Book Spotlight, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Rocked☆ by @TarynElliottFic and @cariquinn

If you haven’t yet met the boys of Olivion, you, my friends, are seriously missing out. If you like Rock Star romances and steamy hot lovin…AND a great story on top? You NEED to read this series. 
Book 1 in the NA rock star series, Lost in Oblivion

Love definitely wasn’t on the setlist.

Opening for their idols on their first tour, Oblivion is living the dream. Mostly. Frustrated at being shoved out of his mediator role by their new manager, Deacon McCoy loses himself in brutal workouts. He only comes up for air long enough to refuel—and to tease the deliciously cute chef who makes him crave a lot more than what she’s offering on her serving plate.

As the child of roadie parents, Harper Pruitt has heard every pickup line twice. To her, musicians are one step above the scraps on her cutting board. All she wants is to get enough experience to run her own catering company, but Deacon and his bottomless stomach are too tempting to resist. He’s far from the typical rock star and before long, she finds herself experimenting with him, inside and out of the kitchen.
Apron – and panties – optional.

When Harper sees that Deacon’s dream band with his best friends may be turning into a nightmare, she can’t walk away. Deacon’s so much more than just a peacemaker and the man behind the bass. But she has her own dreams to chase…even if she’s starting to think what she’s building with him might be the biggest one of all.

You met Deacon McCoy in SEDUCED, now you can watch just how far a big man can fall.

4 Sexy Manimal Stars

From the moment he touched her, he’d known it was more.

So truth be told, there has yet to be a Rockstar Romance that my pervy little self has been able to pass on. After falling in love with Cari Quinn’s writing in Shadowboxer, when I saw her and Taryn Elliot have a sexy rock star romance series? Well let’s just say I was a little excited to get my hands on Rocked.

In a sea of formulaic rock star romances, Rocked managed to truly stand out for me. Why? Because it didn’t start off with the biggest of all manwhores and assholes falling for the girl. Nope. It had a deliciously sweet, tall, muscled and tatted Deacon.

That’s not to say that this series doesn’t have it’s manwhores. Oh no. It certainly has that. And I for one cannot wait to see both Simon and Nick be brought to their knees. But this book was about my sweet Deacon, so let’s get back to him.

(First I’d strongly recommend reading Seduced in order to get a much deeper understanding of all the band members of Oblivion. While Rocked could be read as a standalone, reading the prequel first will help you understand all the guys…and girl…much better)

Oblivion has finally hit the big times. They’re given the chance to open for their idols on their very first tour. Touring and performing in front of huge crowds is a dream come true…but it’s not without problems. The relationship between all the band members is definitely not smooth sailing, especially when a contract is on the horizon. Good thing they have the sensible, calm, and mediator bass player, Deacon.

Deacon is tired of the one night stand and the faceless groupies that all seem to lost in a haze of drunken memories. He wants more. So when he sees the sexy blonde chef on the catering service for the tour, he pursues her relentlessly…

Harper Pruitt has been there, done that, and burned the groupie t-shirt. Being the daughter of roadies, she’s more than accustomed to dealing with cocky rock stars. She has no intention of getting involved with one, that’s for damn sure. Especially when she’s so determined to get set up her career as a chef. Too bad Deacon is nothing like what she expected and not at all what she’s used to.

It wasn’t like she was powerless against him. It was so much more than that. He was warmth and promise and generosity distilled into an impossible man.

She may be smart mouthed and give as good as she takes. But the intensity of Deacon and his sinfully sexy body and tattoos soon prove too much to resist. Add into the mix his perfectly sweet words, and it’s done.

We’re going to burn out,” she said against his mouth an couldn’t stop herself from tasting him again. “Nothing good will come of this.”
“Harper, nothing but good is going to come from this.”

I loved the way that the relationship between Harper and Deacon was built. The book is long and it gives you a chance to truly get invested in them. Their struggles, their lust, and of course…the music

While I did feel that the book could have been a little shorter, I can’t say that I ever found myself bored with the characters or the story. The band’s struggle definitely added an extra element to keep me turning the pages to see if they crash and burn or shine. But what truly kept me glued to the pages was the super steamy sex scenes.

What? I never said I wasn’t shallow. Don’t look at me like that. Just wait until you meet Deacon for yourself, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

While Harper struggles with the inevitable relationship that they have going, Deacon was all in from the very beginning. There was no playing around from him. He knew what he wanted and he went for it.

Making her his, holding on to her as if she was going to fade out like the last strains of a song wasn’t a smart move. Instead he had to trust that if she was truly that important, then things would fall together.

Cari and Taryn managed to give their love story the perfect combination of sexy and dirty with sweet and passionate.

But all he could focus on was how she felt around him. Like heaven and hell were pulling at him. Take more, give more, love more. Life infused around him and through him as her sweet body gave and softened for him.

I am hooked on this series, line and sinker. I’m already salivating for every single book, and that rarely happens. Usually I have one or 2 characters that I’m curious about, and the rest I could take it or leave it. I can’t tell you who I want a book for more, Simon, Nick or Gray. I want them all. BAD.

If you’re looking for your next rock star series, look no further than the boys of Oblivion.

In her arms is where he was meant to be. And the chaos in his mind ebbed and flowed with lust and the heady first blush of emotion. She filled him up, made him ache, and when her surrender came this time, it was soft and sweet.

**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**

Want even more of Harper and Deacon? 

Well lucky you! Taryn and Cari just released a sexy novella for them on July 4th. Check it out!

     Loving in fast forward…


Love on the fast track has been the definition of Harper and Deacon McCoy’s relationship. In between studio sessions with Deacon’s band, Oblivion, and building a new clientele for Harper’s catering business, the newlyweds haven’t had time to sleep let alone have a honeymoon.
Deacon convinces Harper that they need a week alone together before her business as well as a new album and tour swallows them whole. Since Texas has always held special meaning for them, they head to Galveston to recharge and remember what it’s like to just be a couple.
A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin on skin action is just what the rock star ordered. Until the future once again comes much quicker than they expected, threatening to crumble not only their perfect honeymoon but also their brand new marriage

And psssst…it’s only $.99 right now 😉
TARYN ELLIOTT comes from the great state of New York—upstate, thank you very much. She’s usually busy making up stories with her best friend until the wee hours of the morning, or fangirling over her favorite TV show. She falls in love with each and every one of her leading men as she writes their book, and there’s always a soundtrack to match.
She loves talking to readers, so if you’d like to reach her, please visit her website: tarynelliott.com and sign up for her newsletter, or drop her a line at: taryn@tarynelliott.com.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR CARI QUINN saves the world one Photoshop file at a time in her job as a graphic designer. At night, she writes sexy romance, drinks a lot of coffee and plays her music way too loud. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she’s watching men’s college basketball, reading excellent books and causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.
Visit Cari at www.cariquinn.com to sign up for her brand new newsletter, or drop her a line at:cariquinnauthor@gmail.com.

(1) signed copy of Rocked by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott , an ebook of Rock, Rattle & Roll – 1 winner (US only)

(1) XXL Lost in Oblivion T-shirt- 1 winner (US only)

And 2 lucky winners will also receive an ebook of Rock, Rattle and Roll (open internationally)

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Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Two Week Seduction☆ by Kathy Lyons

tws-blogtour
Two Week Seduction
By Kathy Lyons

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

TBD_500

She’s going to break all of his rules…

Tech Sergeant John O’Donnell was never fond of his hometown. Too many reminders of poverty, his rocky family life, and the girl he was never allowed to have. Now he has exactly two weeks to sort out his mother’s finances before he heads back overseas. Two weeks that he’s determined to spend as far from his best friend’s little sister as possible.

