Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Within Temptation☆ by Tanya Holmes

May 14, 2014 by · 1 Comment
Title: Within Temptation (Sons of Temptation #1)
Author: Tanya Holmes
Release Date: May 12, 2014
Category: Romantic Mystery/Romantic Suspense. This is not erotica or romantica. This is a romance centered around a murder mystery.
Heat Factor: 3 out of 5 — The sexual tension is high, and the burn is slow. Sex is character-driven, rather than plot-driven.

Love, betrayal and murder in a small town….
Twelve years after her mother’s murder, Shannon Bradford fears she may have helped convict an innocent man. Even worse, her prominent family may have had something to do with it. Desperate for answers, she seeks help from the one person least likely to give it. Her best friend and childhood crush, Trace Dawson. The man she sent to prison.
Serving hard time for murder has left Trace angry and bitter. As far as he’s concerned, digging into the past won’t replace the years he’s lost or erase the hell he’s lived. Now that he’s free, Shannon Bradford tops his list of bad memories. But he never counted on falling in love.
Set in a sleepy little town during the dead of winter, this award-winning romance novel is a tale of one woman’s quest for truth and a man’s struggle to forgive.
 “MEMORIES flooded my mind, of the quiet riot he was, of the secret crush I’d had on him, and the extraordinary friendship we’d shared so many years ago. As fast as those images came, others replaced them. I was thrust back to the crime scene, back to Mother’s corpse and the shirtless eighteen-year-old roaring obscenities while Sheriff Gray and a deputy dragged him away in handcuffs.” — Within Temptation

I may be on parole, but you’re still the warden of your own penitentiary. So, between the two of us, who’s the real prisoner, darlin’?”

Wow. As far as debut novels goes, this was superb. I couldn’t believe this was Tanya Holmes’ first novel. I’m not even sure how to best describe what I read just now. Think soap opera (or Dallas) on steroids, with a murder mystery thrown in, and a romance expertly interwoven into the suspense. Makes sense? Well it did in my head.

This is not erotica or romantica. This is a romance centered around a murder mystery.

Heat Factor: 3 out of 5 — The sexual tension is high, and the burn is slow. Sex is character-driven, rather than plot-driven.

That sums it up perfectly actually. The romance is not the front and center of this book, but it is perfectly weaved around the story. Tanya did a perfect job of creating a slow burning romance between 2 characters without it taking away from the overall plot and mystery. This was not action packed, edge of your seat suspense. What it was, was a nail biting mystery that kept you guessing until the very last page. I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t wait for more from this author.

Trace Dawson has spent 12 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. What’s worse is it was the testimony of a little girl that he cared for immensely that sent him there. To say he’s bitter and resentful would be putting it mildly. He’s out now and doesn’t want anything to do with digging up the past, or dealing with the woman that swore in court that he was the one responsible for the murder of her mother.

He’s concentrating on his present and attempting to live in a town that will forever see him as the “butcher boy” of Temptation. He’s ostracized and forced to deal with the constant gossip and pointed fingers of the small townspeople. So when Shannon attempts to right her wrong and tell him that she may have made a mistake all those years ago, he’s not exactly receptive to the idea.

Shannon is guilt-ridden over possibly sending an innocent man to jail, and the thought that her prominent and rich family may have also had a hand in it doesn’t help matters. She wants to right that wrong…if only Trace will give her the time of day.

Beneath the hate, guilt, and resentment there is a strong undercurrent of lust that flows between them…even if both Trace and Shannon do their best of fighting their feelings

You’re too full of yourself.”
A slow, wicked grin eased across his lips.
“Maybe so. But I’d bet the farm you wouldn’t mind being full of me too.”

I loved the slow burn here. The author does an excellent job of building the sexual tension and really making you understand the connection between these characters. The romance, although not predominant, was still incredibly satisfying.

I’m about to take you someplace you’ve never been, and when you come back, you’ll always remember it was me who took you there.

I think I loved this book as much as I did because of Trace. He was such a great character. My heart broke for him and everything that he has endured and continues to endure. Shannon…well Shannon was probably the one thing that kept this from a 5 star read for me.

(Highlight to view spoilers)

There’s an element present here that is usually a turn off for me in most books (view spoiler)a somewhat love triangle. (/spoiler)It could have worked, if not for a few minor things.

(view spoiler)Shannon is engaged to the prosecuting attorney that is responsible for sending Trace to jail. Fine. Shannon isn’t really in love with him but can’t bring herself to end the relationship because of the comfort. OK. Things begin to happen with Trace that further proof her feeling for him and her lack of feelings for her fiance. Yet she still doesn’t end the relationship. I could have understood all that…maybe. But the fact that the fiance had to be made the bad guy and be cheating on her the whole time in order to be the catalyst that finally makes her leave him? I could have done without that. I really wish that Shannon could have had the strength to leave him for her lack of feelings alone.(/spoiler)[Shannon is engaged to the prosecuting attorney that is responsible for sending Trace to jail. Fine. Shannon isn’t really in love with him but can’t bring herself to end the relationship because of the comfort. OK. Things begin to happen with Trace that further proof her feeling for him and her lack of feelings for her fiance. Yet she still doesn’t end the relationship. I could have understood all that…maybe. But the fact that the fiance had to be made the bad guy and be cheating on her the whole time in order to be the catalyst that finally makes her leave him? I could have done without that. I really wish that Shannon could have had the strength to leave him for her lack of feelings alone. (hide spoiler)]

All that aside, this was an amazing debut novel that I would strongly recommend for anyone that loves a mystery and romance.

Told in alternating 1st person POV

And I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book with Trace’s brother, Cole. That one sounds like it’s going to pack a hell of punch.

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

Tanya Holmes is a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, a recipient of the Maggie Award, the MICA Award, as well as Overall Winner of the Sandy Haddad Award and a two-time finalist and one-time winner of The Emily (Best of the Best). She’s happily married with children and loves reading, writing and a good cup of coffee—but not necessarily in that order. Her debut novel, Within Temptation is due out on May 12, 2014. 
Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Amazon / Trace Dawson on Twitter

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Book Blitz, Character Q&A & #Giveaway: ☆Rocked☆ by Taryn Elliot & Cari Quinn

May 5, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Rocked by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott 
(Lost in Oblivion #1) 
Publication date: April 9th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
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.

