#NewRelease & #Giveaway: ★JUST ONE LIE★ by Kyra Davis

July 28, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Just One Lie
Series: Just One Night #2)
Author: Kyra Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Day: July 28, 2015

The long-awaited follow-up novel to the runaway New York Times bestseller Just One Night—which Publishers Weekly gave a starred review and proclaimed, “Davis skillfully creates an uplifting story in which sex is presented both as freedom and as a metaphor for power, and where raw chemistry is the clear winner over bland complacency.”

In the instant international sensation Just One Night, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions—and found herself—through an explosive affair. In Just One Lie, we meet Kasie’s wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.

Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the “perfect” daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, the enticing and unpredictable Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match.

So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her?

Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion, and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that unburdens her heart and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?

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It is the perfect moment…until I spot him standing near the corner of the room. He’s almost entirely in the shadows, his features barely visible, but still, I recognize him. There’s something about the way that man holds himself. Right now he’s leaning against a beam, his arms crossed over his chest, chin up. Like with a lion, it’s difficult to tell if he’s on the verge of sleeping or attacking. The first time I saw him-when was that, a year ago? No, over thirteen months since we met-I couldn’t stop staring. I loved his high, chiseled cheekbones and his lightly tanned skin that hinted at a possible Native American heritage, or maybe Latino. But then his bright green eyes insisted that the story wasn’t so straightforward. Oh, and I loved his tribal tattoos and the way his full lips curved into a slow, sensual smile when he saw me for the first time at that club in Seattle. An aspiring musician is how he described himself, but that night, when he sang to me, I could see that his talent was a lot more than aspirational.

His first name is Ash-maybe it’s short for Asher or Ashley, I don’t know, and at the time I didn’t care. I just recall thinking that a man with a name like that had to have a story to tell, one that involved passion and adventure and yeah, okay, maybe a little destruction. We talked for hours and I had felt like I understood him in a way that I had never understood anyone else. And then, later, I realized I didn’t know a thing about him. All our words and intimacies had left us strangers.

Ash is the stranger who took my life.

One night with him, one night of rapture. That’s all it took to put an end to Melody Fitzgerald.

And as if killing me wasn’t enough, this son of a bitch has reappeared and he’s fucking with my moment!

I pull my eyes away and find Rick, the owner of the club, standing at the edge of the bar. Next to him is a couple. A man with light brown hair and chiseled chin with his arm wrapped around an ironed-straight blonde with the sinuous figure of a runway model. All these beautiful people are here to see me! That’s what I have to focus on. Not him. Never, ever him.

And yet, even as I refuse to bring my eyes back to Ash, my mind can’t seem to leave him.

The music pushes me forward, forcing me to continue even as I feel my chest tighten. There’s not enough air in here for this. How could I have not noticed that before? Tonio jumps into his guitar solo and I use the opportunity to take a deep breath, inadvertently inhaling the unmistakable scent of marijuana floating up from somewhere on the dance floor. Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter. None of this can matter, nothing but the music and what it can do. With new resolve I fall back into the song, attacking it with even more ferocity than before. The crowd hears it and loves it.

And now it’s me that’s moving, across the stage and back again, running, screaming, and the crowd screams right back. This is everything. But then there he is, leaning against that beamn, just…watching me. Has he followed me? Isn’t one death enough for him? The question stirs up some rage I’ve been trying to set aside since our last meeting. Impulsively I knock the microphone stand to the ground with the smack of my open palm. The crowd thinks it’s part of the act and so I go on, finding that I can rejoice in anger as much as any other emotion. As we reach the last stanza, Traci’s and Tonio’s voices join mine, and the sound is an assult on anyone who would ever dream of challenging us. Maybe tomorrow they’ll say I’m a cross between Courtney Love and Fiona Apple. Maybe they’ll say the whole band is destined for fame and greatness. Yeah, that’s what they’ll say, those who are sober enough to remember. But right now they just cheer as our song comes to an end.

“Thank you,” I whisper into the mic. I look back at Ash. Even from here I cans see that he’s clapping, but it’s a slow, purposeful movement. He puts his hand to his mouth, kisses his palm, and then extends his arm leisurely toward me. It’s not so much that he’s blowing me a kiss as he is offering it to me. Inviting me to climb down from my pedestal and take it from him. Again I inhale deeply. “So, I gotta ask you guys something,” I continue. “It’s the end of an era and you’re bringing in the new millennium at Apocalypse listening to a band called fucking Resurrection. Is that tripping anyone else out?” There were yells of approval and at least one person cries hell yes! “By the way,” I add, “it’s really just Resurrection, only our parents call us fucking Resurrection.” General laughter and one woman screams out, “Parents suck!”

Ooh, if these guys only knew how much I agree with that one. “Incase you missed it, this stud on the guitar is Tonio.” Tonio strums out a few wrenching chords as the crowd cheers. “The hot chick in the leather mini is Traci.” Traci plays the opening piano notes of “Sympathy for the Devil.” It’s doubtful that this crowd recognizes it even as they whistle and scream for her, but I do, and the reference makes me laugh. “And allow me to introduce our new drummer! Brad’s only been with us for a week and he’s killing it, am I right?” The crowd roars as Brad launches into a drum solo that is so intense, so aggressive, and so beautiful I turn my back on the audience, momentarily forgetting all of them, even my killer, as I lock eyes with this man who must have sold his soul for this kind of talent. His lips curve into a little half smile as his sticks fly across the stretched membrane surfaces. Physically he doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the group-too athletic, too clean cut, too aristocratic-but the rest of his viciously beautiful rhythm is downright sinful.

When he ends with a perfectly executed clash, I realize for the first time that I’ve been holding my breath. The crowd cries out, solidifying the triumph as I match his smile with my own and slowly pivot back to the room. “And of course, I’m Mercy. I…” but I give up on continuing as the crowd erupts again, drowning me out with their cheers, chanting my name.

My new name, a choice I made for myself only months ago, now reverberating through the room: Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. It’s on the lips and tongues of everyone in this room…except for his. Beneath the harmonious hum of voices, like an insidious undercurrent, I can hear his silent accusations: That is not who you are. You are not Mercy.

I swallow and look into the spotlight, letting the light assault my vision, temporarily turning the entire club into a murky blur as the crowd quiets enough for me to speak again. “So we got”-I turn and point to the large red numbers projected by a laser clock onto the wall behind my head-“fifteen minutes until the four horsemen arrive. I’m thinking we better stop wasting time and get back into this!”

