Review: Holding On Tighter by Shayla Black

February 14, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

HOLDING ON TIGHTER
Series: Wicked Lovers #12
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Erotic
Author: Shayla Black
Release Date: February 7, 2017

Jolie Quinn is a woman in charge. Her no-nonsense attitude has made her a rising star in the fashion world and her brand a household name among the Dallas elite. Nothing will stop her from achieving her goals—not even the gorgeous British security contractor who seems just as interested in seeing her personal assets as he is in protecting her professional ones.

After a tragedy left him broken, Heath Powell made a rule of staying unattached. But Jolie challenges him in a way he can’t ignore, and he isn’t used to backing down from a confrontation—especially when the reward for winning could feel so good. As passion blazes between them, the stubborn, confident beauty arouses more than his desire. She touches his heart.

When a mysterious enemy threatens Jolie and her company, Heath is the only person Jolie can trust to help. But working with him to save her business might put her dangerously at risk of falling in love…

AMAZON | iBOOKS

Consider this fair warning: I’m coming after you and I intend to have you underneath me. I won’t rest until I do. So shore up your defenses and work yourself up tightly. That way when I seduce you, it will be even sweeter.”

*happy pervy shudder*

*sigh*

It’s hard to believe that this is now the twelfth book in this series. Seems like it was just yesterday first discovered and binged myself on this deliciously sexy series. I’ve been a huge fan, eagerly anticipating each installment. And now twelve books into it, it still doesn’t disappoint.

Heath Powell first caught my attention as the bodyguard in Wicked for You. Even as a secondary character, there was something so arresting about him that I simply couldn’t help but crave this story. After finishing this book, I can tell you that he definitely didn’t disappoint.

Heath is no stranger to tragedy in his life. Having lost his wife to tragic violence, he’s never moved on and never made the effort to heal. He’s been moving through life, one unattached hookup at a time. While he fancied himself in love with Mystery, he’s lost her to Axel and he’s ok with that. Now a stunning beauty that wants nothing more from him than his protection and professional opinion has captivated him beyond reason…if only he can convince her how hot they can burn.

Jolie Quinn is a take no prisoners business woman. The last thing she wants to do is end up liker her flighty mother, moving on from one failed marriage to the next. She doesn’t need a man to define her. She’s focused on one thing only; her career. So why is the sexy Brit determined to protect her from a threat to her life and business suddenly makes her want to give in, if only just once?

Heath Powell was like a beacon she couldn’t help but home into.

I’ll admit that I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t click with Heath and Jolie’s connection at first. Having lost his wife so tragically and then knowing of his feelings for Mystery, I was afraid that I’d feel like he was settling. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I love the way the author pulled it off. Their relationship was certainly on a fast track, but I was invested from start to finish.

Jolie was exactly the sort of heroine I gravitate to. She was tough, doesn’t take any crap from anyone, and has a quick wit with a sharp tongue. There’s also something so vulnerable about her that seems to come out only when she’s around Heath.

With a whimper, she melted, clinging, in desperate need of an anchor. She’d worry later about how she would recover from this total breakdown of her defenses. Right now, his touch felt once-in-a-lifetime. This thing between them engulfed her, consumed her whole. She craved even more.

Holding On Tighter was a sexy, action packed, thrill ride that had me glued to the pages from beginning to finish. I loved seeing all my past favorites and a few new faces that I can’t want to learn more about. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this series.

WICKED LOVERS SERIES

WICKED TIES | DECADENT | DELICIOUS | SURRENDER TO ME | BELONG TO ME | MINE TO HOLD | OURS TO LOVE |
THEIRS TO CHERISH | HIS TO TAKE | WICKED FOR YOU |
FALLING IN DEEPER | HOLDING ON TIGHER

 

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Review & Giveaway: Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shalvis

February 11, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE
Series: Heartbreaker Bay, #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Jill Shalvis
Release Date: January 24, 2017

There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaten’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along…

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N

What is it with us?” she murmured.
He laughed softly. “How is that a funny question?”
“Because I try very hard to always know what I’m doing,” he said. “But I’m winging it here, Elle. I have no idea what we’re doing but one thing I’m sure as hell not doing is walking away from you. Not ever again.”

Swoon. Swoon. SWOON. ALL OF THE SWOONS!

I adore Jill Shalvis books. Simply adore them. She never fails to deliver an amazing romance with some of the most endearing characters I’ve read and bundle it all together around an addictingly swoony story that will put a smile on your face and keep it there.

As soon as I met Elle and Archer in Sweet Little Lies, I knew I wanted their book. Their antagonistic ways sucked me in right from the beginning. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a good hate lust and the unresolved tension between these two is downright sizzling. It’s clear they have a troubled history but you never know what it is…until this book that is. Knowing all those details now just made it that much more satisfying. I can wholeheartedly say it was so very much worth the wait.

