Lana – Page 153

Review: Madame X by Jasinda Wilder

March 5, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

MADAME X
Series: Madame X #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Jasinda Wilder
Release Date: October 6, 2015

Madame X invites you to test the limits of control in this provocative new novel from New York Times bestselling author Jasinda Wilder.

My name is Madame X.
I’m the best at what I do.
And you’d do well to follow my rules…

Hired to transform the uncultured, inept sons of the wealthy and powerful into decisive, confident men, Madame X is a master of the art of control. With a single glance she can cut you down to nothing, or make you feel like a king.

But there is only one man who can claim her body—and her soul.

Undone time and again by his exquisite dominance, X craves and fears his desire in equal measure. And while she longs for a different path, X has never known anything or anyone else—until now…

AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS

I belong to one man and one man alone, and he does not share.”

I’ve been sitting here for two days trying to put all my convoluted thoughts in words. Did I like this book? I don’t know. Did I DISlike it? I don’t know. I really just have no idea how I feel about the book, the characters, or the story. None. And isn’t that a bitch? The entire story is one mystery hidden behind another, and there’s quite a few things at work here that managed to leave me with more questions than answers now that I finished. Am I curious enough to read the next book to see where the story is going? I AM curious. But it’s more of a “I wish someone else would read it and tell me” sort of curiosity. It’s just that middle of the road book that I really don’t know how I even feel about. But I’ve digressed. Allow me to try to sum-up my thoughts somewhat in a semblance of a spoiler free review here…

Silence breathes truth; solitude breeds introspection.”

Madame X is a highly sought after and exclusive trainer to spoiled sons of the rich and entitled. Named after Jon Singer Sargent’s Portrait of Madame X, she whips inept and spoiled boys into men. She’s stunning, beguiling, cold, and incredibly good at her job. Her services are expensive and she has a waiting list 2 years long. She is THE person to go to for the rich to educate their sons how to be men enough to eventually take over their fathers’ empires. Her job is also all she knows and all she’s known for over six years now.

Is she a willing victim or the prey of something much more sinister? Therein lies the rub and that’s what the reader is left questioning for the entirety of the book.

So what didn’t work for me?

The writing style for one…
I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around it. Is it present tense? Past tense?

Your mouth, X.”
I sink to my knees. Unzip. Free the slide-and-hook clasp of custom-tailored trousers. Taste flesh. Smoky essence. My hands and mouth on firm, clean, masculine flesh….

Madame X refers to her clients as “you”. ‘You sit at a table and wait for me. I look at you’. But then the other main character in the story gets referred to as almost something more…almost like an entity if that even makes sense

I am pulled upright, a broad, hard palm cupping the back of my neck. Eyes bore down on me, pierce me, dark and still furious.

Caleb is an enigma in every essence of the word, so perhaps that particular descriptive writing of his scenes are the reasons behind it. To build on that perception? But if I’m being honest, it mostly just flew over my head and managed to confuse me.

The writing style and dialogue is almost ostentatious at times with the words and descriptions used. Madame X is extremely cultured, and it certainly gets across in her inner monologue, however, I just found it to be excessive. Her referring to her nether regions as “privates” didn’t help either.

So focused on the man in front of me, am I, that I’ve noticed nothing of the space around me.

Do you see what I mean though? It was just entirely too much considering I’m reading a contemporary erotic romance…

My other issue was Caleb

Caleb Indigo was created by an artist for the express purpose of ravishing women. Specifically, in this moment, this woman.
And I hate my body for it.”

Is he a bad guy? A good guy shrouded in mystery that’s simply misunderstood? Who is he? What is it he does? Do I care? The answer to all of those questions is I don’t know. I couldn’t connect to him for the life of me. I’m all for questionable characters, but I do have my limits and I do think that this man was that. I found nothing endearing or captivating about him. Perhaps this was the point and the second and third books will put things in better perspective. The problem is that my perception of him is already skewed and I don’t think it’ll be changing.

I feel shame, embarrassment, revulsion. Hatred. I fell for the sorcery again. Caleb has some way of weaving a spell over me, of making me forget all my objections and all my thoughts and everything that is logical or rational.

Now as for the story itself? I can see how people would enjoy it. It is somewhat spellbinding if you can connect to it. The mystery, the secrets, it all weaves together into quite a tale. Perhaps if I enjoyed the writing style and developed a better connection to X, that would have been the case for me as well.
I couldn’t understand X’s behavior or decisions. She’s a strong and captivating woman, but at times her naivety was a bit too much. Yes, I understand that since this is all she’s known for over 6 years that mostly rules her actions…but to a point. This is particularly true for the direction the ending of the book took. I was not at all a fan of that particular direction. While I do plan on reading the second book to see what happens, I’m not exactly anxious at a chance to jump into it either.

I suppose I’ll save my ultimate judgement of the series until I finish book 2, so we’ll just wait to see what happens.

Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don’t share without permission

THE TRILOGY

MADAME X | EXPOSED | EXILED

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

Blog Tour: ★Set The Pace★ by Kim Karr

March 4, 2016 by Lana ·

SET THE PACE
Series: The Detroit Love Duet #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kim Karr
Release Date: February 21, 2016

Every city needs a hero, but Detroit’s white knight just might be a villain.

A rough childhood branded Jasper Storm trouble. A bad boy. Not worth a damn. His love of cars was the only thing that could battle his delinquency. With the need for speed in his blood, he overcame his wayward ways. Mostly. All grown up, the broken city of Detroit hails him their shining star. And the man behind a new cutting-edge automobile is ready to turn this bankrupt town around.

Everything he does in life is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast. But when one reckless turn brings him face-to-face with the childhood he has tried very hard to forget, he finds himself on the edge of wondering if he shouldn’t slow down.

Charlotte Lane was the tomboy who lived next door. She was his best friend. He was her protector. Then tragedy struck and she disappeared, forever—or so he thought.

Jasper has many reasons to hate Charlotte and keep his distance, but she’s infiltrating his every thought and he can’t stay away. Back in town with an agenda of her own, she should push him aside. Make him turn around. Walk away herself. Yet she can’t.

With the past lurking between them, they proceed with caution. That is until one sex-filled night leads to murder. When Detroit’s biggest ally suddenly becomes suspect number one, will Charlotte—the girl Jasper once kept safe—be the one to save him?

AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

Set the Pace

Excerpt

Charlotte Lane

Buzz. Buzz.

Startled, I jump and quickly place the frame back in its place.

Buzz. Buzz.

It’s the call button from the lobby. I’m not sure what to do. I should probably ask Jasper if he is expecting anyone before I let whomever it is up.

The hallway he disappeared down is fairly long and at the end are two doors. Both are slightly ajar. I can hear the shower running and music playing. I try to place the song. Just as I go to knock, I pause, and then grin, it’s Led Zeppelin—the same music that used to blare from his garage when he was out there with his father.

Somehow in my absentminded quandary, my fingertips have nudged the door open just enough that I can see inside the bathroom. Perfectly. In my direct line of sight is a huge glass wall and he is just beyond it.

My pulse is beating so hard I can feel it pounding at all my pulse points. I should leave. I don’t need to bother Jasper. Whoever it is buzzing to come up can just come back later. Yet, I can’t move. Or maybe it’s more like I don’t want to move.

Steam hovers in the air but there’s not nearly enough to obscure anything. And there he is, naked in the water, head bent as it sluices over him. His eyes are closed. One hand is on the wall. The other slides slowly down his belly and lands between his thighs.

Oh, God.

Now I really can’t move. I’m frozen in place. His hand is on his cock. I swallow the noise my throat tries to make, but I’m sure I don’t do a good job of it. Thank you, Jesus, he doesn’t seem to notice. No, he definitely doesn’t notice because oh, my God, now he’s stroking himself. Slowly. Deliciously. Up, then down, and a twist of his palm around the head of his cock.

I shouldn’t be watching this, and yet I can’t look away. This is private. For him only, and yet I have to wonder if it’s because of me. Is it his attraction to me that made him step back just moments ago? Made him have to relieve the desire he was feeling? Then why did he say he wouldn’t kiss me again?

When he moves his wrist faster, I have to stifle my sudden harsh breath with my hand. My eyes are glued to his body and although I should leave, I can’t. I just can’t. Jasper, doing this to himself, is the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen in my life. The only thing stopping me from reaching between my own legs is my perverted fascination with wanting to watch him come. Oh, and of course the terror of getting caught.

His mouth opens, water filling it and overflowing when he tips his face into the spray. I want so much to be in there with him, share the water, and feel that mouth on my body, but I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen. We seem to be dancing around the attraction we feel for each other. Like both of us are afraid to take that leap from a two-decade-old friendship to intimacy. Afraid perhaps of where it might lead, or maybe where it won’t.

I can’t be sure.

Then again, it could be that the ghosts that accompany us are just too strong to bear.

Soon he’s fucking into his fist with a deliberation that makes me weak at the knees, and I watch. I watch the way his muscles cord in his arms, the way his cock moves within the confines of his fist, the way his face contorts into pure pleasure.

Looking at Jasper, watching him about to come, it opens up something within me. The feeling is hard to describe and I can only think of one word that is fitting—primal.

His cock disappears inside his curled fingers and this stroke seems somehow more determined. Up, down, a twist around his crown, and then another twist. This time his head dips down, and then lowers still.

I press my thighs together to ward off the ache of arousal that is flooding me. I can’t hear him, but I wish I could. I know what he’s feeling, though, because I can see his mouth open and his face contort with satisfaction. He’s close. I can tell. And then soon enough, his taut belly strains, the muscles in his legs bunch, and then it happens—his desire jets out.

Never in my life have I wanted to make myself come like I do right in this moment. No, that’s not true. Never in my life have I wished for a man to take me the way I wish for Jasper to take me right now. Still, this is all kinds of wrong. I shouldn’t have watched him. I know this. Chiding myself, I lick salt from my upper lip and slowly, cautiously take a step back.

“Is there a show going on that I wasn’t invited to?”

That voice. I know that voice. The cynicism behind the tone.

Oh, God.

No. No. No.

READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE

Reader * Writer * Coffeelover * Romantic

Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a daydreamer. So much so that if daydreaming could be a hobby it would be her favorite. It’s how her stories are born and how they take root. An imagination that runs wild is something to be thankful for, and she is very thankful.

She grew up in New York and now lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and with the rest of her time embraces one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read.

She likes to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

· Filed Under: Blog Tours, Excerpts ·

Review: ★Searing Ecstasy★ by Setta Jay

March 4, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Searing Ecstasy
Series: Guardians of the Realms #7
Genre: Erotic PNR
Author: Setta Jay
Release Date: October 7, 2015

Drake, the powerful dragon and leader of the Guardians, has spent his long life protecting all inhabitants of the four Realms, but fails to save the one who matters most. His mate. In the month since finding her feral, he’s been slowly losing control of his beast and soon he fears the dragon will reign free unleashing it’s fury upon the Realms.

Delia has changed. No longer a carefree young woman, she is now a nightmare in the making. After her abduction and torture she unwillingly houses two beasts and more power than she can ever contain on her own. She can never be released. Nor can she have the male who gives her any semblance of sanity in her new world, the one she craves more than her own freedom.

With unknown enemies on the horizon and yet another God awakened will they lose themselves in the madness of an impossible mating? Or will they come together in searing ecstasy, bonding them in a way that sets them both free?

Warning: Sexually explicit content (beds actually get burned down) and alpha males and females with bad language.

Amazon / iBooks / Kobo

She was obsessed with a dream, because having Drake was a beautiful illusion.

Seven books. Seven erotically charged and deliciously addicting books. All of it leading up to this glorious moment; Drake. I’ve been anxiously anticipating for the leader of the Guardians and constantly growling and smoke billowing dragon shifter to get his book, even before his heroine was introduced. And when the author did reveal who the heroine would be in one of the biggest twists ever? Let’s just say on a scale of 1 to ten, I was somewhere around rabid. I wanted it BAD is what I’m trying to tell you here.

Her beauty called to his dick, her scent claimed his dragon, but it was her strength that sealed his fate.

Searing Ecstasy had a slightly different feel to me then the rest of the series. For one, the mating frenzy was accepted by both Drake and Delia right away and there wasn’t so much in the form of relationship development to be had. Primary the struggle was wrapped around Delia’s aftereffects of the torture she endured at the hands of the sadistic Cyril. Being the host to not one but two beasts; one of which has lost it’s intended mate is slowly draining her and mating with Drake just may set both of them over the edge. So the majority of the time is spent trying to find a cure for Delia’s shadow beast and allowing her to safely mate with Drake.

The secondary story bring the conclusion of Nastia and Sander’s story. They first captured my interest in Binding Ecstasy and I couldn’t wait to see how things turn out between Nasty and her phoenix. I have to admit that they’re story actually almost overshadowed the one of Drake and Delia for me.

There’s also the addition of a brand new character that’s sure to bring quite a few twists of his own. Luckily his book is next so I don’t have to wait long.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I’ve enjoyed every other book in this series. It’s erotic, action packed and filled with plenty of twists and turns. Admittedly I didn’t find Drake and Delia as a dynamic enough couple as I had anticipated. This may be due in part to me setting my hopes fairly high for their story. I suppose I just crave a little more relationship angst in my stories, so this very well may be just me. Readers that enjoy the instant spark will enjoy the heck out of it! I also lost count on the amount of times Sander growled. The man did that a lot. I’m not sure if he could even speak normally if he tried lol. But then again, it was pretty hot, so can’t complain too much.