The crowd cheers again. I spot Rick giving me a thumbs-up as the rugby guy next to him pumps his fist in the air. And again Tonio strums the strings of his guitar. And again my voice rises high then low, elating the crowd and giving me the fortitude to turn my thoughts away from the beast who watches me from the shadows.

And when it’s 11:59 we stop midsong. I hold my hands up in the air and point to the numbers. “It’s almost Y2K time, people!” I cry and glance back at Rick, who is staring intently at his watch. And then he lifts his hand and begins to tick off the seconds with his fingers as I count them down into the mic, “Ten, nine, eight…”

The crowd’s counting with me. “…seven, six…” The beautiful black man has raised his glass in the air; a young woman behind him scrambles on top of the bar with a small video camera in her hand. “…three…” The muscle boy is bounding his fist against the stage. “…two, one!”

And the room erupts. Confetti flies everywhere and the kind of fragmented light that comes from a disco ball splashes across the celebrants. Tonio pops a bottle of cheap champagne he’d been hiding in the wings and douses everyone in the band with it before passing it around. I let the bubbles tickle my tongue, then turn back to the microphone and launch into a happier, more celebratory tune. The people standing beneath us have woven together like vines against the wall, limbs tangled with limbs, lips against lips. There is no separation, no individual distinctions. They all have become a snarled mass of exhilaration and lust.

Except for Ash. He continues to just stand there, apart from all of it. He’s simply watching me. Waiting for me to come to him and claim my kiss.

For a chance to win a paperback copy of Just One Lie by Kyra Davis, visit my Facebook post HERE

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US and Canada entrants only. Giveaway will run for a week (July 28- Aug 4). Winners will be picked on August 5th and contacted on Facebook. All winners will have 48 hrs to claim their prize. In the event the winner is unable to claim their prize within 48hrs, prize will be forfeit and a different winner will be picked. Prize will be distributed by publisher. All entrants must be 18 years or older and followers of Dirty Girl Romance blog.

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Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Frisk Me★ by Lauren Layne

July 27, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Frisk Me
Series: New York’s Finest #1
Author: Lauren Layne
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Forever

After a photograph of Luc Moretti saving a tourist hits social media, he instantly becomes New York’s most famous and beloved cop. When a major network decides to run a special on the “American Hero,” Luc’s boss gives him no choice but to cooperate in the name of good exposure for the department. Luc doesn’t mind the celebrity status-what he does mind is the gorgeous brunette journalist who’s been assigned to follow his every move. Especially since she also happens to be the same knockout that rejected him rather publicly the week before.

Ava Sims is a woman who gets what she wants. And what she wants is to be CBC’s lead anchor-but to get there, she’ll need to nail the fluff piece on the playboy cop. Luc Moretti is everything Ava knows to stay away from: a stubborn charmer with a hero-complex. But the more Ava gets to know Luc and his oddball family, the more she realizes that beneath the swagger and the blue uniform is a complex man who makes her heart beat too fast. Soon, Ava’s doing the unthinkable, and falling for the best of New York’s finest …

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FOLLOW THE TOUR

Luc stifled the smile, letting his former scowl resettle on his face. If Lopez thought he was being played, there was no way he’d go for it.
“Hey, so Cap said the hot reporter would be doing ride-alongs with us. That’ll be cool,” Lopez said.“Seriously? You hate ride-alongs,” Luc said.Lopez held up a finger. “No, I hate the dippy, I-wanna-be-a-cop-someday type of ride-alongs. Those stupid kids are always offering advice when they don’t know shit about shit. But Ms. Sims will be a nice kind of ride-along. Just sitting, observing…looking fine…”Luc withheld the snort. If Lopez thought Ava wouldn’t be offering plenty of unsolicited advice, he had an unpleasant surprise. He doubted mind your own business was in her DNA, not to mention it was a blatant contradiction of her job description.“Hot or not, same rules apply,” Luc said, just to set the record straight. “She can come on the tame ride-alongs. That’s it.”“Shit, and here I was planning to bring her to a shoot-out,” Lopez mused.Luc flung the paperclip back at his partner, nailing him in the forehead. “Hey. So, I need you to be my wingman.”

Lopez rubbed the red spot to the right of his temple with a knowing grin. “Ah, so you do want a piece of Miss Media.”

Yes.

No!

Damn it.

“Let me rephrase,” Luc said, sitting back in his chair. “I need you to be my reverse wingman. Do whatever you need to keep that plastic, nosy diva away from me.”

There was a light tap on his shoulder before a female voice spoke up. “Gonna be hard when this nosy diva is hell-bent on getting all up in your business.”

Whoops.

“Nice job, Wingman,” Luc said with a glare at Lopez, whose grin indicated that he’d definitely seen Ava approaching and had opted not to mention it.

Luc pivoted around in his chair so he faced Ava. Only he was sitting, and she was standing, which put him exactly at eye level with Ava’s slim hips.

Generally speaking, Luc liked a little more curve to his women, but apparently his preferences were shifting, because he couldn’t help his sex-starved brain from thinking that Ava Sims’s hips were the perfect size for his hands to wrap around, his fingers holding her still as he prepared to plunge into her…

The fantasy dissolved into a million pieces when she opened her sassy mouth again.

“You know…” her voice was considering, her finger tapping idly against her lips. “I’d always heard that the whole man-in-uniform thing was supposed to be a turn-on. Guess it’s an acquired taste.”

Whatever they had, it wasn’t typical sexual attraction.
It was something deeper.
Darker.