Archer is a past cop turned security specialist that has lost none of his edge. He’s hard, deadly when crossed, and take charge alpha all around. So why does one stunning beauty manage to rattle him every single time he hears the click of her stilettos?

Elle was as fantastic of a heroine as I imagined she’d be. She’s strong, take no bullshit, focused on her career and doesn’t need a relationship or a man to make her happy. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not a man eater or prickly and brash. She’s simply comfortable with who she is and in her own skin. I loved that about her. It’s wonderful to get a woman that’s strong in all the right ways and yet still has enough softness to her to make her endearing.

Elle has secretly always wanted Archer but she never imagined that the chemistry between them would be as scorching as it is when Archer finally gives into the inevitable.

And can I just say how PERFECT Archer was? Because, oh my god! This. Man.

Shh,” he said gently and crouched down to her level. “Just me. Scoot.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re having bad dreams. I’ll beat them off for you.”
“How?”
“I’ll hold you tight and not let anything get you.”

GAH!

I loved these two together. Absolutely loved them. Everything about this book was fantastic; the main couple, the secondary characters, the story, the romance. EVERYTHING. I love the easy camaraderie all these friends have together. When they all get together, it’s always a recipe for goofy grins.

If you love swoony and steamy contemporary romance, read ANY Jill Shalvis book. But if you’re like me and have already read her entire backlist, than this new series from her is simply addicting. I already can’t wait for more.

THE HEARTBREAKER BAY SERIES

SWEET LITTLE LIES (My Review | Purchase)
THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE (My Review | Purchase)

 

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Enter HERE

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Review: Dirty Money by Jessica Clare

February 7, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

DIRTY MONEY
Series: Roughneck Billionaires #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Author: Jessica Clare
Release Date: January 17, 2017

Southern Texas heats up when four roughneck billionaires set their sights on love in the new series from New York Timesbestselling author Jessica Clare.

Boone Price and his brothers know oil; at least, the dirty, backbreaking side of working an oil rig. But when their scrubby, worthless hunting land turns out to be sitting on top of one of the biggest oil wells in North America, they go from the rig to the boardroom and end up billionaires practically overnight.

Now with enough money to do whatever he wants, Boone is developing a taste for fine things. And the finest thing he’s ever seen is Ivy Smithfield, local realtor. Boone’s determined to buy her affection and show the world that he’s more than just a dirty fool with a bit of money. Ivy’s classy and beautiful – she’ll make the perfect trophy wife. The fact that she’s sexy and funny is just a bonus.

There’s one tiny problem – Ivy’s as dirt poor as Boone is. Her carefully crafted veneer of luxury? All an act to promote her business. What’s Boone going to do when he finds out the woman he’s falling for is, well, in his league?

AMAZON

She needs pretty words? I’ll give her pretty words. She needs flowers and jewelry? I’ll give her those, too. She needs my face between her legs? I’ll fucking tongue her for hours on end and love every moment of it.

Sometimes I read the word “roughneck” in a blurb and my ovaries go all MINE. And there comes a time in a girl’s life where she has to appease her ovaries, right? Even if smutty, insta-love romance isn’t normally her thing, she’ll make an exception for a bearded and dirty talking rough neck. Why? Um, did I not explain that part already?

Some kisses are gentle and hesitant, almost as if they’re asking permission. That’s not how Boone Price kisses, though. His kiss is deliciously savage, his tongue plundering my mouth. It’s like he wants to claim me with every flick of his tongue against mine, every caress of his lips.

Dirty Money was a total guilty pleasure read for me. It was totally over the top and yet it still hit the spot just right. Think Beverly Hillbillies but with hot guys and sex.

Boone was a complete caveman. He was an unapologetic, possessive, domineering, dirty talking caveman and I loved every filthy word that came out of the man’s mouth. This was not a man born into money, yet came about it by hard work and a bit of dumb luck. He doesn’t put on an act for anyone. He still lives in his trailer with his brothers all next to him, he dresses like a roughneck and talks like one too. He doesn’t need the fancy clothes and the manners to make him a man. But tired of the disrespect from all the suits he has to deal with in his business now, he decides that what he needs to spruce up his image is a classy woman and he spots the one he wants on a real estate ad.

Ivy is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her sister. Working as a real estate agent for men that are as misogynistic as they are condescending isn’t exactly her dream job, but she’s determined to make it. She’s gone through great lengths to escape her trailer part beginnings and she’s hell bent on not going back. When Boone Price walks through the doors of the real estate company she works for and demands she find him a house and takes every opportunity he has to hit on her, she’s flabbergasted. The last thing she expected when she looked at him was a filthy rich billionaire that thinks she can clean up his image. Too bad she’s hiding behind a carefully crafted veneer that seems to shake on its foundation every time the man looks at her.