Setta Jay has become synonymous for me with erotic PNR. The woman weaves a hell of an addicting story with this series and I hope it never ends. It’s my go-to when I need something super fun and sexy but with a touch of grit. I highly recommend reading the series in order because there is typically a secondary romance that continues throughout two books parallel to the main couple.

If you’re a fan of super sexy PNR, this series is an absolute must read!

I’m hungry, temptress. Get on your back and spread wide. It’s time to feed your male.”

Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don’t share without permission

Read the series in order

Guardians of the Realms #0.5

Free

Guardians of the Realms #1

Amazon / My Review

Guardians of the Realms #2

Amazon / My Review

Guardians of the Realms #3

Amazon / My Review

Guardians of the Realms #4

Amazon / My Review

Guardians of the Realms #5

Amazon / My Review

Guardians of the Realms #6

Amazon / My Review

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Erotic Rom, PNR · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4 stars

Review & Giveaway: ★Sinner’s Creed★ by @authorkimjones

March 3, 2016 by Lana · 1 Comment

SINNER’S CREED
Series: Sinner’s Creed #1
Genre: MC, Erotic
Author: Kim Jones
Release Date: March 1, 2016

First in a new series—welcome to the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club, where hard bodies and hot leather are made for each other, and love gone wrong is the most irresistible of all…

“I was the demon-possessed monster and she was the innocent, naïve angel. But none of that matters. She asks, I give and right now, I’ll kill anyone who tries to stop me from giving this woman what she wants—me.”

Dirk lives in the shadows—performing hits, maintaining order, and upholding the no-holds-barred legacy of the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club. A nomad with a restless spirit and a cold heart, the open road is his world. One of the few constants in his life: his desire for the one woman who has consumed his thoughts for years.

Saylor Samson grew up far from the harshness of Dirk’s world. But ever since she was seventeen she’s been drawn to this dark and mysterious man who always seemed to show up just when she needed him.

After years of fated encounters, he’s back. This time he’s taking her. This time she’s ready for the ride. But just when the darkness in Dirk’s life begins to fade, Saylor reveals a secret that puts them both to the ultimate test. Now, Dirk has to make a decision: submit to his destiny with the MC, or choose his own.

AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS

I was the predator and she was the prey. I was the shark and she was the bait. I was the demon-possessed monster and she was the innocent, naive angel.

Have you ever read a book that touched you on such a visceral level you almost felt like you were living it along with the characters. Where you felt every emotion, every painful revelation, every bruise and emotional scar? A book that gutted you and at the same time you can’t stop thinking about? A book that you just know will stay with you for a long while yet? Sinner’s Creed was that book to me.

Sinner’s Creed is unlike any other MC romance I’ve read in a long time, if ever. And that’s saying a lot considering just how many books I’ve read in this genre. It’s a gritty, unapologetic and violent. It’s authentic and emotion and real. It’s absolutely fucking gut wrenching. Kim Jones brought her A-game with this one and you can feel it on every page. I have a feeling this will be the book I compare all other MC books to. Is it a romance? At its core, yes. But it’s so much more than that….

What sets it apart is it’s told entirely in Dirk’s POV. The readers will get a front row seat into the mind of a truly broken man…and learn to love him for it.

This is a 1 percent MC. These are men who are trained to hurt, trained to endure hurt, and trained to kill. But only a few can compete with the best. And I’m the best. I’m the best at hurting, enduring, and killing. I’m the man they fear because I have nothing to lose, and they know that.

Dirk is a nomad National for Sinner’s Creed MC. He’s the shadow that you don’t see coming, and only see right before your final breath. He’s a third generation, and the MC life is all he knows. He grew up with violence and blood. The club is his life and his salvation. He rides for it, he kills for it, and he knows that eventually he’ll die for it. But then a blonde beauty rocks his world to its very core.

Every man has a purpose. I always thought mine was with the MC. Now I know the real purpose of my existence. To be anything Saylor Samson wants me to be.

Their connection is instantaneous, and yet it also worked for me when normally I’d struggle with something that quick. But being inside Dirk’s head really helped. Have you ever tried to show love to a dog that’s been abused his whole life and trained only to kill? They don’t know what to do with that affection. They equal parts fear it and yearn for it. That’s exactly what happened with Dirk. This is a man who hasn’t known an ounce of kindness or affection is entire life, yet Saylor understands him in a way no other ever has. She accepts him for everything he is and falls for him anyway. But can a man that’s the death dealer for an MC hold on to something so beautiful and fragile?

Who did I want more? Her of the club? I couldn’t live a life where they both existed. It wasn’t possible.

Saylor was a difficult character for me to truly grasp at first. Her behavior doesn’t quite make sense at first. She comes across as almost too accepting of Dirk, considering they barely know each other when they get together. But let me tell you, there’s a very good reason for it and once you find it out, all those puzzle pieces fit together.

You’ll never have to worry about me feeling like this for anybody else, because there will never be anybody else. If what I feel for you is love, then you are what love is. And it doesn’t exist if you don’t.

Dirk and Saylor’s relationship may have started off from 60 right away, but there was always something so fateful about it. I was totally buying what the author was selling and man oh man but she sold their love to me. I felt it to my very core. It could have been cheesy or OTT, but it never was. It was beautiful, and real, and authentic. I was eating it up with a spoon and loving every second of it.

I feel her love piercing my heart back together. I feel her body that moves in sexy sways in my arms. And I feel her soul. A soul that God didn’t need to shine any mercy on. Because this one, this one was made perfect.

But don’t think this is a lovely romance, because it’s not. Kim Jones truly throws the reader into the underbelly of the MC life and spares no detail. It’s violent, gritty, and unapologetic. It felt authentic and real as hell.

Now for my sensitive soul reader friends, please keep in mind that this story has a non-traditional HEA. Now as a reader, I strongly avoid those because man but they gut me. Yet the way everything concludes here just fit. It stayed true to the characters and their story and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. I can tell you that I spent the entire last 30% of this book a hysterical and blubbering mess. I could barely read the pages though the constant stream of tears. But god it made me feel. It was such an authentic ending to such an incredible story that I loved it all the more for that. I recommend this book to any lovers of MC romance. Take a chance on this book, and I think you’ll fall for Dirk and Saylor just as hard as I did. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store, because if this book is anything to go by, I already know I’ll be in for one hell of a ride. Pun most definitely intended.

You’re late.”
“I’m Dirk.”
“I’m Saylor.”
“I know.”

Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don’t share without permission

Want to win a paperback or an e-book of Sinner’s Creed? I’m giving away a copy on my FB page HERE

1 Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Bikers, Giveaways, Uncategorized · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4.5 stars, Kim Jones, Sinner's Creed

Upcoming Releases for March 1

February 29, 2016 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Is it already time for another new release post? Well good thing that I got a whole list of prettehs for my dirty birds! Check out all these upcoming releases that can be hitting your kindle on March 1!

EXPOSED by Jasinda Wilder

New York Times bestselling author Jasinda Wilder presents the second novel starring the mysterious Madame X.

My name is Madame X.
My life is not my own.
But it could be…

Everything Madame X has ever known is contained within the four walls of the penthouse owned by her lover—the man who controls her every move and desire.

While Caleb owns her body, someone else has touched her soul. X’s awakening at the hands of Logan’s raw, honest masculinity has led her down a new path, one that is as exciting as it is terrifying.

But Caleb’s need to own X completely knows no bounds, and he isn’t about to let her go. Not without a fight that could destroy them all…

MIDNIGHT LILLY by Mia Sheridan

A standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Archer’s Voice.

Holden Scott is the prince of professional football. At least he was before he lost it all . . . or more to the point, before he threw it all away. Now he’s out of a job, out of the public’s good graces, and perhaps just a little out of his mind. So when a friend offers up his remote lodge in the wilds of Colorado, giving Holden some time away to get his life back on track, he can hardly say no. The last thing he expects is to see a beautiful girl in the woods—one wearing a white, lace dress who appears in the moonlight, and leaves no footprints behind. Is she a dream? A ghost? A product of his muddled imagination? Or something entirely different?

Midnight Lily is the haunting love story of two lost souls reaching for each other in the dark. A tale of healing, acceptance, and the worlds we create to protect our own hearts. It is a story of being lost, of being found, and of being in the place between.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY VIRGO. Non-Paranormal, New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

LIQUID & ASH by E.M. Abel

Love was my weakness.
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.

Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash.

I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price.

By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.

Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream.

*Warning: This book contains adult content and drug use.

SINNER’S CREED by Kim Jones

First in a new series—welcome to the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club, where hard bodies and hot leather are made for each other, and love gone wrong is the most irresistible of all…

“I was the demon-possessed monster and she was the innocent, naïve angel. But none of that matters. She asks, I give and right now, I’ll kill anyone who tries to stop me from giving this woman what she wants—me.”

Dirk lives in the shadows—performing hits, maintaining order, and upholding the no-holds-barred legacy of the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club. A nomad with a restless spirit and a cold heart, the open road is his world. One of the few constants in his life: his desire for the one woman who has consumed his thoughts for years.

Saylor Samson grew up far from the harshness of Dirk’s world. But ever since she was seventeen she’s been drawn to this dark and mysterious man who always seemed to show up just when she needed him.

After years of fated encounters, he’s back. This time he’s taking her. This time she’s ready for the ride. But just when the darkness in Dirk’s life begins to fade, Saylor reveals a secret that puts them both to the ultimate test. Now, Dirk has to make a decision: submit to his destiny with the MC, or choose his own.

FIGHT TO THE FINISH by Jeanette Murray

The author of Against the Ropes takes her First to Fight series another round with a novel of a JAG officer who loses his cool, when love delivers a knockout punch…

Kara is a single mom working hard to keep life running smoothly for herself and her son, but a custody battle is wearing her down. When her friend suggests asking a JAG officer for some unofficial advice, Kara agrees—and soon finds herself officially head over heels…

As a Judge Advocate, Graham has seen his share of nasty custody disputes—and he plans on keeping his distance from this one. But this purposeful, passionate woman has a way of drawing him ever closer to the edge. And when Kara’s ex starts to throw his weight around, Graham will have to choose between toeing the line or stepping into the ring…

A COVERT AFFAIR by Katie Reus

The explosively passionate new Deadly Ops novel from Katie Reus, the New York Times bestselling author of Edge of Danger.

After being wounded in action, NSA agent Nathan Ortiz comes home to Miami, eager to return to duty. But he doesn’t expect his newest mission to lead him straight to the one woman he loved, lost, and has never gotten over.

A beautiful, successful restaurateur, Amelia Rios enjoys giving back to her community, especially to struggling women. Then a woman she recently hired stops showing up for work, and, unfortunately, she isn’t the first to go missing.

COMPROMISED by Emmy Curtis

It was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. But when her wedding erupts in gunfire, Sadie Walker realizes this is not the life she wants-her fiancé’s work with Delta Force will always cast a shadow over their relationship. After leaving the hard-muscled hero at the altar, she thinks she’ll never see him again . . . until a chance encounter reveals that he still has a strong grip on her heart.

On a covert assignment overseas, Simon Tennant is shocked when he spots Sadie with another man. Jealousy flares, as does an irresistible urge to keep her protected. Amid a dangerous game of international espionage, he’ll have to convince Sadie just how perfect they’ve always been together. This time, nothing will take precedence over winning her back, no matter the cost to his cover-or his life . . .

More in the Alpha Ops series:
DANGEROUS TERRITORY (novella)
OVER THE LINE
PUSHING THE LIMIT
BLOWBACK

ALL THEY EVER WANTED by Tracey Solheim

In the new Second Chances novel by the author of Back to Before, even love might not prove strong enough to save a man’s promising future from a woman’s hidden past…

All he ever fought for…

Aspiring congressman Miles McAlister has dreamed of representing his hometown of Chances Inlet, North Carolina, since he was a boy. So when he’s asked to help run his mother’s bed and breakfast he moves home and rolls out his campaign at the same time. But political stardom isn’t a given, especially when he’s expected to compromise the very ideals he’s trying to uphold. Making matters worse is the inn’s stubborn, and distractingly beautiful cook. He’s loved and lost before, so falling for Lori Hunt is not part of his plan.

All she ever feared…

Lori just wants to do her job and be left alone until she can safely move on. The last thing she needs is to get involved with her boss’s son. Miles proves to be too sexy to ignore, however. Their heated fling elicits feelings deeper than either anticipated. But everything about Lori is a lie. She’s harboring a secret that’ll destroy Miles’s career, and when the truth gets out it’s going to shock Chances Inlet to its core, forcing Miles to make the hardest decision of his life.

JUST THIS NIGHT by Mari Madison

First in a sexy series set in a TV newsroom—from a multi Emmy Award-winning TV producer.

At News 9 San Diego, the hottest stories happen off camera.

Betrayed and abandoned by his wife and left to raise their young daughter on his own, TV news photographer Jake “Mac” MacDonald has moved to San Diego for a fresh start. He’s sworn off women forever and devoted his life to his little girl. But when his brother-in-law drags him out to a night club, Mac can’t help but be drawn to the cute blonde who asks him to dance. Maybe he can make an exception…for just one night.

A hot fling is exactly what news reporter Elizabeth White had in mind when she brought Mac home. A quick cure to help her get over her ex-boyfriend. But things get awkward when her anonymous hookup turns out to be her newest colleague. Now they must put their attraction behind them and find a way to work together. But when someone starts sabotaging Beth’s career, she realizes Mac is the only one she can trust. And maybe their one night has the makings of an exclusive after all.

