Review: Hostile Takeover by Joey W. Hill

January 19, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

Book V of the Knights of the Board Room series (can be read as standalone)

Ben is the last unattached member of the five-man executive team of K&A Associates. The other four, all Masters, have found the submissive of their dreams. That’s fine. The sharp-edged lawyer knows he’s the most hardcore of all of them, with extreme tastes as a Master he satisfies physically through experienced club submissives. He doesn’t really need anything more than that.

Marcie has loved Ben since she was sixteen. He’s never behaved as anything more than a protective big brother, a family friend. But now she’s twenty three and starting her career as a corporate investigator. She may be a blood-and-bone deep submissive, but she won’t hesitate to use her aggressive talents to prove she’s meant to be his. With a Master as tough as Ben, she’ll have to take whatever measures are needed—even if her deepest desire isn’t a hostile takeover of his heart, but an unconditional surrender to it.

Reader Advisory: Marcie’s sexual journey contains a group scene of female/female sexual exploration. The Masters also share her in a brief group scene.


She’d heard rumors about his size, but if that was a partial erection, there were monsters in Japan who would run screaming.

INTENSE

That’s the best word I can come up with here to describe the experience that was this book. As much as I love this author’s writing and as hot as most of the scenes in this book were…this was not my favorite book by her. The series has been a little hit or miss for me, with Peter’s book still continuing to be my favorite.

If you’ve never read BDSM books, this is not the one you pop your BDSM cherry with. Seriously. And before you meet Ben and his monster cock, might I suggest working on your stamina a bit


Because the man’s cock has the recovery time of 1.5 seconds. It’s like the BDSM energizer bunny…it just keeps fucking, and fucking, and fucking…

If you’ve read this series, then you’re familiar that every man in the group has his own particular kink. Now personally, if I had to pick, I’d stick with Lucas and his kink. Why? I’ll give you a hint.


Ben is the most intense of the ‘knights’. So you may be curious what his particular kink is.


Now I gotta admit, as delicious as Ben is, his penchant for anal in combination with his monster cock…I’d be a bit intimidated. Oh who am I kidding. I’d be a whole lot of

But Marcie handled it like a champ.

I’m not typically a fan of extremely forward heroines in my books, but Marcie was just awesome. She had the lady balls of steel. To be able to handle Ben and his very dark past, she’d have to be.

But somewhere along the line, this book lost some of its fizzle for me. I knew what I was walking into reading it after seeing some reviews, so I wasn’t too surprised. But there were a few scenes that left me a bit

1. highlight to view spoiler: There is a FF scene in the book. Doesn’t really bother me, though I mainly prefer cock on cock action. My problem with this particular scene is that I didn’t quite get the necessity of it. Marcy is coming down from a very intense fight with Ben so the women comfort her. Somehow this goes from having drinks, to getting a message, to oral sex from Dana. Huh? It wasn’t meant to be sexual, more of a comforting thing. I think that’s why I really didn’t connect with this. Dunno.(end spoiler)

2. There is a CNC scene in the book. Consensual non-consent. Didn’t bother me, but I thought I’d put the warning out there.

3. highlight to view spoiler: I understand the bond that these men share, and the need to share their women with each other during scenes. I don’t have a problem with this. But the fact that Marcie is Lucas’s sister in law kinda killed my lady boner. (end spoiler)

There was not much romance in this book, so don’t really expect that here. Ben is not a hero filled with sweet words, endearments and butterflies.

I won’t be your Master, but I will be your mentor. If you show me you can behave. Those are my terms. No revisions, no loopholes, no games. If you can’t handle that, collect your stuff, take your fuck-me-now slut attitude, and get out of this office.

There were parts where Ben was a total asshole. Now while I’m typically all into that sort of thing, what I mainly felt here was

Luckily he gets his shit together by the very end, and we do get a little bit of his softer side.

I also wanted to delve a little deeper into his past. After the many hints throughout the series of what he’s been through, I was expecting this to be a focus somewhere in his book. But I felt that ultimately it was a bit glossed over. There were hints and a few revelations, but no more so than we already knew about him.

This book is certainly not for everyone. I did enjoy it, but it is not anything I see myself ever going back to.

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Review: ★Broken Dove★ by Kristen Ashley

January 19, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

Far too young, Apollo Ulfr lost Ilsa, his wife, the love of his life and the mother of his two children. The grief of her loss does not settle in his soul, it solders to it. But when he discovers there is a parallel universe where his wife may have a twin, he feels there’s hope and sets about bringing her to his world so he can have her back.

But Ilsa Ulfr of our world is married to the parallel universe’s twin, Pol, who is not a good man. Not in any way. She’s on the run from him and the last thing she wants is to be transported to a fantastical world and be forced to take his side as his wife, even if he is not Pol. And Apollo finds the broken, bitter Ilsa nothing like his beloved and he further wants nothing to do with her.

But darkness is looming and evil is amassing. Apollo must protect his land and keep his family safe, including the new Ilsa.
Review-DGR4.5 stars
All my life, I’ve never been happy. So I never imagined even being that way. Until now.

Now THAT is what a Kristen Ashley book is supposed to be like. Are you taking notes Forever? Because you should.

Know everything that you love about KA books? Oh you know what I’m talking about; the descriptiveness, the sexual tension, the super hot Alphas, the sassy and quirky heroines, the action, the steam, the writing, the inability to put it down even though it’s crazy long. Ringing a bell? Yea, that. All of which have been missing in her recent releases through her publisher for me.

I was ready to give up after Kaleidoscope ended up being a 2 star read for me. I began to think that maybe one of my all time favorite authors may be starting to lose her touch. Then I read this book, and I realized it truly is her publisher that seems to be dimming my enjoyment of her books for me.

