Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Chasing River★ by K.A.Tucker

CR Review Tour Banner_edited-1 CHASING RIVER is a Suspenseful Romance novel, and the third novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. CHASING RIVER is set to be released July 7, 2015! If you haven’t already, be sure to grab BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series!!

9781476774237_RTF_REVEAL

Armed with two years’ worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn’t let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it’s because he saved her life, or maybe it’s because he’s completely different from everything she’s left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn’t the kind of guy she’d want to catch.

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Review

3.5 stars

Chasing River-DGR


So…Where’d you meet this guy?”
“At the park one day. He kind of…ran into me.”
“Sounds romantic.”
“It was, in a way.” If pipe bombs could be called romantic.


I’m not sure why I didn’t realize from reading the synopsis that Amber Welles is the twin sister of Jesse Welles from Burying Water. Although I was hoping this book would have one of the 2 characters that were introduced in the previous one, I have to say I was excited when realized out who Amber was. Always the good girl to her troublemaking twin brother, I couldn’t wait to find out what her story will bring. I have to say,
while I enjoyed this book, comparing to the first two it was probably my least favorite in the series. That’s not to say it wasn’t good, because it really was. I adore KA Tucker’s writing style and her ability to bring her words to life. With the previous two books being in Oregon, it was a great change of pace to get the beauty of Ireland in this one.

Amber Welles is coming off a break up. She’s always been the good girl, the good daughter, popular girl and all around perfect. She has a great job as a nurse, she has great friends (or so she thinks), but she’s yearning for more. So she makes herself a bucket travel lists and sets off for sights unseen. But when she gets lost in Dublin, a run in with a guy with piercing green eyes leaves her rattled in more ways than one.

River Delaney has been on the wrong side of the law before, mostly thanks to his criminal older brother and his ties to the IRA. He’s not looking to be caught there again. When he follows his recently out of prison brother and catches him laying a pipe bomb in the middle of St. Stephen’s Green, he’s not exactly shocked. But when he sees a lost American tourist about to run right into the bomb’s path, he knows he has to do something. So he saves her and takes off before he can be tied to anything.

Amber can’t seem to get the man that saved her life out of her mind and when she’s able to track him down to his family’s pub, she knows that she needs to get to know him. He affects her like no other man has in her life. He’s also the exact opposite of any man she’s ever dated, and yet she’s inexplicably drawn to him.

Although I wasn’t sure what to expect from Amber with her good girl thought process, she really pleasantly surprised me. I really enjoyed her character and the way she chased River even though it wasn’t in her comfort zone. River was a hero that I liked straight away. He’s sweet and caring but with a little edge to him. I loved the relationship he had with his brother Rowen. Though I was shocked at the development between Ivy and Rowen. (Wonder if this book is the last we’ve seen of him?)

So why not more stars? I felt that for the type of reader I am there was a little too much concentration on history and suspense than the romance. While that may work very well for other readers, I found it added a certain disconnect for me. Don’t get me wrong, it was interesting to read about but not something I would typically turn to, if that even makes sense. This series isn’t too heavy on the romance and it’s not the HEA endings I usually like. It’s suspenseful and gives the reader a very satisfying HFN. I just found the previous two books to be a little more enjoyable. The Burying Water series isn’t heavy on romance or steam. If I had to rate the steam on a scale of 1-10, I’d say it’s a 3. That’s not why I read this series, though. It offers something different from the usual mainstream romance you’d find. It has suspense and mystery with the added element of romance. I just felt a slight disconnect with this one for reason I can’t quite put my finger one. That being said, I’d definitely recommend this book for fans of the series.

I like that while the characters are interconnected, the books can easily be read as standalones. So if you haven’t read the previous two books, you wouldn’t be even a little lost jumping right into this one. I would recommend the other two books simply because they were fantastic and it does give the reader a better understanding of some of the secondary characters that make an appearance.

ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
47891_ChasingRiver_QuoteCards_3And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

Burying Water

BURYING WATER

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Becoming Rain

BECOMING RAIN

AmazonBarnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / IndieBound

About the Author

Author PhotoBorn in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

 

 

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Review: ★Priest★ by Sierra Simone

Priest
Author: Sierra Simone
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: June 29, 2015

There are many rules a priest can’t break. 
A priest cannot marry. A priest cannot abandon his flock. A priest cannot forsake his God.

I’ve always been good at following rules. 
Until she came. 
My name is Tyler Anselm Bell. I’m twenty-nine years old. Six months ago, I broke my vow of celibacy on the altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again. 
I am a priest and this is my confession.

*Priest is a standalone, full-length novel with an HEA. For mature audiences only.*

I stopped seeing a penitent.
I stopped seeing a child of God.
I stopped seeing a lost lamb in need of a shepherd.
I saw only a woman in need- ripe, delicious need.

Look, it’s no secret that I happen to have a soft spot for dirty kinky priests. I have been forever ruined by the Original Sinners series and haven’t looked back since. So when I saw the synopsis for this book, I didn’t even give it a second thought; I knew I had to read it and meet this Tyler Anselm Bell. I read this book in one sitting, and if there’s one thing I can tell you with utmost certainty it’s that Sierra Simone is an incredibly talented author. I absolutely LOVED her writing style. I also know that I would without a doubt read all of her future books. Did Priest live up to my expectations? Yes and no. It did in the sense that I got what I thought I would be getting; a dirty kinky priest. Lord, but he was dirty. Pun most definitely intended. (Amen) If I were to rate on the smut factor alone, this would be a 5 point punch straight to the ovaries. But I’ve evolved quite a bit from the reader that can enjoy mere smut. I know, I know, I’m shocked at this growth myself. And while Priest was a book that I enjoyed for the steam, the rest of the book wasn’t strong enough to bring it up from a “like” 3 star to a 4 or 5 star read.

