews, you already know that I’m a self professed angst whore. So just the sounds of this book had my ovaries perk their pervy little ears up.

What do you do when your soul mate marries your best friend?

If you’re Kate Evans, you keep your friend Rachel, bond with her kids, and bury your feelings for her husband. The fact that Shane’s in the military and away for long periods helps-but when tragedy strikes, everything changes.
After Rachel, pregnant with her fourth child, dies in a car accident and the baby miraculously survives, Kate upends her entire life to share parenting duties. Then on the first anniversary of Rachel’s death, Kate and Shane take comfort in each other in a night that they both soon regret.
Shane’s been angry for a year, and now he feels guilty too – for sleeping with his wife’s best friend and liking it . . . liking her. Kate’s ability to read him like a book may have once sent Shane running, but their lives are forever entwined and they are growing closer.
Now with Shane deployed for seven months, Kate is on her own and struggling with being a single parent. Shane is loving and supportive from thousands of miles away, but his homecoming brings a betrayal Kate never saw coming. So Kate’s only choice is to fight for the future she deserves – with or without Shane. . .

All The Rage by T.M. Frazier (June 7): iBooks Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

I’ve loved everything this author has ever written. I’m a sucker for a good dark romance and this woman gives good dark romance.

They call me Rage.
My real name is like a shadow, always close behind, but never quite able to catch up to me.
I fly under the radar because no one ever suspects I’m capable of the kind of brutal violence I commit each and every day.
You see, I’m a girl. I’m nineteen.
And I’m a killer.
I look like a goddamn cheerleader, but can take out a man three times my size in more than as many ways, without hesitation.
This life is all I know. It’s all I want to know. It keeps the shit buried that I need kept buried. It allows me to live without thinking too much.
Without dwelling on the past.
Until him.
It all changes when an ordinary boy becomes my next target.
And my first love.
I have to choose.
The only life I’ve ever known has to die, or he does.
Either way, I’ll be the one pulling the trigger…
All the Rage is a STAND ALONE

Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh (June 14): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

One of the best PNR series and still a top fave. I can’t wait for this beauty!

The Psy-Changeling world has undergone a staggering transformation and now stands at a crossroads. The Trinity Accord promises a new era of cooperation between disparate races and groups. It is a beacon of hope held together by many hands: Old enemies. New allies. Wary loners.

But a century of distrust and suspicion can’t be so easily forgotten and threatens to shatter Trinity from within at any moment. As rival members vie for dominance, chaos and evil gather in the shadows and a kidnapped woman’s cry for help washes up in San Francisco, while the Consortium turns its murderous gaze toward a child who is the embodiment of change, of love, of piercing hope: A child who is both Psy…and changeling.

To find the lost, protect the vulnerable—and save Trinity—no one can stand alone. This is a time of loyalty across divisions, of bonds woven into the heart and the soul, of heroes known and unknown standing back to back and holding the line. But is an allegiance of honor even possible with traitors lurking in their midst?

BITTERSWEET by Sarina Bowen (June 14): iBooks Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Ever since I read HIM by Sarina and Elle Kennedy, I’ve had this author on my auto-buy list. This is a new series and per the author: The new series is set in Vermont. True North is populated by the tough, outdoorsy mountain men that populate the Green Mountain State. They raise cows and they grow apples. They chop a lot of wood, especially when they need to blow off steam. (Beards are optional but encouraged.)
So I ask you, how do I NOT want this?

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the orchard.

The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.

At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.

Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.

They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

LAST KISS by Laurelin Paige (June 14): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Dude. DUDE. Do you even know the sort of desperate I’v been for this book ever since I read First Touch. First Touch was and still is one of my top reads for 2016. I devoured that book only to be hit with the mother of all cliffys and man was it painful. Suffice it to say when this ARC landed on my kindle, I was about to do a pervy rain dance around the living room

A GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE FILLED WITH DARK DESIRES AND DANGEROUS SECRETS…

Emily Wayborn has made a decision.

She might not fully trust handsome and deadly Reeve Sallis, but he is the one person that gives her what she needs. With Reeve she can finally be herself. Submitting to him is the only thing keeping her grounded as the rest of her life falls apart. But the hotelier is a master at keeping secrets and as she continues her quest for answers someone is making sure she doesn’t find them.

Time is running out and she is questioning everything she thought she knew about friendship and love. She must now make an impossible choice that will determine if she will survive with her heart…or at all.

Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna (June 21): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Three words: Cara. McKenna. Threesome. What? I never said I was deep. (deep. *snorts*)

From the author of Crosstown Crush comes the second sexy novel in the trilogy that explores the illicit pleasures of ménage à trois.

At the edge of thirty, Clare is feeling restless. Even though she’s gainfully employed and pursuing her passion for photography, she can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing. Then she meets Mica. A perfect subject for her portrait exhibit, Mica is sexy, exciting, and everything Clare desires.

One night with the charismatic stranger is all it takes to leave her craving more. But the intensity Mica brings isn’t confined to the bedroom, and Clare wonders if this summer fling might turn more adventurous than she anticipated—especially as a curious energy starts to simmer between the two of them and Mica’s handsome roommate, Vaughn.

As the three-way tension mounts, Mica makes a sinful proposal. It’s an invitation Clare can’t pass up, and an erotic encounter she’ll never be able to forget. Caught up between two irresistible men, Clare is about to get all the excitement she’s been looking for—and then some….

Gun Shy by Lili St. Germain (June 27): iBooks Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

This woman writes it. I read it. It’s really just that simple

A standalone romantic psychological thriller.

There are two thousand people living in Gun Creek, Nevada.
Only one of them knows what really happened that night.

One year ago, my boyfriend almost killed my mother.
One year ago, my stepfather became my legal guardian.
One year ago, my whole world ended.
The boy I loved was the boy who ended my world; Leo drank too much, got behind the wheel and smashed his car into my mother’s as she drove home from work. I believe him when he says it was an accident, but there’s only so much you can forgive when you’ve seen your mother laid out on a hospital gurney, all pale skin and damp hair from where they’ve tried to wash the blood away. There’s only so much you can forgive as you watch a nurse feed her through a feeding tube, because your mother has turned into a ghost.

There’s only so much you can forgive when your stepfather—the untouchable town Sheriff—moves into your bedroom and forces you to fulfill his every dark desire.

Yesterday the mailman handed me a letter from the prison where Leo’s being held. Leo’s getting out. The boy who stole my mother and thrust me into this hell? He gets to walk free after one lousy year. He gets to move on with his life, and start again, and I’m trapped in this nightmare that never seems to end.

One year ago, my boyfriend almost killed my mother.
One year ago, my stepfather became my legal guardian.
One year ago, my whole world ended.

ADDICTED by Elle Kennedy (June 28): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

This woman writes it, I read it. It’s just that necessary.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Claimed comes the second enticingly erotic novel set in a world on the brink of chaos.

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up…

Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz (June 28): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Dude. It’s Tiffany fucking Reisz. This is self explanatory.

When Cooper McQueen wakes up from a night with a beautiful stranger, it’s to discover he’s been robbed. The only item stolen—a million-dollar bottle of bourbon. The thief, a mysterious woman named Paris, claims the bottle is rightfully hers. After all, the label itself says it’s property of the Maddox family who owned and operated Red Thread Bourbon distillery since the last days of the Civil War until the company went out of business for reasons no one knows… No one except Paris.

In the small hours of a Louisville morning, Paris unspools the lurid tale of Tamara Maddox, heiress to the distillery that became an empire. But the family tree is rooted in tainted soil and has borne rotten fruit. Theirs is a legacy of wealth and power, but also of lies, secrets and sins of omission. The Maddoxes have bourbon in their blood—and blood in their bourbon. Why Paris wants the bottle of Red Thread remains a secret until the truth of her identity is at last revealed, and the century-old vengeance Tamara vowed against her family can finally be completed.

Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton (July 12): Pre-Order | Goodreads

It’s Alice Clayton. I haven’t met a book by her that I DIDN’T love. And after loving the hell out of Nuts, I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on this one!