Whenever I see a new series come out by Lauren Layne, I don’t even bother reading the synopsis before adding. I don’t need to because I already know that the chances are 99.9% that I’ll love it. But I was an extra shot of excited when I read the blurb for this book because…HOT COPS! What? Like you didn’t? Don’t judge me! Although admittedly, I could have done with a different cover *cringes*. I know, I know, don’t judge a book by the cover and all that, and this was certainly a huge case of that. My inner cover cover whore just shut her eyes and dove in hoping against hope that the hero looks nothing like what the cover implied…and he didn’t! (thank jebus)

If you cooperate….just the tiniest bit, I’ll buy you a drink after.”
“You’re bribing an officer of the law? Or just really desperate to spend time with me, Sims?”
“Two questions, Moretti. What EXACTLY is up your ass? And how the hell do we remove it?”
He ran a hand through his hair, answering honestly, because honey was what Morettis did best. “Sexual frustration. As far as how to fix it…”

The hate-to-love trope. *dreamy sigh* Can it ever get old? And when you put Luc and Ava in a room together, sparks certainly fly. These two had instant chemistry from the very first time they traded insults. Three years ago they first met when officer Luc wrote Ava a ticket for illegally parking her news van and it’s been on ever since…the unfinished business between them, that is. Now Ava is back (shoving the ticket from 3 years ago right at his chest and everything), only this time it’s business. After his heroic actions saved a little girl has garnered national attention and followed up with a good samaritan video of him giving his coat to a homeless man sealed the deal, everyone wants a piece of Luc, Ava included. But what she wants him for is an exclusive and it goes against everything Luc stands for to put his life on display. He’s no one’s hero, and the last thing he wants is more attention when he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt after a job got wrong got his friend and partner killed. Thus begins the hate lust relationship that will make your ovaries so blue, you’ll think you’ll die if these two finally don’t admit to each other what they want and give into the inevitable.

Anthony can be irritable; try not to piss him off,” he said out of the corner of his mouth.
“Sure, I’ll just tape my mouth shut,” she snapped…
For a second, he looked hopeful. “That’s an option?”

Luc was a hero that I fell for right away. He’s just the right amount of tortured but with a dry wit about him that I loved. Coming from a long line of NYPD’s finest, he’s the lowest on the tandem pole it seems. His brothers are detectives and his father is the previous police commissioner. Luc is still suffering survivor’s guilt about the failed rescue that cost his partner his life. His biggest fear is the exclusive that his new boss is forcing him to go along with will allow Ava to dig further than he wants.

My favorite thing about this book was Luc’s relationship with him family and then the icing on the cake was Nonna. This woman quite honestly stole the show.

What color lipstick do you think I should wear? Classic red or shocking orange? I’m thinking orange. Also, have either of you seen my push-up bra? I’m worried I left it at Ned’s house.”
Neither brother responded, and Anthony very slowly turned his head to look at Luc. “She belongs in a home. One with bars on the window.”

I found myself giggling like a loon at every single scene with her. Everything that came out of her mouth was just absolute gold, I swear.

It doesn’t even matter that she’s not Italian,” Nonna said in a hushed voice. “She has dark hair and dark eyes so we’ll just lie. We can change her last name. I know someone.”
Luc tipped his head back and looked at the ceiling.
“Try to talk her into it tonight, Luca. Oh, and find out if she’s Catholic, would you? I suppose we can lie about that too, although I don’t know how Jesus would feel about that…”

Ava was a character that try as I might I never quite warmed up to. Considering her intentions throughout the entire book and then finally her actions at the end, it’s no wonder why I felt that way. I’m still not sure how I feel about her, but probably just a step away from tolerating her.

That being said, I did love her and Luc together. Their chemistry was practically crackling with electricity. But don’t let that fool you because there’s no insta-anything in this book. It was a very slow burn that at times left me so frustrated, I didn’t know whether to scream at the ceiling for them to finally do it, or to ice my ovaries. While I can’t say that the story itself was slow paced or dragging, the romance was certainly….worth the wait.

I’ve been thinking on my rating for a few days now. While I disliked some of the decisions Ava made, I still enjoyed this book. I loved the family dynamic and all the secondary characters. I’m absolutely dying for Vincent’s book because oh man, that set up? Delicious sounding. But I’ll certainly make do with the grumpy and broody Anthony in the meantime and without any complaints. I do love me a broody man. Lauren Layne definitely has herself another winner with this series and I can’t wait for more.

I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren’s gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

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

Upcoming Releases & Pre-Orders: July 28

July 27, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

July 28 Releases

Lots of goodies coming your way this upcoming Tuesday. Some I’ve been lucky enough to read early and can tell you with utmost certainty are absolutely awesome! I’ll list them in order of star rating 🙂

5 STARS

HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy (Loved, loved LOVED this book! Friends-t0-lovers, GFY, second chance romance, humor and enough steam to set your kindle on fire. What the hell else do you need? I know what I need, this book to be the first in a series because I need MORE from this powerhouse duo dammit!)

Servicing the Target by Cherise Sinclair (this may have been my favorite Shadowlands book yet, and I’m not typically a reader that enjoys Domme heroines. Figures Cherise will be the one to make me like it. But there was just something about the dynamic between Mistress Anne and Ben that was just perfect. Ben is ALL alpha, with his submissive side only coming out in bed but even then it didn’t diminish his intensity. I just loved the two of them together.)

The Hotter You Burn by Gena Showalter (Not going to lie, I was not a fan of the first book in this series. But Beck caught my attention in that book and I’ve been dying for his book ever since. His heroine being a previous school bully that’s hated by the entire town was sure to make things interesting. Well, book 1 may not have worked for me but I LOVED THIS BOOK. HARD. It was humorous, and swoony, and angsty, and with enough sexual tension to give me a case of royal lady blue balls. But it was also absolutely delicious. I loved everything about these characters and their romance. I even found myself warming up to Jessie Kay, and who the hell thought THAT would ever happen? This may also be because I’m pretty desperate for West’s book and I’ll take her with it if it gives me him LOL)

4 Stars

Frisk Me by Lauren Layne (Hot NYPD brothers and a hate-to-love trope that’s as frustrating as it was delicious. Yep. I was sold. I’m already salivating for Luc’s brother, Anthony’s, book next.

Click directly on book cover for the buy links 🙂

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Upcoming Releases ·

Review: ★Him★ by @sarinabowen & @ellekennedy

July 25, 2015 by Lana · 2 Comments

Him
Genre: New Adult, MM Romance
Authors: Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Release Date: July 28, 2015

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend…and a big one to learn about himself.

Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition

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Jamie Canning was my first crush and my first love. But he was never mine to have.

So let’s see here; we have friends-to-lovers, second chance romance and GFY all mixed in with sizzling chemistry and humor. If that’s not enough to justify my 5 star rating, I dunno what is. Maybe I haven’t read an MM in a while, maybe I was exactly in the mood for a feel good and sexy MM romance? Whatever the reason may be, I loved this book to pieces. There was not one part of it I read where I didn’t either have a goofy grin on my face or felt like I needed to ice my ovaries. It was fabulous!