Tyler is 29 years old and hasn’t exactly lived the life of a saint, especially in his carnal relations. He’s a man of peculiar tastes, and his tastes are certainly….intense. But three years ago, a tragic event changed his life irrevocably. And so he took a vow of celibacy to become a priest. You don’t know wha this “event” is right away, and the author reveals the details of it throughout the course of the book. However, this was the first thing that worked against it for me. When it was finally revealed, it still didn’t make me connect to Tyler’s reasons to do this. How something like this would make him turn toward the church is tough to explain, especially since it had the exact opposite effect on the rest of his family. And the mere fact how it hurt his mother played against it too. I just couldn’t justify it or make sense of it in my head to truly connect to it.

I was sorry that I hadn’t controlled my desire long enough to step into a cold shower or go for a run or any of the other tricks I’d learned over the past three years to stifle my urges.
Mostly…
Mostly, I’m sorry that I’m not sorry.
Dammit, I wasn’t sorry at all.

Then along came Poppy to tempt him down the path of sin…
What first began as a confession soon began to turn into an obsession. Tyler is inexplicably draw to Poppy. Something about her seems to tempt his inner sinner and makes him want to do bad, bad things.

Poppy was a heroine that I never connected with from the very beginning. She was such a two dimensional character. I found no depth to her whatsoever. Here you have this woman that had a wonderful childhood but with parents who wanted a lot from her. They didn’t encourage her dreams of going to Julliard, but instead pushed her to go down the same path that every female of the upper crust follows; get an education, marry an equally rich man, and do charity work. Wanting more from her life, Poppy leaves it all behind to become a stripper. (But a high end one) Yep, that made total sense…. Not really.

Throughout the book, I never could grow to like her. Perhaps it was because it was because the story is told only in Tyler’s POV. But really, she just struck me as a somewhat vapid character. There was nothing more to her besides the lust that she induces in Tyler. Or if there was, I never really found it.

….our eyes locked and we surged past every barrier- stranger and stranger, priest and penitent, Tyler and Poppy. We were simply male and female, as God had made us, Adam and Eve, in the most elemental and fundamental form. We were biology, we were creation incarnate…

The sex between them was absolutely scorchingly hot. And so dirty. Lord but when these two sin, they go all out. To be honest, it almost felt like the book was trying to be taboo too hard at certain scenes.

Sacred and profane were blending and blurring together, fusing and welding themselves into something new and whole and singular, and if this was what love was, then I didn’t know how anyone could bear the weight of it.

I found the connection between Tyler and Poppy to be a little hard to believe. Even though everything happens over a span of weeks, it read like hours. It was just way too fast. How a mere sight of a woman can lead someone like Tyler that made the choice to be what he is so quickly, I just don’t know. There was nothing more to it besides him being attracted to her and being turned on by her confessions. Tyler wasn’t exactly a saint before he became a priest. He was a man that liked his sex and more on the kinky side. It made sense I suppose, that it wouldn’t take much to tempt him back to the dark side, but I still needed a little more. Also, considering they have the fear of discovery, these two were completely thoughtless to that when it came down to business. They went at it everywhere without a second thought as to who may see them. I’ll even admit that certain scenes even made this seasoned pervert cringe (view spoiler). So…yeah.

Now all that aside, I still read this book in one sitting. I enjoyed the writing stile immensely and the book was highly entertaining. While it lacked a few things to make it a 4 or 5 star read for me, it was still a very solid 3 stars. I did like it, all quibbles aside. But would I read it again? Probably not.

#NewRelease & Review: ★Ride Steady★ by Kristen Ashley

Ride Steady 
Series: Chaos #3
Author: Kristen Ashley
Genre: Contemporary, MC Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2015

The ride of her life . . . 

Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy—until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa’s pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . .

In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he’s the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa’s acting, it’s clear she’s falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker’s secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa—or ride away forever…

Joke, your story to tell when you wanna tell it. Your story to keep if you don’t ever wanna tell. Thought you had secrets. Way you’re holding’ back with this girl, think I’m wrong. You don’t have secrets. You got demons.

Motorcycle Man was the book that first introduced me into the world of MC romance and I’ve been hooked ever since. I LOVED that book and when I found out that KA will be writing a spin off of that book with her Chaos series, I was beyond thrilled. While the first two books in this series were good, I can safely say that this one was definitely the best in the series so far and also my favorite. Carson “Joker” Steele and Carissa “Carrie” Teodoro absolutely stole my heart. Maybe it’s because it gave me that soul mates love and second chance vibe? Whatever the reason, it just worked for me

Now look, don’t go into this book expecting something different. Most of Kristen Ashley’s characters sound absolutely the same with the monosyllabic heroes and the heroines that may be 25 but sound like they’re going on 40 with their ‘honeys’ and the ‘sweethearts’. But while it may not offer anything new in that respect, what it does have is that vintage KA vibe. You know what I’m talking about. It will have descriptions galore, it will have the hero that can answer practically any question with “babe”, and it will have an incredible love story.