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is…cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be…love?

Sinner’s Revenge by Kim Jones (July 19): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Ever since I read and cried my eyes out with Sinner’s Creed, I’ve been waiting for Shady’s story. Any author that cause my cold black heart to ugly cry the way I did and yet have a smile on my face at the end of it goes straight to my auto buy list. Period.

And if you missed my interview with Kim talking about all things Sinner’s Creed, you can read that HERE

The sizzling second book featuring the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club, bikers bent on riding chrome and meting out mayhem…

Shady has spent the last eight years of his life dedicated to the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club. But after losing the man who was both his brother and his best friend, he has a new purpose—to avenge the death of the greatest nomad in Sinner’s Creed history.

His plan is flawless. His mission is simple: seek and destroy. There is no room for distractions—especially a distraction like Diem.

She’s infuriating. Demanding. Complicated. Impossible. And for some reason, Shady can’t stay away. But he only has space in his heart for one love: Sinner’s Creed. And the club always comes first. Always.

Broken Prince by Erin Watt (July 25): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

I. Can’t. Even. Don’t make me talk about this book because I will find myself rocking in a dark corner and mumbling things about need, Reed, and sadistic authors. Just give me the book and no one gets hurt. And if you haven’t read Paper Princess yet, I don’t even know who you are right now.

Q: Where’s the blurb?
It’s coming, but until then, aren’t you enjoying the suspense?

Q: Who’s in this book? Can you at least tell us that?
Ella, Callum, the five Royal brothers, Wade, Valerie, and a host of others.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (August 2): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

This blurb though!

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up. She graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant and has a total soft spot for Lily; and the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his no dating rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan, her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all too human characters, “It Ends with Us” is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

Burn Down The Night by Molly O’Keefe (August 2): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Ever since I first met Max in Everything I Left Unsaid, I’ve been practically dying for his book!

The only thing that matters to me is rescuing my sister from the drug-cooking cult that once enslaved us both. I’ve run cons my whole life, and I’ll use my body to get whatever I need. Max Daniels is the last connection I have to that world, the one person reckless enough to get involved. Besides, now that his brothers have turned on him, he needs me too.

The deal was supposed to be simple: a place to hide in exchange for rescuing my sister. Now he’s my prisoner. Totally at my mercy. But I’m the one captivated. Enthralled. Doing everything he asks of me until I’m not sure who’s in control.

We both crave the heat. The more it hurts, the better. But what if Max wants a different life now, to leave the game . . . to love me? I thought I knew better than to get burned. Now I’m in too deep to pull away. And the crazy thing is . . . I don’t want to.

Reaper’s Fire by Joanna Wylde (August 9): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

Firstly, it’s Joanna Wylde. Secondly NEED! That is all.

The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life—assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes . . . She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker.

First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (August 23): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

SEP was THE author that hooked me on contemporary romance. It Had To Be You (book one in this series) is still one of my all time favorites. As a matter of fact, I adore the entire series. She writes strong alphas and sassy heroes with the added perk of perfect humor. How do you NOT love it?

A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel—a long-awaited new entry in the beloved, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author’s fan-favorite Chicago Stars football series.

Piper Dove is a woman with a dream—to become the best detective in the city of Chicago. First job? Trail former Chicago Stars quarterback, Cooper Graham. Problem? Graham’s spotted her, and he’s not happy.

Which is why a good detective needs to think on her feet. “The fact is…I’m your stalker. Not full-out barmy. Just…mildly unhinged.”

Piper soon finds herself working for Graham himself, although not as the bodyguard he refuses to admit he so desperately needs. Instead, he’s hired her to keep an eye on the employees at his exclusive new nightclub. But Coop’s life might be in danger, and Piper’s determined to protect him, whether he wants it or not. (Hint: Not!) If only she weren’t also dealing with a bevy of Middle Eastern princesses, a Pakistani servant girl yearning for freedom, a teenager who just wants to fit in, and an elderly neighbor demanding Piper find her very dead husband.

And then there’s Cooper Graham himself, a legendary sports hero who always gets what he wants—even if what he wants is a feisty detective hell bent on proving she’s as tough as he is.

From the bustling streets of Chicago to a windswept lighthouse on Lake Superior to the glistening waters of Biscayne Bay, two people who can’t stand to lose will test themselves and each other to discover what matters most.

Furious Rush by S.C. Stephens (August 23): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

First of all: that cover. Second of all: that blurb. Do you honestly need any more?

The first in an emotion-fueled, New Adult series from the #1 bestselling author of the Thoughtless novels.

Too fast, too furious-and way too hot to handle…

Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father’s talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team’s newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Plucked from the world of illegal street racing, Hayden immediately gets under Kenzie’s skin. His insinuations that Kenzie is a spoiled princess who was handed her career fuels her desire to win, and much to her surprise, Kenzie soon learns she performs better when she’s racing against Hayden.

As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them offthe track shifts into an intense–and strictly forbidden–attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie always does her best to play by the rules, but when her team slips into a financial crisis, she has no choice but to turn to Hayden for help. The tension simmers during their secret, late-night rendezvous, but Kenzie has too much to lose to give in to her desires. Especially when she begins to doubt that Hayden has completely left his street life behind…

Shadow’s Falling by Rebecca Zanetti (August 30): Pre-Order | Add to Goodreads

I’m not typically a lover of post-apocalyptic romance, but damn if Rebecca Zanetti didn’t hook me with Mercury Striking. And then when she introduced Raze in that book? FAHGETBOUTIT. I need it BAD. I highly recommend reading this series in order for best enjoyment.

Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Kennedy was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny.

Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk. And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

So there you have it, dirty birds. My most anticipated summer releases all in one long ass post. Did I miss any of yours? I’d love to hear about it in comments!

Till next time!

*kisses and ass grabs*

2 Comments · Filed Under: Upcoming Releases · Tagged With: upcoming releases

Review: ★Never Let You Go★ by Monica Murphy

May 4, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Never Let You Go
Series: Never Tear Us Apart #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Monica Murphy
Release Date: May 3, 2016

The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.

The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.

The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.

I don’t want to let him go.

While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.

Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N

Ethan. Will. The boy of my past. The man of my future. The one I can never, ever let go.

Never Let You Go is the powerful conclusion to the emotional duet that started with Never Tear Us Apart. It begins immediately where the first book ended; both Ethan and and Katie dealing with the aftermath of the revelation of Ethan’s lie and the continuous hounding for their story by one very determined reporter.

I fell in love with this story and this couple in the first book. It was gripping and emotional, poignant and tragic love story of two people that should never be together yet make perfect sense together. The journey that the author sends them on individually as well as a couple was equal parts powerful and easy to believe. The story is equal parts emotional and devastating at times. Katie is still dealing with he afteraffects of all she’s been through. But now, she’s not only dealing with her issues after her kidnapping and rape when she was young, but the boy from her past all of a sudden being the man of her present. Who is Ethan/Will? Does he truly want her? Can she allow herself to feel for him?

Ethan was an incredible character. His unwavering love for Katie was so emotionally powerful, it’s almost heart breaking at times because all the odds are stacked against them.

The pace of the story is very slow, even more so than the first book. But whereas in the first book I found it to be a slow burn, here I just found it to be too slow. I can’t say it’s boring, because it’s more character driven than plot driven most of the time, but it didn’t have me gripped to the book and eager to turn the pages either. But even then, this was a solid 4 star read for me…up until that last 20%.

The crazy action and drama of that ending left my mind reeling. It was just too much. The pace of the book is quite slow and steady and then BAM, you get hit with all of that. I think that many people will actually enjoy the way things resolve, but for this reader it just felt out of the blue and unnecessary. I think the story was quite solid as it was and had everything just resolved quietly with some people out of the picture, it would have been best. I felt like I was watching a soap opera ending unfold. Add into this mix a somewhat cliche revelation and I was left with a lot of meh feelings.