She pulled her all-access pass out of her shirt and slipped past the barricades. More people blocked her way. Fans with VIP access, concert promoters with clipboards, roadies pulling down one stage set up for another, bands of every fandom, all of them held her back.

Then she saw him. Head and shoulders over most people, he was easy to pluck from the crowd. A circle of reporters tightened around them with Simon and Jazz holding court. She bypassed all of them to get to the back of the pack. All the while, Deacon’s shoulders were in her sights.

She snaked through security until finally, his warm skin was under her hands. He didn’t immediately recognize her touch. How could he? Constantly pawed at by fans and security pushing him from section to section back stage, he had to be immune to skin on skin contact.

But then he stilled, and his wide palm covered hers. He laced his fingers through hers to hold her hand against his lower belly. She pressed her nose into his back and drew in the healthy scent of him. Warm, clean sweat and the ocean. God, she’d missed being near him.

He lifted his arm to pull her forward, but she tugged him backwards until every firm line of him was pressed up against her.

She slid their linked fingers along the loose waistband of his jeans. His groan of understanding was exactly what she was hoping for. She rose on her toes and got as close to his ear as possible. “Come with me.”

He looked around. She could taste the indecision on him. Responsibilities were such a large part of Deacon. Just as she was going to tell him no, not to leave his band right now, he hooked his arm around her waist and turned her into the backstage area.

Years of touring had netted her a few tips when it came to the inner workings of a festival. Wordlessly they circumvented the small backstage to the rockface that butted up to the back of the amphitheater.

She dragged him around the still sunbaked, nature-made wall until the sounds of people faded. He crowded into her back, his hand above her head on the rocks. His chin brushed along her neck. “I’ve missed you.”

Harper closed her eyes as his lips coasted up her neck, groaning when he nipped her earlobe before brushing his nose around the shell of her ear.

“I can’t wait, Deacon.”

He stilled behind her. “Here?”

She nodded. His music inside her and now his skin behind her. She didn’t want to think, didn’t want to pick apart the why they should, why they shouldn’t. She just wanted him to fill the ache. She rubbed her ass along the front of his jeans and stepped into one of the crevices in the boulder in front of her. She gained a few precious inches in height.

Cripes, she probably looked like a groupie in heat, but right now she didn’t care. She was a groupie in heat. She was his groupie. And she wanted him to use her, plunge inside her with all that raging energy from the stage.
 Character Q&A
Thanks so much for inviting Taryn & I to visit to talk about Rocked! We’d love to share a bit about our boys – and girl – from Oblivion. We kicked off the Lost in Oblivion series last summer with the full-length intro, SEDUCED, and Deacon’s book, ROCKED, released in April! In honor of the festivities, lead guitarist Nick decided to interview Deacon, bassist, peacemaker and all-around good guy with a streak of dirty. 😉 Hope you enjoy!
1) Nick: So tell the loyal readers of this blog something, Deak – how the fuck did you get so BIG? Is it all the protein shakes, the obsessive working out or just genes that made you look like you gnaw on your bass for a bedtime snack?

Deacon: It takes double reps to deal with you idiots on the bus. Oh, and that’s daily. So…you do the math, genius. *Deacon tosses medicine ball at Nick*

*Nick catches the 20lb exercise ball in the gut with a grunt* Okay, fine, this is about music, so we’ll keep it about music. *winces slightly and tosses back* How’d you get so damn lucky to end up with such fine musicians, boy?

D: Is that what this is? luck? Well, I guess if I didn’t have shit luck, I wouldn’t have any at all. *smirks at Nick’s raised brow* No, seriously. We were in the same neighborhood and I caught you and Simon on the pier playing for cigarette money. How many people our age know Bad Company and Sweet Child O’ Mine? It was fate.

2) Nick: The bass is pretty cool and all but guitar players do it faster, you know. Did you ever want to swap out instruments and come at it from a different direction? (huh, that sounded dirty…something I’m always *up* for)

D: Perv. You’re hanging with Simon too much.

Nick: He doesn’t shut the hell up. Yaps all damn night through the bunk on the damn bus.

D: 3 words. Noise cancelling earbuds. *smothers a laugh* You’re learning that withering glare thing from Jazz. Impressive. *Sits back on couch and stretches out legs* I’m good with the guitar, and I can play the piano, but the bass feels right. And when it comes to music it’s all about what feels right.

3) Nick: My first concert experience was Pearl Jam back when I thought wearing flannel made me look deep. What was yours? If you tell me something with Bret Michaels, I’ll fear for your mortal soul, just FYI.

D: First show I paid for my own ticket? or first show I snuck into?

Nick: Both.

D: I had a growth spurt at 12.

Nick: Color me shocked.

D: Hey, being six feet tall gets you into gigs. And drinks.

Nick: And girls.

D: Maybe. But the first show was The White Stripes. First paid one was at sixteen. That one I drank way too much trying to impress a girl.

Nick: How’d that work out?

D: Puke and Black Eyed Peas. What do you think?

Nick: Your puke?

D: The girl.

* Nick claps loudly as he laughs*

4) Nick: Why the hell do you care so much about keeping the peace? Don’t you ever want to let loose with me and Pretty Boy when we whale on each other? *looks off-camera* Okay, fine, this is supposed to be a semi-serious interview so I’ll change that question to: What kind of satisfaction do you find from melding the tempestuous personalities of the great musical geniuses you have in your midst? *smirks*

D: If I don’t keep the peace then the chaos takes over. I’m not letting this band fall into chaos. Period. It means too much. Besides, if I let loose you’d need more than a Band-Aid like when you fight with Pretty Boy. 

5) Nick: So how do you feel about groupies? Also – what’s your preferred way to FEEL UP groupies? I mean, now that we actually have some. You aren’t really looking to get settled down right when we’ve finally hit the jack-off jackpot, are you? (I heard a rumor. No, of course I don’t pay attention to gossip mags. Unless they have dirt on Simon – then it’s ALL true.)