Alea Heling has a naughty streak a mile wide. Sweet and simple? Boring. She’s been craving a bad boy like John since their wild days together in high school, and this time, she’s not taking no for an answer. But with every panty-meltingly hot encounter, Alea forgets one hard, cold reality—this soldier won’t let a fortnight turn into forever…and forever might be exactly what they both need.

“Thank you for your help,” he said. His voice was rusty, but clear enough.

She gasped in mock shock. “He speaks! Five words and it wasn’t rude!”

Against his will, his lips twitched. She always could make him smile when he least wanted to.

She leaned forward, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Let’s try something else. I know it’s dangerous—I mean, your head might explode or something—but I say we risk it. Give me a compliment.”

“Fishing?” he drawled.

She tsked. “That wasn’t a compliment. You’re supposed to say something nice. About me.”

He didn’t answer. Mostly because he was thinking of all the things he wanted to say. That her skin looked soft and her eyes were a changeable hazel that always kept him guessing. That her tits were round and full, just begging to be nipped. That she was small compared to his 6’3″ frame, but she had legs long enough to wrap around his waist as he buried himself inside her. And that red hair, a bright red flash of color on her perfect body, was a scream of danger he lusted after.

While those thoughts spun through his mind, her expression soured. With a sigh, she grabbed his empty beer bottle and held it before his eyes. “Say something nice to me and I’ll get you another beer.”

She shook the bottle a little to grab his attention. It didn’t work. He was too busy watching how the breeze pressed her blouse flat against her chest. Her bra had lace, which meant texture, and he wondered what sound she’d make if he tugged it back and forth against her nipples.

“John–-”

“That’s a nice b-blouse.” Damn it, he’d almost said bra.

Her mouth flattened with a sigh. “I thought you’d like it.”

Alea leaned forward as she pushed to her feet. A curl of brown hair tumbled forward, pushing past the tiny gold hoop in her ear to dangle right before him. Without thinking, he grabbed the lock, winding it around his fingers. It wasn’t even long enough to pull into his fist. But it was close enough to hold her still. Her eyes widened in surprise and her mouth—those plump, pink lips—formed a perfect O.

God, he’d been gone so long. And she was so much of a woman now.

“John?”

He wanted to say something, but he hadn’t the words. Just a thick want. He took a breath, trying to clear his head, but all he tasted on the air was her. A citrus scent, so appropriate to Florida and so missed when he was in Afghanistan. But there was another scent on top. The taste of woman, hot and spicy despite her demure yellow shirt.

He should let her go, but his fingers just wouldn’t cooperate. He tightened his hold. And when her hair started to slip through his grip, he pushed forward in his chair. He deserved one taste. He sacrificed so his country would be safe. One kiss was nothing when stacked up against that.

But if he was going to take her mouth—and he damn sure was—then he was going to take something else too…

4.25 Stars

She liked it hard and fast. Trouble was, so did he. And when two people liked it wild, things got out of control.

What an awesomely pleasant surprise this book turned out to be. I was a tad hesitant going into this book as the last one I read by this author I DNF’d

Oops? But that book was a case of ‘not for me’, and I’m so glad I gave this author another shot since I am absolutely eating my words right now. I really enjoyed the hell out of this book. Kathy Lyons wrote a sexy and entertaining story and also managed to give the reader one of the best confident heroines I’ve read.

Alea Heling is not a good little girl. She may be a high school teacher by day, but her naughty streak runs a mile wide. Alea has also had the hots for her older brother’s best friend for years. Only problem is, he doesn’t seem to return her sentiments. But Alea is not the 16 year old girl that she used to be the last time John not so eloquently rejected her. And now that John is back on leave from his last tour in Afghanistan, there’s no better time to take off where they last left off; seduce him into finally giving in.

With heroine like Alea, I always have the fear that she would come off as brash. That’s typically been the case for me in many of the books I’ve read with confident heroines that do the seducing. I was so happy that was not the case here. I adored Alea. She was such an endearing and funny character. She had a bit of a dual personality going on with her school teacher persona and wild bad girl. I loved it! And when the bad girl finally comes out…let’s just say poor John never stood a chance.

John was absolutely delicious. He was this perfect brooding alpha male. He’s been attracted to Alea for years, unbeknownst to her. But with him being the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and Alea being from an influential rich family of lawyers, he’s never felt good enough. But when Alea finally reveals the bad girl she’s been hiding under the long skirts and pearls? Game over.

I couldn’t get enough of the banter between these two. This book had one of the most fun and sexual innuendo filled games of pool I’ve ever read.

Looks like your hype is a little overinflated.”
“Maybe. And maybe I like it slow and thorough.”
“Sometimes slow is just boring.” Then she set down her stick leaned over enough to give him a full view of her gorgeous ass, and shot. Perfect. Her ass, not her shot. The ball actually spun a little wide, but it still made it in.
“Careful,” he said. “Looks like you’re heavy-handed on the stick.”
“Some guys like if firm.”
“And sometimes thrust is powerful enough.”

While Alea may have been the agressor in the beginning, that’s not to say John was outdone. Ooooh no. When he finally gives into the chemistry between them and lets loose that delicious dirty talk? Holy panty change, batman!

As soon as we get to your house, I’m going to rip your panties off. Then I’m going to toss you onto your back and eat you until you scream. And while you’re thrashing beneath me, I’m going to throw your legs over my shoulders. I’m going to finger you until you come around my hand.”

“Jesus,” she gasped, her mind reeling. “When do I get to play?”
“When I slam my dick into you all the way to the hilt. You can claw the hell out of my back while I ride you. And when you’re done coming from that, I’m going to tie you down and do it all over again.”

Simply put, I loved it. The cute and sexy banter between them. The smokin’ hot sex scenes. The story. Everything.

The one thing that I really appreciate was that the author didn’t throw in any of that typical drama towards the end. Yes both John and Alea had some things that they needed to overcome, but it had a natural flow to it with no drama interruptions.

I really hope that this will be a series, as I’d love to get a book for Alea’s brother, Sam, next.

**ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Kathy Lyons is the fun, contemporary side of USA Today Bestselling author Jade Lee. She loves sassy romance with lots of laughter and sex. Spice is the variety of life, right? Okay, so maybe two kids, two cats, two pennames, and writing over 40 books has messed with her mind, but she still keeps having fun. Check her out atwww.KathyLyons.com Or hang out with her sexy historical half, Jade Lee. Titled heroes with dark secrets are Jade’s passion. Especially when they fall for women who add more than just spice to their lives. Find her at www.JadeLeeAuthor.com. Facebook: JadeLeeBooks Twitter: JadeLeeAuthor

Signed copies of
Wedded in Scandal, Wedded in Sin, What the Bride Wore, & What the Groom Wants by Jade Lee, Dream Nights with the CEO by Kathy Lyons
Kathy Lyons notepad
Jade Lee sticky notepads
And a squidge cell phone holder

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Review: ☆Five Ways to Fall☆ by @KathleenATucker

FWTF final coverPurple-haired, sharp-tongued Reese MacKay knows all about making the wrong choice; she’s made plenty of them in her twenty-odd-years. So when her impulsive, short-lived marriage ends in heartbreak, she decides it’s time for a change. She moves to Miami with the intention of hitting reset on her irresponsible life, and she does quite well…aside from an epically humiliating one-night stand in Cancun with a hot blond bouncer named Ben. Thank God she can get on a plane and leave that mistake behind her.