Now all that aside, a 3 star rating means I did enjoy the book, because I did. While it didn’t wow me, it was still a satisfying conclusion. I’d gladly recommend it for readers that want something a little different in their romance because this is definitely that. It’s poignantly written and it’s certainly not a story I’ll soon be forgetting.

READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL

NEVER TEAR US APART
GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3 stars, monica murphy

Review: ★Big Easy Temptation★ by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake

May 3, 2016 by Lana ·

Big Easy Temptation
Series: The Perfect Gentlemen #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Romantic Suspense
Authors: Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Release Date: May 3, 2015

The New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series present the third scintillating novel featuring the privileged, wealthy, wild men of Creighton Academy—the Perfect Gentlemen.

Years ago, Naval officer Dax Spencer and NCIS agent Holland Kirk indulged in a steamy affair—until she betrayed him in the wake of his father’s death. Dax tried to put her behind him with a payback of his own. But he never forgot Holland…

Now, as Dax and his fellow Perfect Gentlemen unravel a web of lies, he discovers his family’s tragedy is part of a much larger conspiracy. Soon, all clues point him back to New Orleans…where Holland waits, protecting her deadly secret and holding a torch for the only man she’s ever loved.

Once reunited, they can’t fight the passion flaring hot and wild. But something sinister lurks around every corner, from the elegance of the Garden district to the beauty of the bayou. Dax and Holland may find their way back to each other—if they survive…

AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS

It was so funny that he’d come to New Orleans thinking that he could get back at her. Now he only wanted to get her back.

The perfect gentlemen return in this sexy second chance romance and what a twisty ride it was! With the third installment of this thrilling series, more mysteries are being unveiled but with every question we get an answer to, it only forms countless more.

She brought out the caveman in him. He wanted to mark her, to let everyone else know this one woman is his.

This was an interesting change of pace for me. I envisioned Dax totally different from the previous book. While we don’t know much about him, we do know that he’s still hung up on the only woman that he’s ever loved. It’s been years since they spoke and there’s enough betrayal and hurt brewing between them to guarantee no second chances, but sometimes fate has other plans.

Dax Spencer may be a too sexy for his own good Naval officer, but he’s always known what he wanted; the tough as nails NCIS agent Holland Kirk. Their lives are interwoven together with mutual friends, but Holland always keeps Dax at arm’s length. She’s always envisioned herself with someone less…intense, someone that will allow her to be as driven in her career as she is. And she knows that if she gives in to Dax, his job as a Naval officer will not let her do that…no matter how much he tempts her. But it’s not long before the chemistry between them burns too hot to deny, and Dax is nothing if not determined to win her heart.

Unfortunately their short lived affair ends in heartbreak when Holland betrays him and in a drunken bender, Dax married her best friend only to later divorce. It’s been years since they spoke, but with new evidence that has now come to light about his father’s death, Dax is determined to solve the mystery once and for all. And the one person that holds the answers he needs is the one woman that completely annihilated him when he gave her everything.

The story is told in two parts; past and present, and I really enjoyed that the authors split it that way as opposed to doing it with flashbacks. It truly allows the reader to get immersed in the budding romance between Dax and Holland. The first half is a bit slow building and at times almost teeth-rottingly sweet (at least for my particular tastes). Dax may come off as a playboy in the previous books, but he’s definitely not one. I was very curious how he would redeem himself with the whole marriage to the best friend thing, and I’m happy to say he did that flawlessly.

The second half is a bit more angsty with the added element of second-chance romance at play, which I happen to love!

You’re the woman for me. I’ve never forgotten you, not once since the moment we met.

There’s a lot that happens in Big Easy Temptation, but even with the continuous story arc, the authors do a great job in allowing this to also be enjoyed as a standalone. Though I highly recommend reading in order to truly appreciate the complexity of the mystery surrounding everything.

I loved Holland and I really loved Dax. There was some odd phrases that I found myself rolling my eyes at, like “…she would welcome him as he planted his seed”, but altogether I highly enjoyed this book. I found this to be slower paced than the predecessors, but I was still heavily involved in the story. The first half took me a bit to get through but luckily it really picked up in the second half.

He unwound her polite facade, obliterated her protective walls, an reduced her to a trembling bundle of need.

I also seriously loved getting those glimpse of Mad. Every time I finish a book in this series I keep hoping that his death is a conspiracy and he’s really alive hiding somewhere. It just hurts my heart to think that he’s really gone because you know I love me my irreverent manwhores.

All in all this was another fantastic installment in a great series. With Jordan and Gus’s book next, I can’t wait to see how the rest of the mystery unfolds.

If you like a second chance romance with a dash of mystery and suspense, a dirty talking hero that only has eyes for one woman, and a heroine that’s as tough as she is smart, then you’ve found your next read.

I want to kiss and lick and taste every inch of you, Holland. Do you know how long I’ve waited to be here? Years. Fuck, sweetheart, even before I met you, I dreamed about you. I’ve always known you’re the one woman who could make me feel, make me want forever.”

READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS (The Perfect Gentlemen #1)
AMAZON | GOODREADS

SEDUCTION IN SESSION (The Perfect Gentlemen #2)
AMAZON | GOODREADS | MY REVIEW

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, Lexi Blake, Shayla Black

New Release, Review & Giveaway: ★Mister O★ by @LaurenBlakely3

May 2, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Lauren Blakely’s MISTER O is here for all of your reading pleasure! MISTER O is a standalone, sexy romantic comedy, including a forbidden romance, told from the male POV. You met Nick in Lauren’s BIG ROCK, and he’ll keep you up long into the night as you turn the pages of MISTER O.

MISTER O
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Author: Lauren Blakely
Release Date: May 2, 2016

Just call me Mister O. Because YOUR pleasure is my super power.

Making a woman feel ‘oh-god-that’s-good’ is the name of the game, and if a man can’t get the job done, he should get the hell out of the bedroom. I’m talking toe-curling, mind-blowing, sheet-grabbing ecstasy. Like I provide every time.

I suppose that makes me a superhero of pleasure, and my mission is to always deliver.

But then I’m thrown for a loop when a certain woman asks me to teach her everything about how to win a man. The only problem? She’s my best friend’s sister, but she’s far too tempting to resist–especially when I learn that sweet, sexy Harper has a dirty mind too and wants to put it to good use. What could possibly go wrong as I give the woman I’ve secretly wanted some no-strings-attached lessons in seduction?

No one will know, even if we send a few dirty sexts. Okay, a few hundred. Or if the zipper on her dress gets stuck. Not on that! Or if she gives me those f*&k-me-eyes on the train in front of her whole family.

The trouble is the more nights I spend with her in bed, the more days I want to spend with her out of bed. And for the first time ever, I’m not only thinking about how to make a woman cry out in pleasure –I’m thinking about how to keep her in my arms for a long time to come.

Looks like the real Adventures of Mister Orgasm have only just begun….

**MISTER O is a standalone romantic comedy and it follows supporting characters first introduced in BIG ROCK**

PROLOGUEAsk me my three favorite things and the answers are so easy they roll off my tongue. Hitting a homerun for my softball league, drawing a killer cartoon panel, and, oh yeah, making a woman come so hard she sees stars.

Not gonna lie. That last one is my favorite, by about a mile. Giving a woman a sheet-grabbing, toe-curling, mind-blowing orgasm is pretty much the Best Thing Ever.

A woman’s climax is like summer break, Christmas morning, and a vacation in Fiji all rolled together in one fantastic package of window-shattering bliss.

Hell, if we could harness the beauty and energy from women coming, we could probably power cities, solve global warming, fix every problem known to man. The female orgasm is basically the manifestation of everything good in the world.

Especially when I deliver them, and I’ve given thousands upon thousands. I’m like a superhero of pleasure, a good-deed doer, the once-upon-a-geek-now-a-stud, and my mission is to dispense as many climaxes to my lovers as possible.