You good?” he asked.
I swallowed. Then I nodded.
“Wanna be better?”
I pressed a hand to his chest and breathed, “Yes.”

Joker first met Carrie as Carson Steele when they were both in high school. Carrie was the beautiful, sweet and popular cheerleader while he was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks with an abusive asshole for a father. Unfortunately his plan of waiting it out till he graduates didn’t work and Carson decided to put everything behind him when his father’s abuse proves to be too much; including the beautiful girl that will always have his heart. He wants her to have the beautiful life she deserves and a man like him definitely can’t give her that.

Gotta get where I’m going’.”
It killed him, but that was his response.
This was because she was not his to have.
She was golden. Nothing beat her. She smiled through pain and made you believe it.

But life never works out according to plan and seven years later find both Joker and Carrie at places they never thought they’d be; Joker with his brothers and Chaos family, and Carrie as a divorce and single mom. When she’s stranded on the side of a road with a flat tire, fate brings these two together again. But while Joker recognizes Carrie right away, he’s changed quite a bit from the boy she once knew and though there’s something familiar about him, Carrie doesn’t recognize him.

I’m not sure what it was about this, but both of these characters just worked for me. Carrie has been through so much in her life; lost her sister when she was young, her husband left her for another woman while she was still pregnant, and she’s barely able to make ends meet. But through all that she still maintains the woman that she’s always been; nurturing, caring, sweet and she’s an amazing mother. Joker was a grouchy and brooding biker for the first quarter of the story and fights the connection between them. his demons from his past run deep and he doesn’t want to taint Carrie with them. But when Carrie’s ex makes life harder for her, Joker knows that he’ll do everything in his power to give her the sweet she deserves.

I lay under him, breathing heavily, clasped to him like I never wanted to let him go (and thinking I actually didn’t), glorying in the feel of his filling me, watching with what could be nothing but utter glee as the shudders of his orgasm shifted through his powerful body as the fragments of the glory of mine whispered though mine.

Joker is definitely up there with my favorite KA heroes. Something about this man was just so devastatingly perfect. The way he steps up to the plate with both Carrie and her baby son will make you swoon. Guaranteed.

I think I might be falling in love with you…”
“Then quit thinkin’, Carrie, because I know I’m fallin’ for you.

While I can’t say that the story was super quick paced, it wasn’t the slow drag either. There’s a little bit of suspense thrown in with cameos from some KA favorites of the past; Luke, Knight, Lee, Hank, and so much more. At the heart of it, it was a heart warming romance that had just as much sexy as it had of the swoons.

The one thing I’ve come to love from KA’s alphas is the way they take care of what’s theirs and Joker was definitely no exception.

I’m in love with your ex-wife…
I’ve loved her since high school, man. She means everything to me. You gotta drag her down, that’ll suck, but I’ll pick her back up. You gotta rip her apart, I’ll fuckin’ hate watchin’ it, but I’ll put her back together. Do what you gotta do to make you feel like you got the bigger dick. But know this, in the end, it’s gonna be her and me.

I haven’t enjoyed a recent KA release this much since Soaring and even that pales in comparison to this one. If you’re looking for some vintage KA vibes this is one book you need to pick up. There’s also a sneak peek into the next book at the end and that left me practically salivating for High’s story. Even though I was hoping for Rush’s book, I’ll take High after that set up. He already caught my interest here as a secondary character so I cannot wait to see what his story brings.

 


READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

(Click directly on image for Amazon buy link)
Own the Wind (Chaos #1)
Fire Inside (Chaos #2)

#NewRelease & Review: ★To Tempt a SEAL★ by Sara Jane Stone

To Tempt a Seal 
Author: Sara Jane Stone 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2015

For the first time in her life, social worker Lucia Lewis is ready to live. And the masquerade ball in Las Vegas is just the place to find a ridiculously hot guy to complete her wicked to-do list. The only rule? Her elegant Venetian mask—which conceals the scars that have always held her back from the life she deserves—stays on.

Navy SEAL Cade Daniels heads to Vegas on a mission to keep his best friend’s little sister out of trouble. Except the woman he’s sent to find is all heat and flame…and perfectly capable of handling herself. And him. But the moment Lucia’s mask slips, the need to heal her, body and soul, is complete and absolute temptation.

But revealing himself could cost him the one thing he isn’t willing to risk…his heart.

Cade,” she moaned.
“Hold on tight, gorgeous. We’re just getting started.”

Sara Jane Stone is a new to me author and one I didn’t know what to expect from when I started reading this book. All I knew is the title had “SEAL” in it so I was sold. What? I never said I wasn’t easy. After finishing it I can definitely tell that this author is definitely one I would read in the future and this series has fully sucked me in and I can’t wait for more.

I love a romance that is a bit outside of the norm with it’s story line. Although the set up is not unlike ones I’ve read in the past, I loved that the heroine wasn’t your typical beauty. Scarred by her foster father as a young girl, Lucia has never seen herself as beautiful. She’s never been the one to get any attention besides the uncomfortable stares that her facial scars induced. After losing weight and donning a masquerade mask, Lucia hopes that this bit of anonymity while at a party in Vegas will give her exactly what she needs; a night of scorching hot sex with a man that will cross off all 3 points on her sexual to-do list. And the best part about it is she wouldn’t have to lose her mask throughout the entire process.

In his world, relationships were like quicksand. Even if they could keep their heads above the surface, what would happen when she found out he’d been sent here to find her?