D: Settled down isn’t a bad thing. A new woman in my bed or my bunk…or if you’re Simon, whatever closet is available…isn’t my bag. I like knowing just where to touch my girl and learning all the things that make her tick or make her sigh. I like seeing that same smile spread just for me. The same woman isn’t a bad thing, bro. Not at all. The groupie deal is way overrated.
…See what I mean? Deacon’s a good guy who isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to win over the heart of his woman. Which brings me to my question for the readers of this blog: do you like bad boys or good guys? Tell us why! All commenters who leave their email address will be entered to win a signed copy of SEDUCED plus some fun swag. So comment away! And happy one year anniversary to Tempting Reads—hope you all have a great ROCKTOBER! J
Want to keep up with the band? Visit www.lostinoblivion.com
Visit Cari Quinn at www.cariquinn.com and Taryn Elliott at www.tarynelliott.com
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.

Prize (US only): A signed copy of Seduced by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott , a $10 iTunes gift card, plus swag

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Review: ☆Blind Faith☆ by @RebeccaZanetti

May 2, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

A betrayal he couldn’t forget . . .

 For Nate Dean, love is a four-letter word. As part of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be ruthless soldiers with an expiration date. They were loyal only to one another . . . until Nate laid eyes on the woman who stole his heart and blew his world apart. Now, years later, his family is still paying the price for his mistake. But as time runs out, there’s only one person who can save his family: the very woman Nate swore he’d never trust again.

A love she couldn’t deny . . .

The moment Audrey Madison spies Nate across a crowded ballroom, she can barely breathe. He’s just as undeniably sexy as she remembers, yet there’s an edge to him now that’s as irresistible as it is dangerous. When he asks for her help, Audrey can’t refuse. But she has secrets of her own-secrets that, if Nate ever discovers them, may cost them both their lives .

Publish Date: May 6Buy Links
Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Review-DGR4.5 stars
4.5 It only keeps getting better and better Stars

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

You know what I love most about this series? The fact that each book only seems to get better and better. I’ve been looking forward to reading about Nate’s story ever since the teaser in book 2 (And by looking forward, I mean I’ve been dying to get my pervy little hands on him). I always have a fear about books that I’m really anticipating not living up to my expectations, but Miss Zanetti has yet to let me down.

This was my favorite book in the series so far. Everything I love about Romantic Suspense: Pulse pounding action, nail biting suspense, and sizzling hot romance, you have it in spades in Blind Faith.

The one thing that I’ve really come to enjoy in these books are the heroines. They’re not damsels in distress, nor are they ball busting bitches. They’re that perfect combination of being somewhere in the middle. Audrey and Nate loved each other fiercely…until she made a decision that she believed would save him, that crushed their relationship. Nate never got over the woman he loved, so when circumstance bring them together once more, there’s no hesitation to act on the scorching chemistry that still pulses between them. Both of them are their own version of damaged, both are still hiding some truths, but their feelings for each other are undeniable.

She’d given her heart to Nate years ago, but no future existed for them.
She had this moment, and she wanted to experience every second, no matter how quickly it ended.

While Rebecca Zanetti can write one sizzling sex scene, it was always perfectly weaved into the story. It added to the story without becoming that cliche that you might find in some Romantic Suspense books. You know the one I’m talking about. Oh hey, the bad guys are shooting at us, let’s hide in that cave. Perfect! They can’t see us. Let’s fuck.
What? I have a way with words don’t I? 🙂

But I digress. I don’t want to regurgitate the plot for you. Everything that you need to know the synopsis will tell you. And the rest? You simply need to read to find out.

I really enjoyed all the twists and turns that Zanetti threw in. I couldn’t seem to put it down. I just kept turning the pages well into the night.

I loved that both Nate and Audrey were each broken in their own way, yet each made the other stronger.

I was so invested in their love story, I couldn’t seem to get enough.

This is not a series that I would recommend reading out of order. You need to start with book one and make your way through to truly get a real feel and understanding for the plot. While each book focuses on a different Dean brother and there’s plenty of background given that you’re never lost, I still recommend reading the full series. If you like steamy Romantic Suspense, this is a series that’s not to be missed.

My only complaint? The teaser for Jory’s book!! Are you kidding me? No really! Are you fucking kidding me? To wait until March 2015? I may go crazy!

I can’t wait to see how everything gets pulled together in the 4th book and to see all the Dean brothers finally get their much deserved HEA. But damn! A year?!! Gah!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go cry in a corner about this. And I thank you

 

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Review: ☆Out of Control☆ by Nina Croft

May 2, 2014 by · 2 Comments
She’s a challenge he can’t resist.

Hollywood heartthrob Zachary Hunter loves women—as long as they don’t want more than a little fun in the bedroom. When his most recent movie stirs up the wrong kind of attention, the kind that includes an attempt on his life, he hires a friend’s company to locate the threat. The pint-sized redhead assigned to protect him isn’t what he expects—or wants. Worse, he can’t take his eyes off of her.

After ten years in the army, Danielle Sinclair knows how to handle men. With a new security gig to pass the time until she’s cleared to return to the military, she’s figures her sexy new client will be easy to manage. And then he opens his gorgeous mouth, and she can’t decide whether to kiss him or kill him. His sex appeal may tempt her into his bed, but his sexist attitude is unbearable, and she’s going to make him eat every single word…

Amazon / Barnes & Noble
3 Enjoyable with a steamy kick  Stars

While I can’t say that I loved this book, it was a very enjoyable and satisfying read. It just had the few extra elements I typically like that would have brought this up to 4 or 5 stars for me.

After reading that blurb, I was completely sold. A rich playboy Hollywood heartthrob and a take no shit army heroine? Hell yes! And it sucked me right in to the story from the very first few pages. Not every day you walk in to find your new client passed out naked in his pool with an equally naked blonde. It’s bound to make a hell of an impression, right?

Zachary was my kind of hero. He didn’t even have to speak and I knew this. Just one line about his glorious tanned ass and I.Was.Sold. What can I say? I’m easy like that.

I also enjoyed the reversal of roles here, and have Danielle be the broken one that avoids love and relationships. She was sassy with a smart mouth on her that never failed to entertain.

So what kept it from being a 5 star for me? When you have two characters like Zach and Danielle, I was really looking forward to the sexual tension, the burn, the buildup. Dani is a virgin and knows to avoid men like Zach at all costs. Besides that, there’s also the obvious, he’s her client. She really CAN’T go there, can she? I couldn’t wait to read that push and pull between them. That’s my favorite part in books like this. But I really felt that Dani gave in too quickly and too easily, all things considered.