KIDNAPPED BY THE BILLIONAIRE by Jackie Ashenden

Get lost in the deeply passionate, darkly sensual new novel from Jackie Ashenden, Kidnapped by the Billionaire.
He kissed her the way he’d run her down, conquering her, taking her…

A priceless plan. An illicit attraction.
Seven years ago, billionaire-turned-bodyguard Elijah Hunt lost everything he had―his family, his future―and now he wants revenge. But when he decides to kidnap the daughter of the man who ruined his life, Elijah gets a lot more than he bargained for. Violet Fitzgerald is nothing like her corrupt wealthy father. In fact, she’s so disarmingly independent―and irresistible―that she just might be dangerous…

And a love that’s too good to be true.
Violet never thought she’d feel a connection to her captor. But there’s something beneath Elijah’s steel-bodied exterior that makes her want to know him more deeply…and surrender to his every demand. But once Elijah’s erotic fantasies become a reality―and he and Violet develop a real romantic connection―he finds himself in a quandary: Is he still the one in control? Or has Violet imprisoned him―body and soul?

DANGEROUS TO KNOW by Dawn Ryder

In Dangerous to Know―the first in a red-hot brand-new romance series―Dawn Ryder takes readers into a world of dangerous secrets and forbidden passion…

SHE’S TOO GOOD TO BE BAD
A bad-boy member of an elite Special Ops team, Mercer has never been assigned an undercover mission he couldn’t complete. But when his latest job requires him to gain the trust―and get into the bed―of his newest target, the sexy, fiery Colonel’s daughter, he has a whole new challenge ahead of him. All evidence points to her being a traitor to the country he’s sworn to protect, but the crackling desire between them is too strong a feeling to ignore…

HE’S TOO BAD TO RESIST

Zoe has always kept her secrets close to the vest. The only woman in a decorated military family, she’s been taught that to let someone close is to flirt with disaster. But when the dangerously handsome, alpha-strong Mercer comes blazing into her life full-speed, it’s all Zoe can do to resist his wicked seduction. As danger circles closer, Zoe must decide if she can trust him to protect her―but there’s no way he could be bad when he makes her feel this good…

DRAW ME CLOSE by Nicole Michaels

YOU NEED A GOOD FOUNDATION

Lindsey Morales is a decorating genius with a natural flair for design and an eye for a bargain. As a contributor to a popular lifestyle blog, she can take anything from trash to treasure-except for her own life. Burned once, and badly, she’s more than twice shy, especially when it comes to the breathtaking builder who broke her heart…

BEFORE YOU CAN BUILD HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Architect Derek Walsh has made a name for himself designing sleekly modern buildings, but when renovating a hundred-year-old farmhouse gives him the chance to see Lindsey again, he jumps at it. Still dreaming about her after eight long years apart, he’ll do anything to prove that he’s serious about spending the future with her. Can he convince sassy, stubborn Lindsey that they can DIY their own happy ending?

RED-HOT TEXAS NIGHTS by Kimberly Raye

Bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s rousing new series continues in Red-Hot Texas Nights. Get ready for squabbling kin, steamy nights, and mouth-watering romance…

LOVE IS ALWAYS INTOXICATING
When it comes to feuds, the Tuckers and the Sawyers do it Texas-style! The legendary moonshiners have been doing battle for more than a century, and they’re nowhere near ready to call a truce. Especially when Brandy Tucker, a self-taught chef, mixes up a brew that rivals the original-only to find the recipe’s gone missing. And the culprit seems to be Tyler McCall, a professional bullrider as hot as the Lone Star sun, despite the Sawyer blood running through his veins.

IN THE LONE-STAR STATE
Brandy is a sweet, sassy distraction Tyler doesn’t need-especially not when he’s preparing for a a competition that will either make or break his career. The more Brandy and Tyler cross paths with one another, the less they can can ignore the heat that sizzles between them. Should they give in to their fiery passions-even if they both risk getting burned? All it takes is one kiss to find out…

The next book in the Rebel Moonshine series, Red-Hot Texas Nights brings the heat!

BIDDING ON THE BILLIONAIRE by JM Stewart

In the tradition of E.L. James and Sylvia Day comes a sultry new series starring women who want to live out their wildest dreams . . .

Online, any fantasy is possible. But when virtual lovers decide to meet in real life, the temperature rises-and so do the stakes.

Safety. Anonymity. Invisibility. Those are just a few advantages of Internet “dating.” Even better, as far as Hannah Miller is concerned, is the fact that she can shed all inhibitions without worrying about what he thinks of her figure or her face. “He” is bikerboy357, the man who knows what Hannah likes, and wants her-every night-as much as she wants him. When he asks to meet, Hannah hesitates. But the temptation is too strong. And after one look into his sultry green eyes, there’s no turning back.

Cade MacKenzie’s never met a woman who wasn’t blinded by his billion-dollar net worth, but “JustAGurl456” knows neither his face nor his name. Her words are so smart, sweet, and scorchingly sexy that Cade’s willing to gamble she’ll be just as amazing in person. And she is. But even as every delicious encounter makes Cade want Hannah more, what he wants most is her trust. It’s something all his money can’t buy. And now, Cade will do anything to earn it . . .

TALL, DARK BILLIONAIRE TEXAN by Mandy Baxter

Mandy Baxter has captivated readers with her Texas billionaires. Now, for the first time, these stories are in print in Tall, Dark, Billionaire Texan―along with one that’s never been published! Get ready to be swept away by these Texas Heartthrobs. . .

Some men are too good to resist.
But are they too good to be true?

In The Billionaire Cowboy, Ryder is a rough-riding cattle baron. When a gorgeous, feisty veterinarian arrives at the ranch, he meets the one spirit he can’t tame. And now he will do anything to show her what he’s really made of…

Dallas Cowboy Jase is a pro at charming women, including the hot waitress he meets in The Billion Dollar Player. But when their passionate encounter inspires Jase to do better on the field, he can’t help but wonder: Are his days as a player numbered?

Rock star Luke has enough money and groupies to last forever. But when his wild life wears him down, he goes home in search of the one woman who’s ever meant anything to him. But will she see past his fame and love him for who he really is in Rocked by the Billionaire?

In The Billionaire Sheriff, Noah pulls shifts in the police department. He doesn’t need the money, but he wants to make a contribution. So when beautiful bar owner Naomi lands in trouble, Noah is eager to help her out…and offer protection in his strong, loving arms…

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

New Release & Review: ★The Heart of It★ by @MollyOKwrites

February 29, 2016 by Lana ·

THE HEART OF IT
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Author: Molly O’Keefe
Release Date: February 29, 2016

On the outside rich and successful Gabe Paterson has everything.

No one would guess the ghosts from his past are tearing him apart.

Desperate, he reaches out to Elena – a resilient call girl, with her own childhood scars – for help.

In their moments of honesty, the two forge the most surprising relationship of their lives.

But will they be brave enough to make it into something more?

AMAZON

He was a bag of lies and half-truths and she was without counterfeit. There could have been a hundred women sitting at this bar and he would have only seen her and the brilliant truth of her.

Can you write a heartfelt and poignant story full of steam and emotion in under 70 pages? If you’re Molly O’Keefe not only can you, but you do it effortlessly. The Heart of It is a must read for any fans of this author. It’s captivating and erotic; full of feeling and emotion. It’s short but satisfying and yet still left me craving more; not because it was lacking, but because I just didn’t want it to end. I don’t believe I’ve ever rated a novella so highly in all my reading experience. Not only am I rating it for the wonderful story, but the mere fact that the author managed to pack in as much development and emotion as she did in these few short pages.

The characters are so well developed they practically leap from the pages. Considering the subject matter it touches on, I was blown away at just how much this author accomplished with just 67 pages. It’s a beautiful story of healing. A story of meeting that one person that finally changes everything. Elena and Gabe couldn’t be more different. Heck, they practically live on opposite ends of the world for all the differences between them. A high class escort and a successful author of children’s books that’s haunted by the demons of his past share an experience together that irrevocably changes them both.

Miss O’Keefe does an incredible job laying the foundation of a truly broken man for the readers. Gabe is no perfect in any means even while he may live the picture perfect life on the outside. He’s a man with a past that won’t let go of his present. He’s a man that hopes to find some solace in the arms of a beautiful escort if only for one night. I loved how endearing his imperfections came across. You can’t help but fall for him and want to heal all his emotional scars. He was this gentle giant that was just perfectly imperfect. Elena has scars of her own from the past, but she’s a heroine I connected with right away. She’s strong in an understated way. She doesn’t flaunt herself, but she owns her sexuality. Both of these characters were simply refreshing in their originality.

What a wonderful treat the author has written for her fans. I only wish it was longer.

If you haven’t read anything by Molly O’Keefe yet, but enjoy novellas by Cara McKenna and Anne Calhoun, this is an author you’ll want to check out. Trust me on that.

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4.5 stars, Molly O'Keefe, Novella

Hooker Line #2: ★Out-Hookered by Brooke Blaine★

February 28, 2016 by Lana · 1 Comment

Did you know that Brooke Blaine is releasing book 2 in her super fabulous L.A. Liaisons series, eloquently titled as HOOKER? So of course it’s only right that us hookers had to get her sassy ass for an interview on our blogs, #HookerLineStyle of course. It’s the only way we know how. We went into this hoping to out-perve Brooke, and she ended up out-hookering us. My mind is still reeling after. We chat all things Hooker, her LA Liaisons series, nude pics, Tom Hardy, Jason Statham, Tom Hardy peen, high school crushes, kinks with suspenders, and much much more. But why tell you about it, when you could read it for yourself. Make sure you scroll all the way down for an exclusive interview AND a super fabulous giveaway for a chance to win a SIGNED PAPERBACK of Licked and an ARC of HOOKER!

No, this wasn’t your typical fucking interview. It was a fucking awesome interview though! So read below and enjoy!

*no real hookers were harmed in the making of this conversation. But our hooker pride may have gotten a bruise or two*

Lana: Hey hookers!

Brooke Blaine: I’m prepared. Lube, check. Condoms, check. Whipped cream, check.

Alleskelle: Hey Hookers! Good, Brooke, we only practice safe sex here.
Though you might need some other kind of toys to please Lana… (The hardcore stuff)

Geri: Yay! I’m ready when you are guys. Hi Brooke!
We haven’t been properly introduced but I’m Geri and I’m the innocent one in the group.
Shut it, Lana and Alex

Alleskelle: RIGHT. You lie whore! “Innocent.” Such a bad word in your mouth
Geri: LMAO! Nuh-uh. I’m a proper lady. ahem. Ladies in the front, party in the back

Brooke Blaine: Oh gawd. Don’t start with the miss innocent schtick, you’re the HOOKER LINE LADIES.
WELL/ maybe not ladies 😉

Alleskelle: Geri, do I need to remind you? YOU started the anal talk last time and blamed it all on Lana (Though I understand the logic in this)

Lana: LMFAO!!!!!!! I leave for two seconds and it’s already “lube” and “Lana is a whore” : I see it’s regularly scheduled programming here.

Alleskelle: We’re perfectly respectable Ladies still, Brooke. Well maybe not Lana.

Brooke Blaine: I know the truth about Lana

Lana : I already warned Brooke I’ll be throwing out random pervy ice cream names for her
Like Cockies and Cream. Make it happen!

Brooke Blaine : Yes! I need some dirty names

Geri : Hmm, love the sound of that.
hahaha

Brooke Blaine : Oh is that the best you can do? I expected more from you, perv. I told you I brought the lube right?

Lana : I’m just warming up here

Alleskelle : How did you came up with the hilarious names in Licked, Brooke?

Lana : Yes. Do tell. Inquiring hookers want to know!

Brooke Blaine : Quite literally pulled them out of my ass. Like anal beads.

Lana: You dirty bird. No wonder I like you! LOL

Alleskelle: OMG. We’re being Out-Hookered here! She plays hard

Geri : We need to step up our game. I haven’t read it but just so you know I don’t mind spoilers

Brooke Blaine: What? I should go back to my trailer. You didn’t bring me green m&m’s, you didn’t read my book
This is bullshit.

Geri: LMAO! I sorry?

Lana : You’re missing out, woman! I keep telling you

Alleskelle: Geri you have to read it, I mean are you not curious about what a Cookie Dildough is? The Up the Butt-er Pecan is my fave.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

As the owner of Licked, an eclectic ice creamery and bar, Ryleigh Phillips doesn’t have time for that love stuff. Serving up Nibble My Nuts sundaes and Drunken Sailor boozy shakes are as close to an orgasmic affair as she’s had in months thanks to her expanding empire—until the night of her ten-year high school reunion.

When Ryleigh’s crush, gorgeous ex-football god Cameron Mathis, comes streaking into her life (literally—streaking), she begins to wonder if she really can have it all.

Wouldn’t it just figure that the moment you think life is perfect is when it falls spectacularly apart?

Enter Hunter Morgan, the contractor in charge of Licked’s renovations. Devastatingly handsome, and a smartass to boot, he’s got his eyes on Ryleigh from the moment he finds her passed out on his couch (yeah, that’s a long story). There’s just one tiny complication—he happens to be Cameron’s best friend.

When the lines between relationships and friendships blur, and it’s impossible to choose between two delicious flavors, what’s a girl to do? Taste a sample of each? Or go out and get LICKED?

Geri : They’re suppose to be convincing me but the blurb sounds like a triangle. For all those pervy readers like me who don’t like Love Triangles, should we be worried?

Alleskelle : I don’t like love triangles either and it worked for me, Geri.

Lana : Me too! And I hate LT with the fire of the worst kind of venereal disease. #TrueStory

Alleskelle : lol Lana. You said you were game for everything, you hardcore perv!
Geri, rest assured, while the heroine does have 2 love interest after her, the set up is pretty clear about who she’s going to end up with

Lana : YES! And she wasn’t the wishy washy whore that led men on because she felt bad

Brooke Blaine : Noooooooo! I promise I just did that to scare you.