My weakness is him.

Ryan “Wes” Wesley and Jamie Canning have been friends for years. Some of their favorite memories came from the time they spent together at hockey camp, until the summer when they were eighteen when one night and one dare changed everything and Wes just disappeared from his life. Jamie never stopped missing his best friend or wondering what he did to push him away.

Wes has been in love with his very straight best friend for years. His mistake those four years ago made him turn away and not look back since. But he’s never forgotten Jamie or gotten over his feelings for him. Now chance brings them together again on the ice rink, and Wes will be dammed if he’ll just let him walk away from his life again. And if he happens to get his friend to look at him as anything more than just a buddy? Hey, hope springs eternal, right?

Maybe one day a switch would suddenly go off and he’d be like, hmmm, I’m totally into Wes. Or maybe he would figure out he swings both ways and decide to take a walk on the dude side.

I simply loved the interaction between Jamie and Wes. Their bond is so strong even after 4 years without speaking. I command the authors for making the transition to Jamie’s true sexuality as natural as it did. It was like the reader was discovering everything along with him and it just made it that much better. As for Wes? Don’t even get me started on that man. He was my favorite part about this book. He’s a rule breaking wise ass, but beneath the muscles and tattoos is a heart of gold. His feelings for Jamie were so heart melting and heart breaking, I just wanted to reach through my kindle and hug him.

There was so much to love about this book, the biggest being the banter between these two. It was utterly delicious.

…what two guys stand around describing their perfect sexual partner? Did we wander onto the set of Sex and the City? If so, I’m Samantha. Called it.”
“You know actual character names from Sex and the City? Shit, if you hadn’t told me you were gay, I would’ve figured it out just now.”

And if you’re curious about the steam? Well let’s just say Him has just the right amount to make this story incredibly sexy on top of entertaining as hell! The sexual chemistry between Ryan and Jamie practically crackled with electricity. And when they finally get together?

We’ve been going at it every night like puck bunnies in heat this week. Pinch me. It’s like a blowjob relay race around here. And we’ve gotten really good at passing the baton

Ryan was such a fantastic hero as well. He’s such a tender heart, but it totally works for him. Together they just made a certain kind of sense. These are two guys that you’ll be rooting for from beginning to finish. I absolutely loved the way that Ryan is with his family and their quirkiness. Considering the cold detachment of Wes’s family, it was wonderful to have such a warm family dynamic on the other end.

If you’re looking for a fun and sexy NA MM romance, you really should look no further. Sabrina Bowen and Elle Kennedy together are a dynamic powerhouse and I only hope they have more books planned together for the future because I’d read them all without a second thought.

What do you want?” I ask. And I need him to be specific. This is a very dangerous game we’re playing. It will probably end in disaster. But if there’s a way I can prevent that, I will.
He moves further onto the bed, making room for me. Then he beckons. And there isn’t enough money, fame or fortune in the world to keep me from obeying.

Sarina
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Elle
Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

2 Comments · Filed Under: All Reviews, MM · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 5 stars, hockey players

Cover Reveal: ★Worth It★ by @lindakage

July 24, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Worth It
AUTHOR: Linda Kage
SERIES: Forbidden Men #6
GENRE: New Adult contemporary romance
LEGNTH: 495 pages.
RELEASE DATE: August 25th

I fell in love once.

It was amazing. She was amazing. Life was amazing.

I lived for each time I could see her, and nothing else mattered, not that our families were enemies, our time together was forbidden, or we had to meet in secret.

Our love could conquer all.

Until it didn’t.

So I was ripped away from the love of my life and shoved into hell, forced to continue without her.

It shattered me, broke the best parts of me, left me permanently damaged.

Or so I thought.

Years later, I swear history’s trying to repeat itself because she’s back in my life, and I’m just as drawn to her as I was before. But I’m older and wiser now, and I know she should stay away from a worthless piece of ex-con like me.

So, I will not let her in. I absolutely refuse to hurt her. I will keep her away.

Then again, sometimes risking your greatest fear to get to a smile makes everything worth it, and besides, I’m not sure I can resist her, anyway.

This is the story of how Felicity Bainbridge changed my life forever, starting one summer day long ago after I was forced to change a dirty diaper…

–Knox Parker

PRE-ORDER

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“That new bartender keeps checking you out,” Aspen slurred into my ear, not listening to a freaking word I’d just said.

“Huh?” I glanced over, but he was already in the process of turning away. I scowled at his backside, even though he had a nice one. A very nice one. Hmm. It figured. I think only the sexiest men alive were allowed to bartend at Forbidden. It had to be some kind of decree written somewhere, or something.

My drinking buddy nudged my elbow. “So? What do you think? I think he’s yummy.”

I sent her an incredulous glance because I’d never heard her appreciate anyone’s sexiness except Noel’s before, and every freaking bartender who worked at Forbidden was hotter than sin.

When she wiggled her eyebrows, letting me know she’d had one too many to drink, I snorted out a laugh. Aspen was adorable and hilarious when she drank.

She leaned into me and whispered loudly, “I think you should ask him if you can ride his disco stick. You know, to help you repound from Cameron.”

I snorted and slapped a hand over my mouth. “You mean, reBOUND?”

“Tha’s what I said.” Her brow crinkled with confusion. “Wasn’t it?”

“Sure,” I murmured, since re-pound seemed just as apt a term for what she was talking about.

“So?” She went back to nudging my elbow. “What do you think of him?”

I reluctantly returned my gaze to the new guy. He was half turned away this time. From the side profile, something about him rang strangely familiar, and it sent a zinger I wasn’t expecting through all my girly parts. I blinked, wondering where the heck that had come from. Then he turned fully away, and the bulkiness and breadth of his shoulders brought back a complete stranger’s profile, which knocked some reality back into me.

He really was a massive work of perfection, but I felt uncomfortable by the unexpected way just looking at him had made my body react. Guilt bit at my conscience because I’d only ever experienced such an instant physical craving for one other person in my life.

So I said, “Meh. Too dark and brooding for my taste.”