I loved the way Zach pursued and ultimately seduced her, but I just wanted a little bit more.

Ultimately it was a light, somewhat fluffy yet verra steamy book. I loved the story and I was engrossed enough to keep reading. There was a part at the end where Dani did something that made me wish I could reach through my Kindle and strangle the ever loving hell out of her. I just couldn’t believe she would do it the way that she did. But the ending was cute enough to have me (mostly) overlook that.

If you’re looking for a light yet steamy read that has all those Brazen-y elements we know and love, I’d recommend this one. It was a satisfying book, though not one I see myself coming back to and re-reading.

This was my first book by Nina Croft, and she certainly got herself a new fan. I will be happily checking out all her future books. I also plan on going back and reading book 1 in the series, since a lot of my friends really liked it. So as you can see, this one can easily be read as a standalone, though the characters from the first book appear again here. There was plenty of background given that I was never lost or confused.

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

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Review: ☆His To Keep☆ by Katee Robert

May 2, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to claim what’s his.

School teacher Marceline Bellini gave up everything—men, sex, anything resembling a social life—to raise her young daughter. To be the perfect parent. But when she attends an engagement party in her standard stick-in-the-mud mode, her friends begin plying Marcy with shots. Just enough to convince her that a little fun doesn’t sound like a bad idea… and having some naughty fun is an even better one.

Like finding herself deliciously pressed against a dark alley wall by the very familiar and very hot body of her best friend’s older brother.

After years of waiting in painful silence, police officer Aaron Robinson finally has Marcy’s attention. And man, does he have it. But nothing could have prepared either of them for the rush of fiery lust between them. So he’ll just have to convince Marcy he’s for real. And that a rainy, lust-fuelled romp is the first step to a lifetime of completely imperfect happiness…

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Review

3.5 stars
He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to what’s his.

If you’re looking for a quick and steamy little read look no further than this novella.

This was a shortie but boy did it pack a steamy punch. It was a tad fluffy, a lot steamy, and great little appetizer to tide you over until the next Out of Uniform book (hopefully Drew’s)

After one too many shot’s at her friend Bri’s engagement party (you’ll remember Bri from In Bed with Mr. Wrong), Marcy decides to leave her pent up little existence for a night of decadence with the one man she never expected to giver her a second glance. She’s had a huge crush on the older Robinson brother since her teens, but when he rejected her back in high school, the last thing she expects is for him to proposition her years later.

Little does Marcy know that Aaron has always wanted her. She may be his little sister’s best friend, and she may have been too young for her back in the day, but she’s all woman now.

So in a haze of alcohol induced passion, they give into the inevitable…but now Aaron wants more.

Aaron wasn’t going to let this fade into memory and move on with his life. No, he had every intention of pushing his way into her life, though God alone knew what role he expected to play.

The last thing Marcy wants or needs is a man in her life right now. All she wants to consentrate on is her daughter. But Aaran has no trouble with trying to convince Marcy he’s the one for her, any means necessary…

There’s a whole lot of wall sex here. Outside the bar wall sex, inside a broom closet wall sex. There’s sex galore. I guess what I’m trying to say here, is this book had some verra hot sex.

And you’ll be getting no complaints from this girl.

Marcy did have her moments of stubborn bitchiness where I wanted to smack her for not seeing sense and being as callous as she was to Aaron at times. But Aaron managed to take my mind off of that most times.

Although nothing I see myself going back and re-reading, I did enjoy this one. It was quick, steamy, easy little read. The perfect filler for those in-between book times.

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

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Review, Guest Post, & #Giveaway: ☆To Professor, With Love☆ by @lindakage

April 29, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

*new adult romance*
**explicit scenes and language**

Junior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex. 

On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in. 

These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal.

Problem is, Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor.

If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s, and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be because I can only resist so much.

-N. G.-

Buy Links
Review
4.5 stars

I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Have you ever read a book that you simply couldn’t put down for the life of you? A book that was so wonderfully written, it not only completely drew you into the story…it made you feel? I’m talking made you feel every heart palpitation, pulse pounding, anxious, nail biting, so full of sexual tension you think you might burst moment along with the characters? Because I swear to you, that’s what this book did to me. I devoured it. Me! The girl that lives for my dirty smut and actually does a search for the word “cock” in my books to make sure it’s dirty enough. (What? You don’t do that?) I got so engrossed in this forbidden love story that I forgot about the smut. Well…I mean…not entirely. It IS NA after all, and the sexual chemistry here is just perfect.

My favorite part of a love story is that burn. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s this palpable sexual tension that stretches for so long you think you might burst. But then BOOM, when it finally does happen, it’s just that much more satisfying. There’s plenty of books out there that will use sex as a filler, as opposed to the icing on the cake that’s supposed to be the book. And in my humble opinion, Linda Kage had the perfect recipe here. I adored this book. I loved it. HARD.

If you’ve stayed away from teacher/romance stories in the past, but wanted to dip your toes, THIS is the book the you start with. This was such a unique, wonderfully written spin on a forbidden love. There wasn’t a big age difference (barely any). But what I loved the most, was that the student here was (pause for dramatic effect) MALE.

Ladies, prepare to swoon and fall hard for Noel Gamble.

Noel seemingly has it all; he’s the star quarterback, has his pick of women, and a scholarship to a great university. All he has to do to keep it is make sure that he maintains his GPA. But there’s one problem that stands in his way; a problem of the 5 foot 4, green eyed, uptight bitch, yet slightly alluring variety. His Literature professor, Dr. Kavanagh.

There’s nothing better to me than a book where I fall for both the characters. Dr. Kavanagh may have come off rigid and bitchy at first, but her internal monologue never failed to make me smile. She had such a quirky and endearingly innocent personality, it was impossible not to love her.

It must be some internal, natural selection thing I couldn’t control. Survival of the fittest lured me into gravitating toward the strongest, healthiest, most attractive male in the pack who seemed most appropriate for reproduction of the species. After watching those two sluts maul him after class a few minutes ago, I knew he had to be good for some scintillating reproductive activities.

But beneath her frumpy clothing and uptight exterior, is a vulnerable young girl that finds herself attracted to someone that is most certainly forbidden.