Football scholarship and frat parties with hot chicks? Part of charmer Ben Morris’s plan. Blown knee that kills any hope of a professional football career? So not part of the plan. Luckily Ben has brains to go with his knockout looks and magnetism. After three long years of balancing law school with his job as a bouncer at Penny’s Palace, he’s ready to lead a more mature life—until his first day of work, when he finds himself in the office of that crazy, hot chick he met in Cancun. The one he hasn’t stopped thinking about.

If Ben truly were a smart guy, he’d stay clear of Reese. She’s the boss’s stepdaughter and it’s been made very clear that office romances are grounds for dismissal. Plus, rumor has it she’s trouble. The only problem is, he likes trouble, especially when it’s so good-looking…

Amazon / B&N IndieBound / iTunes / BAM

5 Perfect Stars


Word to the wise: if you have to fight over a guy, he’s not worth it. Go for the one who’s waiting for you.”

This was. Hands down. Most definitely. My favorite book in the series. I can’t say I ever gave Ben much thought after the 1st book…or even when I was reading the first book. But now? Move over Trent and Kacey, because Ben and Reese completely stole my heart with this book.

Want me to tell you 5 reasons I loved it? That wasn’t really a question, since I’m going to anyway 🙂

1. Reese
Reese was snarky, sarcastic, smart mouthed and quick witted. Did I mention that she also drive a Harley? This girl was seriously made of pure awesome…too bad her douchebag of an ex husband broke her heart by cheating on her and asking for a divorce. So what’s a girl to do? Get disgustingly drunk in Cancun and exorcise the fuck out of her ex by fucking someone else. Enter, stage right, Ben Morris


I love the angry ones. Of course anyone who knows me would argue that I love any and all women, and I can’t exactly disagree. But I love the angry ones the most. They’re a challenge to be conquered, the reason for their fury usually fitting neatly into three buckets: insecure, scorned, hormonal.
And this purple-haired chick gazing up at me with fire in her caramel eyes?
I’m betting on bucket number two.

Oh Ben, how right you are. Reese also has a verra big side of crazy. This is a not a girl you want to scorn or fuck with.

2. The Banter!
Oh my god, the banter! It was seriously awesome. Any time these two would talk, it was comedy genius. I think I had a goofy smile on my face the entire time I was reading.

And what is it exactly about me that you don’t like?
The womanizing mama’s-boy football-player part who spreads charm on like peanut butter and has a different girl in his hotel room every night this week.
Not every night

Well at least you’re honest about it, Ben

But given enough alcohol and Reese decides to get her exorcism with Ben…too bad it turns into the one night stand from hell. Luckily she never has to seem him again. Right? Imagine Reese’s surprise when it looks like that Ben is her new coworker since he waas just hired as an associate lawyer at her step-father’s law firm where she works.

Which brings me to my next point

3. The banter
Yes, I know I already had it listed. But it deserves more than one mention because it was just THAT good.

They make extra-strong margaritas at Amigos, down the street. Just like you like them. I’ll bring a change of clothes, for after, of course.”
“Get out.”
“We could take a nice long crawl down the boardwalk, and then-“
“Fuck. Right. Off.”

Do you see what I mean? I was highlighting practically every barb and insult that they traded.

4. Ben
Swoon. Ben was just total perfection. Yes, he was a manwhore. But he was also sweet, hilarious, honest, make-no-qualms-about-who-he-is fantastic. He also wanted Reese. Bad. But just for sex, of course. He can’t compromise his career by dating his boss’s daughter PARTICULARLY when there’s a specific no dating rule in place. Reese really doesn’t make it easy for him, but he’s determined

If I laugh, she’ll hate my guts. I need her to not hate my guts. Ideally, I need to find a way to make her love my guts. I get the impression she doesn’t even like most people, so this may be a challenge.

And you are certainly correct in that, Ben. This is a girl that “accidentally” stumbled on her ex husband and his new wife going at it at a paintball game and proceeded to shoot the living hell out of both of them with paintballs. Naked ass and all.

Duly noted.

Now back to Ben. If you’re looking for a hero that’s cocky, but in an endearingly funny way? You will LOVE Ben as much as I did.


Have you always loved yourself this much?”
“I had an awkward year in ‘ninety-nine, but I got over it quick.”

And Reese was no exception. Ben managed to worm himself in to her black little heart and chip away at her defenses and walls little by little.

5. The banter
I’m telling you people, it was just that awesome that it needs to have 3 mentions on my list.


She’s my date.”
“Date? I guess you don’t know Ben very well yet.”
“He lied and used medicinal narcotics to bribe me into coming here, so I think I have him pretty well pegged.”

So there you have it. 5 Ways I absolutely fell for this book. I laughed, I swooned, I laughed some more. I absolutely loved it.

If you’re a fan of NA romance, this is a book that’s not to be missed. Seriously. You’ll see exactly why I loved it as much as I did when you read it. It’s bittersweet to now say goodbye to this series, but what a perfect book and couple to end it with.

***ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Take☆ by Ella Frank

TAKE – verb: to reach for and hold in one’s hands or get into one’s possession, power or control. 
Logan Mitchell is a man who’s always been more than happy to take what he wants. It’s a philosophy that’s proven lucrative in both his business and personal life, and never was it more apparent than the night he laid eyes on Tate Morrison. After pulling out all the stops and convincing the sexy bartender to give him a try—he’s hooked.
Now, Logan finds himself in a predicament that demands more from him than a smart-ass answer and his innate ability to walk away when things get too deep.
He has a choice to make, and it’ll force him to do something he’s never done before—take a chance.
Tate Morrison knows all about taking a chance. He took the biggest one of his life the night he showed up at Logan’s apartment to explore his unexpected reaction to the man.
Ever since then, he’s thought about little else.
At first he was convinced his attraction was based solely on his body’s curiosity. But the more time he spends with the silver-tongued lawyer, the more Tate realizes that their physical chemistry is only the beginning.
He’s starting to catch a glimpse of what life with Logan would be like, and it’s one full of excitement and satisfaction—a far cry from what he had in the past with his soon to be ex-wife.
Each man will face their fears as they begin to understand the true meaning of give and take. Their feelings for one another will be tested, as will their very beliefs. But now that they’ve found love where they least expected it, will they be brave enough to reach out and take it?
Buy Links

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Excerpt

“That’s your truck?”

“Yes.”

“It’s so…”

“So what?” Logan challenged as he pulled his keys from his pocket.

“Old?”

“Excuse me. I’ll have you know I was driving this baby all through college and she still runs like a dream.”

Tate watched as Logan walked over to run his hand over the scratched-up tailgate, and he was amazed that he even made that look sexy. Like he was stroking a lover.

“And it’s a she, huh?”

Now around at the passenger’s side, Logan opened the door and looked at him over the bed of the truck. “Yeah. Jealous?”