I loved it. While The Golden Dynasty continues to be my favorite book in this series, this book still hit the spot.

For those that are like me and have been anticipating this book hoping it lives up to the promise, rest easy, kick back, and be ready to enjoy KA at her finest.

Maddie, look at me and listen.
“Come closer,” I begged.
“I need to gag you and tie you to the bed,” he declared.
Oh God.
Awesome
“Yes,” I breathed, pressing closer to him again.

Got your attention now, didn’t I? Good.

So what can I tell you about Apollo?

8127919._SX540_Seems to sum it up quite nicely. He was the perfect combination of asshole, sweet, possessive, protective, dirty talking sex on a stick.

The one thing that I’ve grown to love in Kristen Ashley books is that level of hate/sexual tensions between the hero in heroine tend to have in the beginning. It was no smooth sailing for these two, not even close.
Apollo is still getting over the death of his wife. Ilsa is running from a past she never wants to repeat. Together they had to work through quite a bit to find their common ground.

Ilsa was such a great heroine. She was quirky, funny, endearing, and just a little bit broken.

When Apollo finally gets his head out of his ass and begins to work on their relationship…well let’s just say he did it WELL.

Why not 5 stars then? Well, I wasn’t as enthralled with this book as I was with Golden Dynasty. It was still fantastic, don’t get me wrong. Just not quite 5 star material.

Would I re-read it? Maybe…certain parts MOST DEFINITELY.

I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on Pol’s book now. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more of KA’s self published awesomeness.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Expert’s Guide to Driving a Man Wild by Jessica Clare

January 18, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

Being out of control…

The product of a rigid upbringing, Brenna has grown into a sexy free spirit who does things her way. No possessions, no debt, no man, and no rules to tie her down. And if she has to work, what better way than as assistant in a wilderness expedition team? So many opportunities to go wild.

…can be risky when you’re falling in love.

One person who doesn’t “get” Brenna is her boss, Grant. He prefers order and emotions kept in check, which means Brenna loves to push his boundaries. He’d be impossible to work for if he wasn’t so infuriatingly hot. But when his overbearing, matchmaking mother arrives in town, Brenna volunteers to be Grant’s pretend girlfriend. After all, it’s the perfect opportunity to drive Grant crazy at every turn.

Brenna’s just a little surprised when Grant agrees to her wild, impulsive schemes. And she’s more than a little surprised when their games take them to the bedroom…

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Note: Although these books are part of a series, they do not need to be read in order

Dream Cast

Excerpt

Tiptoeing naked out of bed, Brenna winced with every creak of the floorboards and the ladder as she stole into the living room. He was normally a pretty sound sleeper, so she was confident he’d still be asleep. 
Except when she leaned over the couch to see his sleeping form, he looked back up at her in surprise, his eyes hollow. “Brenna? What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” 
“A little something,” she agreed. 
He reached for the blankets, alarm on his face. “What is it? Are you hurt? Do you need the hospital?” 
What? How had he jumped so quickly to that conclusion? Strange man. She shook her head and sat down on the edge of the couch and then slid over the side, onto her back, landing on him. Her legs were up in the air and she wiggled her toes even as she glanced over at him. Her back was on his hips—not the most comfortable of positions, but she didn’t plan on being there long. She slid her hand between her legs and sighed dramatically. “My pussy is so wet and there’s no one to lick it for me.” 
His eyes widened and he groaned as if in pain. “God, you don’t play fair.” 
“Is this not fair?” She gave a tiny sigh. “All right. I guess I’ll just have to do it myself.” 
And her hand slipped between her legs and she began to rub. She was so turned on that she couldn’t stop the whimper of tormented pleasure that escaped her the moment her fingers brushed up against her clit. Man, she was aroused. She began to slowly, torturously rub, making small noises with every circle of her fingers. 
“Goddamn it, Brenna,” Grant rasped. He reached for her, then hesitated. 
That was torture, too. She arched her back, letting her nipples point into the air. She could feel the heat of him, the erection that was now stabbing against her back. And he wasn’t touching her? What more did she need to do? Brenna spread her legs wide and then used her other hand to spread her pussy lips. She licked the fingers of her other hand and then slid them back down to her clit and began to rub some more. Not that she needed the moisture, but it was a showy, delicious gesture, just as much as spreading herself wide was. And as she began to rub herself again, she closed her eyes. “Grant,” she moaned deliberately. 
She felt him stiffen underneath her, felt the low groan that he was biting back. One warm hand closed over her breast and she gasped when he pinched her nipple, rolling it between his fingers. She began to rub herself harder, her fingers working faster as the shockwaves of pleasure tore through her. Even that small touch was enough to make her crazy with lust. “Grant,” she breathed again. “God, I wish you were touching me between my legs. Rubbing me hard so I could come—” 
His fingers pinched her breast hard, and when she gave a little gasp of shock, it was followed by a squeal of pleasure when his hand covered hers over her pussy and he began to rub in tandem with her. Oh yes, that was lovely. She whimpered when his fingers laced with hers, and then it was two sets of fingers rubbing along her clit, two sets of fingers sliding into the well of her pussy and stroking deep. Two sets of fingers slick with her own juices. Her hips rolled in response to the touch, the mindless orgasm building to a frenzy deep inside her. 
She looked over at him and was entranced at the fascination etched on his features. He watched her as she rubbed, the wet, slick noises the only sounds mingling with their breathing. His hand kneaded and rubbed her breast, teasing her nipple even as his other slicked in and out of her pussy. And suddenly, she really, really wanted him deep inside her. Fucking her, on top of her with that same intense look of concentration on his face. 
So she stopped rubbing, her hand trapping his. And she met his gaze. “Finish me off the right way?”
And don’t miss the other steamy tittles in the Bluebonnet series

The Girl’s Guide to (Man) Hunting (Book One)

Once, Miranda felt a little exposed…
Miranda Hill’s cocky ex-boyfriend is back in Bluebonnet, Texas. He ditched her—and their little town—just as some rather shocking photos showed up on the Internet. Miranda wasn’t so lucky. Stuck in Bluebonnet and left to fend for herself, she’s never really shaken the scandal—or his betrayal. After nine long years, he’s back…

It’s time she gets even.