How have I managed to achieve this amazing feat? Simple. I’m both a student and a master of the art of giving Os. I consider myself an expert because — in the interest of full disclosure here — I’m completely, 100% obsessed with a woman’s enjoyment between the sheets. Getting her off is the name of the game, and if you can’t get that job done, you should get the hell out of the bedroom.

But, hey, I’m also humble enough to admit I’m still a learner.

Since there is always something new to discover with a woman.

Does she want it soft, hard, fast, light, rough? Does she like it with teeth, toys, my cock, my tongue, my fingers? Would she want a little something extra, like a feather, a vibrator, or some sort of fantastic combination of all of the above? Every woman is different and every path to her pleasure is its own erotic journey with so many fantastic stops to make along the way.

I take mental notes, study her cues, and always get out and do the field work.

I suppose that makes me the Magellan of the female orgasm. A true explorer, venturing forth, fearless and ready at any moment, to map the terrain of her pleasure until she cries out in rapture.

Fine, some might say I have an addiction.

But really, is it a bad thing that I love to make the woman I’m with feel good? If that makes me a guy with a one-track mind, then I’m guilty as fucking charged. I’ll freely admit that when I meet a woman I’m into, I’m picturing in seconds what she looks like coming, how she sounds, how I want to send her soaring.

The trouble is, there’s one woman I just can’t go there with, even though lately my brain desperately wants to figure out how to drive her wild. It’s been an epic battle, and I’ve had to keep her in a special drawer, locked, sealed and key thrown away because she is the definition of hands off.

Which sucks royally because she’s about to make things even harder with the words that come out of her mouth.

Princess Clueless, you’re about to get an education in all things you’re oblivious to.”

Alright, tell the truth, are you like me and you looked at that cover and blurb and thought to yourself, ‘ah yes, another deliciously irreverent manwhore falls for his best friend sister, fluffy and smutty read. Adding!’

No? Pfft! Well, you my friend are far less judgy than me, then. Because that was totally what I thought. But congratulations to you for not thinking that. *hands over cookie*

But in all honesty, I was not expecting this book to have the amount of depth that it did. It caught me by complete and total pleasant surprise. It was this perfect combination of humor and steam. I had a goofy grin on my face while reading. I adored the characters. I loved the story. I’m seriously kicking my own stubborn ass for not reading anything else by this author before. But I digress.

Mister O is told entirely in the male POV and done so flawlessly. I loved being inside Nick’s head. And can we talk about that name for a hot second here, because NICK HAMMER. C’mon now! Can he have a better name. Especially when this is a man that really knows how to use his tool. (uhem)

Ask me my three favorite things and the answer are so easy they roll off my tongue: hitting a home run for my softball league, drawing a killer cartoon panel, and-oh yeah- making a woman come so hard she sees stars.

But I digress again. Nick Hammer is a famous cartoonist, whose hilariously sexy comic about the adventures of Mister Orgasm has landed him a cable show. He’s handsome, successful…and completely in lust with his best friend’s younger sister.

She operates at this constant state of verbal banter that’s flirting, but not quite flirting. The net effect? I’m a cat, and she’s working the laser pointer

Can a heroine be more perfect in all her award glory? Absolutely not! I loved Harper. Here’s a chick that can wield sarcasm better than her magic wand (did I mention she’s a magician? How cool is that? C’mon!) but at the sight of a man she’s interested in she goes sassy to awkward in 2 seconds flat. Who better than to teach her the way of the wooing and dating that Mister Orgasm himself?

I have to admit that I haven’t read many books with the male harboring unrequited lust, and that was such a refreshing change of pace. While Nick can barely walk straight because he wants Harper so bad, she’s seemingly oblivious to him. But as their lessons progress, the chemistry between them gets stronger and stronger. I loved that the author was able to pull it off. It’s no easy feat to pull off building chemistry like that without making it seem like it came out of the blue for Harper. She truly makes you feel it. It was so entertaining because you see it coming way before the characters themselves do and it was utter perfection.

My throat goes dry. My bones heat up. This girl and her innuendoes will kill the last remaining non-sex focused brain cells.

Nick was amazing. I loved him from the top of his head to the hot nerd glasses to the sexy man beard and his delicious tattoos. The steam is a slow build, which really worked for the story here. It makes sure you’re just as invested in that HEA as the characters.

I can’t keep rappelling down the cliff face of this untamed desire for her. I’ve got to reel it back in, stuff it into a trunk, lock it up, and then toss the motherfucker to the bottom of the ocean.

I felt for Nick. He wants Harper but she’s entirely hands off for him and not just because she’s his best friend’s sister but because he’s terrified of losing her friendship as well. Harper gets tongue tied around any man she likes, and the fact that she can use it just fine to throw sexual innuendos his way tells him that she doesn’t think of him that way…or does she?

Whatever this kiss is, it possesses its own pulse, its own frequency, as if the air around us is charged and vibrating with sensual energy.

Mister O was a hilarious and deliciously sexy romp from beginning to finish. The characters are perfectly imperfect. The story is addictingly good. It kept me smiling from cover to epilogue. It really doesn’t get much better than this with a rom com! I can’t recommend it enough to any reader that enjoys a good laugh with their steam, because the combination of it here? Perfection!

I want Harper to want me this same wild and crazy way, like she can’t get enough of me. Because, hell, it’s become that way for me.
It just has.

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With nine New York Times bestsellers,her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller List more than three dozen times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love and Fighting Fire. She recently released BIG ROCK, a sexy standalone romantic comedy that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. In the late spring, she’ll release MISTER O, another standalone romantic comedy.

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Excerpts, Giveaways · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4.5 stars, humorous, lauren blakely

New & Upcoming Releases: May 3

May 2, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Are you ready for another amazing release week? I mean, ARE YOU READY? Because there’s a lot of goodies releasing and some already released (like Mister O by Lauren Blakely which I loved HARD!)

Happy one-clicking, dirty birds 😉

ALREADY RELEASED

MISTER O by Lauren Blakely
(This was a huge winner for me. I couldn’t get enough of this humorous and sexy romp)

From the NYT Bestselling author of BIG ROCK, comes a hot and hilarious new standalone…

Just call me Mister O. Because YOUR pleasure is my super power.
Making a woman feel ‘oh-god-that’s-good’ is the name of the game, and if a man can’t get the job done, he should get out of the bedroom. I’m talking toe-curling, mind-blowing, sheet-grabbing ecstasy. Like I provide every time.
I suppose that makes me a superhero of pleasure, and my mission is to always deliver.
BUT then I’m thrown for a loop when a certain woman asks me to teach her everything about how to win a man. The only problem? She’s my best friend’s sister, but she’s far too tempting to resist–especially when I learn that sweet, sexy Harper, has a dirty mind too and wants to put it to good use. What could possibly go wrong as I give the woman I’ve secretly wanted some no-strings-attached lessons in seduction?
No one will know, even if we send a few naughty texts. Okay, a few hundred. Or if the zipper on her dress gets stuck. Not on that! Or if she gives me those get-over-here-and-take-me-eyes on the train in front of her whole family.
The trouble is the more nights I spend with her in bed, the more days I want to spend with her out of bed. And for the first time ever, I’m not only thinking about how to make a woman cry out in pleasure — I’m thinking about how to keep her in my arms for a long time to come.

Looks like the real Adventures of Mister O have only just begun….

MAY 3 RELEASES

BIG EASY TEMPTATION by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
(LOVE this series! If you like swoony second chance romance, you’ll want to check this out)

The New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series present the third scintillating novel featuring the privileged, wealthy, wild men of Creighton Academy—the Perfect Gentlemen.

Years ago, Naval officer Dax Spencer and NCIS agent Holland Kirk indulged in a steamy affair—until she betrayed him in the wake of his father’s death. Dax tried to put her behind him with a payback of his own. But he never forgot Holland…

Now, as Dax and his fellow Perfect Gentlemen unravel a web of lies, he discovers his family’s tragedy is part of a much larger conspiracy. Soon, all clues point him back to New Orleans…where Holland waits, protecting her deadly secret and holding a torch for the only man she’s ever loved.