Laughing, Tate walked over to where Logan stood with a hand on the door and kissed him slowly on the mouth.

“I’m jealous of anything you stroke like that.”

“Get in the truck, Tate.”

“Or else?”

Logan stepped forward, crowding him back against the inside frame of the vehicle. “You’re not ready for the or else…”

Review
4.5 stars

So now it was his turn. His turn to convince Logan that he, Tate Morrison, was worth it. When he wanted something, he was stubborn enough to wait it out and take it.

Well fuck me sideways and consider me officially hooked. Wow. Ella Frank managed to do what no other author has accomplished for me before; she managed to make me love Take even more than Try. And I fucking LOVED Try. While I love me some delicious M/M loving, I do want a great story to go along with it. Take definitely offered more than Try in the back story and relationship development department. Typically when it comes to trilogies or series with the same couple, my ADD kicks in right around book 2 and I. Am. Done. But I can honestly tell you that not only will I be reading the next book, I am anticipating the FUCK out of it.

Take takes off immediately where Try left off. Logan and Tate are just starting to settle into being together, though both haven’t touched that scary L word. Labels. After Tate’s ex wife catches him in a passionate kiss with Logan, the cat is out of the bag and Tate has to face the music and come out to his parents. In the midst of doubts and fear, the driving force of the book continues to be the incredible passion that both these men share.

Lust and arousal were the driving forces in the room, but just under the surface was something much stronger- something he wasn’t sure they were ready to acknowledge.
No one had ever made him feel as centered as Logan did, even when his world was spinning out of control.

Logan is one hell of a dirty mouthed distraction. Everything that I loved about him in book 1 was back in book 2. His dirty humor, inappropriate comments, and melt the panties right off of you sex appeal.

Logan may have been the one pursuing Tate before, but in this book it’s Tate’s turn to ultimately prove to Logan what he wants.

If I loved Tate before, I completely fell for him here. I appreciate that there was no OTT drama or unnecessary angst added here. It was what it was, and what it was was Tate growing more comfortable with the man that he is now. That’s not to say that there wasn’t any struggles. There definitely was that. Most of it in the form of his cunt of an ex wife. Now if I just may take a moment to vent here?

I have never wished for a character to killed off more than his ex wife. I swear I hated her more with every damn chapter. Forget ragey, I felt stabby. The things that she does and says?! That Cunty McCuntface!
Gah! I wanted to reach through my kindle and kick her in the ovaries.
Vent finished.

While this book definitely had more story than the first, it still delivered on the scorching sex scenes.

Usually I’d find myself getting bored with that many love scenes and eventually skimming (yes, the horror! I know. But it’s been known to happen) But that was not the case here. Not even close. I couldn’t get enough of these two together.

You will never, and I mean EVER, look at olive oil the same again. I don’t think I’ll be able to cook without getting turned on again.

I really loved how Tate really came into his own here and let his dirty side loose.

That’s what you want, isn’t it? Someone who won’t always let you win? Someone that is more than happy to be sucked and fucked but will also return the favor? Mark my words fine has no business with what we’re about to do.”

If you’re concerned about a cliffhanger, don’t be. Take leaves off in a very satisfying place while making it obvious that there’s still more ground to cover. I was very happy with how it ended. I’m not feeling a ragey cliffy episode while still anticipating the next book. If you’re looking for a hot as fuck MM romance, you definitely need to meet the boys of Temptation.

*ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review*

About the Author
Ella Frank is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. She writes both contemporary and erotic fiction and is best known for her Exquisite Series, Try and her most recent novel Veiled Innocence.
The minute she began her love affair with reading, she became and avid supporter of the romance genre and has never looked back.

Ella is Australian born and bred but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

 

And don’t miss the first book in the Temptation series!!
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Buy Links
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Giveaway
1st) Taste of Chicago Gift Package (US ONLY)
2nd) Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket (US ONLY)
3rd) Full Signed Set of Ella Frank Books and choice of Mug and T-shirt (US ONLY)
4th) Amazon Gift Card $50.00 (US ONLY)
5th) Amazon Gift Card $25.00 (US ONLY)
6th) 10 Winners x Your Choice of Ella Frank Ebook (international)
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Lisa Jayne Reviews: ☆Where I Belong☆ by J. Daniels

When Mia Corelli returns to Alabama for a summer of fun with her childhood best friend, Tessa, there’s only one thing keeping her on edge. One person that she’d do anything to avoid.

Benjamin Kelly. World’s biggest dickhead.

Mia hates him with a fury and has no desire to ever see him again. When she decides to start her summer off with a bang and finally give away her v-card, she unknowingly hands it over to the one guy that excelled at making her life miserable, learning a valuable lesson in the process.

Always get the name of the guy you’re going home with.

Ben can’t get the girl he spent one night with out of his head. When she leaves him the next morning, he thinks he’ll never see her again. Until he sees her lounging by the pool with his sister.

Mia is determined to hate Ben, even though she can’t forget him.

Ben is determined to prove he’s not the same guy he used to be.

What happens when the one person you wish never existed becomes the one person you can’t imagine being without?

FOUR SUMMER LOVE STARS.


“what happens when the one person you wish never existed becomes the one person you can’t imagine being without?”

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If you are on the look out for a new author to fall in love with, then stop right here. This is the second J Daniels novel that I have devoured and I can lovingly recommend this fabulous author who produces Well written novels with plenty of fantastic sex scenes and gorgeously thought out story lines. ‘Where I belong’ was a story that I couldn’t help but fall into addiction with, it has plenty of love/hate shenanigans and once again I feel giddy excited that I’ve discovered another author to fall in love with. Readers get yourselves acquainted with the ultimate reformed, tattooed arsehole and a heroine that finds she can’t possibly resist, welcome to one hot Alabama summer.

What’s it all about?
Mia Corelli is about to return to her home town in Alabama. Determined to enjoy her summer she hopes that she doesn’t have to encounter her best friends brother, Ben Kelly the only man that she hates more than anything. On her arrival Mia meets a mysterious stranger who quite literally sweeps her off her feet, she can’t quite believe that on her first night she has met a man that has given her summer the perfect start. Benjamin Kelly has no interest in long term commitments but he can’t quite forget the one perfect night with the one girl who managed to take his breath away. But soon enough secrets are revealed and Mia and Ben’s lives cross paths once again. Sadly their reunion is damaged by a shaky past and unforgotten hurts meaning that this duo might not overcome their difficulties to make a future of happiness together. Follow the unfolding story of one hot summer and prepare to laugh, cry and blush as Mia and Ben try to find that one person to love.

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What did I love?
A tattooed hero who turns out to have a heart of gold, what is there not to love? This author has a way of taking me right into the middle of her love stories and with that talent comes the ability to make me feel all the emotions that she creates in her storyline’s. In comparison to the first book that I read by J Daniels, ‘Where I belong’ held a little more heart break and although not particularly soul crushing it most certainly addressed some themes that had my heart racing and I don’t mind admitting that I shed a tear or two. This story unusually had the feeling of a new adult book but with a thread of the seriousness that gave it a contemporary feel, which although not the norm actually worked well for my tastes. The dirty talking and sexual teasing was a winner for my reading tastes, this couple certainly have a way with words and I loved their jesting and sweet talk right the way through this story. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot but I can say that an ‘I love to hate you’ theme always interests and entertains me and add to that some red-hot intimacy and you’ve got yourself an author who knows how to make her readers sit up and take notice of her erotic writing skills. From page one I knew that this book would win me over, a combination of some well placed author appreciation and a hero that made me blush using just a sentence or two and I was happily indulging in my love for a story involving a sexy hero and now I’m happily waiting for J Daniels to carry on delivering more.