Author Links

website – http://lindakage.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorlindakage

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3213942.Linda_Kage

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Cover Reveals · Tagged With: NA

Spotlight & Excerpt: ★Over The Top★ by Rebecca Zanetti

July 24, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Over The Top
Series: Maverick Montana #4
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015

Dawn Freeze had a huge crush on Hawk Rain for years, and the entire town knows it. It’s understandable―the man is total hotness. That tall, lean body. Intense dark eyes. And always one foot out the door. Now he’s on leave for exactly one week. And this time, he’s made it crystal clear that he only wants one thing. Her.

Hawk’s been fighting his attraction to Dawn for as long as he can remember. She’s his best friend’s little sister, and that means hands-off. Except now she’s all grown up, and her sweet sexiness is exactly what he craves. But just as Hawk allows himself one mindblowingly intense night with Dawn, he learns that everyone he loves is in danger. Especially her.

And the only way to protect Dawn is to push her away…

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“Yoo-hoo,” a cheery voice chirped as the kitchen door opened.

Hawk dropped Dawn to her feet and whirled around, reaching for the knife he’d forgotten to place at his hip. His gun was on the nightstand, damn it. His heart thundered, and the room narrowed into sharp focus as he moved to defend.

“Hawk,” Dawn hissed, shoving at his back. “Relax.” Her voice was low and throaty, and so sexy a shiver dashed down his torso. “It’s Mrs. Hudson.”

Ah, shit. Hawk blinked and took in the scene, forcing his body to relax. “Hi, Mrs. H.”

Mrs. Hudson, wearing a bright purple down jacket with “Hot Mama” bedazzled across the front, led Mrs. Poppins into the room.

Mrs. Poppins sighed. “Oh my.”

Mrs. Hudson whacked Mrs. P. with a humongous purse. “Look what you did, Bernie. Just look what you did.”

Hawk cleared his throat and fought the urge to shuffle his feet. Dawn stepped up next to him, her face a blazing scarlet.

Mrs. Hudson, oddly enough, looked more regretful than righteous or judgmental. “The cow, Dawnie. Come on. Surely you understood about the cow, sweetie.”

Dawn swallowed audibly. “Yes, ma’am.”

Hawk frowned, turning from Mrs. Hudson to Dawn to Mrs. Poppins. “Is there a problem with the herd, ladies?”

Mrs. Poppins coughed. “No, young man. It’s more of a milk issue and making it too readily available.”

Mrs. Hudson sighed. “Well, that’s two down. There are still three rules we could employ. I mean, he didn’t really rescue her last night, you know? You should’ve called him before she changed the tire.” Then, catching herself up short, she peered through bright red glasses at Hawk. “Don’t you have somewhere to be today, Hawk Rains?”

When she used that voice and gave him that look, he felt eight years old again. “Actually, I do.” He had to get back to work, which meant he had to stop thinking about sweet Dawn Freeze and concentrate.

Author Bio: Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome. Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccazanetti.com

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READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

Book 1: Purchase

Book 2: Purchase

Book 3: Purchase

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Excerpts · Tagged With: Rebecca Zanetti, spotlight

Review: ★Playing With Trouble★ by @ChanelCleeton

July 24, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Playing With Trouble

Series: Capital Confessions #2

Author: Chanel Cleeton

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 21, 2015

The author of Flirting with Scandal presents her second book in a sexy contemporary romance series about three sisters in a powerful political family, the scandals that threaten to destroy them, and the passion that drives them…

The daughter of one of the Senate’s most powerful figures, Blair Reynolds was ready to become the ultimate political wife—until she caught her fiancé cheating on her wedding day. Law school is a fresh start, her shot at putting the pieces of her life back together. That’s the plan, at least. Until trouble comes in the form of her Torts professor, the man whose arrogance infuriates her in class but haunts her private fantasies.

Graydon Canter had a fortune and a place on all the hottest “Thirty under Thirty” lists, until a series of personal missteps nearly destroyed his career. A year teaching at a D.C. law school is just the break he needs to get his life back in order, as long as nothing—and no one—trips him up.

When Blair and Gray are forced to work together, their explosive attraction becomes impossible to resist. But Gray’s demons have drawn him dangerously close to the edge, and Blair has spent her life playing by the rules. Will she break them for a shot at love?

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He was no longer my professor, no longer someone I loathed. He was hands I needed on my body, lips I wanted kissing mine.

I was first hooked on this series and this author when I read Flirting with Scandal. Now I can honestly say I’m completely addicted. Playing With Trouble was even better than the first book, and let me just tell you; I loved the first book. It had everything I love going for it; hate-to-love, forbidden romance, and enough sexual tension and chemistry to set your kindle on fire.
Blair Reynolds is the middle daughter of a conterversial senator and the good girl of the family. Constantly used by her political family to boost their family image, Blair is tired of being the pawn and the girl that falls in line with what she’s told. In a last resort of rebellion she enrolls in law school instead of following in the political science footsteps. But her decision soon comes to bite her in the ass in the shape of her too sexy for words and tormentor of her nightmares professor, Graydon Canter.

This is what happened when perfect cracked and splintered. This was what happened when your life fell apart.

Graydon or Gray had it all; an incredibly successful law career, a marriage, more money than he knew what to do with and was quickly climbing the corporate latter in his law firm…until he lost it all. Now stuck teaching a law class at a university for students that weren’t good enough to get into a better school or simply bought their way in, he gets his kicks by tormenting the beauty in his Torts class. So what if his picking on her daily roots from his undeniable attraction to her? She’s off-limits and that’s where she’ll stay…until she doesn’t.

I stared down into her eyes, trying to read the emotions I saw there. I wanted her. More than a dance. More than a fuck.
I was drunk on her, and in this case, sobriety was just out of my reach.

This book had some of the best sexual tension I’ve read in a very long while. It was utterly delicious. I loved the way Chanel Cleeton handled their attraction and ultimate giving into it. I couldn’t get enough of these two.

Gray was that perfect broody and broken hero that you love to read about and root for his redemption. He didn’t sugar coat or hide his faults. He came right out and put them out for Blair to see. Blair on the other hand was a fantastic heroine. She’s the good girl, but you also see her grow into herself as the book progresses. She doesn’t allow anyone to step all over her, and I appreciated that it finally extended to her parents as well.

The center of it all was definitely the romance, and it was even hotter than the first book. These two were so hot together they practically sizzled.

I wanted to consume her; I wanted to break her and put her back together again, because that’s what I did- I broke things.