Former NHL hotshot Dane Croft has returned home to open a survival training school and reinvent himself. When his high-school girlfriend enrolls in the program, he has no idea that Miranda plans to get him in a compromising position. But to carry out her deviously sexy revenge, Miranda will have to get up-close and personal with Dane all over again. She got nowhere being a good girl; it’s time to be a little naughty. But falling in love with the man who broke her heart was never part of the plan…

The Billionaire of Bluebonnet (Book 1.5)

Risa’s luck was running out…

Risa Moore is content with her work as a live-in assistant to an elderly lady—until her boss passes on. Now, she’s stuck in the tiny town of Bluebonnet, Texas, with no job, nowhere to live, and no prospects. Leaving Bluebonnet means starting her life over from scratch, so when Risa gets the opportunity of a lifetime, it’s hard to turn it down. But does her sexy new boss want something more than just an employee?

Until she met a man worth his weight in gold.

Young, hot, and fabulously wealthy, Travis Jesson has no intention of ever returning to his small Texas hometown. Then his grandmother passes away, leaving him her estate and her pet. His plans involve disposing of her things as expediently as possible…until he meets her gorgeous live-in help. And Travis finds himself proposing an entirely different sort of relationship…

The Care and Feeding of an Alpha Male (Book Two)

Beth Ann needed a hero…

Beth Ann Williamson has finally had it with her on-and-off fiancé of nine years. The problem? No one in town seems to believe her when she says it’s really over. Now Beth Ann is determined to show the small town of Bluebonnet, Texas, that she can take care of herself. That means opening her own salon and not taking the help that her ex-fiancé seems determined to offer.

Of course, even the best laid plans go awry when she’s stranded in the woods in the middle of a downpour. Some independent woman she is. She can’t even find her way out of the woods without the help of a handsome, but scowling, Marine.

She got more than she bargained for…


A die-hard survivalist, Colt Waggoner’s none too pleased when he’s sent to find the town’s pampered princess. He’s even more annoyed when Beth Ann isn’t grateful for the rescue. Fine, then. He’ll just have to teach the sexy blonde a lesson–a weekend of roughing it out in the wild. Just the two of them, alone, in muddy, wet clothing that needs to come off…

But Beth Ann isn’t the spoiled princess he thought. And when she propositions him for a one night stand, he knows he should turn it down. Because this alpha male might need more than just one night in her bed to satisfy him…

Hot Summer Nights (Bluebonnet, #2.5)

Passions ignite in these all-new stories from four bestselling masters of contemporary romance…

In Jaci Burton’s “Hope Smolders,” struggling divorcee Jane has put her personal life on hold to raise her kids—until she runs into Luke, her ex’s former best friend, who convinces her it’s time to start having fun again.

Carly Phillips takes you back to the town of Serendipity, where overworked Alexa has an instant connection with a sinfully sexy football star on the dance floor. A one-night stand evolves into multiple nights when Luke decides to teach the good doctor about his own brand of fun. But when it’s time for him to leave town, will these “Perfect Strangers” be able to say goodbye for good?

In Jessica Clare’s “Legend of Jane,” an intrepid Bloggess catches the eye of local law enforcement when she gets caught trespassing. Luckily, Luanne wouldn’t mind getting handcuffed by Officer Hotness…

Single girl Chelsea is tired of feeling like the fifth wheel on her weekend jaunt to Lake Placid, until she gets stuck out in the cold and finds a muscular knight in shining armor to warm her up—in Erin McCarthy’s “Ice Princess.”

The Virgin’s Guide to Misbehaving (Book 4)
PREORDER for a June 3rd, 2014 Delivery

Playing innocent is easy.

After being the quiet, shy girl her whole life, Elise Markham is ready for a mental makeover. She’s done keeping to herself and staying out of trouble—it’s time to break out of her shell and maybe meet someone intriguing in the process. So, on a photography trip to Bluebonnet, she has a whole lot more on her mind than snapping photos, especially when Rome walks into the picture.

Playing dirty is fun.

The newest instructor at Wilderness Survival Expeditions has a colorful past, to say the least. Having come from a family of notorious con artists that destroyed his credit and reputation, all before his eighteenth birthday, Rome just wants a decent job and a quiet life in a town where no one knows his name. He’s exactly the kind of bad boy that an innocent girl like Elise should stay far away from.

But Elise is tired of doing what’s right. She’s ready to throw caution to the wind—and let Rome show her just how exciting being bad can be…

About the Author

This is a pen name for Jill Myles.

Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the ‘naughty parts’ of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.

After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own – stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.

Author’s Social Links

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Fast Forward by Marion Croslydon

January 15, 2014 by · 3 Comments

Fast Forward (Second Chances # 2) – No cliffhanger, HEA
Author: Marion Croslydon
Release date: December 19, 2013
Genre: Contemporary romance/ New Adult
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours
Buy it on Amazon


From the Amazon bestselling author of No Reverse comes a moving story about love, redemption and what happens when life switches to fast forward.

Cassie learned the hard way: Love forgives… in the end.