Navy SEAL Cade Daniels notices the striking beauty in the gorgeous dress right away. He’s drawn to her in a way he’s never been before. But as much as he wants to give into the obviously crackling chemistry that sizzles between them, he’s also on a mission. His best friend and Lucia’s older sister, Natalie, sent him there specifically to ensure that Lucia doesn’t accomplish hers. A little distraction goes a long way, but before Cade knows what hit him, the attraction between them proves too much and when he gives into the inevitable and falls into bed with the woman, he knows that only one time won’t do.

He’d been on covert missions that dialed the adrenaline up to one hundred, but this feel like the biggest thrill of his life.

Cade has seen first hand through his parents and fellow SEALs what a relationship with a military can do and he wants to part of it. But even knowing that all he can offer Lucia is temporary, he can still give her the best few nights of her life. Things don’t always go according to plan though and it’s not long before Natalie finds out what happens and keeping his true identity from Lucia becomes harder and harder.

This was a super steamy read and while I found the characters had quite a bit of depth for the type of story it was, I also craved something a little deeper. (No pun intended) While their chemistry was off the charts, I found their primary connection to be more on the physical then emotional sense. I suppose that I just needed something a little bit more on that end. Also I found the way it resolved to be just a little too easy and perfect. Considering how everything took place and Cade’s lies by omission, I wanted him to work a little harder for his forgiveness. Lucia forgave him way too easily in my opinion. Overall, this was a sweet and sexy romance and one I’d definitely recommend to readers that enjoy a story about a sexy SEAL and the woman that brings him to his knees.

I want to take you any and every way you can imagine. In public or hidden away, if it turns you on, I want to try it. And one way or the other, we’ll end with you screaming my name.

#NewRelease & Review: ★The Allure of Julian Lefray★ by R.S. Grey

The Allure of Julian Lefray
Author: R.S. Grey
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 29, 2015

From: JosephineKeller@LLDesigns.comTo: LilyNBlack@gmail.comSubject: Justin Timberlake Nudes!

Lily, you predictable perv. I knew you’d open this email faster if I tempted you with a glimpse of JT’s “PP”. Well, put your pants back on and grab some bubbly because I have much better news to share.

I GOT A JOB!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be the new executive assistant at Lorena Lefray Designs. I am SO excited, but there’s one itty bitty problem: I won’t be Lorena’s assistant. I’ll be working for her older brother, Julian.

I know what you’re thinking- “But Jo, what’s the problem?

Google him. Now. He’s the man in the fitted navy suit whose face reminds you that there’s hope yet for this cruel, ugly world. Keep scrolling… Do you see those dimples? Yup. That’s the Julian Lefray I will be reporting to tomorrow morning.

Lord, help us all…

XO,
Jo

He didn’t even know the effect those dimples had on my girly parts. One word: Ijustgotpregnant. Yeah, that’s one word.

Clearly I have been living under a rock lately, because this was my first book by this absolutely fabulous author. I know, right? I’m shocked myself! If I could spank my own ass for not reading her sooner, I would. Better yet, I’d like Julia Lefray to do it for me because if you haven’t met this hero or have immediate plans to, you deserve a thorough spanking. Seriously. What’s the matter with you? Add this to your TBR immediately. Right this second. As a matter of fact, let me pause my review long enough for you to do just that….


Done? Right then. Moving on.

Black slacks— not cute. White button-down—not cute. Fitted black jacket— ew. Who thinks defined arms and a broad chest are attractive? No one.
He reached forward and gripped my arm just above my elbow as he leaned in to kiss my cheek. JESUS CHRIST. He smelled divine, like he’d spent the morning in the woods building me a log cabin. I hated him.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted, feel good, laugh out loud sort of romance, you’ve found your perfect match. This book was exactly what I needed. It was a little fluffy, a lot funny, with a dash of sexy, and entirely entertaining. I absolutely loved it. What did I love specifically? Pretty much everything. 

The heroine: Josephine “Jo” Keller

Jo moved to NYC with big dreams and small pockets from her small town in Texas. Trying to prove to everyone, including her parents who believed she was better off staying in Texas, wrong and make a name for herself in fashion is no easy feat. But she’s determined. Her blog has a great following and she’s gotten the invitation to a fashion event that all fashion bloggers dream about. It’s there that she gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she comes face to face with the gorgeous Julian Lefray, who happens to be the older brother to Lorena Lefray; owner of Lorena Lefray Designs and the company that Jo is dying to work for. Unfortunately, Lorena happens to be in rehab and Julian has taken over her duties. Fortunately, he’s more than happy to hire Jo to be his executive assistant as she’s more than qualified. Unfortunately, Jo happens to want to rip his clothes off whenever she looks at him and the feeling is very much mutual. Thus begins the golden banter and enough sexual frustration to make your ovaries implode.

The next time Dean invited me on his boat, I was going to come prepared with a box of condoms, a padlock, and a port-a-potty for the top deck. For fuck’s sake, I’d been two seconds away from reaching the pinnacle of nirvana, and White Wine Wendy couldn’t hold her pee for a minute longer. WE WERE ON A BOAT. Pee off the side dammit.

I. LOVED. THEIR. BANTER. So much. I didn’t even mind that I felt like my ovaries were turning an alarming shade of blue from all the unfulfilled sexual chemistry. It was just that good.

He leaned back against the futon and spread his arms out along the back.
Perfect. He looked edible.
“You can’t being me pizza late at night,” I said, trying tog et my brain back on topic. “Pepperoni is foreplay to me.”