The way both of them constantly fought the attraction between them kept me turning the pages in anticipation for that moment where one or both of them would finally give in.

Her mouth was going to be my downfall. If she asked me, I would probably take her on her nice, clean desk right then and there. I could so clearly see myself tossing her down, gathering up her frumpy skirt, wedging myself between her thighs and just hammering it home. I also wanted to wrap my hands around her throat and strangle her for making me feel like such an idiot. It probably wasn’t healthy to have two such drastic emotions roaring through me at the same moment, but there they were. Absolutely roaring.

Noel wasn’t your typical manwhoring jock, but so so much more. He was utter perfection. he was this delectable combination of sweet, vulnerable, and sexy.

The chemistry that between him and Aspen are slowly brewed to the point where it’s practically boiling. Gawd but it was delicious. It was simply lust, it went so much deeper.

She was the frumpy, genius professor hiding romantic hopes and dreams. I was the stud playboy football star working my ass off to save my poor, broke family. What a pair we made. And what an ass I felt like. She wasn’t just some piece of fruit I wanted to sample because she was forbidden. She was a lot deeper than I had ever imagined.

As hard as both of them fight the attraction, it soon proves too strong for both of them. But the way that it’s written never made it seem illicit or dirty. And the vulnerability of both these characters is what truly captivates you.

I fully realize this thing between us is doomed, okay. I know we can never…
“We might not stand a chance, but I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop craving that connection we share. It’s so fucking strong, I’ve been willing to… God, I would do anything for little stolen pieces of you, Aspen.

The book kept me on the edge of my seat equal parts waiting for and dreading that moment for the other shoe to drop. Linda Kage teases and tortures you with different hints of how it may all go down. But I can honestly say that the way it did, I never saw coming.

I went through a ringer of emotions; I swooned, I cried, my heart hurt. It was simply wonderful. I’m not sure how it is that I’m only now discovering this author, but I’ll be rectifying this immediately by reading Price of a Kiss (especially since both the characters from that book make an appearance here).

I’m so happy that Linda will be continuing this series with Pick’s book next. I’m already salivating to get my grabby little hands on that book.

But let’s sum it up with this; do I recommend this book?
FUCK. YES.
I can’t recommend it enough. Read it and experience for yourself what sent me into a gushing fangirling episode.

LISA JAYNE’S REVIEW


 

FOUR FORBIDDEN STARS.
“knotted together until I didn’t know where I ended and he began, we made love.”
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When I got the opportunity to read and review this up and coming novel I can gladly admit that I was more than just a little excited, in fact I was nothing short of ecstatic. ‘Price of a kiss’ was one of my favourite reads of last year and it started an addiction to an author that I knew I could no longer ignore. ‘To professor, with love’ is a novel that is deliciously tempting with an edge of taboo that I’m sure will make most readers enjoy their time spent with this novel. I’m certainly impressed once again by Linda Kage, here’s the rest of my thoughts …

What’s it all about?
Popular and talented star quarterback, Noel Gamble works hard, lives his dream and will do anything to provide for those that he loves most. He is determined that everything he has worked for must amount to making a new life for his siblings that he has left back in his hometown, a ugly life that he wants them all to escape from. Dr Aspen Kavanagh is a professor that is not as confident as her stern attitude and ugly business suits would suggest, inside is a woman begging to be loved and after living a loveless life nothing could be more tempting than an attraction that feels like it could be more. When aspen and Noel’s lives collide they could never have anticipated that they would find what they need in each other, but with everything on the line this couple have to make the decision to give into temptation or walk away from a undeniable connection that could forever change their lives.

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What did I love?
Firstly, I love this authors writing style. I think by now it’s obvious that I’m a fan of the talented, Linda Kage. This author always manages to take me away on a love-story journey that is easy to escape into and equally easy to love. ‘To professor, with love’ was filled with romance, steam and forbidden love with a twist of heart break and depth that made it a charming story. The characters were believable and easy to read about. There’s no mistaking that this author has a talent for writing heroes that make the heart go faster and this time around she kept the humour at bay with her vulnerable and ever so charming heroine. Everything about the story line and developing story was well thought out and I even had a delightful second chance look into the lives of Mason and Reese from book one which certainly didn’t harm the enjoyment factor. The chemistry and slow burn build up towards the attraction scored points for my reading experience and it certainly wasn’t an anti climax once the characters finally made the decision to get down and dirty. I also adored the quotes that Linda added into the book at the beginning of each chapter and throughout the story, I found myself looking forward to what would come next, it’s adorably clever that each quote connected somehow to the content of the chapters. Overall this book was a winning combination of love, romance, steam and storyline, Linda Kage has done it again readers.

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Why not five?
This book most certainly had five star quality stamped all over it, there were moments that I adored and I was highlighting my treasured kindle like crazy but with that being said as much love as I have for Linda Kage and her forbidden men series when I compared this novel to the first book in the series ‘Price of a Kiss’ it didn’t quite reach the same enjoyment level. I felt like I missed out on the humour, wit and laid back writing style of book one and sadly I didn’t connect to the storyline as much as I have with this authors previous novels. However, this book still reached a loveable four star status and I haven’t got much to complain about. Linda Kage writes books that I’ll always reach out to read and I’m more than happy that I spent my time with this heartfelt story about love being found in forbidden places. I’d whole heartedly recommend this novel to those that have enjoyed this authors previous work and if you are new to this author, then do not think twice about reading this likeable story and meeting a hero that will unquestionably stay in your heart.

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Final thoughts …
As a reader I never gravitate to towards stories involving teacher/student relationships, but here Linda Kage has created a story that captured my affection and love. I never felt uncomfortable with the authors content, instead she got me wrapped up in a love story that left me wanting more. This is a series that I’m excited to see develop and I’m more than ready to read more about this authors addictive characters. If you like to fall for the heroes in your books and you enjoy the new adult genre then this series should not be missed. Go grab this book on release day I can guarantee you will not regret time spent with the delicious, Noel Gamble. Enjoy … Kisses.

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Curious about what’s next for the Forbidden Men series? Read on for a special guest post from Linda Kage

 And don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win an ebook copy of To Professor, With Love

Forbidden Men. 