Once reunited, they can’t fight the passion flaring hot and wild. But something sinister lurks around every corner, from the elegance of the Garden district to the beauty of the bayou. Dax and Holland may find their way back to each other—if they survive…

LAST MILE by Katie Ashley

Katie Ashley, the New York Times bestselling author of Redemption Road and Vicious Cycle, returns to the dangerous and seductive world of the Hells Raiders motorcycle club….

After her father was murdered in the line of duty, ATF agent Samantha Vargas is determined to take down the scumbags of the drug trade. When her partner takes on a case to infiltrate the Hells Raiders MC, Samantha agrees to go undercover as his old lady but is surprised to find herself drawn to the very man she is investigating.

Benjamin “Bishop” Malloy has worked hard to carve a place for himself both in and out of the MC world. Working days as a mechanic, he spends his nights rebuilding motorcycles with the hope of one day owning his own shop. After taking one of the club’s new hang-arounds under his wing, Bishop is conflicted over his growing attraction for the man’s girlfriend.

Even though she’s determined to bring down the Raiders, Samantha discovers their world isn’t as black-and-white as she thought. And as the stakes grow higher, she’s in danger of losing more than her heart.

SAVAGE URGES by Suzanne Wright

She’s a lone wolf with a cause.

As a volunteer at a shelter for lone shifters—the same one that rescued her—Makenna Wray has dedicated her life to finding homes for its residents. And when she discovers that a teen in her care is related to Ryan Conner, the broody, handsome-as-sin enforcer of the Phoenix Pack, she’s eager to help connect the two. She just wasn’t prepared to feel a connection of her own.

Lone wolves are loners for a reason—and most of them bad. Or so Ryan assumes until he meets the mysterious Makenna. Quirky and sensual, she seems to enjoy riling him, especially when she refuses to discuss her past. Although there is no mating bond, he’s sure she’s the one. All he has to do is be patient and wait. But when another pack’s sinister Alpha comes sniffing around, threatening Makenna and her shelter, this enforcer is ready to let his wolf off the leash…

FLY WITH ME by Chanel Cleeton

From the author of the Capital Confessions Novels comes the first in the steamy Wild Aces Romance series.

U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Noah Miller—call sign Burn—loves nothing more than flying hard and fast. When he meets a gorgeous and sassy woman while partying in Las Vegas, he immediately locks on to her.

Jordan Callahan owns a thriving clothing boutique, but her love life is far less successful. Her luck changes when six feet, two inches of sexy swagger asks her to dance and turns her world upside down.

One scorching weekend becomes an undeniable chemistry that they can’t leave in Vegas. But the long distance relationship and their different lives threaten to ground their romance. And when the dangers of Noah’s job become all too real, Jordan learns being with a fighter pilot means risking it all for a shot at love…

NEVER LET YOU GO by Monica Murphy

The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.

The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.

The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.

I don’t want to let him go.

While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.

Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?

THE TROUBLE WITH TEMPTATION by Shiloh Walker

Love is the greatest risk of all.
After seven days in a coma, Hannah Parker remembers nothing about the accident that landed her in the hospital—or how she ended up pregnant with Brannon’s baby, the man she’s loved since high school. Her body and heart have burned for him for years, and when she wakes up, he’s sleeping by her bedside, anxious to keep her safe at all costs. But as Hannah struggles with her amnesia, a threat looms closer—one that could have deadly consequences if she recovers her memories. She will have to trust Brannon completely if she is to keep what haunts her at bay…and their baby safe….

Brannon McKay spent the last ten years fantasizing about Hannah. In his mind, he’s explored every passionate scenario he can think of while, in real life, Brannon took their budding relationship and threw it away with both hands. Hannah doesn’t remember what happened but now that she is awake, Brannon would rather die than watch her walk away again. When Hannah and his unborn child’s lives are threatened, Brannon must stake claim to the woman who has held his heart captive for years…or risk disaster tearing them apart…

INVISION: Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Think you have a lot of pressure on your shoulders? Nick Gautier was born to bring about the end of the world . . . it’s not easy being the heir of a demon overlord.

But Nick is determined to thwart his destiny and get into a good college. To be more than his genetics and prophecy foretell. No one is ever going to tell this stubborn Cajun who and what he really is. Or how to live his life.

Not even the Fates of the Universe. But now that he and his team of ancient gods and demons have claimed the Eye of Ananke and he sees the missteps of the future, he has to battle the demons within that are far deadlier and more treacherous than any he’s battled before. All the while his arch nemesis is back and determined to reclaim his place as the harbinger for Armageddon. Even if it means killing Nick and barbecuing everyone he loves to do so.

DARE TO TAKE by Carly Phillips

A one night stand.
A secret.
A mistake they tried to forget.

On leave from the army, Tyler Dare is just looking for a little fun, but his best friend’s sister is off limits. Yet unable to deny how sexy and alluring she is, he finds it all too easy to succumb to a night of passion and heat that ends the next morning in the worst way possible.

There are just some guys you don’t touch–even someone as innocent and inexperienced as Ella Shaw knows that. But when her brother’s best friend is up for grabs and willing, she can’t resist. After all, she’s wanted him for years…

Now, Ella is stranded on a tropical island with a hurricane bearing down, and only Tyler can save her. It’s his chance to make amends for the past and show the woman he’s never forgotten that he’s coming after her . . . in more ways than one.

TANGLED by Kate Douglas

Nate shows up to work at Tangled Vineyards ready to do what he loves best—craft award-winning wines. But when something better comes in the form of Cassie, the winemaker and former owner, Nate is completely love-drunk. Getting involved with Tangled’s mixologist is a bad way to start off a new job, but with Cassie as a temptation, Nate doesn’t stand a chance.

RIVAL FORCES by D.D. Ayres

DESIRE IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

When it comes to training K-9 patrol dogs, Yardley Summers always trusts her instincts. But when it comes to dating men, she keeps her heart on a very short leash. Mostly, she’s too busy with her four-legged trainees at Harmonie Kennels to commit to a relationship. Only two men have managed to distract her: a handsome Doctors Without Borders physician who’s suddenly gone missing―and the red-hot dog trainer from her past who’s suddenly back in her life…

Now a K-9 rescue team leader, Kye McGarren has never forgotten the days he trained at Yardley’s camp―or the nights he spent in her arms. When he hears that Yardley is on a mission to find the missing doctor, Kye is determined to keep her out of danger. With his K-9 partner by his side, he joins Yardley on a death-defying mission―one that reignites their mutual passion. Will Kye be able to rescue his romantic rival…without losing the woman he loves?

Rival Forces is the fourth installment of D. D. Ayres’ K-9 Rescue series.

THE DARK VAMPIRE by Kate Baxter

PASSION RULES IN DARKNESS.

Jenner is a newly turned vampire who stalks the night like a wild beast of prey, hunting and feeding his appetites with a string of willing women…and always wanting more. Nothing can satisfy the aching hunger that burns inside him―until he crosses paths with a beautiful, innocent vampire who sets his soul on fire.

Bria has never been able to escape the confines of her uncle’s home. But when the smolderingly sexy Jenner saves her―and promises to be her bodyguard―Bria is brought to a dark world of dangerous, insatiable desire. But once they feed upon each other, they expose themselves to an evil that they never saw coming…and now there’s no turning back. Will they divide and conquer―or stay together and lose it all to lust?

PUREST HOOK by Scarlett Cole

Can a love built on secrets survive?

Rugged, hot, and rock hard, Dred Zander is exactly the type of man that normally sends Pixie running. Not dreaming about running her hands down his washboard abs…and lower. The lead singer and guitarist for the band Preload embodies trouble behind his quick smile and guarded eyes, and Pixie left trouble behind her years ago along with the name Sarah Jane Travers and the pathetic trailer her mom called home. With her abusive past in her past, she has a new life, a new family at Second Circle, and a dream of opening her own business. She needs capital and time. What she doesn’t need is a tempting long-haired rocker or the paparazzi that follow him around.