I want this more than I’ve wanted anything, ever. He’s consuming my senses, until there’s nothing but heat and sweat between us, bodies pressed together.

I’ll admit, there wasn’t much depth to this book. Don’t go reading it expecting some deep meaning or carefully constructed and complex plot. But if you’re looking for a super fun, sexy read, a la Alexa Riley, this one just may do it for you.

Will I read the next books in the series? Absolutely. It’s one of those fun, shut your brain off and enjoy sort of books that a girl needs every now and then. I read it, I enjoyed it, and I’m not sorry! Domineering alphas aren’t always my thing, unless they’re Boone Price.

I’m a red-blooded man and I’ve wanted women in the past, but there’s something about Ivy Smithfield that makes me think I never knew lust until I set eyes on her. She’s changed the entire game for me.

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#DGRFave & Review: Grievous by @JMDarhower

February 6, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

 GRIEVOUS
Series: Scarlet Scars #2
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: JM Darhower
Release Date: February 6, 2017

Once upon a time, there was a girl who stopped believing in fairy tales after her innocence was stolen.

Morgan Myers is tired. So damn tired. Most people either push her around or brush her off, and she’s not putting up with it anymore. Determined to reclaim the life that had been stolen from her, she puts her trust in the last person she ever expected to: the notorious they call Scar. Morgan sees a side of him that few people seem to know—the man, not the myth. Lorenzo. And what she sees, she likes, a lot more than she thought she would.

But fairy tales aren’t real, as life likes to remind her. Some dragons, you just can’t slay, no matter how hard you fight them. And when hers comes back around, breathing fire, she’s forced to face some unimaginable horrors. But there’s a white knight in combat boots out there that isn’t afraid of monsters.

You see, it’s impossible to be afraid of something you see every day in the mirror.

AMAZON

She wants the fairy tale with the happy ending. All I have are bullet holes in a house with no soul.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of duets or trilogies. It always starts out great and then fizzles out for me at the end. That’s why I’m so blown away right now after finishing this book? Because this was quite possibly the best conclusion that I have ever read. Period. It couldn’t have had a better ending. Talk about going out with a bang. DAMN. I’m still calming my tits over here.

Maybe we’re all crazy. Maybe the trick in life is just to find someone whose crazy plays well with your own.

Everything only got better with book two; Morgan being one of them. As much as I liked her in book one, she was even better here. She’s this amazing combination of strength and vulnerability, tough as nails personality with a splash of pain. She was absolute perfection. If only every heroine I read was more like this woman. She totally had me under her spell.

All the puzzle pieces begin to click in place with Grievous, and when that puzzle starts to finally come together? Mind. Blowing. Filled with twists and turns, action and steam, I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to a story that hooked me from the beginning.

As for Lorenzo? Mother. Of. God. THIS MAN.

Whatever this is I’m feeling, I want it to stop. I want it to go away. I want to stop fucking seeing her every time I blink. I want to stop fucking thinking about her every time I pause to take a deep breath. She’s like an infection that’s settling into my chest. I would rip out my own organs if I thought it might purge her from my system.

He’s a violent, messed up, insane killer, and I loved his so muh muh much. I’m talking slightly questioning my own sanity over how much I loved him. The man has loose marbles rolling around in his head. He’s not all there, get me? He’s downright certifiable at times, and yet he’s one of the most endearing anti-heroes I’ve read in a long while.

The woman’s touch is witchcraft. It’s a sin to give in, but seeing as sinning is my specialty, I let her dark magic consume me, because what do I have to lose?

Grievous was a high-octane, dark and violent ride that was filled with twists and turns and enough heat to set your kindle on fire. It was danger and lust, violence and love. It. Was. Everything.

The woman has got me all fucked up here, flipped upside down and inside out. It’s like the striking of a match. All it needs is that spark.

If you had any doubt about the raw talent that is JM Darhower before, this book will make a believer out of you. Trust me. It’s an absolute must read!

DON’T MISS BOOK 1 IN THIS DUET!

MENACEAMAZON | MY REVIEW

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Jennifer’s Review: The Duke by @Kerrigan_Byrne

February 5, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

THE DUKE
Series: Victorian Rebels #4
Genre: Historical Romance
Author: Kerrigan Byrne
Release Date: February 7, 2017

He is noble, notorious, and takes no prisoners…

They say that now His Grace, Collin Talmage, Duke of Trenwyth has only one hand, he might finally be a mere mortal, but no one seems willing to test the theory. Rich as Midas, big as a Viking, beautiful as Adonis, and lethal as a feral wolf, he is the English Empire’s golden son. But now he’s lost everything. Most of his family died in a terrible accident, his protégé and closest friend betrayed him on the battlefield, and his left hand was cut off while he was a prisoner of war. The only thing that’s kept him going until now is the memory of a night spent in the arms of a mysterious raven-haired woman almost a year ago…

Imogen Pritchard is a nurse by day, but a fallen woman—and a spy—by night. Seduced on the job years ago by a Duke who mourned for the loss of his family, Imogen has never shaken the memory of the man’s despair—or the fathomless depths of pleasure he brought to her. But as the threat of betrayals, blackmail, and secrets abound, Imogen and Collin are thrown back together in a dizzying swirl of dangerous games and earthshattering desire. But can their love overcome the everything that threatens to tear them apart?