There are two reasons I named the series Forbidden Men, and they’re pretty obvious! First of all, every featured hero will at some point be an employee of the Forbidden Nightclub.
But my favorite aspect is that each story will have a forbidden romance in it. I just love a plot where the hero and heroine are prohibited from being together.
And we’re about to go through all kinds of illicit affairs, from one hero lusting after his best friend’s little sister to another hero kind of already being married when he finally meets his soul mate. Then I had to throw in that age-old gigolo hero (bet you can’t tell which story that was!) along with a student/teacher relationship. And one fair heroine falls flat in love with her forbidden man on the day her asks her to accompany him to the jewelry store so she can help him pick out an engagement ring…for her roommate!
Right now, I have three more additions in the works to add to the series. So, if everything goes according to my evil plans (fingers crossed), the series should hopefully look a little like this:
Book 1 – Price of a Kiss – featuring Mason
Book 2 – To Professor, with Love – featuring Noel
Book 3 – Be My Hero – featuring Pick
Book 4 – With Every Heart Beat – featuring Quinn
Book 5 – A Perfect Ten – featuring…yep, Ten!
Each story will be a standalone, but they’ll also tie into the books around them, so you could read them either in order or totally out of order!
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☆☆Brazen’s April Releases & Giveaway☆☆ With @katee_robert, @Nina_Croft, & @JanMeredith21

April 28, 2014 by · 2 Comments
If you like your heroes hot, the sex hotter, and a swoon-worthy romance to swoop in and save your happily ever after, Brazen has the story for you. Sinfully sexy soldiers. Alpha cops who demand control. Sweet guys with a naughty side in the bedroom. At Brazen, they’ve got the hero destined to melt your… heart. Visit the Entangled website, the Brazen Blog, follow them on Twitter, Like their Facebook page, and follow them on Pinterest.

Introducing Brazen’s April 28th releases:


He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to claim what’s his.
School teacher Marceline Bellini gave up everything—men, sex, anything resembling a social life—to raise her young daughter. To be the perfect parent. But when she attends an engagement party in her standard stick-in-the-mud mode, her friends begin plying Marceline with shots. Just enough to convince her that a little fun doesn’t sound like a bad idea… and having some naughty fun is an even better one.
Like finding herself deliciously pressed against a dark alley wall by the very familiar and über-hot bod of her best friend’s older brother.
After years of waiting in painful silence, cop Zach Robinson finally has Marceline’s attention. And man, does he have it. But nothing could have prepared either of them for the rush of fiery lust between them. So he’ll just have to convince Marceline he’s for real. And that a rainy, lust-fuelled romp is the first step to a lifetime of completely imperfect happiness…
Buy Links
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Entangled Page
About the Author
Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.
Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.
Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?
She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.
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She’s a challenge he can’t resist.

Hollywood heartthrob Zachary Hunter loves women—as long as they don’t want more than a little fun in the bedroom. When his most recent movie stirs up the wrong kind of attention, the kind that includes an attempt on his life, he hires a friend’s company to locate the threat. The pint-sized redhead assigned to protect him isn’t what he expects—or wants. Worse, he can’t take his eyes off of her.

After ten years in the army, Danielle Sinclair knows how to handle men. With a new security gig to pass the time until she’s cleared to return to the military, she’s figures her sexy new client will be easy to manage. And then he opens his gorgeous mouth, and she can’t decide whether to kiss him or kill him. His sex appeal may tempt her into his bed, but his sexist attitude is unbearable, and she’s going to make him eat every single word…

About the Author Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of nine-to-five work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain. Nina writes all types of romance, often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.
Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Goodreads/ Newsletter
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Plus don’t miss the re-issue of Playing Doctor by Jan Meredith! It released it on the retired Flaunt imprint back in 2013, but now it has a new cover and has joined the Brazen family.

One night with a sexy stranger is just what the doctor ordered…
When a fellow RN predicts Beth Roberts will meet a tall, ripped, and totally lick-o-licious stranger who will fulfill her deepest desires, she laughs it off. Given her tragic love life, Beth has no desire to become involved again. But who could have predicted the doctor with the mischievous smile she meets at a wedding, or the chemistry sparking between them that threatens to break through her defenses?
Dr. Gabriel North spent two years blaming himself for his wife’s death. Having finally battled through the guilt and overcome his demons, he’s ready to move on. When he meets a sexy nurse at his friend’s wedding, the attraction is swift and strong, and he wastes no time in pressing his advantage. One night with the woman who makes him feel alive again isn’t enough, but gaining Beth’s trust is going to take more than seduction…
Previously released on the Flaunt imprint in November 2013.
Buy Links
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
 About the Author
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Blog Tour, Review, & #Giveaway: ☆Veiled Innocence☆ by @EllaFrank2012

April 24, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

Tick, tick, tock.

Time.

That’s all I have now.

A small room, a photograph, and time.

They want me to trust them and confess my sins.

They told me they wouldn’t judge me—they lied.

I thought we could convince the world that this wasn’t a crime.

We were wrong.

Time doesn’t stand still.

The clock keeps ticking, the world is unconvinced, and now…

Now he is gone.

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Veiled Innocence by Ella Frank
Excerpt One – Addison Lancaster’s POV
Copyright © 2014 by Ella Frank

I’d waited until he got out of the truck before approaching. I didn’t want his escape to be as easy as driving away. Standing in the small stone alcove of the gate, I knew it would be best to wait until he stepped away from the lit area. That way, any cars driving by wouldn’t be able to see us.

I wanted no excuses, no reason for him to worry, but I could see my silence had caused just as much concern as my presence would have. He turned to me, and I finally took a moment to really look at him the way I wanted to.

His hair was still pulled back but several pieces had now escaped and been pushed behind his ears. The darker stubble lining his square jaw made my fingers tingle with the need to touch.

“Oh, thank God,” he whispered, sounding relieved.

I thought he would move away from me once he knew I was safe. Instead, he reached out and squeezed my shoulder.

“I thought something had happened to you.”

I don’t think he realized that he was slowly massaging me.

“Jesus, don’t do that again. Okay?”

Taking another step closer, I agreed quietly. “Okay.”

He licked his lips and removed his hands, and I saw in his eyes the minute he decided it was time for some distance.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked. His casual black sports jacket shifted with the breeze, and all of a sudden I couldn’t remember why I was there. All I knew was that I wanted to touch him.