But Dred has other ideas. Pixie’s sweet hazel eyes, purple hair and kaleidoscopic tattoo of exotic flowers that swirl up her arm haunt his dreams, and he knows she wants him too. He just has to convince her. But as a juicy exposé threatens to expose their pasts, and a blackmailer terrorizes their present, Pixie and Dred have to decide what really matters and fight like hell to keep it.

ONE NIGHT WITH THE CEO by Mia Sosa

TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE

After some disappointing dates, Karen Ramirez has concluded that great sex is for other people. Especially since medical school won’t leave her much time for romance anyway. Then she runs into tall, dark, charming, and ridiculously wealthy Mark Lansing–and quickly reconsiders celibacy. Adding to temptation? Mark will be the best man at her sister’s wedding and the nuptial destination is sultry Puerto Rico. Now this trip might just be sensory overload–or the perfect chance for Karen to find the groove she’s never had.

For CEO Mark Lansing, his perfect match would be smart, sweet, and funny, with long legs and silky hair the color of dark chocolate. In short, someone a lot like Karen. But Mark’s looking to settle down, while a relationship is the last thing on Karen’s mind. So Mark proposes a plan: he and Karen will use their weekend in paradise to sizzling advantage–before downshifting to friendship. The only problem? Karen is all Mark can think of when he gets home. Now his most challenging negotiation will be for the one thing money can’t buy . . .

CLIMAX by Lauren Smith

A love so forbidden. A passion so undeniable . . .

It’s time for Kat to face the truth. She can’t resist sexy playboy Tristan–he’s too deliciously seductive, and much too good at making her melt, body and soul. With photographic proof plastered all over London, the whole world now knows she’s fallen for this British bad boy.

There’s just one problem. Their parents got married and now Tristan is her stepbrother. They shouldn’t be together, but Tristan always gets what he wants, and he wants her more than anything. Behind closed doors, this only makes every moment they spend together hotter, every kiss deeper, as the passion between them blazes higher . . .

Part 3 in Her British Stepbrother series.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Upcoming Releases · Tagged With: New Release, upcoming releases

Review: ★Manhandled★ BY @CARIQUINN @TARYNELLIOTTFIC

April 29, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Manhandled
Series: Hammered #2
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Authors: Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott
Release Date: April 8, 2016

My name is Faith Keystone, but my friends call me Keys.
I’m the piano player for Hammered.
Did I mention I’m the only female in my band?
That means I technically have five older brothers.
Can’t forget my manager and security team, too.
Alone time is nonexistent.
I escaped an overbearing family to join this happy circus, and most of the time it’s awesome.
Except now, because of one teensy little incident at a show.
Now I have this hulking bodyguard shadowing me like a freaking puppy.
Only this puppy is more like a Doberman with an attitude problem.
And he only knows one word—NO.
I hate that word.
And I hate Quinn Alexander.
The one thing I do like is giving him the slip. Is it wrong that I kinda like when he growls at me after he finds me?
Because he always finds me.
Worst of all? I want him so bad that I keep forgetting I hate him.

BEYOND OBLIVION – A Rockstar Romance full of sexy fun set within the world of our Lost in Oblivion series! You never know who you’ll see show up in the books.

**Standalone**

AMAZON | iBOOKS

Fuck. My life had become the second circle of hell. Lust sitting on my shoulders with no outlet. Rule one- don’t fuck the client.

I have a confession to make, the second I saw Alex was the visual inspiration on the authors’ pinterest board for Quinn, I knew I had to get my pervy little hands on this book. What? Don’t look at me like that! Have you seen the man? Exactly. Add into that the fact that I love everything these two brilliant authors write, and I have the recipe for a guaranteed winner. And boy was it!

For those that enjoyed Manaconda, this book is a must read! And even if you haven’t read that book yet, you can easily enjoy this one as a standalone. Where Manaconda was a bit on the fluffy side with some great humor and a dose of insta, Manhandled is nothing of the sort. It’s a slow burn, and I’m talking it-hurt-so-good-but-my-ovaries-may-explode-if-they-don’t-do-it-soon sort of slow. I absolutely loved it! There’s a healthy dose of angst and all of it wrapped around a great suspense sub plot that together adds up to one entertaining read.

Damn you, Warden.”
Duty. Loyalty. None of those were synonymous with fuck the client until she was unconscious.

Faith Keystone or “Keys” is the sassy piano player for Hammered. She’s fun loving, smart-mouthed, and everyone’s best friend. I loved her straight off the bat because how can you not? When a crazy fan becomes a whole lot more threatening than anyone ever thought and threatens Faith’s safety, her parents and the band insist that she needs additional protection and no one but the best will do. The best just happens to be in the sexy and brooding shape of Noah’s best friend and former Ranger turned body guard, Quinn Alexander.

Can we just say that name out loud once more? Quinn. Alexander. *rarrrr*

What happens when you take a stringent, growly, broody and all business bodyguard and throw him in with a sassy, never take no for an answer rockstar? A whole lot of sexiness!

I couldn’t deny him.
I couldn’t do anything but hold on and roll my hips in time with his deep strokes.
He hollowed me out and owned every part of me.

This was a slow burn sort of romance, which I loved, and when these two finally do get together? Holy mother of fireworks!

It was so easy to fall into that blackness of pleasure and let my body just ride his storm.
I wanted to be his storm.
I wanted to watch him go blind. Because of this. Because of us.

A fun, at times suspenseful, a little angsty, and a whole lot of sexy kind of read that’s sure to put a smile on any rockstar romance lovers face. If you haven’t discovered these authors yet, it’s about time you get acquainted. I highly recommend 😉

Don’t miss book 1 in the Hammered series!A AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4 stars, humorous, rock stars

Review: ★The Wedding Pact★ by Katee Robert

April 28, 2016 by Lana ·

The Wedding Pact
Series: The O’Malleys #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Katee Robert
Release Date: April 26, 2016

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O’Malleys—wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

Carrigan O’Malley has always known her arranged marriage would be more about power and prestige than passion. But after one taste of the hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced James Halloran, she’s ruined for anyone else. Too bad James and his family are enemy number 1.

Hallorans vs. O’Malleys—that’s how it’s always been. James should be thinking more about how to expand his family’s empire instead of how silky Carrigan’s skin is against his and how he can next get her into his bed. Those are dangerous thoughts. But not nearly as dangerous as he’ll be if he can’t get what he wants: Carrigan by his side for the rest of their lives.

AMAZON | iBOOKS

His options were sink or swim- and if he sunk, he’d take a hell of a lot of people with him. So he got up every day, and he swam, even though some of the shit he was required to do turn his stomach and made him lose sleep.

The Wedding Pact picks up right where The Marriage Contract left off. For those that are thinking of reading these books as standalones, while you technically could, I’d recommend reading the series in order as the story arc continues through the books and the O’Malley siblings get introduced early. Carrigan and James’s story began in book 1 with the hot little interlude they shared in the supply closet of a club four months ago before each knew who the other was. Things didn’t end well when James thew her in the trunk of his car and kidnapped her in order to use her against her family since the O’Malleys and Hallorans are mortal enemies.

Now both sides are left to deal with he aftermath. The eldest Holloran heir is dead, the father is in jail, and James is left to run his father’s empire and deal with his wayward younger brother who seems to constantly get himself into trouble. But there’s one thing that James never forgot; the taste and feel of Carrigan, the woman that he can’t stop thinking about and can never have.

Carrigan O’Malley. The daughter of the enemy. The one woman he sure as hell needed to keep his hands off.

With the death of her brother Devlin during the Holloran vs O’Malley power struggle, things have been a lot more on edge than usual in her family. Try as she might to avoid the subject, with her pushing thirty, her father is pushing her to fulfill her responsibility as an O’Malley and pick a suitor in order to form a power alliance. But as much as Carrigan wants to deny it, she can’t stop thinking about James. When she fled from his house (and he let her escape), she took a prized possesion of his with her and now James is using that as an excuse to track her down. Can she resist the temptation or will giving in to him have everything crashing and burning?
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. While I loved the premise and set up in The Marriage Contract, the insta-love element didn’t quite work for me. There’s an edge of angst with a dose of forbidden in this book that really worked for me. James is rough around the edges and deliciously sexy. Carrigan is one tough cookie herself. She doesn’t need anyone to save her and takes care of herself just fine; which I really appreciated.