I read this entire book in one sitting, completely unable to set it down for even a second. I had a goofy grin on my face the entire time reading it. Jo and Julian’s banter when they were denying themselves was fantastic. But when they finally gave into the inevitable? Pure. Gold.

Nope. No…If that hand moves any lower, I’m going to karate chop you.”
It moved lower and my body betrayed me. My stomach was like , “Meh, I can wait to eat,” and my girly parts were lie, “HELL YEAH, this is a great idea.” And that’s the story of how Julian banged me on the floor of his closet with his suits and ties judging us from above.

There was no crazy angst or misunderstandings. I adored both the characters and the story sucked me in right from the beginning. It was the perfect afternoon read and one I’d highly recommend to any lovers of humorous romance. As a matter of fact, the whole book unrolled in front of me like the perfect romantic comedy. I’m not sure why I haven’t discovered this author before now, but best believe she now has herself a bran new e-stalker (in the non-creepy way of course.)

Review: ★Piercing Ecstasy★ by Setta Jay

Piercing Ecstasy 
Author: Setta Jay
Genre: Erotic, Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 31, 2015

After a hellish month of searching, Immortal warrior Jax and his brethren, the Guardians of the Realms, are nowhere near finding the sleeping God who was stolen by their enemy. As if that isn’t problem enough, after millennia, other Guardians are dropping like flies to the mating frenzy. Jax never dreamed he could be next. After all, he’s too flawed, his sexual appetite too insatiable to ever be completely fulfilled by one being. Could a lone female even handle his needs let alone quench his never ending desire?

Ileana lives a solitary life in the shadows, a ghost thirsting for vengeance. A warrior Ailouros, half cat, whose sheer existence has been kept secret by a special ability no one can know exists, she is closed off and trusts no one. After thousands of years spent in near isolation while hunting her prey, she has finally found a clue leading to the location of her enemy. Revenge is at hand.

When a fantastically hot Guardian unknowingly puts himself in the middle of a deadly intrigue, nearly ruining her careful plans, Ileana is forced to make a choice. Her one chance at finding vengeance will hinge on hurling them both into piercing ecstasy.

Warning: This book is intended for an adult audience. There are dirty talking Guardians with bad language, some violence, and explicit scenes hot enough to give you cat scratch fever

They may not know each other, but that would change. Soon. She was his. That may scare the shit out of her, but not him. The minute she touched him their fate was sealed.

Alright look, I want to tell you that what drew me to this series initially was the intricate world building and the fantastic characters, but I’d be flat out lying. Truthfully what did it was the super dirty, incredibly erotic, and always pant inducing sex. Yes. I’m deep like that (that’s what she said)

Being 5 books into this series though, I can tell you that it’s so much more than just super sexy. I’m addicted to the story and the characters. I’m practically salivating for the next book every time I finish a new one and I’ve become a huge fan of Setta Jay and this amazing world of The Guardians that she’s created.

She gives you those possessive uber alphas but then she pairs them with strong witted and sassy heroines that never fails to make for one entertaining and sizzling read. I can happily say that Piercing Ecstasy was no exception. Don’t let the sexy ass cover fool you. These books are a lot deeper (that’s what she said) than they imply. The characters and story are well developed and while the sex is super hot, it’s not what drives the story. While each book may technically be read as a standalone, I’d highly recommend reading this series in order to truly enjoy it as the story arc continues throughout the book and the characters get introduced early on before their own individual books. You would have a much better understanding and appreciation of them if you read the books in order. Setta likes to give a sneak peek into each character at the end of the previous book, and the first true peek we got of Jax was in Tempting Ecstasy

His dick had always ruled his life. He was used to that.

At the end of Tempting Ecstasy, Dacia’s sister, Mia is the confused she-wolf that thought that Jax was her mate. I wasn’t sure how to take Jax’s almost callous dismissal of her and his implication that he could never be faithful because one woman or man would never be enough for him. Luckily all it took was him finding his true mate for him to sing a whole different tune entirely.

Ileana is exactly the type of heroine I’ve come to expect from this author. Tough, take no prisoners attitude, but of course unable to fight the allure of her mate and alpha. For years Ileana has been a ghost. Bent on revenge against the beings that killed her parents and left her an orphan, she’s accustomed to hiding in the shadows. Not having a scent helps her immensely. And hardening her heart has helped her even more.

Her mind was her own. Her body, hers to give as she wanted. Her heart a hardened shell that allowed nothing in. She was a warrior.

While on an information gathering mission, she stumbles onto the intoxicating scent of her mate, she discovers that her heart may not be quite as hardened as she thought when it comes to one determined alpha. And soon their relationship begins to grow into something much more than just mating frenzy.

You’re really starting to piss me off with hat shit, and trust me, you don’t want that. You. Are. Mine. This is for fucking eternity, and I take that shit seriously.”

Piercing Ecstasy was a quick paced and action packed read. There’s quite a bit happening here, along with more development in Brianne and Vane’s situation. Then there’s crazy Elizabeth and her quest to release her even crazier lover, Apollo. And of course there’s that tantalizing little peak into Drake, the one guardian that I’m absolutely dying to find out more about. I always had a feeling that I knew who his mate was, but then Setta goes and throws that mother of a plot cliff here that my mind is still reeling from.

I can’t recommend this series enough to any lover of sizzling hot PNR. I love everything about it; the writing, the characters, the story….the sex. Ha! If you haven’t discovered this dirty little world of The Guardians, I suggest you get acquainted. Your ovaries will thank you. Trust me.