Why not five?
Undoubtably there were moments that I loved about this book, after all a four star rating equals top quality enjoyment in my eyes. ‘Where I belong’ was a novel that on occasion had some winning moments that I truly adored, on the other hand it also had some moments that although had potential in my opinion failed to deliver. That’s not to say that this book didn’t have the enjoyment factor I just struggled to connect with the delivery of some of the drama towards the end and at times the character decisions throughout. I will always look forward to a release by this author and I can already tell that her style of writing and erotic romance is just my cup of tea.

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Final thoughts …
I’m always impressed with an author who is not only able to make me fall in love with the main characters but with the secondary characters of a story as well. I’m also always pleased to see an author plan a continuing series with differing couples. J Daniels has lined up the continuation of this series nicely and I’m already not so patiently waiting for the next book to be ready to read in my kindle. If you are partial to some drama and indecision in the books you read and you love a love to hate you themed story then ‘where I belong’ will be ticking some boxes nicely, as for me I’ll never be saying no to a novel delivered from this author. One thing is for certain Benjamin Kelly is a hero worth reading about and I certainly found myself quickly infatuated and head over heels. Go grab yourself a slice of Alabama, this hero is waiting to be loved. Enjoy … Kisses.

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*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: ☆Harder☆ by @RobinYorkNA

Harder

In Robin York’s provocative new novel, two young ex-lovers find themselves together again in the shadow of tragedy—and an intense, undeniable attraction.

Caroline still dreams about West. His warm skin, his taut muscles, his hand sliding down her stomach. Then she wakes up and she’s back to reality: West is gone. And before he left, he broke her heart.

Then, out of the blue, West calls in crisis. A tragedy has hit his family—a family that’s already a fractured mess. Caroline knows what she has to do. Without discussion, without stopping to think, she’s on a plane, flying to his side to support him in any way he needs.

They’re together again, but things are totally different. West looks edgy, angry at the world. Caroline doesn’t fit in. She should be back in Iowa, finalizing her civil suit against the ex-boyfriend who posted their explicit pictures on a revenge porn website. But here she is. Deeply into West, wrapped up in him, in love with him. Still.

They fought the odds once. Losing each other was hard. But finding their way back to each other couldn’t be harder.

5 Deeper and Harder Stars


You have to let yourself want what you want as hard as you can, as deep as that goes, even if it scares the fuck out of you.

Wow. Just wow. As much as I loved Deeper, Harder managed to absolutely blow me away. It shattered my heart into a million pieces, and then slowly mended it back together, piece by piece, managing to bring a captivating and emotional story a full circle. Robin York’s writing is both poignant and uplifting, and she has easily moved to the very top of my favorite NA authors. I do not recommend reading this book without having read Deeper first, it will simply not be the same. So let’s move on to the review, shall we?

It’s been some time since where Deeper ended, and although it’s not made clear what happened, it’s obvious that Caroline and West are not together anymore. Their relationship is stunted at best, tumultuous at worst.


Before we crashed and burned, though, I liked the person I was with West. He made me vulnerable, but he helped me be stronger, too.

In Deeper we saw West take a broken Caroline, and help put her together. He was her rock, her shoulder, her everything. But when Caroline put herself back together she was stronger, and this book paints that picture perfectly.

I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read about a heroine in a NA novel that is as emotionally strong as Caro was. Because that’s precisely what she was. This was not a girl that flew off at the rails, she knew what she wanted and she fought for it…even if she may never win.

Yes there’s an event that happens here that had me screaming and raging in anger and devastation. But as I read more, I understood why it happened and the choices that were took place. I may not have liked it, but it fit the story. It fit THEIR story.

Caro’s reaction to this was something that really made me think. She did not react in a typical way that you would expect. She showed an immense amount of emotional maturity and intelligence, which was truthfully a first for me. I think I loved her character all the more for it. It was obvious that she knew West suspected a certain reaction from her, but she knew why he did what he did, and she knew what he needed.

I could tell you how much I’m hurting, or I could get out of the car, slam the door, hitchhike to the airport because fuck you, fuck you, West, how could you do this to me? How?

What I can’t do is pretend I don’t know what you did,” I say. “Or pretend I don’t still care about you.

If in the first book West was Caro’s rock, then in this one it came a full circle. The depth of Caroline’s love for West was evident in every word and action.

As for West? My beautifully broken, hurting, fucked up West. As much as I wanted to hate him for what he did, I just couldn’t. My heart hurt for him. The more I read, the more it hurt.

He was so lost in the first half of this book. His heartbreak is palpable. What he does to push Caro away is terrible, don’t get me wrong. But you can tell he felt he had no choice. And while he succeeds in one thing, he fails in another, because Caroline refuses to give up on him. Caro was the strong one here, she needed to be, to help West find his way out of the dark

She knows who she is deep inside herself. I can break her heart, but I can’t break her pride. I can’t break her. She’s never going to let that happen.

I want her

All the time, like a virus, a disease I caught, except the other way around- like a a cure I caught a year ago, and it’s inside me, winding through my veins, pumping through my heart.

His hope and hopelessness is swallowing him whole. He wants, but he doesn’t think he can have it. He doesn’t deserve it. But it doesn’t stop his yearning.


Spark. Spark. Flame.


The whole time, I was trying to convince myself that the flame didn’t look like hope, didn’t feel like it, but I’ve never been any good at that kind of deception.
That spark in the dark, that wavering flicker- Caroline. Hope.
For me, they were always the same thing.

The first half of the book was an emotional roller coaster. The feels, the pain, the heartbreak, it was devastating. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the second half was the light.

What I truly loved about the book was that Robin York didn’t throw in any more additional drama in the end. There was no unnecessary angst, the angst that was there was intricately important to the plot, not excessive. She manages to take the story a full circle while painting a love story that’s emotional and touching.

If you loved Deeper, you will love Harder. There are events here that may take you out of your comfort zone and make you question what you feel. It will capture you and draw you in. It will break your heart and then put it back together. I’m in love with Robin’s wring, story telling, and her words. I really hope she continues this series with another couple…like perhaps Bridget and Krishna? (Hint, hint. Nudge nudge) LOL!

Highly recommended read. If you want a NA romance that’s unlike any you’ve read before, this is a must read.

**ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Review: ☆Fanning the Flames☆ by Victoria Dahl

Burning for youSome men are off-limits. Close friends of your ex-husband, for instance. Or firefighters who work in the same building as you. Yet despite her best judgment, librarian Lauren Foster can’t help noticing fire captain Jake Davis whenever he jogs by…shirtless. They’ve always been friends, but all it takes is one not-so-chance meeting at a local bar and one not-quite-innocent walk home to ignite a fierce, uncontrollable desire between them.

Widower Jake Davis has tried to ignore the spark he feels whenever Lauren’s around, but once he sees her curves in a little black dress, there’s no turning back. No matter how often she says she’s all wrong for him, the sexy, outspoken divorcée is driving him wild in the best possible way. Maybe she’s just blowing off steam. Or maybe he can convince her to fan these flames into something deeper, hotter and truer than they ever expected….