There’s also a bit more grit to this story than the previous one. I was hoping with the series focusing around a mob family that we’d finally get to the nitty gritty and it begins to dig into the dark underbelly a bit here. But at it’s heart, it’s still mostly a contemporary romance, so if you’re worried that it’s dark, don’t be.

I enjoyed the forbidden romance and progressing story line here. We get Cillian’s POV as well which is building up to be a doozy that I can’t wait to read. And while I enjoyed the story for the most part, there were also some things that grated on me a bit. For one, it was James’s overuse of the endearment ‘lovely’. It got so repetitive at times, he’d be using it numerous times in a conversation. I’m a bit surprised it wasn’t cut down, to be honest, because it was simply too much. Or at least it was for me. I also found the resolution for James and Carrigan to be a little flat. There was all this build up, and it all wrapped up almost too perfectly at the end, particularly for James and his family.

Also (and this is the picky Russian in me poking her head out), I have to say that I was pretty disappointed that the one and only Russian word that was used by a secondary character here was used wrong. Google translate strikes again. But I tend to be super picky about translations in books, so this is definitely an “it’s only me” thing. Most won’t even notice, let alone bat an eye lash at this.

But those minor quibbles aside, it was still a great, sexy and action-packed read. If you’re looking to dip your toes into a mafia story but don’t like them too gritty or dark, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

With this woman by my side, I’d be content to let the rest of the world burn.

Don’t miss book 1 in The O’Malleys seriesAMAZON | MY REVIEW

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars, Katee Robert, Mafia

New and Upcoming Releases: April 26

April 25, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Another great release week ahead of us. Below are the prettehs you have to look forwards to on April 26 and 27.

APRIL 26 RELEASES

LADIES MAN by Katy Evans

Ready for Tahoe Roth?
✮✮✮

Irreverent, cocky, playful and naughty.
He’s not the guy you date.
He’s the one night stand.
The one your mother warned you about.
The one your body craves.

You’d think the man who called me succulent would want to strip me down and spread me out on his bed—like he’s done with countless others.
But he passed on my offer….
Just like I’d once passed on his.
He’s wary, like I am.
He’s broken, like I am.
And everyone knows two broken parts can’t ever make a whole.
Tahoe and I are strictly friends.
So I distract myself with other men.
He doesn’t think my new man is good enough. This blond blue-eyed beast doesn’t think any man is—himself included.
But the more time we spend together, the more confused I feel.
I’m trying to open myself to love.
Yet I’m quickly realizing that the only man I want is Tahoe Roth.
The one man who will surely break my heart.

A sexy new Manwhore series standalone contemporary romance from New York Time and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.

THE WEDDING PACT by Katee Roberts

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O’Malleys-wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

Carrigan O’Malley has always known her arranged marriage would be more about power and prestige than passion. But after one taste of the hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced James Halloran, she’s ruined for anyone else. Too bad James and his family are enemy number 1.

Hallorans vs. O’Malleys-that’s how it’s always been. James should be thinking more about how to expand his family’s empire instead of how silky Carrigan’s skin is against his and how he can next get her into his bed. Those are dangerous thoughts. But not nearly as dangerous as he’ll be if he can’t get what he wants: Carrigan by his side for the rest of their lives.

WHEN I’M WITH YOU by Harper Sloan

Nate:
It’s nearly impossible to be surrounded by love but not understand it. My parents, my sister, and just about everyone around us has no trouble accepting that love. To give your trust to someone else and believe they would die before hurting you. I’ve witnessed it–I’ve seen the power of it–but I’ve also seen the pain. Because for me, I’ve only loved someone I could never have, and my biggest fear is that by giving her my love, all I would do is ruin her. I should have tried harder, but I’m not sure I can because I only feel complete when I’m with her.

Emberlyn:
The only time I feel like I belong is when he’s near. His infectious smile warms me straight to my bones. Any insecurities I have vanish with just a wink from him. A sliver of his attention makes me feel invincible. But all it took was one drunken night of truths for me to lose everything I had begun to crave. Now, I’m not sure how to move on because I only feel complete when I’m with him.

He said I was too young. I said he was perfect. He said our families wouldn’t understand. I said we could weather any storm. He said he would ruin me. And he was right.

**When I’m with You can be read as a standalone. Each book is interconnected, so if you would like to get to know the previous couples that show up in this book, I recommending reading book 1 (Unexpected Fate) and book 2 (Bleeding Love) first.**

RIDE HARD by Laura Kaye

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…

Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers–the only family he’s got–as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.

The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before…

SHAMELESS by Lex Martin

Brady…

What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.

Katherine…

When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.

What I don’t count on are the nights we spend together trying to forget the heartache that brought us here. I promise him it won’t mean anything, that I won’t fall in love.

I shouldn’t make promises I can’t keep.

MAKE ME DESPERATE by Beth Kerry

Part Four of the Make Me Serial

Jacob and Harper push the boundaries of danger and desire in the next installment of the alluring serial novel from New York Times bestselling author Beth Kery…

Jacob’s addiction to Harper is putting his life’s work at risk, but he can’t deny himself the pleasure he feels when he’s with her. Even when her seeming refusal to acknowledge their past connection makes him doubt her true intentions, he finds himself pushing their affair further, insisting Harper submit to their attraction, even in the most compromising of circumstances.

As their encounters become even more lavish, daring, and intimate, Harper aches to break down the walls around Jacob’s heart. But she fears his secrets conceal a dark side she’s not ready to face. When he suggests a weekend in San Francisco together, she accepts despite her doubts about getting involved with such a guarded, powerful man. There’s something about him that keeps her coming back for more. He claims he’s obsessed, but she is every bit as compelled…

Don’t miss the next installment, Make Me Risk It…

Includes a bonus excerpt of Beth Kery’s When I’m With You.

RETURN OF THE BAD BOY by Jessica Lemmon

He’s a mess…

Asher Knight has three constants in his life: music, beautiful women, and a bottle of Jack. He lives for the next gig, the next city, and dreams only of a life spent in front of an arena full of screaming fans. But Asher’s nomad ways come to a sudden stop when he learns he’s the father of a three-year-old from a past relationship and suddenly this rock star bad boy is forced to put down roots.

Only she can clean up

Gloria Shields is no one’s fool. Sure, the sexual chemistry between her and Asher has always been intense, but she’d never risk giving her heart to a man who has a perfect record for breaking them. Except the man desperate to make things right with his newfound son is nothing like the rock god she’s guarded her heart against for years. And it isn’t long before she starts to wonder if life with this bad boy might be the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Z: A Demonica Underworld Novella by Larissa Ione

Zhubaal, fallen angel assistant to the Grim Reaper, has spent decades searching for the angel he loved and lost nearly a century ago. Not even her death can keep him from trying to find her, not when he knows she’s been given a second chance at life in a new body. But as time passes, he’s losing hope, and he wonders how much longer he can hold to the oath he swore to her so long ago…

As an emim, the wingless offspring of two fallen angels, Vex has always felt like a second-class citizen. But if she manages to secure a deal with the Grim Reaper — by any means necessary — she will have earned her place in the world. The only obstacle in the way of her plan is a sexy hardass called Z, who seems determined to thwart her at every turn. Soon it becomes clear that they have a powerful connection rooted in the past…but can any vow stand the test of time?

APRIL 27 RELEASE

MR. PERFECT by JA Huss

A Standalone book in a brand new series by New York Times bestselling author, JA Huss!
Wanting the perfect man doesn’t make me crazy. I just know what I like.
A powerful billionaire in a suit wasn’t even my first choice. McAllister Stonewall was never on my radar, I didn’t even know he existed.
But I do now.
His hands are all over me at work. The heat of his chest pressing against my bare back as he bends me over the desk is the only thing on my mind.
He is my most forbidden desires unleashed. He is my new secret obsession. He is my Mr. Perfect.
Until the moment I realize… There’s no such thing as perfect.