I mean we all loved the Dylan-Brenda-Kelly love triangle in 90210, LET’S BE REAL.

Lana Kart : Brooke, for hookers like Geri here that have been living under a rock, can you introduce your L.A. Liaisons series?

Geri : Yes, please. Lol!

Brooke Blaine : Okay, so L.A. Liaisons stars our quirky heroine, Ryleigh, who at the beginning of the story has a nice little run-in *cough cough* with her high school crush.

And yeah, then she meets high school crush’s bff/roommate and all bets are off, BUT I promise Licked is more of a romcom that makes your heart melt. It doesn’t require tums.

Geri : Ah glad to hear that. You said the magic word. Romcom

Alleskelle : Oh yes, it’s a great RomCom and I loved the premise, old school crush finally seeing HER.

Lana : Gotta say, I loved the way they see each other again (uhem) … while NAKED

Brooke Blaine : Right? All about the cock run-ins

Lana : best EVAH

Brooke Blaine : Aw spanks. I mean it’s how I’d love to run into my high school crush

Geri : Plus you said the word naked… Naked romcoms !

Brooke Blaine : Unless he had a teeny weenie, in which case… Maybe not

Geri : LMAO!

Alleskelle : In which case you’d know you would have pinned for him all for nothing… awww

Brooke Blaine : ~fantasies dashed~

Geri : Sadly, my high school crush… Yeah not going there.

Brooke Blaine : Wait, what if we wanna go there?

Lana : Yeah…I kinda do lol

Alleskelle : Oooh, high school crushes… I used to draw a blank about them. But a few weeks ago we were talking with Geri and she mentioned stalking her exes on social media. o.O

Geri : Are we going to talk about high school crushes? hahahaha! Thank God, my husband doesn’t read it.

Brooke Blaine : I’m so curious now

Lana : Mine was a douchebag.End of story. Hmm…I wonder if there’s any correlation to me loving the alphaholes in my books? *scratches chin*

Ha! Is that where the inspiration for Ryleigh came from?

Geri : I’m interested if Brooke has an inspiration for this. Oh yeah. That’s what Im asking Lana. I’m curious!

Brooke Blaine : You know what? I blossomed after high school, so when my crushes saw me years later, they were ALL ABOUT IT. That denied stamp felt good. A bit. I had an awkward high school experience. I was a theater kid and everyone thought I was shy and quiet…”the nice girl.” I went to church a lot.

Lana : From what I recall she didn’t come into her own skin till after high school.

Shy AND quiet? Boy did they get that one wrong, huh?

Brooke Blaine : And, like I said, I didn’t come into my own until college. So like Ryleigh in that way
Dude you’re not kidding, I guess I was kind of that way. I don’t know what happened. Someone must’ve scandalized me.

Geri : I went through this phase too Brooke so I can relate.

Alleskelle : I was part of the quiet solitary ones too. Well I mostly used to hang out with the guys.

Lana: I was the same way. Would you believe I was the quiet girl that everyone thought was a bitch because I rarely talked
then senior year happened and BAM !

Alleskelle : It’s kind of the best reward. Just like what happens to Ryleigh in Licked. Never part of the “cool” kids, (but truly she was) and being brushed off by the guys at school, only to rub it in their faces later.

Brooke Blaine: Hell yes, Alex!
No way, people thought Lana was a bitch? Shocking. Utterly shocking. 😉
Geri, would you say you’re a 180 now of who you were back then?

Geri : Not really. I’d say I was already who I am but I wasn’t as comfortable in my skin back then. So I kept my mouth shut. Didn’t rock the boat much. But in my head…oh boy!

Alleskelle: It is TRUE what they say about the quiet girls. Or at least they are as freaks as the slutty ones lol

Brooke Blaine : ^^NO ONE would guess I write erotica sometimes. I kind of wish I could blast out that info. Maybe I will
Do you guys still find that if you see people from high school that the awkward girl from then comes back?

Lana : Not really. I became an opinionated smart ass. I dunno how to shut that off! LMAO

Alleskelle : Why would you want to shut it off? And yes, the awkward still comes through depending who I’m talking to.

Brooke Blaine : Yeah, don’t shut that off or you can’t sit with us.

Geri: On Wednesdays we wear pink.

Brooke Blaine : LOL! Geri, I’ve seen what you read, so that sounds about right 😉

Geri : Sometimes. Right? hahaha

Lana : And I was always a closet perv… le sigh

Alleskelle : *closet* LMAO!

Geri : No secret there

Brooke Blaine : Your husband must be a happy man, Lana

Lana : He’s worse than me, Brooke…so I dunno. We try to outsmart ass each other, keeps it lively.

Lana : Now back to business, let’s talk about your upcoming book, because….HOOKER! DUDE. Can I just say I LOVE that title?

Brooke Blaine : Hell yes! You like the name, no?

Lana : Fitting. I was all, she wrote a book about ME?! LMAO

Geri : We all do!

Alleskelle : The name is PERFECT! Verra fitting

Brooke Blaine : Well, I’ve called my friends that for years, so…
It totally fits. Plus she’s a matchmaker, not a LITERAL hooker, so… there’s that

Geri : Shut it! I love matchmaker stories! It’s my catnip. Well one of…

Brooke Blaine: Oooh maybe Geri will read this one… Someone tie her down and make her

Geri : I already promised these hookers I will read Licked. Or else

Lana : She HAS to read the first one It sets up the second one

Brooke Blaine : So Hooker is a standalone, which means you don’t HAVE to read Licked, but YOU FUCKING SHOULD…

Lana : Totally fucking should

Alleskelle : You definitely should! Hunter was really dreamy. Sexy. Rough… and gah, just read it already!

Brooke Blaine : mmmm I love Hunter…
And it centers on the Aussie transplant in the bunch, the fabulous Shayne Callahan
Whose boss is a psycho from hell. She’s fabulous to write. I kind of want a Val book honestly

She’s so much fun to write. It’s like I can turn off my filter completely and just say the most horrible stuff. It’s fantastic.

Lana : I loved Shayne!

Brooke Blaine : But I’m loving Shayne’s guy now too… You like guys in suspenders, right?

Alleskelle : Only in suspenders?

Geri : Hahahaha! You read my mind Alex! ( I’m going to Amazon, talk amongst yourselves, kids)

Brooke Blaine : Well they have to attach to SOMETHING

Alleskelle : …to socks? ^^

Alleskelle : I had wished we’ll get more Quinn first but… Shayne will do. lol

Lana : Quinn is the mysterious Ukrainian

Brooke Blaine : Omg you’re on the Quinn train too? You sound like Lana

Alleskelle : I LOVED Quinn. Huge girl crush. And Lana is only projecting because she’s east european too.

Lana : I bet that Hooker is a spy or something

Brooke Blaine : Quinn is coming last out of the foursome because YOU ALL WANT IT AND I’M AN ASSHOLE. You’re welcome.

Lana : You whore! Teasing whore! I knew you’d do that!

Brooke Blaine : Geri went quiet, I think she really did go to Amazon. #peerpressurerocks

Alleskelle : Ok, no Quinn. Who wants that hooker anyway? (I’m trying the reverse psychology method here)

Geri : Ha! Too late Alex

Brooke Blaine : You know what…it’s Ella Frank’s fault.

Lana : WHAT?!!!

Alleskelle : Why? What did she do?

Brooke Blaine : She told me to make the person everyone wanted be last. And I thought it would be Paige that people wanted.
But nope. You guys said Quinn. So I switched it

Alleskelle : Nooooo! I hate Ella Frank all of sudden. Authors are really EVIL

Brooke Blaine : MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA <—evil laugh

Lana: I totally want Paige. I lied! Lied I tells ya! (is it working?)

Alleskelle : (I think not)

Brooke Blaine : Well, I can’t really make you cry with these books, so I have to do SOMETHING to piss you off

Lana: bah. Well back to Hooker, tell us more ! like….is there a meet cute? There has to be a meet cute?

Brooke Blaine : Hmm what can I say… oh i LOVE LOVE LOVE their meet cute

Lana : Is anyone going to be naked during that? (Cause they totally should)

Brooke Blaine : more than Ryleigh and Hunter’s maybe… And um… yes, there is a degree of nakedness.

Lana : How large a degree? : On a scale from one to peen? I like these naked meeting ‘nice to peen you’

Geri : On a scale of one to Tom Hardy, how naked?

Alleskelle : Another naked meeting? Like it’s going to be a regular occurrence for them all? (Please say yes.)

Brooke Blaine : bahahaaa! wait is that implying Tom Hardy is always naked?
I promise not all meet cutes will be naked ones.

Geri : Did you guys see that? Woman, did you not see his latest video?

Lana : There’s Tom Hardy peen? Your hooker ass has been holding out on me!

Alleskelle : Lana wake the fuck up. There IS. It’s all over my FB feed.
I saw the blurry version, Geri. Now, do YOU have a link to the REAL thing? Because that would prove your innocent bullshiting.

Brooke Blaine : Wait, what? Why are you holding out on us??

Geri : LMAO! I plead the fifth

Alleskelle : You should just plead guilty, you perv! She hides behind that sweet librarian look. But we know better.

Brooke Blaine : Okay, Geri is the tease in the group, that much is blatantly obvious. The glasses don’t fool us.

If I google Tom Hardy’s cock, and I get a virus on my computer and it destroys my Hooker manuscript…well, you guys will help me hide Geri’s body, right?

Lana : What’s a hooker for? Of course! But clearly we got distracted again
What else can you tell us about her love interest? I’m desperate here!

Brooke Blaine : Oh, sorry sorry! Okay, here’s another bit for you: Shayne *may* be rockin’ the cradle in this book
slightly 😉 You don’t mind younger guys, right?

Alleskelle : How much younger? How old is Shayne again?

Brooke Blaine : Not much. Within five years-ish. She’s 28? 29? 28? Shit, don’t ask me hard questions

I don’t mind the age gap. Even if it’s reversed. Like older woman, younger guy

Alleskelle : Meh, that’s nothing

Geri : It’s a math question too. Don’t scare off our guest

Lana : 5 years I can handle. Anything over 15 makes me a tad uncomfortable tho. Don’t ask me why

Alleskelle : Lana the more and more you talk, the more I discover even YOU have hard limits. I is shocked.
So he is 22-ish and he wears suspenders.

Brooke Blaine : Yeah, he has to be above the drinking limit. I couldn’t handle it if he couldn’t go to a bar.

Geri : Yes. What would they do?

Brooke Blaine : Exactly, Geri. What do you do with someone under twenty-one? Go play miniature golf or something?

Geri : So not J-Lo’s Casper Smart level, Right?

Brooke Blaine : Okay stop it. Casper is so not cute. Wtf is going on there. That was my favorite movie growing up. I even had Casper soap.

Lana : How did we get on the subject of Casper here?

Geri : Because that’s how I scale now. Like from 1 to Jlo-Casper Smart

Alleskelle : I think Geri was talking about J-Lo’s boyfriend or something

Brooke Blaine : Well, I turned it to the ghost because he’s way more adorable than Casper Smart
if that’s really his name

Lana : I was thinking of the friendly ghost variety. Clearly I’m not on the up and up with celebrity gossip

Brooke Blaine : Lana – celebrity gossip plays a huge part in Hooker. And that’s all I can tell you about that.

Alleskelle : What else? Come on, spill!

Brooke Blaine : Dimples.

Alleskelle: Tell me he has at least a mild kink. Like nice guy but freak in the bedroom. *Dreamy eyes*

Brooke Blaine : I can’t give you all my secrets, woman!!

Alleskelle : Ooooh, did I put my finger on it??? He’s a freak! Yes!
So her man is a celebrity?

22-ish celebrity wearing suspenders with a bedroom kink

*with dimples

Brooke Blaine : Nope, I didn’t say that

Alleskelle: (I’m drawing my own conclusions) lol
Brooke Blaine : bahahaha! I’ll let you believe what you want 😉 Don’t you love surprises?

Alleskelle : I do love surprises but I’m such a greedy Hooker…

Brooke Blaine: greedy two-dollar hooker shake! I like that one… ~writes it down~

Geri : So Hooker will be the second book. Will it then be a four book series?

Brooke Blaine : Yep, there are four fabulously foul-mouthed bff’s and each will get a turn

Geri : I’m imagining Henry Cavill in suspenders

Brooke Blaine : The Henry Cavill lookalike is in my next book 😉

Lana : WHAT?!!!!!!! *dies*

Alleskelle : Shhhhut up!

Geri : Ooohhh!

Alleskelle : Can we have the next one before this one?

Geri : This is bargaining at its finest LOL!

Brooke Blaine : You know what…I was going back and forth about that . I’m hoping to have it out pretty soon after Hooker. With the most GORGEOUS FUCKING MODEL ON THE PLANET on the front. But it’ll be a standalone. if I’m feeling fun and flirty, romantic comedy comes out.

Alleskelle : Now this cover I have to see

Geri : I love rom-coms. They’re my crack. Jennifer Crusie started me on it.

Brooke Blaine : I’m just leaving you breadcrumbs so you keep coming for more

Alleskelle : You’re such a tease

Lana : I gotta admit, I loved your Romantic Suspense too. Reading with a visual of Jason Statham is nothing to complain about

Brooke Blaine : Thank you! You know, I would love to go back and visit Kirkpatrick from Flash Point one of these days, but it only makes sense if there’s a demand for it. But suspense was a lot of fun.

Alleskelle: Jason Statham does nothing for me…

Geri : Same.