AMAZON | iBOOKS

SOLD! I am sold on Kerrigan Byrne for life and will be reading all of her books. This was my first book by Kerrigan Byrne, and I was greatly impressed. She is such an amazing and creative story-teller. Her stories are definitely more plot-based, which I appreciate. This story has so many layers to it. She just kept peeling back all of the intricacies to the characters. Kerrigan took my heart and wove it in and out of the pages of this story.

The beginning is so hot. She did not mess around in breaking out the sexy times (woo!). But then the story takes a quick turn, and the story leads both Cole and Imogen through separate tragedies.
à la Mode St. » fashion

The beast was no duke. He was no man raised with genteel civility, with a care for the expense of things or the consequences of his actions. This beast was no longer dormant within him, but prowling beneath the surface of his skin, wanting to mark his territory.

And he’d found a delectable morsel just now, one he was in danger of acquiring a taste for.

à la Mode St. » fashion
My Cole & Imogen:

: Cole is a soldier, a spy, a duke….an animal. He is many things in this book. He travels through war and pain and torture, barely making it out alive. Imogen is his savior, in more ways than one, but he doesn’t even know it. He is trapped in the darkness, and she is light. He cannot escape and is constantly fighting against himself.

Imogen has been through her own version of hell. She has fought her own war, but she is a beacon of hope and is determined to help others that were in a situation like her own. I loved how strong she was. Even when I didn’t expect it, she would stand up to Cole. The feminism in this book! Gah!
à la Mode St. » fashion

”It would take nothing to destroy you.” He tightened his fingers ever so slightly, and the telltale jump of her pulse belied her unwavering audacity.

“Better men than you have tried,” she remonstrated, her eyes blazing green with a maelstrom of her own primitive emotions. “Yet here I stand.”

à la Mode St. » fashion
THE FEELS!!!! Lawdy, the feels. I’m usually not a fan of angst, but this book was all kinds of delicious. Most of this book is sad, but I loved it (again, not my usual opinion). I felt so much in this book. The tragedies that both Cole and Imogen have to go through in order to finally be together. They are in each other’s lives, but Cole is searching and he doesn’t even know he’s searching for Imogen! Gah! And Imogen has to PINE for him! Oh, the pining! Curse you, Kerrigan for tugging at my heart, so!
If you are fan of Julia Quinn, you will love Kerrigan Byrne! They are very similar in the story-telling, character development, and the feels.

I have to say, I am sad that I did not read the previous 3 books in this series before this one. The characters from the first 3 books in this series were in this book enough that I was a little lost and wanted to know more about them! I would recommend reading this series in order (which I usually don’t say).

READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

THE HIGHWAYMAN | THE HUNTER | THE HIGHLANDER | THE DUKE

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Blog Tour & Review: P.I.T.A by @ BrookeBlaine1

February 3, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

P.I.T.A. (L.A. Liaisons, #3)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Author: Brooke Blaine
Release Date: January 30, 2017

As one of the most prestigious wedding coordinators in Los Angeles, Paige Iris Traynor-Ashcroft is known for being classy, elegant, and the orchestrator of many happily-ever-afters.

But in the words of Paige herself: “What a crock of shiitake.”

Known affectionately (or not) as P.I.T.A. to those closest to her, she’s never been one to buy into the whole monogamy thing for herself. Sure, her BFFs are getting picked off by Cupid one by one, but his arrows have nothing on her semiautomatic.

Richard “Dick” Dawson does his best to live up to his name. A long-time frenemy and manwhore extraordinaire, he thrives on pushing limits, pushing up skirts—and pushing every single one of Paige’s buttons. He’s the itch she can’t scratch, and doesn’t want to. Or does she?

What happens when blazing-hot rage turns to crazy, unexplainable lust? Surely not…love? Because that would just be a total P.I.T.A.

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

That was how it always was with us—constantly trying to one-up each other, always fighting for dominance. It put things back on comfortable ground.

So this book….*giggles*
Sorry. As I was saying…*wiggles with glee*
Dammit. Back to the subject at hand…*flails with happiness*

I give up! I can’t. I just can’t talk about this book without a goofy grin on my face. It’s impossible. Because this story was EVERYTHING I love about a good rom com; undeniably flawless storytelling, fabulous characters that you want to be your own BFFs, swoony hero, a heroine so sassy it’ll make you jealous, enough antagonistic hate/lust to make a cynic swoon, and so many laugh out loud parts that I won’t recommend reading in public for fear of judgy side eyes. It was perfect. Perfect I tells ya!!!