In No Reverse, Josh and Cassie’s epic love story went from the brink of destruction to a fragile new beginning. Now they must mend their broken family and win back the son they gave up five years ago.

But second chances need to be earned and the road ahead is rocky. With Cassie on tour and Josh trying his hand at a political career, the struggle becomes clear. When the adoption takes a bad turn, Cassie and Josh are prepared to give up everything for the fight of their lives.

Will this young family finally heal the years of heartache, or will they be torn apart for good?

There is no cliffhanger.

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

Sweet mother of feels what an emotional roller coaster Josh and Cassie’s story took me on. I’m still trying to get all my feels right because…damn…just damn.

Fast Forward is the highly emotional conclusion to the story introduced in No Reverse. Please note that if you haven’t read the first book, this review might have minor spoilers.

Josh and Cassie have now reconciled and are back together trying to make a new life for themselves while fighting to get custody of their son. But nothing is ever easy for them…not even close.

I’ll be honest, this books is not really my typical preference. As emotionally charged as the first book was, I really enjoyed it. This one, while not being what I’d normally read, I still enjoyed. The writing is phenominal. Marion Croslydon has a way with words, that much I can tell you.

So why the 4 stars? This book had a little too much drama for me. It was one road block after another followed by 5 more for these two. The second they would resolve one thing, something else would happen. It was non-stop.

Between the drunken/abusive father, the adoption, Josh’s new job and ex-fiance, it was non stop drama. Some may really enjoy it, but I prefer my drama in doses…not through the whole book.

That being said, the book was beautifully written and the love story between Josh and Cassie was truly touching. Watching everything they go through and how it made them grow as people and as a couple was great. The epilogue was the perfect way to close their story. So while it may not be anything I’d go back to, it was still a very enjoyable read.

If you’re looking for an emotional love story of second chances, then this book is definitely for you.

Read my review for book 1, No Reverse here

About the Author

Marion loves to share happy vibes, talk book crush, fictional boyfriends and sexual chemistry with like-minded people. And because she spends most of her days on her own deep inside her writing cave, you are welcome to come and say “hello” from time to time. Just to make sure she doesn’t sink into insanity. Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.

Author Social Media Links 

    Giveaway

     (1) Kindle Device from Amazon – International

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    Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

    January 14, 2014 by · 3 Comments

    From USA Today bestselling author Lisa Desrochers comes the third book in her sizzling new adult series. 

    If you play with fire …

    Tossed out of college and cut off by her parents, Samantha West is in pretty dire straits. So when her rocker best friend hooks her up with a job dancing at a gentlemen’s club, who is she to turn it down? Plus, there are rules to dancing at Benny’s: No touching, keep your clothes on at all times, and never get closer than three feet. Unfortunately for Sam, her first private client makes her want to break every single one of them.

    Harrison Yates is scorching hot, but he’s got a past that involves being left at the altar not too long ago. Sam is determined to make him forget about his ex, but when she makes her move, it flings her life into a spiral of chaos she never saw coming. Because Harrison Yates isn’t who he seems to be. And his secret will probably get her killed. 

    The book will be released on January 21st.

    “Every page is deliciously breathtaking, wickedly sexy and sensational. A LITTLE TOO HOT is wonderfully unique and a LOT HOT! I am a HUGE Lisa Desrochers fan.”
    — KATY EVANS, New York Times bestselling author of REAL

    “Lisa is brilliant at creating sizzling sexual tension and impossible circumstances that make the reader hold their breath all the way to happy ever after. Sam and Harrison are more than A Little Too Hot, they are scorching!”
    — JAY CROWNOVER, New York Times bestselling author of RULE

    “Lisa Desrochers’ best yet! A LITTLE TOO HOT is hotter than hot with all the emotional punch to back it up!”
    — SOPHIE JORDAN, New York Times bestselling author

                                                                  *********

    A LITTLE TOO HOT PRE-ORDER: 

    Pre-order A LITTLE TOO HOT for an exclusive alternative chapter written in the hero’s POV!
    ***********

    Review
    Suddenly, this doesn’t feel like a game anymore. It feels deeper. And scarier.

    How is it possible that I am only now discovering this amazing author? I should be kicking myself. Or be spanked…preferably by Harrison…if he was into that sort of thing. What?

    As in my usual fashion, I did things a whole lot backwards and read this book without reading 1 and 2. And while I plan on rectifying this immediately, it’s also safe to say this is easily read as a standalone. The author does such a fantastic job with character development and explaining things from the previous books that I never once felt lost or confused. What I did feel, was completely engrossed in the characters and the story.

    I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Samantha at first. Her heavy partying and lack of interest in classes got her kicked out of not only college but also her parent’s house. Her desperate circumstances force her to accept her friend Jonathan’s offer to hook her up with a job. An exotic dancer at a club is not exactly her dream job, even if she doesn’t have to take her clothes off. But hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. So she begins working at Benny’s, which you can probably describe as

    Sam is not exactly looking for love. She’s still getting over her heart being broken by her boyfriend Trevor, who’s now engaged to her best friend. The last thing she expects is to begin lusting after a client. But she can’t help herself.

    Harrison Yates is sexy, tattoed, and getting over his own heart break. But the chemistry between them is too hot to ignore. So what happens when lines start to get crossed and things get a little too hot?

    The second Harrison entered the picture, I was sucked in. The sexual tension between these two was combustible. I love when an author can make you burn for it right along with the H/h. Lisa Desrochers did such an amazing job with this. You could practically taste it. And then when Sam and Harrison begin to give into the sexual pull between them?

    But then right around 28% Lisa threw in the mother of all plot twists. I did not see that coming at all. I sat there like an idiot, staring at my kindle, trying to get my jaw off of the floor. If I was engrossed by that point, after it I simply could not put the book down. I just had to see what happens next.