Lana : Who ARE YOU?! Leave right now. Get out! Both of you!

Brooke Blaine : Whaaaat. Not even when he’s kicking like twelve guys asses at the same time?

Lana : Want to lick that man, neck to cock. Swear to God

Alleskelle : He looks like an old man already

Lana : No. (la la la la) I can’t hear you

Brooke Blaine : omg. I have to leave this conversation before I cut a bitch. and I’m tall enough to step on you guys, so…

Lana : Right? I’ll hold them down for you, Brooke. Crazy Whores! I may be small, but I’m scrappy. Watch yourself!

Brooke Blaine : Thank you, Lana. Teamwork

Alleskelle : LMAO, pussy you’ll hide behind her that’s what you meant. Geri you stick by me, we’ll stand proud

Geri : Two on two! Hahahaha! I’m dying

Alleskelle : Are we really fighting over Jason fucking Statham?

Geri : LOL! Looks like

Lana : Do NOT insult my husband, you whore!

Alleskelle : Would you rather I say he is mine? Brooke we’re usually fighting over who keeps whom

Brooke Blaine : It’s not about Jason Statham! Okay it is

Lana : It totally is

Brooke Blaine : This is kind of a deal-breaker. The Hooker Line is about to split apart before it even gets started omg

Lana : We digressed….again. Can we get back to business here?

Brooke Blaine : Sorry sorry, it’s Alex’s fault I think. I’m just gonna point fingers over here

Lana : It’s always Alex’s fault

Geri : *glares at Alex

Alleskelle : How is it it’s always the French ‘s fault? Way to turn up your vest Geri. You were on my side 2 seconds ago.

Lana : *add a stink eye to the glare* judging youuuuu

Alleskelle : Geri said she didn’t like your bald man too. Right Geri? I’m just saying.

Lana : You shut your whore mouth, dammit! We’re detouring again! quit that! This is going to be the longest interview ever…
*claps hands* children, children, concentrate !

Brooke Blaine : ohhhh we’re in trouble. She might spank us

Alleskelle : Yes, Mistress Lana. (I think she’s giving me some Domme vibes)

Brooke Blaine : She does seem the type, doesn’t she?

Lana : I will and you will not enjoy it. I’ll dole out the punishment Russian style!

Geri : Okay. Let me just say that I love that your covers have the heroines or the representation of the heroine on them
Usually, it’s always the hero but yours, it stands out. As much as I love the nekkid, seeing a woman in a cover is refreshing and a very welcome change.

Brooke Blaine : I like covers that when you look at them, you can tell what’s on the inside. I love seeing women on covers. I hate that it all has to be naked guy naked guy

Alleskelle : Too much naked guys

Lana : And I hate when the cover model doesn’t match the actual character. pet peeve

Alleskelle : So, we have Shayne’s story coming up March 9th, and then Paige’s story? And Quinn’s last?

Brooke Blaine : Yep, Shayne is up next, then I’ll pop out a standalone, and then it’s Paige’s turn. And omg…hers I can’t WAIT to write. I’m dying.
-I HATE THAT TOO LANA, when it doesn’t match the character inside

Geri : What’s you favorite part about writing this series?

Brooke Blaine : Geri, Omg the girls. I fucking love the girls. So much of them is taken from all the friends I’ve made over the years, and I just love writing them so much.

Alleskelle : I love the banter you have on between the girls in Licked. And the heroine? I swear it was like hearing Lana talking to me! It was really strange

Brooke Blaine : Ahaha I love that you can relate!

Geri : I love books that showcases women relationships

Brooke Blaine : That’s really the heart of the story. Friendships are so important, to me more so than the romance. Honestly, I could write about them without the men and be so happy with it. That’s not done enough, celebrating women

Alleskelle : Hookers first !

Brooke Blaine : holding each other up instead of tearing each other down. Did you guys fall asleep? Do i need to tell a dick joke?

Geri : It’s great to show that especially in romance where there’s this divide between the heroine and the supposed girls who wants to steal her man. I hate that in books now more than ever

Lana : Dick joke? *perks up ears*

Alleskelle : Lol, I’m always up for dick

Brooke Blaine : LOL

Lana: But about the women, it’s so true. You don’t read enough about this. It’s always back stabbing and jealousy. You don’t get true genuine friendships, or it’s VERY rare. So it’s super refreshing

Brooke Blaine : Well, it’s just catty. I want these books to feel like coming back home in a sense. Like the girls are your family

Lana : it totally has that vibe

Geri : I’m a sucker for books like that

Alleskelle : Can you tell us more about your standalone?

Brooke Blaine : What I’ll tell you is that I’m digging a bit deeper for this next one. I love romcom and I loved the suspense, but I sort of back off from being too vulnerable in my books. I’m that way in real life too, and I just feel that need to sort of let things out. Does that make sense? Keep you salivating and all that 😉

Alleskelle : You have me curious now. Stalking mode activated. Might even set up a folder for you on the computer. muahaha

Brooke Blaine : – Oooh I get my own folder? That’s hot… Should I send nekkid pics? Or not that kind of stalking…

Lana : So what would we like to close with? Before this spans into another hour. LOL

Brooke Blaine : LOL! Thanks for having me, Hookers. Mouthy bitches, but i dig it 😉

Alleskelle : I think we were relatively sweet today. I for one, behaved. (not directing this at anyone in particular)

Brooke Blaine : Why, are you sick? Feeling shy?

Geri : Your nose Alex

Alleskelle : My nose is perfectly sized today Geri, thank you

Lana : What would you like to close with, Brooke? A pervy joke? A little fun fact A little fun pervy fact?

Geri : A knock knock pervy joke

Alleskelle : I really feel you out -Hookered us, we have a lot to learn still. Baby Hookers here.

Brooke Blaine : Aww, that’s a pretty high compliment.
Omg that’s so putting me on the spot. I’m so bad with jokes. Um hmmm
MEME HERE (or break line, whatever you want.)

Lana : Pervy fact about the hero then? pweeease?

Brooke Blaine : Why you gotta make him pervy. Poor guy, he’s getting a complex!

Alleskelle : Because I sense he’s going to be a perv

Brooke Blaine : you’ll see those suspenders back in action I’ll say 😉 But he won’t be wearing them

Alleskelle : Ah, now you’re talking! I knew he would be kinky! Bondage!!!

Geri : Hey, suspenders can be used as cuffs

Lana : *mind spins off into dark places* LOL

Geri : So he’s basically a McGyver in the bedroom then?

Brooke Blaine : Now you’re off to Pinterest hot suspenders guys with Dimples. oh wait, I could show you one. Well this is Nate…real life name, also Nate

Lana: OMG I love him. He’s on my Pinterest. He’s yummy

Brooke Blaine : Lana I think every hot guy in the world is on your Pinterst. I can never spell that word
Can you do mine? Just send hot guys my way and put ’em on the Nate board. k thanks

Alleskelle : Lana has hidden boards. You haven’t seen nothing yet

Lana : Heeee. I’m a Pinterest peen ninja

Brooke Blaine : ooohhhhh let’s talk about THAT next time… Thank you hookers so much for having me!

Alleskelle : Thank you, Master Hooker! (High praise, usually Lana is the Master Hooker)

Brooke Blaine : Oooh, Master Hooker! Love it. Do u guys bow down on your knees?

Alleskelle: lol! depends on the occasion, Brooke

Brooke Blaine : 😉 Well, thank you! Air kisses and all that

Geri : http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/6914125/Tom-Hardy-strips-naked-for-new-role.html

Alleskelle : Love how you finish the convo with dick pics Geri. In style. Classy

Lana : only way we know how. Tom Hardy peen FTW

Geri : Here’s Tom HARD-y. See what i did there?

Brooke Blaine : Always a good convo when it ends with cock!

Want more? Of course you do, you greedy dirty birds! Read on for an exclusive Hooker excerpt!

Whoever said singles were missing out by not finding true love and getting married before the age of thirty had never experienced the sheer pleasure of nightly romantic comedy viewings in their underwear while eating one of Licked’s famous Crazy Cat Lady sundaes. Because life just doesn’t get better than that.

At least, it doesn’t for Shayne Callahan. It didn’t take more than a handful of broken hearts after college to solidify that she was better at pairing up those around her than herself. As a matchmaker at the elite HLS—Hook, Line, & Sinker Matchmaking Company—in the City of Angels, she has a knack for finding the other halves of even the most eccentric clients:

Sugar daddy with a foot fetish? Gross, but no problem.
A severe case of nudophobia? Match made before lunch.

But even the most happily independent of women can find their best-laid plans screeching to a halt when they meet that guy. For Shayne, that guy comes in the form of boyishly handsome, suspender-lovin’, dimple-poppin’ Nate Ryan on a pantsless (we’ll get to that later) Metro ride.

Of course, relationships can never be easy. Before the destined lovers can ride off into the sunset, they must overcome a power-hungry and sexual-punning boss, a celebrity scandal and cover-up, and let’s not forget Shayne’s dreadful foot-in-mouth disease—with which there can never be a happily ever after.

Will fate throw Shayne a freakin’ bone? Or will she be destined to live out her life as sexy(ish), single(ish), and L.A.’s finest Hooker (upper)?

Exclusive Excerpt for The Hooker Line
Hooker by Brooke Blaine © 2016LIKE A GOOD bodyguard, Nate hadn’t left my side all night when we’d entered the club. Not when I went to the bar. Not when I’d headed to the bathroom to touch up my lipstick—though he was waiting just outside the door.The butterflies that had started when I’d first noticed him earlier that evening hadn’t dissipated either—they’d gotten worse. That hadn’t happened with someone in so long that the sensation was unfamiliar, though not necessarily unwelcome.With a final look in the mirror, I fluffed my hair out around my shoulders, grabbed my drink, and walked out of the bathroom. Nate was leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed and his sleeves pushed up his forearms. His gaze traveled down the length of my body.“Did I mention how much I’m enjoying the fact that you forgot your pants again tonight? If I hadn’t seen those sexy pajamas, I’d be a little concerned you didn’t own any.”“As if you would mind that.”“I think you like me looking at you.”I mimicked his pose as I leaned against the wall. “Well, I can’t stop you.”

“No, you can’t.” He cocked his head to the side. “Do you know what I love more than anything?”

“Stalking potential dates in the grocery aisle?”

“Gorgeous women who pretend they’re not interested.”

I rolled my eyes and pushed off the wall. “I’m not pretend—”

“You like the challenge,” he said, stepping in front of me, his eyes flicking to my mouth. “And believe me, so do I.”

“Wrong.”

“Stubborn and in denial. I can work with that.” He took the glass from my hand and tipped the liquid into his mouth.

“Let me guess. Girly drinks are your favorite too.”

“Nah, just wanted to get a taste of what’s going into that delicious mouth of yours.”

“Jesus.” I shook my head. “You don’t stop, do you?”

His dimple deepened. “You like that too.”

I tried to keep my lips from twitching into a smile, really I did. He was so damn frustrating. But persistent. And persuasive. And so fucking sexy it was hard to remember why I was trying not to show my interest.

My mind blanked. Why is that again…

His stupid smile was winning me over, though. I had to try harder. And maybe not look at him.

And if you haven’t yet read Licked, one-click that immediately HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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★DGR’s Ultimate List of Second-Chance Romance★

February 27, 2016 by Lana · 4 Comments

Let’s talk second chance love and all the reasons why this particular read loves it…

Angst? Check! a grovel oftentimes being one of the best I’ll read? Double check!

There’s plenty of reasons I love this particular trope, but not all second chance romances are cut from the same cloth. Some are swoony, some are rip your hair out angsty. Luckily, I’ve been able to compile (what I think) is a balanced combination of both! As always, the books on this list are those that I have personally read and loved. If there are any favorites that you see missing, please drop me a rec in comments! I love to hear from you guys and you know I love me my book recs <3

If you’re new to my blog, this a monthly feature I do on the last Saturday of each month! Check out the previous features here:

★ULTIMATE LIST OF DIRTY TALKERS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF ROCK STARS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF FIGHTERS★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF ANTI-HEROES★

★ULTIMATE LIST OF HATE TO LOVE ROMANCE★

But now, without further ado, let’s get to my list. These are in no particular order…

WILD CARD by Lora Leigh

AMAZON | GOODREADS

It was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.

Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?

What kind of list would it be without my very first erotic romance book? It also just so happens that it had the delicious second chance love romance in the shape of husband coming back form the land of the dead to woo his wife back while pretending to be another man. Is your head spinning yet? Don’t worry, it’s not as complex as I make it sound. But if you like uber alphas and super hot sex with dirty talk galore all wrapped around a second chance romance I’m not sure why you haven’t read this book yet!

LOVELY TRIGGER by R.K. Lilley

GOODREADS | AMAZON

“Love doesn’t let you walk away clean. Love is messy. Love takes a fucking piece of you before it’s done.”

Sweet mother of angst! I have no freaking idea how I survived this trilogy with even half my sanity intact…. or did I? *babbles incoherently*

But seriously though, it’s not often that a trilogy manages to suck me in as much as this one had. My book ADD typically kicks in right around book two with a major case of feeling-like-book-filleritis. But something about this one just worked for me. The angst, the hate, the lies, all of it built up into this amazing conclusion of one hell of a second chance romance! If you haven’t met Tristan and Danika yet, you’re in for one hell of a ride!

A HUSBAND’S REGRET by Natasha Anders

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Revenge, they said was a dish best served cold. He’d been waiting for two years. And how much sweeter the payback would be no that he had her very firmly within his grasp.