You know, this is a perfect example of why I call you Pita.”
“Why? Because I stick up for myself? Because I call people out when they’re assholes? Because I have fucking balls of steel?” One of the bellhops we passed stopped in his tracks at my admission, and stared at me with wide eyes. “What?” I asked. “You wanna see my steel balls? Dawson, put me down so I can show him.”

Paige and Dawson have been frenemies almost as long as they’ve been friends. The only thing constant between them are their snarky barbs and sarcastic remarks. It doesn’t matter that they grew up together or that their parents are friends, Paige can’t stand the guy…right?

A successful party turned wedding planner, Paige is the unlikeliest of them all; the kind that doesn’t believe in marriage. Her parents show and tell marriage successfully burned the idea of a happy marriage right out of her. Richard “Dick” Dawson has been one constant in her life… a constant pain in the ass that is, but when some seriously comical circumstances put them together, the undeniable sparks between them fly.

Remember when I said Dawson was a breast guy? That wasn’t the whole truth—Dawson was a sex guy, plain and simple, one of those rare men who wanted to worship every single inch of you, and I was more than willing to let him.

Watching two of her girlfriends find relationship bliss doesn’t mean that Paige wants it for herself. Especially not with her former best friend turned bane of her existence. So why does the man have to be so blasted sexy, persistent, and damn it all, irresistible?!
Dawson was just….rarrrrrrrr. The man was sex on a stick. He was funny, swoony, and just total perfection. I couldn’t get enough of him, especially when he was determined to drive Paige out of her mind with either frustration or lust.

I’d be up for show-and-tell anytime you wish, love, but if you could sit on my cock sometime soon, I’d love to fuck you.”

This book was by far my favorite in the series. I adored every single hilarious page of it. And it was hilarious. Like laugh until you have tears in your eyes hilarious. Not only is it my favorite Brooke Blaine book, but it may easily be my favorite rom com I’ve read to date. Yeah. It was that good.

I want to be the goddamn reason you can’t wait to wake up in the morning. I want you to be unable to sleep if I’m not there with you at night. And I want to be the only fucking man that you let come near you when you’re moving those hips like you’re having sex on the dance floor.”

If you’re looking for a swoony rom com, this is a no-brainer one-click. Seriously.

As for me? I’m off to stalk Brooke instantly for Quinn’s book, because that hooker has been teasing me with the what ifs too long. TOO LONG I SAY! And what can I say? Patience has never been a virtue of mine.

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

Brooke enjoys writing sassy contemporary romance, whether in the form of comedy, suspense, or erotica. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.

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

You can connect with Brooke here:

 Website | Facebook |  Twitter |  Instagram | Amazon Author Page |  Brooke & Ella’s Facebook Group

If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s newsletter:

http://eepurl.com/brxPkP

And make sure to follow me on Bookbub!

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brooke-blaine

Read the series!

Licked (L.A. Liaisons, #1)

Licked Cover
Amazon US | Amazon UK

Hooker (L.A. Liaisons,#2)


Amazon US | Amazon UK

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Blog Tour, Jennifer’s Review & Giveaway: How To Date A Douchebag: The Failing Hours by @SaraNey

February 2, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

How to Date a Douchebag: The Failing Hours
Genre: New Adult, Sports Romance, College Romance
Author: Sara Ney
Release Date: January 31, 2017

Zeke Daniels isn’t just a douchebag; he’s an asshole.

A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships—most assholes don’t.

Dating? Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.

He’s never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he’s never had any intention of having one.

Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they’re related; his own friends don’t even like him.

So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca?

Sweet, quiet Violet—his opposite in every sense of the word.

The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.

And that pisses him off, too.

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS

The clock on the wall counts the seconds, steady as the rhythm of my beating heart, which thumps wildly within my chest until the glass door to the library opens, propelled by a gust of wind.Some new fallen leaves flutter in, the heavy doors slamming from the draft.

Along with them? Zeke Daniels.

He shuffles in, dark gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips, black Iowa Wrestling hoodie pulled up over his head, the university’s bright yellow mascot screen-printed across the chest. Backpack slung over one shoulder, black athletic flip-flops, and a pair of black sunglasses perched on the bridge of his strong nose complete the overall ensemble.

He is utterly…ridiculous.

Unapproachable.

Daunting.

His arrogance knows no bounds; I can see it in his loose gait, the exaggerated swagger, and the too-casual way he’s dragging his flip-flops across the cold, marble tile floor. It’s noisy, irritating, and completely uncalled for.