Of course there’s plenty of other things going on to keep the reader interested and it all culminates towards one hell of a plot twist towards the end. While I did see it coming from the beginning, it sets up the next book perfectly and I’m practically salivating to get my hands on it.

If politics aren’t your thing, not to worry, because this book barely had any aside from the happenings of Blair’s father. It’s more muted and in the background, much like the first book. I honestly cannot recommend this series enough.

She was like a dream I’d given up long ago. A different life, a better me. A chance to wash the filth away.

I devoured this book and didn’t want to set it down for even a minute. It was the perfect combination of sexy and a touch of angsty with a dash of dry wit and humor. I absolutely loved it.

I’m not the hero, Blair. And somehow I still got the princess.
“Honey, I’m pretty sure you’re the beast. And I am definitely not a princess. I thought we just established that.
“You’re my princess. Dirty mouth, naughty lingerie, wicked tongue, formidable temper, and all.

I have a feeling about the twist for the third book and I”m keeping my fingers crossed that I’m right because that will make it even better than I think. Chanel Cleeton has definitely made it straight to my auto-buy shelf and I can’t wait for more from this talented author.

READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4.5 stars, lawyers

New Release & Review: ★Even The Score★ by @KittyMeader

July 24, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Even The Score
Series: Tall, Dark, and Texan #1
Author: Kate Meader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015

He’ll make her an offer she can’t refuse…

Actress Tess McKenzie is performing in the Tenth Circle of Showbiz Hell-dinner theater. All she really wants is to start a theater of her own. Then Tess receives an offer she can’t refuse. She’ll get her funding…if she pretends to be the fiancée to her nemesis, Texan property tycoon Hunter Dade. If she’s going to pull this off, she’ll need all the luck she can get. Break a leg, indeed.

On the verge of a big business deal, Hunter needs to hire a fiancée. He hasn’t quite forgiven Tess for ruining his wedding, but when their chemistry goes from combative to straight-up lust, the “no sex” clause in their mutually beneficial arrangement is tested. Which is a serious problem, because if Tess isn’t careful, she’ll go from breaking a leg to breaking her heart…

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Revenge was a dish best served in bed- And Tess McKenzie was about to get a five-course meal.

There is no other trope out there that I love more than hate-to-love. And I think I may have found my favorite hate-to-love romance book to date. Even the Score was full of sexual chemistry, humor, all wrapped around a fantastic story that was utterly delicious. Delicious I tells ya! If this book isn’t on your TBR, you are seriously missing out because what a perfect gam this turned out to be.

What the fuck was happening here? So it had been a while since he’d released his pent-up energy inside a woman, but this was Tess McKenzie. They despised each other. The last time they’d been this close, he had been losing his ever-loving shit on her.

A year ago Tess McKenzie was responsible for talking her best friend out of walking down the aisle to marry Hunter Dade, To say that Hunter still holds a grudge about this to this day would be a mild understatement. He despises the little spitfire. But beneath their barbs and insults is an undercurrent of lust and sexual chemistry so strong it’s enough to make things a while lot more interesting.

When not thinking of imaginative ways to murder her, he’d be consumed with conjuring up even more imaginative ways to screw her brains out.
Fast, slow, all night long.

Tess may have been responsible for the worst day of his life, but Hudson is willing to let bygones be bygones…well…sort of. He’ll get his revenge AND get something out of Tess first. He’ll offer her a deal that she can’t pass up. Hunter needs a “fiance” to land a deal that he needs, and Tess needs funds to start her theater. He may not have forgiven her, but he’s certainly willing to overlook things for a few days. Or as long as it takes to get this attraction out of their systems…

There was that flash of anger again, and his cock stirred in response. Taking her would be a pleasure. Making her beg as he fucked her tight, curvy body would be the ultimate prize.

The chemistry between these two was absolutely sizzling. Even when they were at each other’s throats, you can practically feel them wanting to jump each other’s bones. It was so much fun to read. But things are not quite as they seem with them either. Tess may not be the rich little princess that Hunter always thought her to be. And Hunter may be a lot more than just a property tycoon with a chip on his shoulder. As these two begin to get to know each other and their connection grows, they begin to see that somethings aren’t so simple.

They kissed like they fought: wild, uninhibited, with bite.

Kate Meader devised the perfect formula of hate+lust to make this book absolutely unputdownable. I couldn’t get enough of it. There’s none of that typical and tiring back and forth that you’d normally find in books like this. It just felt like natural progression here.

…he wanted her pleading for the sweet release that came when his working-class cock was pounding the ever-loving superiority out of her.

You can see each of the character’s growth throughout the story and you can’t help but root for them both.

If you’re a fan of the hate-to-love trope, this book is not to be missed. This was my first 5 stars from Brazen this year and I can tell you that I’ve found myself a new author to love. I’m now going back and adding every other book on this woman’s backlist. I’m in love here, people! With the story and with this author.

He wanted to fuck her, possess her, save her- And then he wanted to spend every second of his sorry life making hers better.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 5 stars, brazen, kate meader

Author Interview, Review & #Giveaway: ★Flash Point★ by @BrookeBlaine1

July 23, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Flash Point
Author: Brooke Blaine
Genre: (Standalone) Romantic Suspense Novel
Release Date: July 12, 2015

The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.

It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night.

She escaped.

The danger should’ve been over.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.

The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.

Katherine Shaw.

Rich girl? Check.

Spoiled and obstinate? Check.

A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from.

Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.

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DGR: Hi Brooke! Thanks so much for being her at DGR. I got some verra interesting questions lined up for today! I hope you left your delicate sensibilities at the door 😉

Brooke: Thank you so much for having me! You know I only signed up for this for the naughty questions, right?

DGR: Let’s start easy; can you introduce yourself to readers that may not be familiar with you yet?

Brooke: Absolutely not.

Oh, all right, twist my arm. My name is Brooke Blaine, and I’m a bookaholic, chocoholic, 80’smovieandmusicaholic, and coffeemugcollectoraholic. I also like to write stories and make ridiculous dubsmash videos for my friends. No, you won’t find those on YouTube unless my phone gets hacked. Flash Point is my first solo novel, and I’ve also co-written a naughty, naughty serial with my best friend.

DGR: You co-wrote A Desperate Man with Ella Frank, and now you have your very own debut novel, how’s it feel?