OK, so this is not your typical second chance romance because the hero isn’t exactly groveling back right away. Let’s just say there are some assumptions and he wants revenge on his wife that he kicked out two years ago. But when he finally understands the enormity of his mistake? Second chance grovel goodness!

BELONG TO ME by Shayla Black

GOODREADS | AMAZON

She’d never required someone for her next breath the way she did Logan in that moment. God, she’d been hoping to bring them both closure, but now he felt like a part of her… so necessary to her existence.

Uber and super possessive alphas, BDSM, and a hot lot of smexy? This series has it. Belong To Me was probably my favorite in the series and two words why: Second. Chance.

The main couple were high school sweethearts that were torn apart by a dangerous secret, to be reunited as adults. Yumminess ensues.

UNLAWFUL CONTACT by Pamela Clare

GOODREADS | AMAZON

“No, Hunt, it’s simple. If right now is all we have, if this is all we get, then I’ll grab it with both hands and take all I can.”

Firstly, if you haven’t met Marc “Hunt” Hunter, you haven’t lived. No really. Trust me on that.

Sophie and Hunt were childhood sweethearts. She was the good girl, he was the elusive bad boy. Now he’s the elusive escaped convicted murderer that’s taken her hostage. Sound delicious? Because it totally is!

NO CHANCE by Christy Reece

GOODREADS | AMAZON

“Sometimes she wondered if those who felt too deeply were the ones who, when hurt, shut down their emotions even tighter than others.”

If you’re a fan of steamy romantic suspense, you need to read Christy’s Last Chance Rescue series. No Chance is book 4 in the series, but it’s easily read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading the entire series because I loved it!

Here’s the book blurb to entice you further:

DO OR DIE

Skylar James told a lie to the man she married, and eight years later she still bitterly regrets the deception. Unknown to Skylar, her husband, Gabe Maddox, now lives in the dangerous shadows of elite operatives who rescue victims. When Skylar tries to save a naïve young beauty, kidnappers come after her. For Gabe, Skylar had been his last shot at trust and love. But news of her disappearance battens down his anger and launches him into action. Saving Skylar is Gabe’s only chance for peace and his last chance for happiness.

THE DARKEST HOUR by Maya Banks

GOODREADS | AMAZON

“She laid her head against his collarbone, and he kissed her temple. To her shock, she felt a shudder roll through his body about the same time she registered wetness against her skin. Tears. His tears.
She started to turn around, but he tightened his grip.
“Stay,” he said in a choked voice. “Just let me hold you, baby. Just let me hold you.”

A wife he believed is dead for a year is very much alive and ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly will stop at nothing to get her back. But when he does, the battle for her heart and memories might be even harder than the battle to rescue her! What a swoony read this was. Don’t expect Maya’s typical erotic romance with this, because this was more mild on that scale. But boy the feels of it all!

NOW AND THEN by Mira Lyn Kelly

GOODREADS | AMAZON

There was something primal about the way he felt with her. It was unreasonable. Irrational. And he didn’t fucking care, because that feeling was so good, the only thing that mattered was making sure he got more.

Does the title not give it away? Because it totally should! If you haven’t read the fun and steamy Dare to Love series by Mira Lyn Kelly, then get yourself some. The book before this one was a great friends-to-lovers! And each book is easily read as a standalone.

There’s one author that’s given me plenty of favorite second chance romances and that’s Kristen Ashley. I should really just dedicate a list just for her…

GOLDEN TRAIL by Kristen Ashley

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Tanner Layne and Raquel Merrick fell in love young, hard and fast and both of them knew a beautiful life they thought would be forever.

Until Rocky left Layne, no explanation, no going back.

Layne escapes The ‘Burg only to come back years later because his ex-wife has hooked herself to the town jerk and Layne needs to make sure his sons get raised right. Layne manages to avoid Rocky but when Layne gets three bullets drilled into him while investigating a dirty cop, he can’t do that because Rocky stops avoiding Layne. They make a deal to work together to expose the dirty cop but they have no idea the strength of their enduring attraction or the sheer evil at work in The ‘Burg.

As Tanner Layne and Raquel Merrick play their game and dance around the pull that draws them together, Layne has to discover the dark secrets buried so deep in Rocky’s heart she doesn’t even know they’re there at the same time untangle a sinister web of crime so abhorrent it has to be stopped… at all costs.

And to do it, Layne has to enlist everyone, including his ex-CIA mentor, Rocky’s detective brother, the town’s unpredictable informant and Layne’s two teenage sons all the while stopping Rocky from doing something crazy and keeping their game secret so Layne won’t get himself dead.

PLAY IT SAFE by Kristen Ashley

GOODREADS | AMAZON

No connections. Play it safe. These were the rules Ivey lived her life by.

Until she hit Mustang, Colorado, a perfectly imperfect town where the citizens were welcoming and one of them included the tall, beautiful, macho man rancher cowboy, Grayson Cody.

On the run for a decade, Ivey knew she was supposed to play it safe. But she was tired of being on the run. She wanted a normal. She wanted real. She wanted a home.

And she wanted Grayson Cody.

And Grayson Cody wanted Ivey.

No one who looked at them couldn’t see they belonged together. There was one man in this world for Ivey and one woman in this world for Grayson Cody.

So they fell in love.

But just as quickly as they fell together, they were betrayed and torn apart. Separated for years, Ivey was certain her life would not include her rancher cowboy. Until the town of Mustang reached out to her when Gray was in trouble. Even though she thought he broke her heart, she charged in to help. Then Gray and Ivey discovered they were betrayed and, not only that, Gray had an enemy who would stop at nothing to defeat him.

CREED by Kristen Ashley

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Way too young, eleven year old Tucker Creed and his six year old neighbor, Sylvie Bissenette, find they have something awful in common. Creed then decides he’s going to do everything in his limited power to shield his Sylvie from her ordeal. So he does and Creed and Sylvie form a bond that grows and blossoms with their ages.

They plot to leave their lives behind, the town they live in that will hold them down and the histories they share that, unless they break free, will bury them. Sylvie goes to their special place, Creed never shows and she doesn’t see him again until it’s too late.

With Creed gone, Sylvie is forced to endure a nightmare and do the unspeakable to end it. To deal, she develops a hard shell with sharp edges that very few can break through. So when Creed again finds his Sylvie, he discovers the girl he loved is locked away and he has to find his way back into her heart without getting shredded in the process.

ROCK CHICK RECKONING by Kristen Ashley

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Stella’s the lead singer and lead guitarist of The Blue Moon Gypsies and Stella used to be Mace’s girl. Mace broke up with her, though, and the loss of him rocked her world. But Stella gets a call, late at night (again) from one of the members of her crazy band. She has to go play clean up (again) and runs into Mace and a shed load of police, and ends up getting shot.

Mace finds he doesn’t like it much that his ex-girlfriend got shot right in front of him but it’s worse. A very bad man has thrown down the gauntlet and all the Rock Chicks are in the firing line. Stella doesn’t want Mace to be the one to keep her alive, but she has no choice. Mainly because Mace isn’t giving her one.

WALK THROUGH FIRE by Kristen Ashley (and holy ugly cry, batman!)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

The flame never dies . . .

Millie Cross knows what it’s like to burn for someone. She was young and wild and he was fierce and even wilder-a Chaos biker who made her heart pound. They fell in love at first sight and life was good, until she learned she couldn’t be the woman he needed and made it so he had no choice but to walk away. Twenty years later, Millie’s chance run-in with her old flame sparks a desire she just can’t ignore. And this time, she won’t let him ride off . . .

Bad boy Logan “High” Judd has seen his share of troubles with the law. Yet it was a beautiful woman who broke him. After ending a loveless marriage, High is shocked when his true love walks back into his life. Millie is still gorgeous, but she’s just a ghost of her former self. High’s intrigued at the change, but her betrayal cut him deep-and he doesn’t want to get burned again. As High sinks into meting out vengeance for Millie’s betrayal, he’ll break all over again when he realizes just how Millie walked through fire for her man…

And now back to regularly scheduled programming with the rest of my list!

REKINDLE THE FLAME by Kate Meader

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Nine years on, and nothing had changed. Beck Rivera was still the boy who heated her from the inside out….

Don’t let the slightly cheesy cover fool you, this book is super steamy and super fun! If you follow my reviews, you already know my love for this author. If you’re looking for a taste before you jump into her entire backlist, this novella is the way to go 😉

Did I mention the hero is a smokin’ hot fire fighter? No pun intended. Ha! Who am I kidding? It totally was

FIGHTING TO BREATHE by Aurora Rose Reynolds

GOODREADS | AMAZON

I wanted her fifteen years ago, and I still fucking want her now. There isn’t a single part of me that doesn’t know she’s my future…

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a total guilty pleasure read for me. Her uber OTT alphas and swoony and sexy romances seem to hit the spot for me every time. They’re nothing crazy and the stories aren’t exactly something I haven’t read before…and yet? They seem to do it for me every time.

UNTIL LILLY by Aurora Rose Reynolds

GOODREADS | AMAZON

“I’m going to make you fall in love with me again.”

This has to be one of my favorite books by this author to date. While it’s book 3 in her Until series, it’s also easily read as a standalone. Nothing like those Mayson brothers and their Boom. If you want a good dose of sexy alpha, this is a go-to.

ONE MORE SHOT by Victoria Denault

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Hockey was the only thing in my life that made me feel right. It used to be hockey and Jessie, but then I lost Jessie. It had been hockey and only hockey ever since.

Hot hockey player? Check! Friends to lovers turned second chance romance? Check! Angst? Check and double freaking check!

FISHER’S LIGHT by Tara Sivec

GOODREADS | AMAZON

I’m going to fix this. I have to fix this… I hate every moment that I’m away from her, but I will do whatever it takes to find the man she once loved and bring him back to her.

Oh the swoons! Oh the feels! Oh mylanta! Gawd but this book packed a hell of punch…straight to the mother effin feels! I adored every single wonderful page of it. The hero is suffering from crippling PTSD and the crumbling of his marriage to his beloved wife. Now he wants to fight like hell to get his woman back and he’ll stop at nothing for that second chance.

How about some rockstar second chance romances now? You can never go wrong with rockstars!

FOREVER MY GIRL by Heidi McLaughlin

GOODREADS | AMAZON

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

ROCK HARD by Olivia Cunning

GOODREADS | AMAZON

An ultimatum can break your heart…

Every night lead singer, Sed Lionheart whips thousands of women into a frenzy with his voice alone. But the stage is the only place Sed feels any passion since he lost Jessica…

If you’re not willing to break all the rules…

It shattered her heart, but law student Jessica broke off her engagement to Sed, determined to be successful on her own terms. But no other man can ever hold a candle to Sed…

Then a chance meeting and tortuously close quarters lead to uncontrollable flares of passion and rediscovery of their unique penchant for public encounters. Now, in addition to the risk of mutual heartbreak every time they get together, they’re in danger of truly scandalous public exposure…

TORN FROM YOU by Nashoda Rose

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Love is like an avalanche. It hits hard, fast and without mercy.

At least it did for me when Sculpt, the lead singer of the rock band Tear Asunder knocked me off my feet. Literally, because he’s also a fighter, illegally of course, and he taught me how to fight. He also taught me how to love and I fell hard for him. I mean the guy could do sweet, when he wasn’t doing bossy, and I like sweet.

Then it all shattered.

Kidnapped.
Starved.
Beaten.
I was alone and fighting to survive.
When I heard Sculpt’s voice, I thought he was there to save me.

I was wrong.

And now back to regularly standard programming with the rest of my list…

SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE by Monica Murphy

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*Sequel to the USA Today Bestseller ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND*

New Adult Contemporary

Lost. That one single word best describes my life at this very moment. I lost the last games of the season and both my team and my coach blame me. I lost the last two months because I drowned in my own despair like a complete loser. And I lost the only girl who ever mattered because I was afraid being with me would destroy her.

But now I realize how truly lost I am without her. She has become my story…and even though she acts like she’s moved on, I know she still thinks about me just as much as I think about her. She’s beautiful, sweet–and so damn vulnerable, all I want to do is help her. Be there for her.

Love her…

If only I could convince Fable to give me a second chance. Then I wouldn’t feel so lost anymore, and neither would she. We could be found together.

Forever.

AXEL by Harper Sloan

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Fate hasn’t always been friends with Isabelle West. In fact, fate has been a downright bitch.

Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares. One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved.

For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband.

When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.

Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.

How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?

THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE by Jane Harvey Berrick

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“Caro… I don’t understand – why do you love me?”
“Just because… because the sky is blue and the sea is green.”

One of the most memorable and emotional second chance romances I’ve read, and it’s not available in one single edition for only $3.99. This is a duet that begins with The Education of Sebastian. The heroine is older, and trapped in a loveless marriage. The hero is just 17 at the time. Their love story truly takes off in the second book which takes place ten years later. This was the book that first made me fall in love with this incredibly talented author.

NO REVERSE and FAST FORWARD by Marion Croslydon

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Cassie used to make me feel. She also used to keep me from thinking straight. Some things didn’t change.

This is a duet about love, second chances and forgiveness. It’s more emotional than steamy with a healthy amount of angst thrown in.

This was my chance- our chance- to make things right. I’d made a promise to Cass and damn it all to hell, I’d never break it.

Book 3 in the series, You Turn, is another great second chance romance with a different character that was first introduced in the duet. I highly recommend that one as well.

ALL I WANT by J. Daniels

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“It’s possible to hate someone, to look at them and wish you weren’t aware of their every move, and to want them more than you’ve ever wanted anything in your life.”