ALL BOOKS IN THIS SERIES CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE!
Mr. Perfect (Releases Wednesday!)
Mr. Romantic (Pre-order available. Releases 6-22-16)
Mr. Corporate (Releases 8-17-16)
Mr. Mysterious (Releases 10-12-16)
Mr. Match (Releases 12-7-16)

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Upcoming Releases · Tagged With: New Release, upcoming releases

Review: ★Over The Line★ by Lisa Desrochers

April 23, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Over the Line
Series: On the Run #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Author: Lisa Desrochers
Release Date: April 19, 2016

The USA Today bestselling author of Outside the Lines once again explores love on the edge in an explosive new romance about obsession, betrayal, and a killer attraction.
Lee Delgado never planned on falling in love with the irresistible Oliver Savoca, son of a Chicago crime lord. Considering that their families are rivals, she knew it could never work. And now that both their fathers have been nabbed on racketeering charges, any real chance at a future with the man she loves has been shot to hell. But a greater blow is yet to come.

Not only does Lee learn that a contract is out on her life, she has reason to believe that Oliver is behind the devastating betrayal. Now she’s working closely—very closely—with Federal Agent Sean Callahan to help bring her man down. But however she’s come to feel about Callahan, Lee is still deeply, hopelessly, unabashedly in love with Oliver.

Where that fearless love takes Lee next is beyond her control—but the risk is worth every beat of her heart.

Includes an exclusive preview of the next On the Run novel

AMAZON | iBOOKS

…it was always her. There’s never been a woman who’s captivated me the way she does. I was ready to turn my world upside down to find a way to make us work, despite the insurmountable obstacles.
But all she ever wanted was revenge.

This series is certainly picking up steam as it goes along and just gets better. Over The Line was an action-packed, sizzling hot ride from begging to end. Add in a splash of forbidden romance between two dueling mafia families, revenge, and a love in spite of it, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for an unputdownable read!

All along, I’ve thought I was becoming desperately lonely. But now, looking at him, I’m afraid maybe I’m just desperate.
For him.

First of all, I highly recommend reading this series in order. While you get plenty of background here, reading Outside the Lines will help put a lot of things in perspective as well as understand the secondary characters more.

The Delgado siblings had to uproot their entire life for Witsec when their Chicago crime lord father was put in jail. Now they’ve learned that there is a contract for a hit on them, and time is quickly running out. No one proves to be more dangerous than the man from Lee’s past with an ax to grind and revenge to seek.

While all the Delgado siblings are struggling with their new personas, Lee is feeling it the most lately. She was on the road to a successful career in finance, and now she can’t even put her illustrious university on her resume. But the one thing she seems to struggle with the most is her complete and utter loneliness. The one man that’s she’s ever gotten close to is the son of her family’s biggest enemy and the person that she betrayed. While she finds herself growing attached to the agent in charge of her family’s case, she still can’t forget about Oliver

Oliver Savoca has one goal in mind; find Lee and get the pass code that may be the thing he needs to save his life. He knows that she’s responsible for hacking the financial program their business uses and them bleeding money since. He just needs the passcode to set things right before his father finds out that he’s responsible for allowing her to get that close to their business in the first place. But when he finally tracks her down, he knows that the passcode is only an excuse and his feelings for her are undeniable.

I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than it’s predecessor. It was quicker-paced, a whole lot steamier and filled with quite a few twists and turns. Lee was a kick-ass heroine in her own right even if she did have me wanting to rip my hair out in frustration over some of her actions. I wasn’t a fan of the way she pursued her connection with Sean. I don’t mind a little love triangle, though I can’t really call it that here. I almost felt bad for Sean with the way everything unfolded. But mostly I disliked this turn of events because I loved Oliver. He really lays his heart out for Lee and at times she almost stomps on it. That’s not to say I hate it, it did add a certain element of angst that I enjoyed for the most part. But I could have done without the lust connection to Sean. It’s personal taste thing and it is is what it is, you can’t help how you feel.

The last 30% I found to be a bit convoluted and almost too much was happening. But ultimately it did the job of driving the plot for the future book as well, so I can’t complain too much. There’s quite a delicious set up for Grant, and I’m already salivating for his book.

Ultimately, this was a super sexy and entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

You are the only real thing I have left…
I’ve given up all the rest so I could have you. So don’t tell me this isn’t real, Lee. Nothing else is. Only this.

DON’T MISS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES!

MY REVIEW | AMAZON

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3.5 stars

Meet Ridge – Behind the scenes of Maybe Someday

April 23, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Want a sneak peek at Ridge? Then I got a real treat for you!

Behind The Scenes of Reimagining the Romance Novel

Is that the Crave app in your pocket or are you just excited to see me?

If you’ve been living under a rock (or maybe you took a tech vacation), Crave is one of the hottest new apps, delivering some of romance’s bestselling novels alongside additional media like short cinematic videos, text exchanges, gifs, and voicemails from the story’s leading man. Though some of these elements are adapted straight from the book, the creative team behind Crave also works closely with the author to create entirely new plotlines, giving you exclusive narratives you can’t find anywhere but in the app. The team gave us an inside look at what it takes to produce a book for Crave on the set of their newest book, Colleen Hoover’s Maybe Someday. What follows is a hybrid of traditional movie magic and digital publishing alchemy.

Where romance starts with friendship

One thing about Colleen: she is not shy. When Crave and Simon and Schuster (her publisher) asked Colleen to be a part of the app, she said yes almost instantly. Excited to explore this wholly new form of narrative, Colleen debuted on the app and received effusive praise for taking on this bold initiative. As a treat to readers, users of the app can message directly with the author, giving Colleen and her fans almost instantaneous access to each other.

The Best Book Club You’ll Ever Join

This exciting, engaged community is one of the reasons Crave chose to try something different with their fourth book. Unlike the first three titles, Maybe Someday was chosen by the fans. Some of the earliest feedback the Crave team received was from initial downloaders craving — pun intended — previously released books produced in this new format. Using the heaven-sent wonder social media, Crave then asked Colleen’s fans which book they would like to read (and see and hear) next. The result? Maybe Someday.

Bringing a Story to Life

Creating an entire universe for a story is not a task for the faint of heart.

We begin in editorial. First, Crave’s head writer analyzes the story at hand and creates a dramatic framework. This document serves as a pared outline, dissecting the characters and their motivations for the entire team. From this document the team begins to identify story anchors and develops concepts for alternative plot lines. Crave’s creative director works on assembling a mood board based on some of these ideas to find a cohesive aesthetic for all the elements.

Ridge — example of in-app content

The writers then create an ‘enhanced script’ based off the book. This document contains every single media element Crave will produce — this also allows the team to compare the actual book side-by-side with what will be created, eliminating the chance for inconsistencies with the original story.

Then the cameras begin to roll. The writers send a brief to a casting director, who then sends back a shortlist of potential actors. While an actor is being selected, the rest of the team is already working on acquiring locations and creating call sheets, one-liners, and shooting schedules.

Set days are long, but it’s where the Crave team says most of the bonding happens. All the stress of shooting becomes worthwhile in post-production, where cinematic clips are color-corrected and further enhanced by sound and graphic design.

Special elements, like text messages and audio plays, are also created during post-production. You know when you’re texting with someone and you see the ‘now typing’ bubbles (and experience all the anxiety that goes along with that sight)? Team Crave knows exactly how that goes and is sure to incorporate the fine details (like those wonderful, horrible dots) in these bonus elements.

Finally, after everything has been reviewed, all the content gets packaged into the app and sent over to the development team who pushes it to your pockets (or wherever your phone is).

Get ready to say hello to your next Book Boyfriend!

Download the free Crave app here to get the full experience: http://bit.ly/1XtN69v

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged With: spotlight

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