    While I typically like my books on the more steamier side, this book was still extremely satisfying for me. The sexual chemistry between Sam and Harrison was incredible. I’m not sure how else to best describe it but to say it was like a rubber band that kept stretching and stretching until it got to a point that you know once it finally breaks it will be HUGE. And boy was it.

    If you’re looking for an entertaining, sexy, and a wild ride of a read, this book is a must read.

    Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to one-click the rest of the books in this series. And I thank you

    **ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

    About the Author

    LISA DESROCHERS is the USA Today bestselling author of the A Little Too Far series, courtesy of HarperCollins, and the young adult Personal Demons trilogy from Macmillan. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two very busy daughters, and Shini the tarantula. Find her online at www.lisadwrites.com, on Twitter at @LisaDez, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LisaDesrochersAuthor.

    Author’s Social Links

    Giveaway

    Win an A LITTLE TOO HOT blurb pack: REAL, MINE, and REMY signed by Katy Evans; RULE, JET, and ROME signed by Jay Crownover; and FORPLAY signed by Sophie Jordan plus signed swag.

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    A Little Too Hot

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    Launch Blitz & Giveaway: The Edge of Always (paperback) by J.A. Redmerski

    January 14, 2014 by · Leave a Comment




    THE EDGE OF ALWAYS (Trade Paperback; $14.00)


    When everything falls apart, love remains . . .

    Camryn Bennett has never been happier. Five months after meeting on a Greyhound bus, she and her soul mate Andrew Parrish are engaged-and a wedding isn’t the only special event in their future. Nervous but excited, Camryn can’t wait to begin the rest of her life with Andrew, a man she knows in her heart will love her always. They have so much to look forward to-until tragedy blindsides them.

    Andrew doesn’t understand how this could happen to them. He’s trying to move on, and thought Camryn was doing the same. But when Andrew discovers Camryn is secretly harboring a mountain of pain and attempting to numb it in damaging ways, there is nothing he won’t do to bring her back to life. Determined to prove that their love can survive anything, Andrew decides to take Camryn on a new journey filled with hope and passion. If only he can convince her to come along for the ride…

    Excerpt

    I turn to Andrew again, waiting for him to spit it out. A cold breeze rushes through my knitted sweater, and I hide my hands inside the sleeves.

    “You have five minutes to throw all of your stuff in your bag,” he says, and my heart is beating erratically before he finishes the sentence. He taps his wrist where there is no watch. “Not a second more.”

    “Andrew—”

    “This isn’t up for debate,” he says. “Go get your stuff.”

    I just look at him, face blank.

    My theory was right, but I didn’t want it to be. I don’t want to go on the road…I mean, I do…but it’s not right. It’s just not right.

    “You have four minutes now.”

    “But we can’t just leave like this,” I argue. “It would be rude.” I point at Asher. “And Asher just got here. Don’t you want to visit with—”

    “I can visit my big brother anytime,” Asher counters. “Right now, I think you better do what he says or you might end up on the road wearing the same panties for a week.”

    A few more seconds pass and I still haven’t moved. I’m in a state of mild shock, I guess.

    “Three minutes, babe,” Andrew says and is looking at me with a serious face. “I’m not kidding. Get up there, throw our shit in our bags, and get in the damn car.”

    Oh hell, he’s back to his old self again…

    When I start to argue again, Andrew’s eyes get all feral-looking, and he says, “Hurry up. Time’s running out!” and he points to the house.

    Finally, letting down my guard and going with the moment as much as I can allow myself, I glare at him and say, “Fine.” I’m only agreeing to it because I know he’s trying make things better. But I feel guilty as hell.

    Disregarding his playful five-minute demand, I turn on my heels and walk very slowly back toward the house, purposely taking my time, partly my way of silently arguing the situation.

    I push open the bedroom door, set my bag on the bed, and start stuffing everything inside of it. Then I go into the bathroom and grab our toothbrushes and various bathroom necessities. I yank our phone chargers from the wall and then my phone from the nightstand and chuck it all into my purse. I make my way around the room, hoping that I’m not missing anything.

    Looks like Andrew already packed his stuff at some point and I never noticed.

    Then I just stand here, scanning every inch of the place around me but not really seeing any of it. I don’t want to do this, but maybe it’s the right thing.

    I hear the horn honk three times, and it snaps me out of my thoughts. Grabbing my bag, I swing it over my shoulder and grab my purse from the bed.

    About the Author

    J.A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

    Social Media Links:
    Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads

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    ARC Review: Fighting for Irish by Gina L. Maxwell

    January 14, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

    Kat MacGregor has forty-eight hours to make good on the debt her ex-boyfriend owes a crime boss. Unfortunately, the measly tips she makes waitressing are barely enough for her to live on, much less cover the twenty-thousand needed to keep her breathing. With time running out, Kat ‘s forced to accept help from the only man who’s ever made her feel fire rather than fear.