Luke *pervy sigh*

If you follow my reviews you already know I’m obsessed with all things J. Daniels and her Alabama Summer series just so happens to be one of my favorites. While Luke and Reed from When I Fall are my top 2 favorite heroes she’s written, there’s just something about Luke that makes him my number one. Maybe it’s the addition of hate/lust in this book in addition to the second chance romance? Whatever the reason is, this book and this series are an absolute must read!

CROSSING THE LINE by Kele Moon

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Every story had an innocent beginning, even theirs, and Tabitha found herself wishing she had a chance to go back and relive it one more time, because she didn’t want to let go any more than Wyatt did.

Speaking of authors I’m obsessed with, Kele Moon is at the tippy top of that particular list. I stalk the loving hell out of the poor woman and she still puts up with me. She’s a saint on top of an incredibly talented author, clearly. But I digress…

Crossing The Line is book 3 in her Battered Hearts series, and while you technically could enjoy it as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this amazing series in order…and quickly following that up with her Untamed Hearts series (anti-heroes FTW). CTL was an incredibly emotional and erotic second chance story and to this day continues to be one of my all time favorites.

LOVE AND LET DIE by Lexi Blake

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He was going to kill her. He was going to wrap his hands around her pretty throat and squeeze. Except the minute he had the vision of killing his back-from-the-dead wife, she was suddenly naked and he wasn’t thinking about throttling her anymore. Maybe he could fuck her to death. That would be a better way to go.

Since we’re on the subject of series/authors I’m obsessed with, we need to talk about Lexi Blake and her Masters & Mercenaries series because OMG! I lurve this series so freaking hard, it’s not even funny. Now this is definitely a series I highly recommend reading in order because while each book is a different couple, at times there’s a plot arc that continues through several books. Love and Let Die centers on my favorite Dom and his reunion with the wife he thought was long dead and still mourning. Oh yeah. It IS as good as it sounds!

BLIND FAITH by Rebecca Zanetti

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He was an experiment created in a test tube, maybe without a soul, perhaps without any hope. But for a brief time, with this woman, he’d felt whole. Real. Good. Even if they just had the night, he wanted that feeling again.

Blind Faith is book three in Rebecca’s Sin Brothers series and easily my favorite since…second chance and everything. Nate reunites with the one woman he gave his heart too that also happens to be the daughter of his mortal enemy.

Based on a band of brothers who carry unnatural powers genetically engineered into them by a black ops military unit, the series has a little PNR twist to it, but mainly it’s pulse pounding romantic suspense. I recommend reading these books in order for maximum effect 😉

THIN LOVE by Eden Butler

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“You were mine and I never loved anything more. I never wanted anything or anyone like I wanted you. Like I still want you. My always, Keira. You’re still my always.”

Sweet mother of angst! The angst! All of the angst! It hurt so good. If you want a book that will rip the heart out of your chest through your throat and then slowly put it back together, this is the book you NEED to read. Man on man but I loved it. It’s told it two parts; the first being when the H/h meet and fall in love when they’re younger and the story of what leads to the falling apart of their relationship, and the second part is their reunion. Both parts are equally amazing and if you read one book from my list, this should be at the very top!

HARDER by Robin York

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“Because I love you. I don’t want to, okay? I think there are some things that are so hard, you shouldn’t have to do them, only no one can take them from you. There are feelings so sick, so obviously unhealthy, you shouldn’t have to feel them. But there they are. I still love you, and I’m not ever going to see you again, not ever. You did that to us. Not your dad or your family. just you. So I could hit you. I could rage at you right now, and call you every ugly name I know, and I know a lot. I could tell you how much I’m hurting, or I could get out of the car, slam the door, hitchhike to the airport because fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, West, how could you do this to me? How?

Speaking of angst….this book got it. In spades! Holy shit but it has it! And it’s utterly delicious. This is book two in a duet and must be read after DEEPER.

POWER PLAY by Mallery Malone

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This was much more than she remembered. He was much more than she remembered.

Firstly, if you’re looking for a deliciously smutty and yet well developed series of novellas, you need to check out the entire The Billionaire’s Club.

Power Play is a a super sexy second chance romance about rich MMA playboy and the woman from his past that he never forgot.

THIS HEART OF MINE by Brenda Novak

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She’d wanted him so badly seventeen years ago. And now that he wanted her, regardless of what anyone said, she wouldn’t come near him.

I can’t describe to you just how much I loved this crazy emotional romance of redemption and second chances. The heroine has spent years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit and now she’s back in town where everyone hates her and her high school sweetheart and father of her son is at the top of that list.

This book had everything; the feels and the swoons. And one of the most unforgettable stories of redemption I’ve ever read.

FORGETTING AUGUST by J.L. Berg

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“Loving me destroyed you…”
“Loving you brought me back to life.”

A woman trying to move on from a man that shattered her. A man that wakes up from a coma not remembering who he was or how he ended up there. What do they have in common? A turbulent and unforgettable love. This is not the typical second chance romance but man I loved this. August, the hero, has amnesia. And the heroine is engaged to a different man now. But there’s a magnetic force that still draws them together while August struggles to regain his memory.

MY ONE AND ONLY by Kristan Higgins

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“COME ON FLOREANCE !” I yelled out of the window. “CAN YOU MOVE IT?”
The driver of the car extended and arm….and a finger.
It was a male arm and a finger.

And then the car door opened,with my ex husband stepping out.

If you want sweet and funny, and I’m talking laugh out loud kind of funny, this book is a must read. Simply a must read for any contemporary romance fans.

TAKING FIRE by Cindy Gerard

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And there they stood, locked in an embrace of emotions that bound them together with a common history, a common fear, and a common goal.

Romantic suspense with a sexy hero and an amazing kick-ass heroine? Oh yeah! This book definitely had it! It was also a wonderful second chance romance as well. The hero first meets the heroine on a mission overseas and they share one steamy night between the sheets…only for him to wake up the next day and realize her betrayal. Now six years later, love throws them together again with one hell of an explosion…both literally and physically!

If you haven’t read any books by this author, you’re seriously missing out. Taking Fire is book four in her One Eyed Jacks series, but also easily read as a standalone.

PAPER HEARTS HEARTS by Claire Contreras

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“Some say I loved her to the point of madness, bordering on obsession. She said I put her on a pedestal that her real self couldn’t attain. Perhaps they’re all right. Perhaps I am mad. And if that’s the case, to be frank, I don’t give a damn. What I know is that she sets me on fire, and if you were to perform an intradermal test on me, you’d know when she was in it because you’d see the trails of blaze she left behind. Because that’s what I feel at the mere thought of her, and I’d rather live my life in flames than be numb without her.” He paused, and I let out a breath, but then he said one last thing. “Come back to me, my little Road Runner, my world is cold and boring without you.”

Easily one of my favorite second chance romances I’ve read to date. Period.

That’s about it for my list. But I’d like to do something different this time around, and also include some recs from fellow readers in my DGR’s Den of Iniquity group for this trope! Thank you Maria, Emma, Seyna, Carolin, and Jennifer <3

4 Comments · Filed Under: Features · Tagged With: DGR Fave, DGRUltimate

Blog Tour & Review: ★From Sanctum With Love★ by @authorlexiblake

February 27, 2016 by Lana ·

From Sanctum with Love
Series: Masters and Mercenaries #10
Genre: Erotic Romantic Suspense, BDSM
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: February 23, 2015

Psychologist Kai Ferguson has had his eye on Kori Williamson for a long time. His assistant is everything he’s ever wanted in a partner—smart, caring, witty, and a bit of a masochist. More than a little, actually, but that’s the problem. Kori won’t admit her own desires. She’s afraid of him and what he has to offer. Luckily for her, helping patients face their fears is one of his specialties.

Kori knows she wants Kai. Her boss is the most amazing man she’s ever met. She’s also smart enough to stay away from him. Having been down this road before, she knows it only leads to heartache. She’s just found a place where she can belong. Another failed relationship is the last thing she needs. It’s better to guard her heart and let Kai think she’s frightened of his dark, dominant nature.

When Kai is recruited for an operation with McKay-Taggart, everything is turned upside down. Kai’s brother, international superstar Jared Johns, is in town and Kai must juggle his family issues along with a desperate hunt for a serial killer. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together, and they quickly discover the chemistry between them is undeniable. But even if their newfound love can survive his secrets and her lies, it may not be enough to save them both from a killer’s twisted obsession.

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Kori heard some movement and then felt the whoosh of air caress her skin right before something thin and hard thwacked against her flesh. A gasp made her chest pulse as pure fire licked over her backside.“This is a cane,” Kai explained. “It’s bamboo, nice and not too flexible. It leaves a mark if you apply enough force.” He brought it down on her again, this time on her thighs. Again, she struggled for breath. “Are you bored now, Kori?”

“No, Sir.” She barely managed to get the words out of her mouth.

“Excellent, then we’re making headway.” The cane came down again and again. “Where are we on the stoplight?”

“Green.” She didn’t even hesitate. The pain was doing its job, heating her up and making her soft. Each strike of the cane lit her up and then brought her back down, sinking deeper and deeper into that soft, fuzzy place of submission.

“Now we’re getting some truth.” He kept up his punishing pace. “She didn’t take her time trying to find a way out of what she didn’t want to say.”

“Why would she lie?” Jared asked.

“That’s a good question.” The blows continued, making her ache as Kai spoke. “I suspect she didn’t want anyone here to know that she’s a naughty masochist who can’t get off without a little bite of pain. Or a big one. She hasn’t accepted her nature. Or she has and expects that no one else will.”

“I accepted my nature a long time ago,” she managed to say.

The caning stopped and suddenly Kai’s boots were in view again. He dropped to one knee, that hard hand in her hair again. “Then tell me why.”

She couldn’t tell him. It was too much. “I’m yellow now, Kai. Don’t make me safe word out over an explanation I’m not ready to give.”

“Fine.” His hand moved from her hair down, skimming over her skin until his fingertips found her breast. Kai Ferguson was touching her breast. God, he was cupping her and she couldn’t breathe. “How about I put a scenario forth and you think about it for a few days. I think the reason you didn’t mention your utterly beautiful and sexy inclinations is me. You didn’t want me to know because you were perfectly aware that I’m the only one here who can possibly give you what you need. You knew that once I found out, I wouldn’t be able to help myself because you’re the only one who can do the same for me, baby. Do you know how fucking good I feel right now? How good this makes me feel?”

He rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger and twisted with a vicious bite that left her panting.

She squeezed her eyes closed because she couldn’t look at him, couldn’t see how beautiful he was. “It won’t work, Kai.”

Another nasty twist got her squirming. “It’s working right fucking now. Darling girl, your ass is up in the air and that means I can see how wet your pussy is. Tell me some other Dom here got you wet and ready.”

“You know I can’t.” She tugged at her restraints, but they didn’t move. The rope rubbed across her skin, keeping her here with him. She couldn’t run, and she had to admit she didn’t want to. She wanted this moment with him. Her pride might make her get up and stride away but every other part of her begged for what she’d denied herself for so long. He was the only man here who could give her what she needed. It wasn’t about who hit the hardest. Any of those other Doms could have adequately provided her with pain. She needed more. She needed connection, the ebb and flow of pain and pleasure coming from a man who was there with her.

Her dark shadow lover. Kai.

“I’m not the exhibitionist you are,” Kai admitted. “And that’s the only reason I’m not fucking you right now, but we’re going to have a long discussion in the morning about the way this needs to go. For tonight, I’m going to start the process that will allow you to remain friends with all those people you lied to. So you are going to give me everything I want. You’re going to cry for me. You’re going to let go and show them that you’ll cry for me.”

She shook her head. “You’re asking too much.”

“It’s cry or come, baby. One or the other, unless you want to find yourself in Big Tag’s office. Let me show him I can handle you.”

“I can’t. I haven’t done either in a very long time.” She hadn’t cried since leaving LA. She couldn’t. Wouldn’t. She hadn’t come either. Not a man-given orgasm. Her mind worked overtime. He wasn’t joking about getting called into Big Tag’s office. Whatever punishment Kai could come up with—nothing would touch Big Tag’s disapproval. They were all mad at her. It was enough to make her want to run away again.

Except it wasn’t that they wanted to see her humiliated. This punishment wasn’t about hurting her. It was about this group of people knowing that someone among them could take care of her. When she looked at it like that, it didn’t seem like punishment at all. It was about the Dominants giving a shit.

Morgan hadn’t cared when she’d lied to him. All he’d wanted was the next bit of work from her. After a while, he hadn’t cared about her finding subspace or her pent-up sexuality. He’d doled out the pain like it was bait for his trap. He would give her enough to ensure she stayed around and did what he needed her to do.

This wasn’t the same thing at all.

“I don’t want to cry in front of anyone, Kai.”

“Then let me show them you can let go in another way.”

He wanted to tie her up in ropes and contracts and legal bindings. He wanted to possess her, to own a piece of her soul and give her a part of his.

Lexi Blake’s romances are an addiction I never want a cure from. I don’t care how many books this woman writes in this series because I will read each and every single one of them with the fervor of a kid at a candy store for the very first time. Yes. They’re that good. Her Masters and Mercenaries has been my biggest addiction for years now. And with ten novels into the series, I still hope it never ends. Each book continues to be just as good if not better than the last; keeping me on the edge of my seat one minute, and uncomfortably squirming in it and fanning myself in the next. It’s the perfect combination of romance and suspense, espionage and action, all topped with sizzling hot BDSM that together makes for one unputdownable read.

After the events of Master No, there’s one book I’ve been practically salivating to get my hands on. But of course, Lexi being the sadist that she must truly be, she’ll just keep dangling that carrot in front of me for at least another book. And I’ll just keep frothing at the mouth for it like a rabid bunny because GIMME.