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Review

3.5 stars

Her body wanted her to get busy humping any man who caugh her eye before her eggs dried up. What her body didn’t seem to understand was that there were plenty of healthy-egged young twenty-somethings who were attracted to men like Jake Davis, too. She couldn’t compete with them. But honestly, she wouldn’t mind a few hopeless tries. 

I’m a huge fan of Victoria Dahl, so when I saw she has a new series coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it. Plus I read “firefighters” and I was pretty much done for? What? So I’m shallow. Don’t you judge me here.

Forty three year old divorcee Lauren Foster is ready to move on with her life. After a marriage that fizzled out, she’s convinced that she’s not exactly cut out to be a wife…but some sweaty and dirty sex certainly wouldn’t be amiss. Too bad the only thing her libido is responding to is a man that is very hands off to her, widower and fire chief Jake Davis. But how is a girl supposed to ignore the inferno of lust every time Jake jogs shirtless to work. Maybe working next to the fire station isn’t as great as it sounds for a librarian.

I’m a sucker for older MCs, since it’s very rare I’ll find that in book. I really loved that Lauren was 43 to Jake’s 46. It’s refreshing to read about mature MCs with kids. It’s also refreshing when those kids are normal and there’s no added drama from that. This was a very quick, light, and super sexy read about 2 people getting a second chance for love.

I was afraid that with Lauren being a librarian, I’d find her to be stuffy and boring. Boy was I wrong!

You don’t understand. I don’t bake cookies. I don’t want to take care of a man. I’m bitchy. I’m demanding. I want my own space and free time, and when I’m in a bad mood, I’ll tell you and I’ll use bad language while I do it. Speaking of, I like to fuck.”
She poked his chest again.
“I. Am. Not. Sweet.”

Oh I certainly got it, Lauren.

While I really enjoyed this, it was still a bit too short for me to be anything more than 3.5 stars. I was suprised, however, at how invested I managed to get in both these characters in just a short 60+ pages. I just really wished for an epilogue of sorts to really make it a solid 4 stars. But considering this is planned to be a series, I’m sure we’ll be hearing about Jake and Lauren in the future books.

If you’re looking for a quick, sexy and light read, then you definitely want to give this book a try.

Review: ☆Beyond the Velvet Rope☆ by @tiffashleybooks

Beyond The Velvet Rope by Tiffany Ashley
Release date: June 24th
Welcome to Club Babylon: where the A-list VIPs come to play 

Scoring a gig at Miami’s Club Babylon is a fantasy come true for New York promoter Thandie Shaw. The hottest club on the strip is a magnet for major South Beach movers and shakers. And Thandie’s about to meet the biggest player of them all.

Babylon owner Elliot Richards is macho, arrogant, sexist—everything Thandie doesn’t want in a boss or lover. Elliot is also the most erotic man who’s ever wanted to take her to bed. But Thandie’s no fool. Even as he tries to seduce her into a world of intense and shocking passion, she knows it’s too good to last…especially after she uncovers Elliot’s explosive secrets.

Thandie’s going down a dangerous road, and she’s risking a lot more than her career. Torn between doubt and desire, will she have to pay the ultimate price?

Darkly sensual and deeply moving, Beyond the Velvet Rope takes you into a world of uncontrollable desire and unexpected consequences.

3.5  Stars


Tell me you want me.”
“No.” She could hardly breathe, let alone sound certain of herself.
Elliot lifted his head to look into her face. Her eyes were practically glowing with lust. “Tell me what I want to hear,” he demanded in the husky voice. “Tell me you want this.”

This was a toughie for me to rate. I was completely enraptured in the story. Absolutely loved it and I’m captivated enough to continue and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series (Which I’m hoping will be Nico’s). Unfortunately there were just a few things that kept this from being a solid 4 stars for me. Truthfully, if I was rating on the story alone, I’d give it 5 stars. It was THAT good.

Thandie Shaw is a PR golden girl. She’s made quite the career for herself in New York. But when the opportunity presents itself to work for the enigmatic and rich Miami club owner, Elliot Richards, she knows she has to get it. Too bad Elliot isn’t that thrilled with employing a woman. He’s arrogant, chauvinistic, rich as fuck, and sexy as sin

What can I tell you about Elliot? If you like the enigmatic, rich playboys, you will absolutely fall head over heals for Elliot. He was everything I love and more. Everything that came out of this man’s mouth was sinfully delicious.


That’s what I get for being a Good Samaritan.”
“You call dragging me against my will into your car and ogling me a act of goodwill?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “A simple ‘thank you’ is always welcome. But in your case, I’m willing to accept sexual favors.”
“You are unbelievable.”
“I prefer to think misunderstood.”

Plus he has that bonus addition of asshole that just completely solidified him in my top perve material spot.


We’ve rescheduled for next Monday night.”
“Good for Rex,” he said. “He could use the attention. Regrettably, you’ll have to break your plans. You’ll be busy.”
“Busy? Busy doing what?”
“Busy being fucked by me.
I see you’re speechless,” Elliot cooed. “Try not to make a habit out of it. I prefer my women to be a bit more vocal.”

What can I say? That touch of asshole will do it for me every single time.

The second Thandie begins working for Elliot, he makes things extremely clear. He’s determined to seduce here. While she’s determined to fight him on it every step of the way. She’s not looking to be just another notch of his belt, and Elliot’s certainly had his fair share of notches. He doesn’t exactly mince his words, and paints a very vivid picture of his intentions to Thandie

Thandie was a great heroine. She really does try to fight the seduction, but no woman in her right mind can possibly fight the full effect of Elliot Richards for long.


I think we should get a few things straight, Thandie. I have every intention of screwing you. Keep up this act, and I promise you’ll find yourself in a lot of trouble with me.”
“I’m not interested,” she said through gritted teeth.
“I could make you. Quite easily.”

The sexual relationship between them was a slow burn. And with the book being as long as it was, that was a hell of a slow burn. But there’s just enough sexual tension and innuendo thrown in that sucks you in like a moth to a flame.


Stop denying us, Thandie.”
“You give yourself a lot of credit, Mr. Richards.”
“I have the experience to back it up.” He grinned. “Trust me. I’m as good as they say.”
“Why me?”
“You interest me.”
“What happens when I’m no longer interesting?”
Elliot shrugged. “I’ll find someone else.”
“This is all a game to you,” she whispered.
“Everything is a game, Thandie. And I play to win.”

I seriously couldn’t get enough of the chemistry between them. The author did an amazing job building a slow heat that eventually CUMbusted into fireworks when they finally do get together.

Turn around. Let me see your ass.”
“Fuck you.”
“How about I fuck you instead?

Now as to what kept it from being a higher rating for me. There were a number of things.

The length. I felt that the book could have easily been a good 30% less…or more. It was incredibly descriptive. While I loved the vivid picture that a descriptive story builds in my head, I also found myself getting bored with a lot of the parts. There was a large number of characters introduced, and all of them had a backstory, and it really got confusing to keep track of it all. I didn’t really get the necessity of Cam and the first chapter of the book. i felt that could have been excluded entirely without taking away from the story.

The formal writing style
As much as I loved the story and the flow, I found the writing to be a little too formal at times. Some of the phrases and words that were used gave me an eye roll or 2. Honestly, at times I almost felt like I was reading Shaskperean porn LOL!