    When he learns a friend’s sister is in trouble, former Boston MMA fighter Aiden “Irish” O’Brien heads to Louisiana to offer himself up as collateral to keep her safe. But to satisfy the debt, he has to do the one thing he swore he’d never do again: fight. With more than just money on the line, will Irish have what it takes to not only reclaim the man he once was, but become the man he needs to be for the woman he can’t live without?
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    You with me, Kitten?
    Whoa. Gina L. Maxwell just continues to prove one thing; the woman can write. I went into this expecting a typical Brazen read. You know what I’m talking about. It’s a whole lot of steamy, a little fluffy, entertaining read with some dirty talk thrown into the mix. Is that what I got with this book? Not even close. Don’t get me wrong, it was still steamy and entertaining with some delicious dirty talk thrown into the mix. But it was certainly not fluffy. Not even a little bit. This was an emotional and gritty book about two broken souls learning to move past the shadows of their pasts and helping each other heal.
    If you’ve read the rest of the books in this series and are familiar with Gina’s writing, don’t be surprised when you find this much different then the rest of the books. I struggled a bit with my rating, since it was not exactly what I was expecting…and I wasn’t quite ready for the caliber of emotions and the heavy subject matter it covers. But truthfully, after giving it much thought, I simply couldn’t rate anything less than the 5 stars this book most definitely deserves.
    While this book can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading Rules of Entanglement before this; and not only because it was an amazing book. Kat is the younger sister of Vanessa, the heroine from RoE. There are some things mentioned that I think will have understand Kat more from the beginning.
    Kat MacGreggor is on the run. When her ex-boyfriend lands in jail, Kat realize that his debt to a major crime boss has now become her own. It only takes one beating within an inch of her life to realize that they mean business. So she changes her name and tries to make a living in a different town as a waitress. But before long her trouble catches up with her, and she realizes that there just may not be an escape.
    Aiden “Irish” O’Brien knows that he owes his friend Jax a big debt. So when he hears that Jax’s fiance has a sister that’s in trouble, he doesn’t take long to think before he leaves Boston for Tenesse in order to keep her safe. But Kat isn’t quite what he expected and he’s not prepared when being around her bring the demons from his past back up.
    Kat has her own demons. And when the alluring “Irish” offers to help her with her problems, it’s almost too good to be true. There just has to be a catch. She doesn’t exactly have the best history when it comes to men.
    Reading about everything that she’s been through was not an easy feat. It was devastating. Even though I had a pretty good idea based on hints from the previous book, as well as the few things that are hinted at in this one, I wasn’t prepared for the full disclosure of it. My heart broke for her.
    But even with everything that’s she’s been through, she was a very strong and endearing heroine. She struggles with her past, but she’s trying not to let it taint her future.
    Now Aiden. My darling Aiden. He just made the book for him.
    It’s really no secret that I’m easy. Now don’t be judgy here, I don’t mean like that. What I mean is, I read motorcycle riding, tatted, and pierced and I WAS SOLD. I ask you, what else could a girl want? Now make him understanding, protective, sweet, and a dirty talker…and I am on cloud 9. Irish was pure tatted perfection. I think my heart just about melted every single time he called Kat kitten. And then when he would always ask her, “Are you with me, kitten?”
    The first half of this book was an exercise in patience and a major case of blue ovaries. The sexual tension just kept mounting and mounting until it was almost unbearable. But don’t fret, because the wait is certainly worth it.
    I adored the way that Irish was with Kat; the way he helps deal with her demons and fears was beautiful to read.
    He was equal parts sweet and a little dirty. Just the way I like them. This book had everything; great MCs, action, suspense, steam, and a beautiful love story about two people learning to heal the wounds of their past together. I loved it.
    The one thing I was afraid of was the revelation of Aiden’s secret. He harbors so much guilt from an event from his past that it effects every relationship he has, even the one with Kat. I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read that have all this build to this big dark secret, only to come to a very anti-climatic and simple revelations. I was very worried that this might be the case here. I’m so glad to say that it wasn’t. When the full event was disclosed I could definitely understand why Aiden felt the guilt that he did. It just made me fall for him even more.
    The second half of the book was much quicker paced and filled with a lot of action. After the 80% mark I simply couldn’t set it down, I just had to know what happens.
    And the ending? PERFECTION
     
    If you enjoy steamy books with two broken but extremely endearing MCs, action, suspense, and a great romance to top it off, then this is a must read. A fantastic addition to the Fighting For Love series, and I for one can’t wait for the next book. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Xander, the sexy womanizing Brit.
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    ARC Review: In Bed With Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

    January 13, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

    The blind date from hell is about to get hotter…

    Brianne Nave is never doing her friends a favor again. When they begged her to go on a blind date, she didn’t expect someone so perfectly gorgeous. She’s a mousy librarian—totally not in this man’s league. And judging by his odd reaction when she opens the door, he knows it, too.

    Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs. He’s not thrilled about the date until he’s shocked silent by the prickly little librarian’s sweet curves and kissable lips…and her smart mouth. But then an argument leads to a kiss that spirals out of control. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it?

    When their friends strand them in a cabin to “work things out,” Bri’s not sure whether to kill him or put the industrial-sized box of condoms they find to use. Bottom line—Ryan’s career military and hates the tiny town she loves. He’ll leave, just like everyone else in her life. And if she’s foolish enough to give him her heart, he’ll take it with him.

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    Review

    3.5 stars
    They didn’t like each other. Couldn’t carry on a conversation without snipping at each other, and couldn’t snipe at each other without ending up in compromising positions.
    This book is exactly why I’m an obsessive Brazen junky. It was the perfect recipe to a deliciously spicy little read for me. I loved it!
    Now let me start with saying that I happen to have a type…for my books that is. There is nothing more that I love more than an enemies to lover trope. Something about the snarky comments, insults, and barbs flying back and forth with an thick undercurrent of lust that never ceases to just do it for me. And if that happens to be your type too, then look no further than this book.
    Ryan and Bri set the pages on fire, and I loved every fiery and passionate moment of it.
    When Brianne Nave agrees on a blind date as a favor to her friend, she’s not expecting much. She doesn’t exactly date much. She’s a little mousy, a little shy, and knows she’s not prime male fantasy material. But when Ryan Flannery shows up on her doorstop, she’s speechless. Until he makes it evident that she’s clearly not what he expected. And this is when the insults start flying.
    Bri and Ryan couldn’t have less in common. Bri is a librarian that dreamed of living in the small town where everyone knows you and your business. Ryan is an Air Force Pararescuer, that wanted nothing more but to escape the town and leave it in the past along with his infamous reputation of being the son of the town drunk and the boy that burned the high school down.
    To say that these two start off on the wrong foot would be a gross understatement. The snarky comments and insults start flying right off the bat. And let me just tell you. It is
    Bri might be a mousy librarian, but she is certainly no push over. If anything I felt her to be a little harsh on Ryan at times. She never really thought twice about throwing his past in his face, even though she knew barely anything about it.
    Now Ryan on the other hand was absolutely swoon worthy. I have a soft spot for military men in my books, and he was no exception. While Bri may have been running scared from their sexual chemistry, Ryan faced it head on.