On a side note…

Dear cover,


That is all

Read the series in order!

Ecstasy Unbound: Guardians of the Realms #1
Ecstasy Claimed: Guardians of the Realms #2
Denying Ecstasy: Guardians of the Realms #3
Tempting Ecstasy: Guardians of the Realms #4

#NewRelease & Review: ★One To Chase★ by Tia Louise

One to Chase 
Author: Tia Louise 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 25, 2015

Paris fashions,
Chicago nightlife,
Secrets and lies…
Welcome to the North Side.

Marcus Merritt doesn’t chase women. He doesn’t have to. But when the spirited and sexy blonde who left him wanting more shows up in his office looking for work, little things like the rules seem ready to be rewritten.

Amy Knight is smart, ambitious, and back home in Chicago to care for her mother. A courtesy meeting with one of the top lawyers in the city should be a boost to her career…

Until the polished green-eyed player turns out to be the same irresistible “random” she hooked up with at a friend’s wedding in Wilmington. Bonus: He’s the brother of her older brother’s new wife. What the hell?!

Who’s chasing whom? It all depends on the day. Or the night.

Don’t miss the FREE prequel novella for Marcus and Amy in RUNAWAY

Women don’t run from me. Not when I want to catch them. She projects a hotshot image in her power suit and heels, but one thing I know about runaways. They’re afraid.

It seems that Tia Louise just keeps getting better and better. There’s one thing I’m guaranteed when I pick up one of her books, and that’s the fact that I’m going to be getting one hot alpha hero. Whether a marine, a cowboy, an underground fighter, she never fails to deliver and now she can add one sexy lawyer under her belt. As much as I enjoyed the previous books in this series, One To Chase is probably my favorite to date. It’s also the one book in the series that I would say truly may be enjoyed as a standalone as unlike the other books it doesn’t have additional POVs from previous characters. The focus is central on the main couple. Though having said all that, this series is definitely one that you would enjoy more reading in order.

Amy and Marcus first met in the end of One to Save where they shared one sizzling anonymous hookup, not knowing who the other is. Both thinking they’re indulging in a one night stand, neither of them expect that they have some very strong connections. Marcus Merritt is Elaine’s brother and Elaine is married to Patrick, who is also Amy’s sister. Still with me? Good.

I was wrong. You’re not wicked. You’re dangerous.”

Amy grew up in Chicago among the elite, but her life has been in Paris for the past few years. She never wanted to be back to Chicago or the memory it brings; but when the man she’s involved with in Paris tells her he wants more, she does what she does best and she runs. Coming back to Chicago to care for her mother, Amy doesn’t expect to run straight into one of the most unforgettable hookups of her life…or to realize that he’s actually more than that.

I don’t beg, Amy.” I don’t mean to growl, but it’s time to put it on the line. “I don’t chase. I don’t even really see the same women more than a few times. But I’m asking you to do this.

Marcus Merritt is one of the most eligible bachelors of Chicago. A successful lawyer, he’s not hurting for female attention. Yet something about the unattainable and gorgeous blonde draws him in and he knows that he’ll stop at nothing to get her.

Amy was probably one of my favorite heroines in the series so far. She’s strong witted and sassy. Plus it’s always great to read about a heroine that really makes a man work for it. The chemistry between her and Marcus is undeniable, and it’s not very long before they fall into bed together. But Amy fights the emotional connection between them with everything she’s got. It’s clear that she has some demons in her past and Marcus is determined to unearth every single one of them in order to have her.

One to Chase was incredibly sexy, quick paced and entertaining read. It had a little bit of everything. I loved that this book unlike the others was more focused on the couple. There were no additional POVs, which for me at least, took away from the main story in the past. This focuses only on the couple and truly allows the reader to form a connection to both the characters. I absolutely loved Marcus and Amy together. They were this perfect match of push and pull while burning up the sheets together. I’d highly recommend reading the free prequel before this book, Runaway to really understand the history between these two.

Baby, we’ve been flying since Day One.”

This was another fantastic addition to an addicting series that only continues to get better and better seven books in. If sexy, dirty talking lawyers and the strong witted, commitment-phoebic heroines that bring them to their knees is your thing, then this is a book you simply need to read.

Don’t Miss The Rest of The Series

One To Hold (One To Hold Book 1)
(Derek & Melissa)
One to Keep (One to Hold Book 2)
Patrick & Elaine
 One to Protect (One to Hold Book 3)
(Derek & Melissa)
 One to Love (One to Hold Book 4)
(Slayde & Kenny)

One to Leave (One to Hold Book 5)

(Stuart & Mariska)
One to Save (One to Hold #6)
(Derek & Melissa)

Review: ★Remind Me★ by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Remind Me 
Authors: Ann Marie Walker, Amy K. Rogers
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 21, 2015

First in a tantalizing new trilogy about reigniting a forbidden desire from long ago…

As heiress to a media empire Alessandra Sinclair was raised to put family obligations first. But everything changes the night her first love walks back into her life and turns her whole world upside down. Haunted by the memories of a secret romance with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, she can’t seem to get Hudson Chase out of her mind. Once again torn between two worlds, Allie must decide how much she’s willing to risk to have the love she’s always longed for.

Ten years is a long time to wait, but billionaire Hudson Chase didn’t become CEO of one of the country’s fastest growing companies by giving up on what he wants. Now that he’s got Allie in his sights again, he’s determined to make her regret breaking his heart. And this time, he’s going to make damn sure he’s not so easy to forget.