Brooke: Fan-flippin-tastic. Actually, it was great to co-write with Ella too (we’re writing ADM 3 right now and have more collaborations up our sleeves), but it feels amazing to have my own book out. It’s been a long time coming, that’s for sure.

DGR: A Desperate Man was erotica and Flash Point is a sexy Romantic Suspense, do you have a genre you prefer to write in?

Brooke: Um. My next book is a Romantic Comedy. I know, I know. I’m doing this all wrong. But I’m the kind of reader that switches up my genres with every book I read, and my writing reflects that as well. I tend to write based on what I’m feeling and where my head is at…for instance, with A Desperate Man, I had some frustrations that just needed to be channeled, and Evan James and his sex addiction came out. My first solo book was actually intended to be the comedy I’m working on now, but I just wasn’t in the right mindset for it. That hot bodyguard was adamant he be the one you met before the others. Bossy bastard.

DGR: So you ARE at DIRTY girl romance, so how’s about some hard hitting questions? Sex scenes. What are some no no words you will never use in your writing. (please say lady flower or pearl? LOL)

Brooke: Oh God, I never would’ve THOUGHT lady flower or pearl. You’re just trying to gross me out now. I’d never say flicking the bean either, though it was funny when Gerard Butler said it. Ella is my critique partner, and she is SO PICKY about her sex scenes, so she would never ever let me write the words “baby arm,” “mayo shooting hotdog gun,” or “soft-shelled tuna taco” unless I was writing something intended to be crude or for shock value. And um, I’m not currently doing that, so I think we’re good.

DGR: Where do you get the inspiration for them? *waggles brows*

Brooke: For my sex scenes? I should say porn or movies or books, but the truth is, I just make them up depending on what’s going on. That’s such a boring answer. Let me give you a better one—

From my real life wallbanger boyfriend!

That’s not true, but let’s pretend it is.

DGR: Coffee, tea, or COCKtails?

You can’t make someone choose between coffee and cocktails. They are both crucial to my survival. Tea, on the other hand…well, I tried Twinings for Ana Steele, but it just didn’t work for me. Even my sink protested when I dumped it out.

DGR: Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

Brooke: My real identity. Where I live.

Oh, wait, you wanted me to tell you?

Um…I sleep with the TV on in another room when I’m at home by myself. Yeah, I’m a big chicken. I have no idea why I decided it was a good idea to write a suspense book. NIGHTMARES.

OK, now let’s talk Flash Point.

DGR: I love how assertive Katherine was. She had just the right amount of confidence without being brash. What are your thoughts on whiny or insecure heroines?

Brooke: Thank you! I have a pretty strong opinion on whiny and insecure heroines. I do enjoy flawed characters, but I prefer to read and write about the kind of women I surround myself with in real life. Yes, we all have our insecurities, and yes, I whine when I go too long without chocolate of some kind, but I don’t particularly care for women who have to be saved by a man or who put their lives on hold to do whatever it is they want her to. There’s nothing wrong with those kinds of books, and I’ve read and enjoyed them on occasion, but I’m a super independent single female, and I choose to reflect that in my writing.

DGR: Jason was (pause for lusty thoughts…..and I’m back) YUMMY! I may have taken a peek at your Pinterest board. Was Jason Statham your inspiration for his character?

Brooke: He definitely was! When you think badass, hot bodyguard who could kill you with a look…I mean, there was only one guy that fit that criteria for me. He’s so smooth even when he’s kicking ass. That’s what I was going for. I may or may not have binged on his movies.

DGR: If you had to describe Flash Point for us in 5 words, what would they be?

Brooke: BEST DAMN ROMANTIC SUSPENSE EVER!

Of course. 😉

DGR: Did you have a favorite part to write in the book?

Brooke: Yes! The end. Always the end. It was the same with A Desperate Man too. I get so excited to hurry up and get to that part that I end up writing it before the middle section is done.

DGR: Flash Point is quite a bit different from A Desperate Man. It’s definitely one sizzling romantic suspense. Are you planning on writing more in this genre or something totally different next?

Brooke: I will definitely write more romantic suspense in the near future. I’m thinking a certain character from this book should tell their story in a separate standalone, but the pieces are still coming together so it won’t be next. I anticipate that book will come in the first half of 2016. DGR: Any delicious little tidbits you can share with us? (Spoiler free, of course)

One of the characters in Flash Point was quite a bit older until the last week of writing. There is a HUGE thing that happens at the end of the book that was not part of the original draft. It was changed the day before the rest of my critique readers received their copy. Katherine’s father looks like a local judge from my hometown who is also grade school friend’s father. Many of the character names and places are Easter eggs for my family if/when they read it. Actually, that goes for all of my stories.

DGR: So what’s up next for you?

Brooke: Next up is my romantic comedy, Licked. Is that a dirty enough title for you? It will be the first in a series focusing on a group of girlfriends, but I can’t tell you toooooo much more yet. I’ll be announcing the release date/blurb/cover reveal in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled on my website, (www.brookeblaine.com) subscribe to my newsletter (http://eepurl.com/brxPkP) or hang out with me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer) so you don’t miss it. Dammit, I wish I could show you now!

DGR: Anything else you’d like to leave the readers with?

Brooke: I’d leave them with a copy of my book and a shot of whiskey if I could, but since my smart computer is not quite that smart, a simple thank you will have to do. I appreciate all of you who have picked up/will up my books. There are so many choices out there, (my TBR is insane too!) and I’m so appreciative of everyone who takes a chance on a newbie. Many spanks for that!

Thanks so much for having me, Dirty Girl! <3

Here are my links again, in case you want them:

Flash Point Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OfkYmk

Amazon Non-US link: myBook.to/FP

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://bit.ly/1ULDQxR

Apple iBooks: http://apple.co/1LYP4LD

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1HvHIZO

A Desperate Man (Read for FREE exclusively on KU through August 2015)

ADM 1 Link – http://amzn.to/1OflpNs

ADM 2 Link – http://amzn.to/1Hz7U6Q

Brooke’s Contact Links

Newsletter Sign-up: http://eepurl.com/brxPkP

Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+BrookeBlaine

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/BrookeBlaine

Instagram: www.instagram.com/BrookeBlaine1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brookeblaine11

He’d made a decision tonight. One that would ignite the world around him, but he was willing to scorch it to the ground to get what he wanted.