    One thing was certain—she thought this was over and done with between them. Well, he damn well didn’t. He wanted to know which was the real Bri—the snarling harpy from their date or the sweet, sexy thing from the porch—and the only way to do that was to see her again. They were going to talk this out, even if he had to lock her in a room to do it.

    I loved the banter between these two.

    You’re staring at me like you’re thinking—” She blushed and frowned harder. “Knock it off.”
    “You’re projecting. I wonder why?” Could it be that you recently had your mind blown?”
    “Shut up. We’re in public.”
    “That didn’t bother you the last time we were together.”
    “Oh my God, will you stop talking?”
    “It’s not my fault someone has their panties in a twist.”
    She leaned in, kissably close. “Don’t think for a second that you had more than a passing effect on my panties.”

    And then when the banter would stop, the clothes would start flying. And let me just tell you, the chemistry between them? SCORCHING

    A quick paced, sexy story about two very different people who find out they may have more in common than they thought. A first in a series that is already looking to be an auto-buy for me. I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on the towns bachelor/sheriff and Ryan’s brother Drew. Would it be possible that Avery might be the girl for him? Not sure. But a girl can hope 🙂

    I really enjoyed this book. This was my first novel by Katee Robert, and it certainly will not be my last. It wasn’t quite the amazing 5 star book for me (I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars). But it is a book I wouldn’t think twice about re-reading, and I definitely liked it a whole heck of a lot.

    If you’re a fan of witty banter, swoon worthy military heroes, sassy and sharp tongued heroines, and a steamy story that will be sure to get your own panties in a twist then this book is definitely for you. Gotta love that Brazen yumminess!

    **ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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    Blog Tour & Giveaway: Kayden: The Past by Chelle Bliss

    January 12, 2014 by · 1 Comment

    ** CAN BE READ AS A STAND ALONE NOVEL**

    Kayden Michaels has a past filled with sex, addiction, and heartache. A past that he’s avoided sharing with the love of his life, Sophia, and held close to his core not risking rejection. Needing to get his addictions in check and gain control of his life for the sake of his family, Kayden is forced to confront his past and make amends for the path he’s walked.

    Kayden must recount every carnal act and the betrayal from those he’s loved to identify the triggers that spur his addictions and overcome it all to be worthy of Sophia’s love – his sole reason to exist.

    This is NOT a novella.

    Playlist

    Demons ~ Imagine Dragon
    Crazy Bitch ~ Buck Cherry
    Gorilla ~ Bruno Mars
    Livin’ on a Prayer ~ Bon Jovi
    Sex and Candy ~ Marcy PLayground
    Love the Way You Lie ~ Eminem
    Everything I’ve Known ~ KoRn
    Bring Me to Life ~ Evanescence
    Cold Hard Bitch ~ Jet
    What Goes Around Comes Around ~ Justin Timberlake
    Waiting for the End ~ Linkin Park
    The Reason ~ Hoobastank
    Control ~ Puddle of Mud
    I Hate Everything About You ~ Three Days Grace
    Closer ~ NIN

    Trailer

    Excerpt ~ Explicit~

    “Hey, where ya going?” she asked. “What about me?”

    “I’m sure someone here would be happy to give you what you want. I got what I was looking for, babe.”

    “You had me suck your cock and you’re just going to fucking leave me here?” she asked glaring at me with hatred so pure I could almost feel the fist she wanted to hit me with.

    “I got what I came for. You were a total bitch to me for years; you don’t deserve what I’d give, how good I’d fuck you,” I said with my arms crossed against my chest.

    “You’re a total cocksucker, Kayden,” she said poking me in the chest with each word to drive the point home.

    “No, that would be you, babe,” I said with a smile, “Oh, and by the way, you have a little on your chin,” I said pointing at her face chuckling softly at the situation. I watched as she wiped her chin and I turned and walked away, leaving her there like she deserved.

    Review

    3.75 Stars

    Now I know that there is a note that this can be read as a standalone, and while it can, I wouldn’t recommend it. I think that understanding the dynamic behind Kayden and Sophia’s relationship, how they started, where they are now, etc is necessary to appreciate this book for what it was. I read this first, and then I went back and read Untangle Me. Had I not read Untangle Me, I’m not sure I would have rated this one as high.

    While this was not a novella but a full length book, it read like a novella to me. Not in a way that it was too short, but it was a very quick read. I read it in one sitting. Kayden’s life was like a bad car crash; you’re almost scared to keep watching, afraid it might get worse, but yet you can’t tear your eyes away.

    Kayden, my poor fucked up Kayden

    The poor guy goes through so much shit only to stumble over a new pile of it at every turn. The Past takes up back to the very beginning, the root of where it all began. It starts from his childhood and continues through many of his relationships.

    Now I can tell you that Kayden had some shit luck when it came to women…but somehow I think that would be an understatement. Let me see, how do I best sum it up? Ah yes! They all seem to hit a teeny tiny little iceberg

    With as much shit as he went through with women, I was surprised he kept trying. I wouldn’t have blamed him if he chose to surround himself with a different type of pussy altogether.