“Addison?”

His voice had the ability to make all of the noise inside my head cease.

Blinking up at him, I finally answered, “Yes?”

“What are you doing out here?”

Moving in so my jacket brushed the front of his, I finally reached to touch him, but he grabbed my wrist, holding it away.

“No,” he told me, and his voice was so stern I probably should have heeded the warning…but I didn’t.

“No?”

His head bent down, and when his face was a hairsbreadth from my own, he repeated, “No. Tell me why you’re here.”

His breath was warm as it ghosted over my lips, and I couldn’t help but part my own, hoping by some miracle I could taste him on my tongue.

“Why are you here? That’s a better question, don’t you think?”

“I know better than this.”

I reached up needing to touch him, but he took that hand too, holding them both prisoner. Being held in place with nowhere to go elicited a hunger in me that I didn’t yet understand. 

“Know better than what?”

“Than to be here.”

“Then go,” I offered.

That was all it took. He spun me around, backed me up against the truck, and had my arms pinned by my head so fast I lost my breath. Leaning in beside me until his mouth was by my ear, he rasped in an unsteady voice, “I can’t.”

I turned my head to face him and saw all of his turmoil, and finally, the full impact of his desire. “Then don’t.”

“You’re going to be the death of me.”

Life is full of ironies, because with him, I’d never felt more alive.

6 Not so innocent Stars
He’d calmed me when no one else could.

He’d saved me from myself.
If only they knew the truth…
But no one is listening, and his time is already up.

Tick, tick, tock.


WOW


If this book isn’t proof that Ella Frank is an incredible writer, I’m not sure what is. This had to be hands down, bar none, one of the best Student/Teacher romances I have ever read. The writing, the story, the characters; I can’t even put into words what this book did to me. But if I really had to try?

Captivating

Nail biting

Erotic

Spellbinding
Emotional
COMPLETELY UNPUTDOWNABLE

If you’re a fan of this author, this book is a must read. And if you’ve never read anything by her, than this book will have you putting her on your auto-buy list.

This will be a spoiler free review. I’m doing you a favor, believe me, because this is a book that simply has to be experienced.

The story captures you from the very beginning. Miss Frank gives you just a little taste of what’s to come that will leave you sitting on pins and needles the entire time you’re reading. You know that something happens, but you don’t know what or when. You know where Addison ends up, but you don’t know how. This book gave me the worst case of anxiety EVAR. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happens next, and at the same time I was completely terrified of it happening.

Addison is a senior in high school, but she’s not the typical young heroine you’d find yourself reading about. She’s not shy, she’s not even remotely meek, she’s no virginal ingenue, and she’s certainly not suffering from a low self esteem.

She has the perfect looks, the perfect life, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect everything…or does she? Behind the veil of perfection, lost somewhere in the shadows of her darkest dreams, is a broken girl with a painful secret

But then everything changes when she comes to her first day of class and sees
him.

My ending, staring right at me from the very beginning.

When Addison lays eyes on her history teacher, Mr. McKendrick, she knows that she has to have him. And she pursues him relentlessly, without any shame, using her entire arsenal of incredible looks, charisma and sexual temptation.

She was everything I couldn’t have and shouldn’t want, but the more she taunted, the more my resolve crumbled. Temptation had come to visit, and her steely determination would likely destroy us both.

The story is told in dual first person POV. As much as I loved being inside Addison’s head, being able to see inside his head is what ultimately made this book. You feel his struggle to stay away from this girl. You feel how mcuh he fights it, how hard he tries, only to give into what you already know is inevitable.

Trust me, I do see you”, he stressed.
“You’re all I fucking see, Addison. When I close my eyes, when I open them, when I’m teaching. You’re. There. All. The. Fucking. Time.
Sometimes I wish I’d never seen you.”

Reading about their relationship was like watching a car crash about to happen and being powerless to stop it. You know that the odds are stacked against them, you know that the relationship is doomed. But at the same time you have NO FUCKING CLUE how or when. But you know that it will.

The book is told in alternate flashbacks from present to past. Ella Frank took two broken characters and alternating between erotic and emotionally charged, weaved it into an unforgettable, keep you at the edge of your seat story of a forbidden love.

If you’ve read her books in the past, you know that she can write a ‘melt the panties right off of you’ love scene. And this was definitely no exception. The two of them together was pure scorching hotness.

Look at you sitting here with your legs spread and my cock so fucking deep I don’t think I’ll ever leave. Jesus, Addison. I thought you were perfect before. Now I fucking know it.

I was stuck between trying to drag this book out as long as I can because I didn’t want it to end and not being able to put it down because I simply had to know what happens next.

Temptation be damned. I’d given in long ago. She was now my very own personal sin.

It was simply perfect.

You’re going to be the death of me.”
Life is full of ironies, because with him, I’d never felt more alive.

This is a book that I cannot recommend enough. It will steal your breath, capture your heart and break it all at once. It’s just one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. I feel the mother of all book hangovers coming on after this.

Read it. Experience it. Fall in love with it.

Ella, I may be running on 3 hrs of sleep and too much coffee and my nails might be chewed to shit with the amount of anxiety this story gave me, but DAMN, woman! I will now forever worship at the altar of your awesomeness.

A $150 Gift Card to Victoria’s Secret
A Women’s Silver Glitz Fossil watch – Tick, tick, tock…
A $50 Gift Card to Amazon
A $25 Gift Card to Barnes & Noble
2 Signed Copies of Veiled Innocence
5 Ella Frank eBooks  (Winner’s Choice)

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Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Unfixable☆ by @mstessabailey

April 22, 2014 by · 2 Comments
  He’s the last thing she wants…but the only thing she needs.
  Amazon I B&N I Entangled
Willa Peet isn’t interested in love. She’s been there, done that, and has the shattered heart to prove it. Ready to shake the breakup, she heads to Dublin, Ireland. But there’s a problem. A dark-haired, blue-eyed problem with a bad attitude that rivals her own. And he’s not doling out friendly Irish welcomes.
Shane Claymore just wants to race. The death of his father forced him off the Formula One circuit, but he’s only staying in Dublin long enough to sell the Claymore Inn and get things in order for his mother and younger sister. He never expected the sarcastic American girl staying at the inn to make him question everything.