In the moment, my mind drifts to his personal life, and I theorize that he listens to heavy metal music to sooth his foul temperament, drinks his coffee black—as black as his soul—and his liquor straight up. I imagine once he’s had sex with someone, they’re never invited back. I go one step further and theorize that they’re never invited to spend the night at his place, either.

Zeke Daniels makes his way to a table at the far end of the room, near the periodicals, one out of the way with plenty of privacy.

Sets his bag down in one of the four wooden chairs. Flicks on the small study lamp. Plugs his laptop cord into the base and stands.

Turns.

Our eyes would have met then were it not for those ludicrous sunglasses. I choose the exact moment he lifts his gaze to look down at the ground. Busy myself with shuffling papers on the counter. Count to ten instead of chanting, Please don’t come over, please don’t come over, please don’t come over…

But luck isn’t on my side because he most decidedly does.

Makes his way over like a predator at a pace so deliberate, I’m convinced he’s doing it on purpose. As if he suspects I’m watching from under my long lashes, dreading his imminent arrival.

He basks in my discomfort.

The distance between us closes, his strides purposeful.

Twenty feet.

Fifteen.

Ten.

Eight.

Three.

His large hand reaches up, pushing down the hood of his sweatshirt, his fingertips pinching the earpiece of his sunglasses and pulling them off his face. My eyes follow the movements as he folds them closed, hanging them on the neckline of his hoodie.

His gaze lingers—those clear gray eyes famous around campus—and finds the shiny silver bellhop bell perched on the counter with the sign next to it that reads, Ring for help.

Ding.

The tip of his forefinger presses down on the small bell.

Ding.

He hits it again, despite me standing not three feet in front of him.

What an ass.

This book has ALL MY LOVE! Oh my…….Zeke and Violet have ruined me! I was giggling so much throughout this entire book. Zeke is absolutely hilarious, and Sara Ney writes the male POV PERFECTLY!
This book is the epitome of why I love assholes so much. Zeke is a pissy, giant bear. Ugh. I loved him. He’s so broody and angry all the time. Zeke needs a tutor, but Violet stands him up because he is so damn intimidating. He is forced into a Big Brother role by his coach and ends up partnering with Violet anyway. Violet is such a good person, but Zeke is not good. He is downright mean and grouchy.

My Violet & Zeke:

: Violet is happy sunshine, but not in an annoying way. She truly cares about people, but she is a stuttering little mouse. Zeke and Violet couldn’t be more opposite. But they have no idea how much they have in common. They are both lonely, so they truly need each other.

Zeke pounces and stomps all over Violet through most of this book. She puts up with some of it, but there is a pivotal point where she puts her foot down. I loved how Zeke had to learn to let go of some of his issues. I could truly feel how he wanted to feel something good for Violet, but he is a true douchebag.

Once Zeke and Violet get it on…..Holy Hot Panties! I was hot and sweaty and laughing at the same time!

This book is all kinds of my favorite. I love broody Zeke. I love mousey Violet. I love the writing. I love the FEELS. I didn’t expect the feels and the swooning. Zeke falls HARD for Violet, and I fell HARD for Zeke and Violet.
à la Mode St. » fashion

Soon she’s going to have me holding babies and volunteering with old people, I just fucking know it.
Whatever.
I’d do it.
I’d do it just to see those eyes of hers light up. I’d do it because when her small, slender body is pressed against mine, mine lights on fire. I could get used to these feelings, could get high now that I know how fast my heart beats when she’s near.

à la Mode St. » fashionSara Ney writes the male POV so well! I can’t believe this was my first book that I’ve ever read by her. I will definitely be reading all of her books.

In The Series:

How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying HoursAmazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Purveyor of all things witty & romantic, I love: iced latte’s, traveling, and bright, bold colors. On any given day, you can find me in my office, lovingly gazing at my bookshelf or shuffling my Bic felt-tip pen collection. I love hand writing letters, and sarcasm.

I live in the midwest, but “Will Write for Travel,” and believe everyone should follow their dreams, no matter how big or small. My favorite authors include Cindy Miles, S Walden, Suzanne Enoch, Tessa Dare (to name a few). I am a glutton for Historical, RomCom, Sports and MC romance.

One husband. Two daughters. Plenty of chaos.

 

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New Release & Review: The Knight by Skye Warren

January 31, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

THE KNIGHT
Series: Endgame #2
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: Skye Warren
Release Date: January 31, 2017

The power of pleasure…

Gabriel Miller took everything from me. My family. My innocence. My home. The only thing I have left is the determination to get back what’s mine.
He thinks he’s beaten me. He thinks he’s won. What he doesn’t realize is that every pawn has the chance to become a queen.

And the game has only just begun.

 

THE KNIGHT is book two in the Endgame series from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren about revenge and seduction in the game of love.


AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO

My voice is low. “What do you want?”
“Everything.” “I’ve already given you that.”
“Not even close.” He stalks around me, circling like a predator. “I want you bent over and broken. I want you bleeding at my feet, little virgin.”

*shivers*
What IS it about this man that just gives me tingles each and every time he opens his mouth? The intensity of him is almost unbearable, yet like a moth to a flame, he draws you in…

The story continues immediate where The Pawn left off. If you haven’t read that yet, this is a continuation and not meant to be read as a standalone. I’ll try to keep it as spoiler free as possible but some mild spoilers from The Pawn may slip in. So if you haven’t read that yet, be warned, you may want to stop reading this review.

And you’re the object of my depravity, the target of every dark wish, the canvas I want to paint. I won’t be satisfied until I’ve marked every inch of you, inside and out.”

*shivers*

Gabriel may have let Avery go after their night together, but his hold on her is far from broken. Penniless and all on her own, Avery is trying to make ends meet while taking care of her ailing father. This is a woman that doesn’t just lie down and take it, she’s a fighter, and I seriously loved that about her. Her desire for a man that she should hate is confusing but undeniable. Gabriel wants her for the 30 days they agreed to, and he’s not about to let her out of the arrangement so easy.

I always want him. In my dreams, in the dark. A secret desire I’m afraid to admit to myself.

Gabriel continues to be an enigma for a good portion of the book. The man is utterly unforgettable. I read book 1 weeks before and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. There’s just something about his presence that’s so completely captivating, he owns the pages.

I want you in every way and place and time. I want you so fucking bad I wish I could stop, because it goddamn hurts.”

We finally do get to see the vulnerable part of the impenetrable man that was hinted at in book one, and I can’t wait to see the final chess pieces fall. There’s a mystery that weaves around the romance that’s just as fascinating as Gabriel. The Knight is packed full of twists and turns I never saw coming and it’s a book that kept me riveted to the pages from beginning to end.

I love a dark romance that doesn’t turn to shock value and gratuitous violence to keep the readers glued to the pages, and Skye Warren truly blew it out of the park with this series. I just finished it and I already can’t wait for more. I’m hoping book 3 will bring us the conclusion to this story, because well, let’s be real, it’s a surprise my ADD has lasted this long. Trilogies are usually not my thing, but I’m gobbling this one up and eagerly anticipating the conclusion.

His features are severe, a sentinel by the door, keeping watch over me. My knight in dark armor.

Start the series today!

thepawn-1600x2400

BUY NOW: on sale for just $.99!!!
❧ Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fF2vn6
❧ iBooks: http://apple.co/2ef7pt5
❧ Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2dlJzNZ
❧ Kobo: http://bit.ly/2edcF1s

“Sinfully sexy and darkly beautiful, The Pawn will play games with your heart and leave you craving more!” – Laura Kaye, New York Times bestselling author

The price of survival…

Gabriel Miller swept into my life like a storm. He tore down my father with cold retribution, leaving him penniless in a hospital bed. I quit my private all-girl’s college to take care of the only family I have left.
There’s one way to save our house, one thing I have left of value.
My virginity.

A forbidden auction…

Gabriel appears at every turn. He seems to take pleasure in watching me fall. Other times he’s the only kindness in a brutal underworld.
Except he’s playing a deeper game than I know. Every move brings us together, every secret rips us apart. And when the final piece is played, only one of us can be left standing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE PAWN is a full-length contemporary novel from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren about revenge and seduction in the game of love. It’s the first book in the brand new ENDGAME series.

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat.

Contact Skye:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Pinterest | Website

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Review & New Release: Good Boy by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

January 31, 2017 by · 1 Comment

GOOD BOY
Series: WAGs #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Rom Com
Author: Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Release Date: January 31, 2017

A brand new stand-alone romantic comedy from the bestselling, award-winning team of Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy.

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody (nobody!) can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs.Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honor and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score.

But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy-times with a giant man-child. Such as: Will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man?

Caution: May cause accidental aspiration of tea or coffee. Do not read in a public place where loud laughter is inappropriate. Contains hot but hilarious hockey players, puppy cuddling and a snarky pair of underwear.

 

Blake doesn’t do anything half-assed. He laughs the way he lives his life—loud and fierce and without inhibition. He fucks that way, too.

To say that I’ve been eagerly anticipating this release from two of my favorite authors may be a miiiild understatement. But as excited as I was, I was also just a teeny bit worried too. See, I remember Blake from Us, and I was scared that a full book of his…well…personality…may be a bit much for me. But Cheezus! This man totally managed to grab me by the ovaries and the heart. Yes, he’s a little rabid at times. Like ADD tween sort of rabid. But at the same time, it totally worked for him. The authors managed to pull off what none have done for me in the past. They took a character like him and made him completely endearing. Think young Ryan Reynolds movies sort of endearing.
You may remember Jess, Jamie’s older sister, from US. I have to admit, she got off on the wrong foot with me in that book, but she totally won me over here. This is a girl that’s having a hard time finding herself. Forever viewed as the flaky one by her overachieving family, she wants to prove them wrong. That for once she can pick a career, and stick to it. That’s how she finds herself in nursing school in Canada, and once again facing the man she’s gone through great lengths to avoid.