So here’s the thing, when it comes to my romantic suspense, I’m one picky girl. It’s the first genre that originally got me into reading and I read a lot of it. So suffice it to say it takes quite a bit to impress me. What? I said I was picky. Having had a bit of a taste of Brooke Blaine’s awesome in A Desperate Man: Volume 1 that she co-wrote with Ella Frank, I already had a feeling that her own debut would rock my world, and I wasn’t even a little bit wrong. I freaking loved this book! Suspenseful, sexy, and with twists and turns that will leave your mind reeling, this book kept me up well into the night because I couldn’t put it down.

He always asked her what she wanted, but it was never clearer than now. This. Him. That was what she wanted.

Have you ever read about a character that felt so alive in your head he practically jumped off the pages? That’s how you know the true talent of an author, when she’s able to accomplish this with her MCs. And let me just tell you, if Jason was that character for me. You could hear his voice and feel his intensity from the very first page. Man but I gobbled that up.
Katherine Shaw witnessed the brutal murder of her mother five years ago. Powerless and unable to do anything but watch, she’s still dealing with the nightmares of that night. Having the killers responsible never been caught certainly doesn’t make her sleep any better. But now it seems like the threat is back and this time they’re after her and they won’t stop until she suffers the fate she was meant to along with her mother.

Jason Garrett is a bodyguard and part of the team hired by Katherine’s father to protect her. Intense would be an understatement for what he is. He lives, breathes and sleeps his job. Just because the little spitfire that is his client is determined to seduce him doesn’t mean he’ll lose sight of what he was hired to do and succumb to her advances.

It was the first rule in the handbook: “Thou shalt not have fucking relations with a client, current of former.”

Katherine was a badass in her own right. It’s not often you meet a heroine that’s not shy about going after what she wants but doesn’t come off as brash while doing it. Katherine was no wilting wallflower, that’s for damn sure. The girl was determined to get Jason in her bed and she went at him with all the arsenal she had. Have to respect her game.

She cried out his name and dug her nails into his back as he held her close, her body bucking, and pleasure, vicious and exhilarating, tore through her.

After finishing Flash Point I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Brooke Blaine has definitely got a new fan in me. I can’t wait to see what else the woman has up her sleeve with her future books.

There was a few things that I was left to assume (which was definitely the author’s intent). There were a few things that took place that I would have liked more detail for and explanation. It left several questions in my head, and maybe that’s not a bad thing since I’m still thinking about it. The book ends on a HFN, however, for a romantic suspense, the ending did justice to the kind of story it was. I don’t think it would have been as believable had it ended any other way. If you’re on the fence about reading it, I highly recommend you do. You won’t be sorry. If sexy romantic suspense is your cuppa, this is definitely a must read. Cleverly written, packed with humor and action, and unpredictable until the very end, Flash Point was one hell of a debut from the fabulous Brooke Blaine.

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Flash Point is her debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

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Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Author Spotlight & interview, Romantic Suspense · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4 stars, Brooke Blaine

Review: ★Release Me★ by @AnnMarie_Walker & @Amy_KRogers

July 22, 2015 by Lana · 1 Comment

Release Me
Series: Chasing Fire #2
Authors: Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Release Date: July 21st, 2015
Berkley/Intermix

The second in the “seriously sexy and sinfully steamy”* Chasing Fire series, about a pain too deep to forgive and a passion too hot to forget…

Alessandra Sinclair knows that Hudson Chase is the last man she should want. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has grown into a man who would do anything to get ahead, even if it means breaking Allie’s heart. But whenever she’s near him, the attraction between them is undeniable. And now that they’re working together, keeping her distance from Hudson is almost as impossible as keeping her feelings in check…

Hudson already lost Allie once and he refuses to lose her again. He’s determined to use their new business partnership to rekindle the spark he knows is still there. Only the closer he gets to winning her over, the clearer it becomes there are still secrets that could tear them apart for good…

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She knew the man, not the corporate myth. He was the one she’d fallen for. He was the one who’d broken her heart.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not really a trilogy girl. I have never really read a trilogy where the main couple consumed me in such a way that I was itching for more of them, and yet somehow these two authors have managed that feat. Not only did I enjoy Release Me, I loved it even more than the first. Yeah. I’ll give you a moment to absorb that.

Release Me takes off immediately where Remind Me left off; Ally reeling from Hudson’s lie and betrayal. But there’s something much more sinister lurking around the corner than just the shadow of their love. This book starts with a bang that will grab the reader’s attention from the very first page and guarantee to keep you glued to the pages until the end. (Damn you to hell cliffhanger!)

You have to let me go, Hudson. Release me.”

If second chance romance is your thing, this trilogy will deliver it in spades. I gobbled it right up like the starved addict that I am and it was absolutely delicious. The angst, the secrets, and of course the absolutely scorching hot sex all combined guaranteed for a page turner.

Hudson Chase is just as magnetic as ever. The allude to the secrets he’s hiding is one hell of a tease and the authors are absolute sadists for giving you just one crumb at a time. If you’re looking for a grovel, it’s not quite what you’ll get here. The man doesn’t do anything in half measure and when he sets his mind to get Allie back, nothing will stand in his way; including her. And he certainly doesn’t make it easy on her when he goes after what he wants with a singleminded intent.

Since the day you walked into my office, I’ve wanted you here, spread out on my desk while I fucked you senseless over Chicago.”

There was not one wasted page in the story. While I felt like the first book was a bit overwhelming on the sex, this one had the absolutely perfect formula. It was just enough to add to the story without taking anything away.

I’m grateful for you every day,” he murmured.
And just like that she fell even deeper.

Chasing Fire is a sinfully sexy trilogy that I’m absolutely addicted to with an alpha that I will never be able to quit. Not one dull moment in the book, which surprised me since more often than not I find the middle book to be more of a stretched out filler. I never once felt that way here. I was glued to the pages with bated breath to see what will happen next. And while I mostly saw that ending coming since there was plenty of set up for it, it still got me. How I’m supposed to be patient until the next book is beyond me. But if the story continues to build like it has, I already know that book three will blow me away and I cannot freaking wait.

READ THE TRILOGY IN ORDER

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | GooglePlay

(Book Three) Coming Oct 21^st, 2015

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1 Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4 stars, millionaires, trilogy

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