But even as Willa and Shane’s fiery natures draw them together, their pasts threaten to rip them apart. Can Shane give up racing to be with the woman he loves, or will Willa’s quest to resurrect the tough-talking, no-shit-taking girl she used to be destroy any hope of a future together?
5 I’d let Shane rev my engine Stars

I feel like a battle is being waged inside me, between my attraction to Shane and the scarier, unwanted feelings creeping in. It’s no mystery that I will lose the physical battle, but I’m trying to win the overall war.”

Ladies, be prepared to meet your new book boyfriend. But just in case there’s any question about who Shane already belongs to

Yes, I’m more than prepared to let my inner cougar out, and there is no shame in my game here. Once you meet the brooding Irish race car driver you’ll see exactly what I mean. Just make sure to return him to his proper owner when you’re finished 😉

Did I like this book? No. I fucking loved it. With each new release, Tessa Bailey continues to prove exactly why she’s on my list of auto-buy authors. The queen of dirty talk does not disappoint with this one. This New Adult title is a spin off from Tessa’s Line of Duty series, but there is no shortage of steam and dirty talk. Beyond that, it’s a beautiful love story about 2 broken people finding love in a time and place when they least expect it.

Willa is Ginger’s younger sister from Protecting What’s His. Since I loved the interaction and snarky humor between the sisters in that book, I knew immediately that I would like Willa in her own book.

Yes, I’m difficult. Yes, I’m a god awful smart ass. Yes, the ugliness never goes away, but I’d at least found a way to stabilize it.

Coming off of a difficult break up with her boyfried, Willa is looking for an escape. Winning a trip to Dublin from a photography contest offers the perfect answer to her problem. What she doesn’t expect is the broody, rude, and scowling welcome wagon in the form of sexy as hell Irishman when she arrives. To say that these two get off on the wrong foot is an understatement. The insults start flying right away, but the underlying sexual tension between them is what keeps you riveted to turn the pages.

Slow night. I guess not everyone values abrasiveness in their bartender.”
“I can play nice when I want to.”
“That remains to be seen.”
“Would you like to see for yourself, tough girl.”
“I can’t think of anything less appealing.”
“Liar.”

This is not a case of insta-love, or even insta-lust. Tessa creates a perfect slow build between Willa and Shane until you’re practically screaming for them to finally get together.

“Don’t you dare,” I manage breathily, when his gaze drops to my mouth. “I bite.”
Damn him, he presses closer.
“Maybe tonight I fancy being bitten.”

And when they finally do get together? Sweet mother of melting panties everywhere.

I couldn’t get enough of Shane and the deliciously dirty things that would come out of his mouth.

He drags me back from the car and pushes me back against the hard surface, partially heated by the purring engine.

When I start to pull my dress over my head, he stops me.

Leave it. I’m going to make you come in that dress. Then I’m going to fucking burn it.”

Their journey from trading insults, to stolen kisses, to steamy nights and finally to love was wonderfully portrayed. I thought the pacing of the book was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t get enough of Shane and I really loved Willa’s combination of strong yet endearingly broken. Tessa even managed to give us a little more of Derek and Ginger as the icing on top.

I loved that this was written in first person POV, but I would have liked to get a peek inside Shane’s head. I only hope that Tessa makes this into a series.

If you enjoy steamy NA with fantastic characters and a wonderful story (and scorching hot sex scenes), this book is a must read. If you’ve read and loved Tessa’s other books, then you will definitely love this one. And if you haven’t yet discovered the brilliance that is this author, I’m not sure what you’re doing still reading me review. GO READ THEM!

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

Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.
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An Irish-themed/Unfixable themed swag pack and a Kindle Fire. 

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Review: ☆The Will☆ by Kristen Ashley

April 20, 2014 by · 2 Comments

Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant. 

While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love. 

But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it. 

Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth. 

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5 KA has her magic back Stars


It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.

Oh yes!
God yes!
Fuck yes!

KA got her mojo back with this book. If I needed any further proof that the past releases lost the KA touch because of her publisher, this book was it. It was everything that I’ve been missing in her published books lately. And I do mean every-fucking-thing.

Who else but Kristen Ashley can take a heroine that talks like she’s a Victorian maiden and not only make it so it doesn’t irritate the living crap out of you, but actually endears her to you? No really? I ask you?

Well, yes I can. Because it was fantastic!

Miss Ashley takes a prim and proper heroine that by all intents and purposes conducts herself like she has a stick up her ass the size of a palm tree and makes you love her. Josie was everything I love in a heroine and even some things that I’d normally hate…yet loved here. Here you have a heroine that shows up in a town and it’s like the woman has a catnip pussy…uhem. All she has to do is breathe and she draws men to her like a bitch in heat.

Normally, this would drive me batty. Here, I couldn’t get enough. Such is the magic of KA.

Who else but KA can give you a hero that’s equal parts sweet, slightly assholish, a dash domineering, a whole lot of jealous, with a twist of melt your panties dirty talker?

Oh and make him a sexy as sin former boxer and an amazing single father in his late 40s?

Who else but KA can give you a beautiful love story with the perfect burn of sexual tension all to explode in the most erotic way when they finally give into the inevitable?

Don’t believe me? Just wait till that halfway mark and see for yourself what I mean.

And finally, who else but KA can give you an ending and an epilogue that will leave you an ugly crying, sniveling, kindle hugging in the middle of your room mess?

In case you’re curious, those are rhetorical questions, because the answer to all those is NO ONE. Absolutely, positively NO ONE but Kristen Ashley.

I adored this book. I tried stretching it out as much as possible and yet couldn’t find myself to put it down. I fell in love with Jake, I fell in love with his kids, I fell in love with the quirky Josie, and I completely and utterly fell in love with the story.

I won’t give you a sum up of the book or what it’s about since you can get the main gist of it from the book blurb. Giving you anything else will be an injustice to the KA reading experience. What I will tell you is that if you’re anything like me and found her last few releases to be somewhat shy of lackluster, this will bring you out of that funk.

I know that I will only be sticking to her self-pubs from now on because she has definitely not lost her touch, it’s simply been getting edited out by her publisher. And now I will be on pins and needles in pervy anticipation of Frankie and Benny’s book.

Miss Ashley, I only have one thing to tell you after finishing this

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