What the heck are you talking about? Who’s wrong about what?” “You, about, well, everything.” I grin at her. “We’re way more than friends, Jessie.” “Blake—” She sounds exasperated. “But no worries,” I finish breezily. “I’ll just sit tight until you figure that out.”

Blake is just as determined to get in her pants as she is to make sure he keeps his on. Let’s just say Blakey has a thing for dick pics.

I loved the banter and back and forth between these two. Add in a few secondary characters to spice things up, and it was laugh out loud gold.

I’m Blake Riley,” I offer.
“Dyson Hart.”
“Dyson, like the vacuum?”
“That’s right.” He gives me a sidelong glance. “Want a demonstration?”
“Dyson,” Jess snaps. “What did we talk about?”

Blake was a total marshmallow. I loved how hard he cares for his friends. He may put on a good act with his breezy jokes and easy smiles, but this is a man with a heart of gold. He’ll do anything for those he cares about and when he loves, he loves hard. There’s a hidden depth to him beyond the pervy jokes and tween talk.

The story is written with a wonderful mix of humor and feeling. And man, did I love the humor

His gaze lowers to his crotch, and God help me, but I look down, too. Yep. He’s hard. It looks like he shoved a forty of beer down there and tried to smuggle it into the bar. Why does his dumb dick have to be so stupidly big?

I also loved that it didn’t follow the formulaic romance novel with the crazy misunderstandings in the end. It was perfectly paced and unfolded naturally.

If Good Boy is anything to judge by, we have ourselves a new series to obsess over. I’m already salivating for the next book. If a sexy, humorous contemporary romance with a hot hockey player with a heart of gold and a sassy heroine that’s as snarky as she is smart is your thing, then this is an absolute must read!

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Review: Fake Engagement Real Temptation by Joya Ryan

January 29, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

FAKE ENGAGEMENT REAL TEMPTATION
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Joya Ryan
Release Date: January 30, 2017

Oh. My. God. Carrie Morgan can’t escape her cheating ex fiancé. She goes on her Hawaiian honeymoon fantasy vacation to prove she’s over him—but he’s there with his mistress in tow. Good thing Carrie’s annoyingly over-protective friend Blake came with her. How’s she going to prove to her ex she’s over him? Easy. One… Two… Three… She grabs Blake and kisses him.

Blake Harris isn’t about to let anyone take advantage of his heartbroken friend Carrie. And that includes himself, even if she’s sexy as sin in that bikini. Then she kisses him—and he’s on fire. Damage done, but he can back off. Except he sees that broken look in Carrie’s eyes. No. Hell no. New plan. He intends to show her ex just what he’s thrown away.

The kisses? For show. The heat? Part of the performance. The private practice sessions? Uh-oh. Those are starting to feel a bit too real…

 

AMAZON | iBOOKS

This little excursion was temporary. It’d end. No attachment. He’d spend the week making sure she didn’t get caught up in a surfer douche with a lei drinking too much. She could get over her ex and then he’d be on his way. Protect her. Keep her safe. Not get involved.

I have a secret….
I have a girl crush on Joya Ryan.

No no. It’s true. The woman never fails to disappoint with a book that sizzles with sexual tension and a hero that I’ll be salivating over. I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read from her, and this spicy little number was no different. What’s not a secret is my love for the older brother’s best friend trope, so of course I was all over this.

Being left at the altar sucks. What sucks even more is being left at the altar for the personal trainer her fiancee met during their plan to get in bikini shape for their honeymoon. Whoops? But Carrie is determined not to let that get her down and wants to prove to everyone that she’s over him. Her solution, go on their honeymoon to Hawaii…alone. Too bad her childhood friend and older brother’s best friend is determined to go with her and “keep her safe”. What’s worse? He’s keeping his hands to himself, damn him.

Blake knows the worst thing he can do is give into the temptation of Carrie. He’s there to protect her from pervy men and herself. And that’s it…or so he thinks. When Carrie’s ex shows up at the same resort in tow with the woman he left her for, the plan changes. What’s the best way to stick it to her asshole ex? Pretend they’re a couple. But the chemistry between them is anything but fake.

This was a perfect read to spend a weekend afternoon with. It was steamy with just the right amount of sexual tension. Carrie was sassy to Blake’s broody and together it was the perfect mix. Sometimes a girl just needs a steamy little number with just the right amount of story and sizzle, and this hit the spot just right for me.

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