    If you’re expecting a romance, this is not what this book is at all. It is a deeper look at the man that Kayden is and what made him into who he is today. It takes you through every single one of his doomed relationships, and there were plenty. It takes you through his struggle with alcohol and drugs. It gives you a dark and unapologetic look into the life of a man that has had it anything but easy.

    Chelle Bliss knows how to write one hot as hell sex scene, and there were quite a few here. Kayden really knew how to deliver on that front.

    I really enjoyed this book. The fact that I read it in one sitting should tell you plenty. So why not 5 stars? I couldn’t help but feel I was being told the story at times, as opposed to being shown. I love being able to experience all the ups and downs along with the characters I’m reading about, but this book didn’t quite have that. I felt like I was reading Kayden’s diary, which I believe this was.

    I loved getting a peak into his head, and if you read and enjoyed Untangle Me, this book is a must read.

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

    About the Author

    I have been a teacher for over ten years, and needed a creative outlet for all my naughty thoughts. I received a bachelors degree in History and a Masters in Education, which led me to becoming a high school history teacher.

    I love to read, I can devour a book a day, when given the chance or having the time. I can’t pick one favorite book, there are just too many that come to mind. I do have favorite authors though. My top five authors are: Colleen Hoover, S.C. Stephens, Tarryn Fisher, CJ Roberts, and Kele Moon. I agonized over the top five. There are so many fantastic Indie authors that help feed my quest for the next best story.

    Writing has been a journey unlike; filled with anguish, love, fear, and creativity. I’m excited for the next step and to share Kayden and Sophia.

    Author’s Social Links
    Goodreads I Website I Facebook I Twitter

    And don’t forget to check out Untangle Me, now only $.99 for a limited time

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    ARC Review: Bound by Brenda Rothert

    January 11, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

    College senior Kate Camden has learned to adapt – to her last year of school, to the promise of motherhood, to the fact that she’s doing it all alone. But just when she’s learned to adjust, heartache threatens to break her apart.

    Pro hockey player Jason “Ryke” Ryker has it all: adoring fans, a promising career, and a beautiful wife. But when his seemingly perfect life is shaken by tragedy, he’s left questioning whether having it all is ever more than an illusion.

    When circumstance brings Kate and Ryke together, they discover they don’t have to hurt alone. Bound by a grief that haunts them both, they must rely on one another to survive heartbreak. But that grief is more powerful than they realize, and the tie that binds them together may ultimately tear them apart.



    Lisa’s Review

    FOUR BOUND STARS.
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    I think it’s fairly obvious by now that I can’t possibly resist a story of love. What you may not know is that a sports themed romance really gets me excited. Combine love, Brenda Rothert’s writing talent, some heart ache and a Ice hockey professional and you are left with a story that is soul searching, heart melting and sexy-steamy all in one gorgeous book. From the cover to the ending this short, moving story won me over. Here are my ‘bound’ book thoughts …

    What’s it all about?
    In her last days as a college student Kate Camden will spend them battling against some of the darkest days of her young life. Life is proving to be difficult for this blonde beauty and she’s doing all she can to keep her head above the water. Ice hockey star and model Jason Ryker is living his dream, from the outside this handsome sportsman seemingly has it all, but inside he’s a man fighting demons from his past. When life brings Kate and Jason together their brokenness may just be the thread that draws them close, but with broken hearts and a past that hasn’t been easy, Kate and Jason find themselves battling to find a way to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their love.

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    What did I love?
    Even though this book was on the short side it definitely left a dramatic impression. When they say ‘all good things come in small packages’ they must have been thinking about this loveable, touching novel. The author created an intimate atmosphere as she developed Kate and Ryke’s relationship. I was so transfixed by the story that I forgot that I was reading about fictional characters, I loved the anticipation that was built up from the start and I instantly felt connected to where these characters would end up. There wasn’t a moment that I felt distracted or uninterested, the author held my attention in every scene. The book started out with some surprise difficulties that instantly grabbed my attention and from that point the author continued to pull at my heart strings. From beginning to end I felt emotionally invested with both the characters. Kate and Ryke were both adorable, individually I loved their point of views and as a couple I was cheering for them from the beginning. The attraction between them was relatable and the slow burn style build up made the book into an addictive page turner. The intimate moments between the couple were both sensual and sexy and there was definitely enough steamy moments to keep most lovers of heart melting scenes happy. Overall there wasn’t much that I didn’t adore about this story of love. I cried, laughed and fell in love right alongside these characters and I’m ready to know more …

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    Why not five?
    Firstly I’d like to say that this book was a winner in my eyes and it deserves every one of the respectable four star rating that I gave it. For me there was not much between this book getting the full five stars however, I would have liked for the story to be longer, I wanted to learn more about Ryke and Kate and their developing relationship. I needed more of a prolonged conclusion to the story, I loved the building up of the relationship and anticipation of the couple finding true love, but I would have liked the author to have spent more time giving the reader a more detailed happily for now ending. Thankfully this book is a part of a series so I’ll get my second look into the lives of these characters at a later date. All in all this book both touched and enchanted me, I would recommend this promising start to the series to other readers and I’m interested in reading more by this author.

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    Final thoughts …
    Sweet, sexy, weepy, touching and thought provoking. This author has created a story that is full of heart and soul and I’m one to happy reader to have been given the book to review. This will be a series to look out for and i’m happily adding this author to my ‘look out for future releases’ list. Don’t delay go grab it readers, enjoy … kisses.

    *Guest reviewer for Dirty girl romance book blog, ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

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