Includes a preview of Release Me, book two of the Chasing Fire trilogy.

The road is paved in hard truths, Alessandra, not denials.”
“And you think I’m the on in denial?”
His gaze was rock steady. “I know you are. But fuck if I’ll let you push me away again.”

My my my, what a dirty little gem this book turned out to be. I was not expecting something quite so hot when I picked this one up. I’ll admit I’ve been eyeing this series for a few months now but knowing my book ADD tendencies, I knew I had to wait to read it until closer to the release of book 3 because I’d forget everything by the time it came out. Also, I’m ashamed to admit that since the cover reminded me too much of a certain other book, I was judgy and figured I’d be getting another jaded billionaire book . This was so much better than I expected and I’m seriously kicking my own ass for not reading it sooner.
I’m a sucker for a second chance love story, and Remind Me certainly hit the spot in all the right places.

Ten years ago, Hudson Chase was the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Alessandra Sinclair was the heiress to a media empire. They were the unlikeliest of couples and yet for a few stolen days that one summer, they burned hot and bright together. Now ten years later, their paths cross once more and this time Hudson has the pull, the money, and the social standing and he knows that he won’t let Alessandra walk away quite so easily.
Hudson has spent the past years building up his company and becoming a self-made millionaire. Successful beyond his wildest dreams, he’s never hurting for company of the female variety. But when he sees the striking blonde from his past at a gala, all those feelings from before come firing right back; anger, lust, possession. He may not have been on the same path as her before, but he certainly is now, and he won’t let the fact that she’s engaged to a different man stand in his way.

Hot damn, she was wild and untamed. And he loved it. Loved watching her let go of her inhibitions and shamelessly give in to her own pleasure. She was wet and on fire around him. For him. He was beyond fucking her; she was under his skin, the very breath in his lungs.

As much as I fell hard and fast for Hudson (how can you not?), Alessandra was a heroine I never quite warmed up to. This may have been because most of the intriguing character development was focused on Hudson and we’ll get hers in the second book. Whatever the reason may be, I had a tough time connecting with her. I didn’t understand why she was such pushover with her parents and allowed them to basically structure her life to however they saw fit. I also tend to get judgy with a cheating heroine (it’s a terrible double standard of mine and one I’m never going to be cured of). Considering how obvious it was to the reader everything that her relationship was missing with her fiancé, it was almost unbelievable that it took what it did to finally wake her up and make her see reason. I would have preferred she cut things off with him before continuing her affair with Hudson, but she was engaged for pretty much the entirety of the book.

Luckily for me, Hudson was such a great character that between his erotic pull and captivating mysterious past, I found myself not caring much about the issues I had with Alessandra.
Hudson was just that enigmatic.

That being said, as sizzling as the chemistry between him and Alessandra was, I felt there was (brace for it) too much sex. I’m still reeling over my shock that I’m saying this. Ultimately, I just felt that it began to take away and overshadow the story. These two turned to sex at every opportunity, even when what I felt they needed to do more of is talk. Sex was the solution to every problem. Don’t get me wrong, it was hot as hell, but it was just a bit too much…even for this self-proclaimed smut slut.

All minor quibbles aside, the story of Hudson and Alessandra absolutely captivated me. The writing was engrossing and the romance was practically sizzling. I am definitely hooked on this trilogy and can’t wait to see what the next book brings. Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are new to me authors that I will read any future books from without a second thought. There were just enough hints dropped about Hudson’s past that peeked my interest enough to guarantee I’ll be reading the next book. If you love dirty talking and possessive alphas, Hudson Chase is on hero that you NEED to meet.

Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Up In Smoke★ by Tessa Bailey

up in smoke blog tour
Up in Smoke 
Author: Tessa Bailey
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 23, 2015

Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin “she’s getting away” O’Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that’s it. When she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

Amazon /B&N / Kobo / iBooks

As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.

Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.

Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”

The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”

Erin hissed again.

“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”

Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Shit like that.”

She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.

A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”

“Fuck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”

You might escape everywhere else, but you can’t escape this. Me. I’m where you LIVE.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Tessa Bailey books are my ovary happy place. They’re pure guilty pleasure, dirty-talking-alpha-overload, awesome entertainment goodness. I’ll never get enough of her stories or her dirty talking heroes. Ever. Each book offers something unique while still delivering the signature dirty talk punch straight to the ovaries. I absolutely love it!

Ever since we first met Connor in Risking it All I’ve been chomping at the bit to get my hands on his story. What’s better than a bad boy criminal hiding a golden heart? Rhetorical question, clearly. Although this is the second book in the series, it’s also easily read as a standalone. However, I’d strongly recommend reading it in order since it will help you understand Connor and the backstory a little more.

At the end of Risking It All we saw a new police task force being formed by non-other than Derek from Protecting What’s His with the savvy criminals turned good guys. So what happens when you put a dishonorably discharged SEAL turned criminal and a pyromaniac with claustrophobia in the same room together?

Enough sexual chemistry to power a high rise in Chicago is what! The sparks fly immediately between these two. Erin is a sassy and smart mouthed little powerhouse that grabs the attention of the broody Connor when she first struts into the room. She may have her share of issues and they may be a mile long, but the woman has enough sass to overshadow that and give the illusion of a much stronger person than she really is on the inside.