She sucked hard as he filled her mouth with hot sperm.

Hot sperm was certainly a first for me.

Now finally free from Elliot’s affections, she was unable to drift into slumber.
Turned on their sides, they slept in “spoon” fashion.

Thandie studied her reflection as she affixed her earings.

Again, just way too formal for my simple puny brain tastes.

The way her body pocketed his manhood

The contact of her drenched center pressed against his naked manhood.

Manhood is a term that is almost guaranteed to kill my lady boner in 2.5 seconds flat.

Now I know I probably sound like I’m nitpicking here, but the combination of everything did manage to bring down my rating. I’m not sure if it may bother others as it did me, but it is what it is.

The twist at the end is certainly not one I saw coming, and I was glued to my Kindle for the last 30% to see how everything would turn out. While some of the things in the story didn’t quite work for me, I am completely sold on the series. Even if the things I complained about repeat in the next book, I would still gladly read it. The author managed to peak my curiosity so much with Nico and Victoria (and Matrix) that I’m dying for the next book.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you can overlook some of the things I mention, you will fall hard for Elliot and enjoy the book immensely. And even if you are bothered by it, the story is just strong enough for you to be able to overlook them. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, and can’t wait to see what Tiffany Ashley has planned for the foul mouthed and sassy Victoria and the deliciously sexy and rich Nico.

ARC gifted to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review

As a child, Tiffany always dreamed of writing her own novels. Having possessed a passion for books, her desire to become a published author is now a reality. Her first novel, Love Script, released in 2007, received rave reviews. Known for her steamy and sometimes emotionally exhausting interracial romances, Tiffany looks forward to a long and adventurous career. Tiffany lives in Dallas, Texas where she continues to write her novels.

Release Day Blitz, Excerpt, Review & #Giveaway: ☆The Reality of You☆ by @JeanHaus

Naomi Porter was once witty, fun, and outgoing, but she has scratched outgoing off the list, along with men. She has a mediocre tech job in fabulous New York, a large smut book collection, and awesome friends, both tangible and in an online gaming community. She just doesn’t date. A future filled with cats and housedresses beats having her heart broken again.

But Naomi still likes men, even kind of stalks—mostly fantasizes about—a gorgeous one at work during lunch.

Her best friend, Kara, is determined that Naomi will be outgoing again. When Kara finds out who, as in a notorious playboy, Naomi is stalking at lunch, she plans to break Naomi of her lunchtime habit and bring her back into the real world. It’s just going to take a bit of deception.

Between all the deceiving, fangirling, and bumbling, Naomi might not be able to resist the temptation of turning her seven-month fantasy into reality. And really, so what if he’s a playboy or a demanding jerk? Her fantasies don’t include love or even like, just a bed or a couch or the back seat of a limo…

Reality might be just what she needs.

*A sexy romantic comedy intended for audiences 18+

~Meet Naomi Porter ~

-They each had some kind of jackass drink: dry martini, cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Caipirini, and one neat, overpriced single malt scotch. Except for me. I drank beer. American beer. From the tap, thank you very much.

-Whoa. Wow. Whoa. Between his gaze and his words, I imagined jumping on his lap and experiencing some of that.
– What was better than fried tortillas? Nothing. Well, except Doritos. But they were fried tortillas with cheese-flavored dusting. 
-Could sharks jump out of the water? The ocean lay more than a hundred feet away. I wanted a shark to swallow me whole and drag me to the deep, salty depths of the sea after that ramble.
– But he is also hot, delicious, and the star of my day and night dreams.
-I didn’t cook. I constructed dips.
-I wanted to grab a toothpick and stuff it up my roommate’s nose. Two toothpicks to be precise, one for each nostril.
– Seriously, I never imagined being a tux girl, but holy hot hell, I could dry hump his suit. Preferably with him in it, but…
-You can never, ever, go wrong with bacon.
– I was going to faint. Or let out a whoop. Or tackle him. And it wasn’t just because he was removing his pants.

“Keep an open mind. First impressions aren’t always correct,” she said from behind me as we strode down the hall.

“I’m not expecting Prince Charming but those three are wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am all the way. Is a little interest, a little romance, a first date with a toe-curling kiss too much to ask for?” I inquired over my shoulder.

“Maybe you need a wham-bam to get back into business. Like get it over, then move on to the romance and the toe-curling kisses.”

“Harrumph,” escaped me before we came out of the hallway and into the main bar. Three steps into the room, I stopped dead in my tracks. I became a deer in headlights when I noticed a person sitting sideways at the bar. Dark brown hair. Square jaw. Dark winged brows. Sensual lips with a rocks glass pressed to them. I gaped as he tipped the glass higher and amber liquid touched his lips.

Kara ran into my shoulder. “What the hell?” she asked, rubbing her jaw and stepping next to me. “Don’t pull this again. It’s only one more drink.”

“It’s him,” I somehow said, though still in shock. “My lunch guy.”

“Him? What are you talking—” She followed my frozen gawk. “Holy shit, Naomi! He’s the guy you watch at lunch? That’s not a bike—that’s a luxury car! Like an Aston Martin!” Kara had a thing for luxury cars. And shoes. And clothes. And purses.

I nodded as the woman next to him gave him a sultry stare. Jealousy flared within in me. Hopefully the daydream kind, but yeah, he was an Aston Martin compared to the three ten speeds waiting in the other room.

Kara smacked her forehead. “I should have known. Why didn’t my stupid ass put two and two together when you described him? You know who he is, right?”

Locked on him, my eyes turned huge. “What? No.”

“He’s—”

“Aggggg, not listening to Kara.” I covered my ears. “Don’t tell me.” Sure, I stalked him at lunch, but I didn’t want the possibility of becoming a full-time stalker. More than that, I didn’t want my lunchtime lustful fantasies ruined by reality. I was more than aware of it being a fantasy. I liked it as a fantasy.

4 The Reality turned out Much better than I expected Stars

The reality of you is so much better than anything I’ve ever imagined.

I have been a fan of Jean Haus ever since Ink My Heart. I’ve loved her NA books, so when she let me know she has a new Romantic Comedy in the works, I was just a little excited at the opportunity to read it.

Miss Haus has yet to let me down and this book was certainly no exception. While I can’t really say it was a romantic comedy (I’d call it more of a contemporary romance with a little humor), I still really enjoyed it. I also have to say that the synopsis does not do this book justice at all. It was so much better than I anticipated.
Meet Naomi Porter

Naomi has pretty much given up on men and relationships after her disastrous past relationships. Every man in her life has stopmed on her heart and dumped her, with her most recent ex being the nail in the coffin. After a horrible car crash ruins not only her chance for Olympics but her engagement as well, she’s done. Burying herself in her “safe” world, the last thing she wants is to have her heart broken again

So she makes do with her mediocre job, her online gaming, her friends, her smutty books…and her fantasies. And the recurring star of those fantasies just happens to be the mysterious sexy man that she more or less stalks during her work lunch hour.

She doesn’t know who he is, what he does, or if he’s even single. But he certainly has a nice ass and her imagination can fill in the rest…


Let me recall some of your descriptions of the man. There was ‘Mr. McGriddle, cover that man in sticky maple syrup’. You also described him as ‘tall, dark hot chocolate, give me two cans of whip cream’. And let’s not forget the eloquent, ‘Superpants, able to make a woman cum with a drop of his drawers.”