While this book was still as action packed and entertaining as it’s predecessors, it was also quite different too. Yes, the team of McKay-Taggart is still hunting the shadowy Collective and trying to find those responsible for the death of their two team members during the op that went to hell. But this is not the focus of this book. Instead you get the mystery of a serial killer all tied in with the story of the resident psychologist, Kai and his secretary, Kori. Admittedly, Kai never piqued my interest much in the previous books. Sure he raised a mild curiosity, but it wasn’t that I’ll-die-if-I-don’t-get-it-soon kind of need. But that certainly changed when I got a true sense of the delicious sadist that this man is at his very core.

Kori is a masochist that’s been hiding her true nature for years after a relationship almost cost her everything that she is. She knows who Kai is and what his kinks are, but she knows she can never show him her true self because he’ll demand nothing short of everything.

Are you afraid of me?”
Yes. She was terrified of him. He was everything she couldn’t have…

When an FBI investigation into a serial killer forces a movie star into their midst, things begin to get sticky. The fact that the movie star also happens to be Kai’s estranged brother certainly doesn’t help matters. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together and it’s not long before their desires get too much for either one of them to deny.

Tell me what you want from me…
Do you want a sweet lover?”
“No, Sir.”
“Do you want me to worship you with kisses and gentle caresses?”
“No, Kai. I don’t want that.”
“What do you want, sub?”
“I want you to hurt me.”

Kori and Kai together burned up the pages. I loved them as individual characters but I absolutely adored them as a couple. They may not have had a strong presence in the previous books, but they were still a dynamic couple in their own. Sadism isn’t typically my cuppa either, but something about just did it for me here. Possibly because Kai was such a great balance of loving and sweet with that demanding Dom persona with his sadistic urges.

While Kori is a true sub and masochist, emotionally she was one of the strongest heroines. I loved her sass and smart mouth. The girl could take hits and keep coming back swinging and I couldn’t get enough of her.

That prostitution-whore stuff can throw a girl off because she’s trying to figure out what the hell you just said. Like if I called you a skanky ho-bag who’s one step above assistant crack whore, you would try to figure out if I was calling you a slut or a prostitute. Mix it up. It throws people off.”
“You’re a bitch.
Kori sighed. “Yeah, I’ve heard that before. And now I’m bored again. Scurry off, sad woman, I’m not sure you’ve got something to do with your time.”

There’s a lot of things happening in this book and all of them tie together for quite a few twists. There’s a few secondary characters introduced that I’m hoping will be getting a book, and one that I already know will (and I’m itching to get my hands on). We also get some more Case and you get to meet the heroine for his book which certainly makes for an interesting combination. I can’t wait to see how that turns out. And of course there’s also Erin and you know who that I’m hoping will follow short after because I can’t take much longer for that.

From Sanctum With Love didn’t feel like it fit the series at first. I kept thinking maybe it should have been a novella as some of the others less dynamic couples from Sanctum have been. But the more I read, the more I understood the need for this book. It served as a powerful transition to quite a few plot twists, new character introductions and a great story of it’s own. I couldn’t stop reading it. And while I do wish it was Case or my beloved (view spoiler)[Theo (hide spoiler)], I loved every single page of this. If you haven’t read this amazing series yet, I can’t recommend it enough. But do yourself a favor and read it in order, because while each book focuses on a different couple and their HEA, the story ARC continues throughout the series and you’d be missing out on the full effect of it by not reading it in order.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon Author Page

· Filed Under: All Reviews, BDSM, Erotic Rom · Tagged With: BDSM, Book Reviews: 4 stars, Lexi Blake

Cover Reveals and Rockstars with Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott

February 26, 2016 by Lana ·

Did you know I’m slightly obsessed with all things Cari and Taryn? No? Because I am. Like borderline going Misery on them just to keep getting a fix. You may wonder what started my addiction, and that was the day I read Rocked, book one in their Lost in Oblivion series. Rockstars, romance and angst; this girl couldn’t ask for anything more.

Now this amazing series has gotten a face list with brand, spanking new and gorgeous covers! If you’re new to the series, you need to be one-clicking the hell out of these. And fans will surely appreciate the brand new stunning covers on our favorites 🙂

Seduced (Lost in Oblivion, #0.5)

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Music kept them going. Now it might tear them apart…

Guitarist Nick Crandall has one focus in his life—Oblivion, the band he started with his closest friends, lead singer Simon Kagan and bassist Deacon McCoy. After losing their drummer to rehab, they’re struggling. Until Deacon poses a surprising suggestion.

Bring in someone new. Two new someones, and one of them happens to be a chick.

One YouTube video gone viral later, the band is heading to the top faster than they ever dreamed.

If the band doesn’t break up—and hearts don’t get broken—before they manage to sign their first recording contract.

**The guys are in the driver’s seat in Seduced…and the ride’s gonna rock. This prequel is the novel-length introduction to the band Oblivion and occurs before the books about each of the band members.**

ROCKED (LIO #1)

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Book 1 in the rockstar series, Lost in Oblivion.

Music saved him, but now it’s keeping him from the only woman he craves…

Brawny bassist Deacon McCoy pulled himself up from nothing and is living the dream now that his band Oblivion is opening for his idols on their first tour. He’s frustrated at changes in the band’s management, but one thing takes all the tension away—his fascination with the deliciously cute tour chef, Harper Pruitt.

Born to roadie parents, Harper has had no patience for most rockstars’ love ’em and leave ’em ways. But when it comes to falling into Demon Deacon’s bed—or against the wall, or on the golf course in a rainstorm—she doesn’t seem to have any self-control.

Hot nights with a naughty, inventive rockstar are one thing, but more isn’t on the playlist. Until Deacon’s dream with his best friends starts turning into a nightmare, and Harper begins to see the real man behind the façade.

Except Harper has her own dreams to chase, even if what she’s started with Deacon might be the most important one of all.

**This book is a standalone title in the Lost in Oblivion series.**

ROCK, RATTLE & ROLL (LIO #1.5)

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Loving in fast forward…

Love on the fast track has been the definition of Harper and Deacon McCoy’s relationship. In between studio sessions with Deacon’s band, Oblivion, and building a new clientele for Harper’s catering business, the newlyweds haven’t had time to sleep let alone have a honeymoon.

Deacon convinces Harper that they need a week alone together before her business as well as a new album and tour swallows them whole. Since Texas has always held special meaning for them, they head to Galveston to recharge and remember what it’s like to just be a couple.

A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin on skin action is just what the rockstar ordered. Until the future once again comes much quicker than they expected, threatening to crumble not only their perfect honeymoon but also their brand new marriage.

**What comes after happily ever after? This book is a standalone title in the Lost in Oblivion series.**

TWISTED (LIO #2)

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He’s always been her knight in shining armor. He just never expected to be the one who needed to be saved…

Being the rhythm guitarist in one of the country’s hottest bands with his best friend Jazz is Gray Duffy’s dream come true. Since the day she became his foster sister as a teenager, Gray has protected her. Loved her.

At first platonically, then so much more.

Jazz adores Gray, and he makes Jazz feel safer than anyone she’s ever known. And more frustrated. Now that they’re making music together and spending every waking moment trapped in tight quarters, the time is right for her to make a move toward the man she loves.

If the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy them—and their band.

**This book is a standalone title in the Lost in Oblivion series.**

UNTWISTED (LIO #2.5)

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Falling in love was easy…figuring out the rhythm of being a couple, not so much.

Now that they’ve pressed play, life is going way too fast for Gray Duffy and Jazz Edwards. A super hot video has boosted their band Oblivion’s popularity even higher, and suddenly Gray and Jazz are the reigning prince and princess of rock. But as their private wedding ceremony in their treasured place approaches, they realize they can’t go forward without facing their roots.

With new family members coming into the mix and old unresolved dramas coming to a head, one thing is for sure—the harder they rock, the bigger the drop.

**What comes after happily ever after? This book is a standalone title in the Lost in Oblivion series.**

DESTROYED (LIO #3)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Only one woman has ever refused him…and she’s the only one he wants.

Now that he’s beyond successful with his band Oblivion, lead singer Simon Kagan is enjoying his all-access pass to the groupie train. After getting more fists in the ribs than hugs growing up, he discovers having a warm female in his bed is an easy way to escape the loneliness.

Until Margo.

From the moment he met the classy, buttoned-up violinist, he knew she was different. After an amazing night in the studio, he’s finally connected with someone on a deeper level—only to have her walk away without a backward glance.

As a member of the Boston Symphony orchestra, Margo Reece’s life revolves around the regimented structure of a second chair violinist. She walked away from Simon because that’s what she was supposed to do. And Margo always does what she’s supposed to.

Until being with Simon becomes a choice she never thought she’d have to make.

If it’s not already too late.

**This book has a cliffhanger.**

CONSUMED (LIO #3.5)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Is it better to burn out or fade away…

Oblivion lead singer Simon Kagan is used to being in the spotlight for his model good looks and his voice, not because of the epic ending to Oblivion’s last show on their home turf in California. That unforgettable night rocked Oblivion in more ways than one, and now the journey back seems almost impossible.

The only bright spot is Margo. Margo, the one woman he’d been sure would never be more than a hot ride in the dark. Margo, who would never be his.

Except she is…for now. But taking one dream and trading it for another isn’t supposed to hurt this much.

As long as Margo never realizes the man she fell for no longer exists, maybe he won’t lose everything that matters due to just one all-consuming night.

COMMITED (LIO #3.7)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

A Lost in Oblivion Outtake — Simon & Margo

All he wants is forever.

With the crash and burn of Simon Kagan’s singing career, things have been a little off between him and Margo Reece. The passion is there–it’s always there–but he wants to make sure she knows just how invested and committed he is to making her happy.

Even if that means breaking out a ring and convincing her to wear one.

**Originally published in the Love Ever After boxed set in September, 2015**

**Outtakes are short stories set in the world of the Lost in Oblivion series.**

SHATTERED (LIO #4)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

He’s shattered…and she’s the only woman who can help him pick up the pieces.
Nick Crandall has everything he ever thought he wanted. Tons of money, a glamorous lifestyle, professional admiration for making music. But all his success doesn’t erase the memories of who and what he’s lost on the road to fame and fortune. Nor does it stop his dream from shattering, right before his eyes.

Until the person he least expects pulls him back from the brink.

Lila Shawcross is obsessed with her work, which includes managing the drama-prone members of Oblivion. She’s definitely not about to let a hot-headed, hard-bodied lead guitarist wreck her orderly existence or dilute her focus. So what if she’s never craved a man quite this much? There are just too many complications, including the gold band on her left hand.

Except Nick is determined to possess her…and what Nick wants, Nick gets. Because this time, he’s not walking away.

**Big cliffhangers ahead on this couple’s journey to HEA.

GIFTED (LIO #4.2)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

A Lost in Oblivion Outtake — Nick & Lila

All he wants for Christmas is his girl…and a strand of pearls.

Rockstar Nick Crandall is determined to make this Christmas the best of his life. So what if his beloved band, Oblivion, may be on the rocks? So what if his girl, Lila Shawcross, the band’s manager, has been freezing him out for days without telling him why? And hey, who needs snow anyway? In Southern California, it’s always hot.

Especially when the band gets back together for their kind of misfit family Christmas, and Nick and Lila reunite for one steamy night…

**Outtakes are short stories set in the world of the Lost in Oblivion series.**

FUSED (LIO #4.5)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

They’re shattered…and he’s the only one who can fuse them back together.

From the pinnacle of success to the depths of despair, the band Oblivion has been through it all. Nick Crandall, the lead guitarist and the one most likely to cause a band breakup, is the only one who can begin to put the pieces back together after the most catastrophic night of his life. And that includes making a stand to win back the woman he needs.

His only choice is to fight hard for what—and who—he loves.

And oh so dirty.

**GIFTED, Oblivion’s new Christmas novella, is included!**

THE OPENING ACT (LiO #0.5-1.5)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Books 0.5, 1 and 1.5 (plus new bonus material!) in the bestselling rockstar series, Lost in Oblivion.

The five members of the rock band Oblivion—Deacon, Gray, Jazz, Simon and Nick—started from nothing and rose to heights higher than they ever dreamed. But who said having it all was easy?

On the band’s first tour, bassist Deacon discovers a desire for a lot more than tour chef Harper’s chocolate coconut popovers. But is the woman he craves a momentary way to satisfy his hunger or are they on their way to a lifetime love?

What’s included in The Opening Act boxed set:
– Seduced, the introductory book to the series
– Rocked, book 1
– Rock, Rattle and Roll, book 1.5

Includes TWO brand new bonus Christmas scenes featuring Deacon and Harper and the rest of the Oblivion gang, as well as a bonus scene from Jazz’s point-of-view of a certain *ahem* event in Seduced!

THE MAIN EVENT (LiO #2- 2.5)

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Books 2 and 2.5 (plus new bonus material!) in the bestselling rockstar series, Lost in Oblivion.

The five members of the rock band Oblivion—Deacon, Gray, Jazz, Simon and Nick—started from nothing and rose to heights higher than they ever dreamed. But who said having it all was easy?

Jazz, Oblivion’s drummer, and Gray, their rhythm guitarist, fell for each other hard and fast as teenagers. But the path to true love never runs smooth, when making love and making music collide.

What’s included in The Main Event boxed set:
– Twisted, book 2
– Untwisted, book 2.5

Includes TWO brand new scenes featuring Gray and Jazz AFTER the honeymoon, as well as a bonus scene of Nick and Lila on the day of Gray and Jazz’s wedding!

· Filed Under: Cover Reveals ·

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