Things between these two start off hot and heavy from the very beginning and they only get better as more time passes. And when I say better, I mean dirtier. So much dirtier.

Pet yourself, Erin. That’s what I would do. I’d stroke your pussy with my fingers through that silk. Nice and gentle. I’d give it a soft kiss and apologize for the fact that I’m about to destroy it.

And you surely won’t find this girl complaining.

Beyond anything else, this book was HAWT with a capital H. Connor and Erin absolutely burned up the pages together. I couldn’t get enough of them.

There were also a couple of other secondary characters that were introduced that also caught my attention right away. The master of disguises; Austin, and the super hacker; Polly. I love the idea of criminals turned right side of the law. It just gives this extra delicious spin on things that I enjoyed very much.

As for Connor and Erin? I loved them together. My only complaint was the big case of insta-lust. These two get together right off the bat and just get more hot and heavy. I like my books to have that little burn of sexual tension before the couple go at it. But hell, these two were so hot together, I could barely even find it in me to care.

I will kill for this pussy. Kill for the right to continue ownership of it. No if you understand how serious I am…
Now fuck me like you mean it.

The story was quick paced and entertaining; I read it in practically one sitting. As was the case with every other series this woman has written, I’m completely hooked on Crossing the Line and cannot wait for more. I hear Austin’s book is next, and if the teaser for it in this book is enough to go by, I can already tell it’s going to be a good one. Another winner from the super fabulous Tessa Bailey and a must read!

Thank you for your interest in my books! I’m Tessa and I live in the crazy, loud, overcrowded borough of Brooklyn, New York. I love it here. This city is a constant source of inspiration, which is why I’ve decided to set my most recent books in the Line of Duty Series here. I moved to New York when I was eighteen, the day after I graduated high school. Threw my suitcase in the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier and drove across the country to find my adventure. I’m still finding it, little by little.​Thank you for being a part of it.

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Review: ★Edge of Forever★ by Taryn Elliot

Edge of Forever 
Author: Taryn Elliott
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 24, 2015

One night gave her everything. One night almost took it all away.

Isabella Grace never had a place she could call home until she moved to Winchester Falls. When a romantic moment ends in pain and horror, Isabella must deal with the aftermath of one woman’s vengeance.

After tragedy rocks the small town, the people rally around its newest member, and Logan King, Bella’s rockstar boyfriend, is doing his best to help her pick up the pieces of her shattered life. In spite of the secrets and suspicion that have dogged their every step since the beginning, he helps her find her way back to herself in the midst of her heartbreak over all she has lost. But his unrelenting need for revenge is shaking the bedrock of the foundation of the love they’d only begun to build—and Bella isn’t at all sure they’ll get through it unscathed.

Or alive.

He was going to destroy her. And God forgive him, it was his fault. How could he ever make up for that?

I have no idea why it took me so long to read this fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. Maybe I was still recovering after Taryn Elliot completely shattered my damn feels at the end of the last book with a character death I never saw coming. Maybe it’s because I’m a mood reader and I knew I had to be in the right mood to read this book because I knew Taryn would go straight for the feels again? For whatever reason, I finally read it and wanted to kick my own ass for waiting this long. This was the prefect conclusion to Izzy and Logan’s story.

He’d been there every single day without fail since the accident. Even when she’d hated him and wanted to drown in the pain that threatened to submerge her every day, he’d been there.

Edge of Forever starts off immediately after the events of where Bulletproof weeks left off. You get the devastating aftereffects of the explosion of Izzy’s store and the shock and mourning that follows it. While Izzy is terribly hurt from the fire and recovering, Logan’s guilt is slowly eating away at him. He knows that loving him is what caused this and he’s determined to make it right and make the person behind it pay. He’s tired of hiding in the shadows. He knows that his deranged stalker is responsible for this and he’s willing to do everything to make her finally stop.

Izzy’s physical injuries are excessive and put her in the hospital for a while, but that’s nothing compared to the emotional scars she discovers when she finally comes to. She’s forced to come to terms that she’s responsible for the devastation around them. She’s convinced her choices and her and Logan’s arrogance about their untouchable relationship is what led to the explosive event that cost the life of a person she loved dearly. She doesn’t know how to forgive herself, she doesn’t know how to move on, and she doesn’t know how to move forward with Logan.

A large part of the book is Izzy and Logan dealing with their relationship and Logan trying to get Izzy out of her emotional shell. It’s fairly slow paced but packed full with the feels. I loved these two together from the beginning and this book just goes to prove how perfect they really are together.

This book had a little bit of everything; it was emotional, a little suspenseful with some action in the end, and of course it wouldn’t be a Taryn Elliot book if it also wasn’t super steamy.

One of my favorite things about the trilogy is all the incredible secondary characters that have been introduced that I’m hoping Taryn will have books for next. Luckily I’ve already confirmed that Adam and Zeke will be getting one and I’m practically salivating for it already.

Admittedly, trilogies aren’t always my thing since I find it’s tough for me to maintain interest for the same couple for more than 2 books, but I really enjoyed Logan and Izzy’s story and journey to their HEA. If you’re looking for a sexy and angsty story with a hot rockstar and the woman that brings him to his knees, then this is definitely a trilogy you’ll want to look into.

We may have made mistakes in getting here, and God knows I’m no prize. But I’m yours. And you’re mine.

READ THE TRILOGY IN ORDER

Anything But Mine (When You’re Gone #1)

 

Bulletproof Weeks (When You’re Gone #2)

 

Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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