So her friends also happen to know of her obsession.
Her best friend and roommate is determined to break Naomi out of her rut. But a crush on the mystery man is not the way to go. Especially since her friend Kara knows that the mystery man happens to be the incredibly rich and even bigger asshole with a 3 week relationship minimum, Reese Jordon. And what’s the best way to rid her friend of this crush and finally get her out of her rut and into the real world? Expose her to the true asshole-y potent effect of Reese by getting her a job as his temp for the week during a Puerto Rico work trip. But plans rarely go according to plan.
I knew I’d love Reese at his first asshole remark to Naomi. To say he was a grade A asshole to her would be an understatement. But beyond the asshole and cold businessman there was also an undercurrent of something…more.
I loved Naomi’s bumbling and accident prone quirkiness. I could have done without her “inner fangirl” as it gave me some cold sweat flashbacks to a certain ‘inner goddess’, but it wasn’t too bad. It was even cute at times. Her inner thoughts always managed to put a smile on my face.

I was quite sure that his “secretary” licking him during Pilates would be frowned upon.
She was so endearingly shy yet cute.
I took a sip of wine, and held in a moan. He was going to make me a wino, a big fat wino because I planned on drinking wine with everything now. Doritos, yogurt, dips, pizza…cereal? There had to be a wine that paired with Cocoa Puffs.
The relationship between Naomi and Reese was slow building but filled with plenty of sexual tension. Between lustful fantasies and a few stolen gropes and kisses I was beyond ready for these two to finally get together…and when they did?

Yup. Hawt!
I did get irritated with her friend Kara.

Considering the woman pretty much set the whole thing in motion, she was a grade A bitch about everything. I was hoping she’d redeem herself toward the end of the book, but that ever really happened for me.

So I really wished she would just shut the hell up and stay out of it at times.
As for the rest of it? I really liked it. It was cute, funny and sexy. I really fell for Reese and the way he treated Naomi. Naomi was a great heroine as well. I was not expecting the twist at the end. It caught me completely off guard. And the last chapter was the perfect conclusion. Jean really brought the story a full circle and it was great.
If you’re a fan of fun and sexy contemporary romances, I definitely recommend this one. I really hope Jean Haus has more adult books like this up her sleeve in the future.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
I write young adult and romance novels. I read a lot too. I even do a bit of cooking, which is actually quite good. I also golf a lot in the summer with my awesome husband and son, but I cook way, way better than I golf.
I am Represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

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Lisa Jayne Reviews: ☆The Vixen and The Vet☆ by @KatyRegnery

Burned by an unreliable source, Savannah Carmichael, returns to her hometown of Danvers, Virginia with her once-promising journalism career in ruins. Given the opportunity to get her skin back in the game by writing a patriotic human interest piece, Savannah turns her attention to the town hermit, Asher Lee, a wounded veteran who returned to Danvers eight years ago, and hasn’t been seen since.
After an IED explosion in Afghanistan took Asher’s hand and disfigured half of his face, he’s lived a quiet life on the outskirts of Danvers where the locals respect his privacy…that is, until Savannah Carmichael comes calling in a borrowed sundress and a plate of homemade brownies. When Asher agrees to be interviewed by Savannah, he starts feeling things for the beautiful reporter that he hasn’t felt in years.
Misfits in small-town Danvers, Savannah and Asher create a bond right away, touching each other’s hearts in ways neither thought possible. When a terrible mistake threatens to drive them apart, they’ll have to decide if the love they found in one another’s arms is strong enough to fight for their hard-won happily ever after.

NOTE FROM AUTHOR
I wrote this book as a fundraiser and 50% of my profits in June and July 2014 will go directly to Operation Mend at the UCLA Medical Center. UCLA Operation Mend is a groundbreaking program that provides returning military personnel access to the nation’s top plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as comprehensive medical and mental-health support for the wounded and their families. By offering cutting edge reconstructive facial surgery, prosthetics and intensive therapy to those heroes with calamitous injuries, Operation Mend helps our returning warriors live fuller and more comfortable lives once home.

To learn more about Operation Mend, I encourage you to check out their website here:http://operationmend.ucla.edu/

FIVE CLAIM MY HEART STARS.

“Love me, Asher.” And he did. And he would. Forever.”

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My adoration for this book was helped tremendously due to my love for a well written book that tugs on the heart strings and gives my reading heart a well placed squeeze. It also didn’t harm the enjoyment that my favourite Disney animation of all time is the classic ‘Beauty and the beast’. I couldn’t even begin to imagine that I would fall so in love with a book that I was requested to read and review and I’m more than pleased that I gave my reading time over to a book that quite honestly has stolen my heart. This author is obviously talented with a heart to share stories that make the reader not only fall in love but think about the world around them. Timeless in it’s delivery I won’t ever be forgetting about the story of Savannah Carmichael and Asher Lee. Katy Regnery I have had the most beautiful time spent with your heart stopping novel and I’m left with a story to remember for a time to come.

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What’s it all about?
Leaving New York after being publicly humiliated and loosing her job as a successful journalist, Savannah Carmichael returns to her very southern and charming home town. Feeling desperate to gain respect in the reporting world again she sets out to deliver a story that would make her be noticed for her writing talents once again. Asher Lee is the town recluse and hermit after serving his country and injured in a tragic and near fatal accident he returns to his home town. Disfigured and equally as tormented by his experiences he has given up on a world of love and the idea of living a life of freedom. When Savannah and Asher’s lives cross paths they never expected to be thrown into a friendship so powerful that it changes the way they feel and act. And as their relationship starts to bond them in a life altering way they have to take the steps to overcome the difficulties that they must face together. Beautifully poetic and tragically love struck their story is one that is worth fighting for.

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What did I love?
This novel was not only beautifully romantic with a well paced unfolding plot and love story, it was also powerfully touching and heart melting. There are stories that you happily read that are enjoyable, even used as an escape but there are also those books that make you sit up and take notice and change the way you see the world. ‘Vixen and the vet’ had a clear message about friendship and love and how we can be the difference to those around us and for me if nothing else this author did the perfect job of showcasing how relationships can change lives. I admired and fell for this authors writing style she swept me right into the middle of the love and action of this story and I could not have loved two characters more. Savannah and Asher were beautiful to read about, both equally wonderful and easy to fall in love with and I was cheering for their friendship and romance from their first encounter. As you can imagine from the description of the book, the storyline dealt with some difficult topics but the book although thorough in it’s message never felt heavy or difficult to read instead it pulled at my heart strings in the best kind of way and felt a joy to read.

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Final thoughts …
This is the first time that I have read any work by Katy Regnery and it comes as no surprise to me that she is an award winning romance novelist. She made this potentially heart breaking story come alive and I fell utterly in love with her story of the beautiful journalist and her admirable beast. Nothing could have torn me away from the pages of this novel and for once I enjoyed the differing emotions that this story line created, nothing was over dramatised or unnecessary instead it was simply a poetic journey of finding that other half that no matter what will cause you to be whole. ‘The vixen and the vet’ is a book that I felt proud to have read and I’m hoping that other readers will feel, experience and love this book as much as I did. Go fall in love with a hero that demands to not be forgotten, enjoy … Kisses.

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*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
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