Review: ★Afternoon Delight★ by Anne Calhoun

Review Afternoon Delight Afternoon Delight
Series: Irresistible #1
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary Romance
Author: Anne Calhoun
Release Date: September 16, 2014add-to-goodreads-button31

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“Anne Calhoun’s romances define the erotic”* and now the national bestselling author of Uncommon Passion serves up a delicious new novella of savory food and hungry men—and one woman’s challenge to get creative with each…

Sarah McCall, food truck co-owner and recent Manhattan transplant, savors each moment of her new job—whether it’s refining the truck’s menu, learning the city, or spending afternoons in bed with the hot paramedic who’s fast becoming her favorite customer.

 

 

 

 

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Review: ★Strong Enough★ by M. Leighton

Review Strong EnoughStrong Enough
Series: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: M. Leighton
Release Date: August 4, 2015add-to-goodreads-button31

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From the author of the New York Times bestselling Bad Boys novels comes the first in a dark, sexy contemporary trilogy.

Is she strong enough to trust the most dangerous man she’s ever met? And is he strong enough to let her?

How would I describe myself? Well, I’m Muse Harper. I’m a twenty-something painter who loves red wine, quirky movies, and men with a fatal flaw. But that was before I met Jasper King. He became my fatal flaw. Eight months ago, I had a choice to make—abandon everything I’ve ever known to protect my family, or stay and risk someone getting hurt. I chose the former. My plan was working just fine until I found out my father had gone missing.

That’s when I met Jasper. A bounty hunter with the eyes of a tiger and the nose of a bloodhound, he was supposed to help me find my father. What I didn’t know was that meeting him was no accident. Hunting people isn’t all that Jasper does. And helping me was only part of his plan. I just wish I’d found out sooner, before my heart got involved. But even then, I don’t know if I’d have done things differently.

Now, I have another choice to make—trust the man that I’m falling in love with and hope that he’ll do the right thing, or run as far away from him as I can get.

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Review

4 starsStrong Enough- DirtyGirlRomance

I want her bad. But even when that happens, it will be with the knowledge of what’s to come, of how I’ll betray her. What kind of person could do that?
A monster, that’s who.
And I’m that monster.

If the prologue here doesn’t grip you by the throat and suck you right in, we’re not reading the same book, because HOLY SHIT! Talk about your attention grabber. M. Leighton really doesn’t pull any punches and I knew I was in for a page turner from the first chapter alone. Intense, gritty, erotic, with a dash of mystery and suspense, Strong Enough is the beginning of what’s bound to be yet another winner from this talented author.

He doesn’t have to say a word, doesn’t have to move a muscle to exude confidence and capability. And danger. Lots and lots of danger.

Muse Harper left her life to protect someone she loves, but now with her father gone missing, she’s desperate for answers and bounty hunter, Jasper King, may be able to help her with the answers she needs. There’s just one problem; he’s not who he is and has his own agenda that poses a much bigger threat to Muse than the disappearance of her father.

I’m probably the worst thing in the world for you. The worst thing that would feel like the best.

Strong Enough1-DirtyGirlRomanceThe reader is left to assume Jasper’s history and you’re definitely in the dark about his agenda through most of the book, which just serves to make him even more intense than he already is. Jasper was the perfect enigma. He’s deliciously sexy while exuding a raw danger, all wrapped up in muscled tattooed perfection. The man was pure sex on a stick. The chemistry between him and Muse is instant and burns so hot, the pages practically sizzle with it. Jasper knows that he’s deceiving Muse, he may be helping her find her father, but his end game is not one that she expects. The more he gets to know the woman, the more ridden he is with guilt about his inevitable betrayal. Wanting her is not a question, allowing himself to have her is the ultimate taboo.

The kiss is different from his first. That one said wanting me was an inconvenient truth. This one says having me is an inevitability.

While Jasper was a character I fell for right away, Muse took a while to warm up to for me. She’s just a touch away from being almost too naive. She definitely dangles on the very fine edge of it and there’s things she does and says that made me want to shake her. It’s like the woman has absolutely zero self preservation instinct. Jasper may fight his attraction to Muse, but Muse certainly knows what she wants and she’s not as willing to deny herself. She also wants more than she knows Jasper will be able to give her, but that doesn’t stop her from craving.

How do you think love is supposed to work? How does it work for you?”
“It holds you captive, whether you want it to or not. It never lets you go, no matter how much you want to be set free.”

Strong Enough 2-DirtyGirlRomanceAs much as Muse may have frustrated me in parts of the story, I absolutely loved the two of them together. It’s this push pull that exists between them that just makes things even more erotic that they already are. It’s like you’re privy to something that Muse doesn’t know yet and you’re still rooting for Jasper who for all intents and purposes may very well be the bad guy.

I trust my tongue into her pussy. I thrust my finger into her ass. I penetrate her, body and soul, until she pours out for me like she’s making a sacrifice to the god of war. And I drink her in. Her acquiescence, her surrender, her acceptance, I drink it all in.

Fans of her other books will appreciate the appearance of a certain couple here that made me a little giddy to read about; Cash and Olivia. There’s also the introduction of a few secondary characters that I’m already desperate to read about.

The ending gives you just enough to satisfy while also leaving you practically salivating for the next book. An MMA fighter that’s also special ops? Are you freaking kidding me. I don’t think I’d survive the wait. If you’re looking for an erotic romance with just the right amount of edge, Strong Enough is certainly that. The title of this series is quite appropriate, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. I simply can’t wait for more.

Sarò sempre pensare a te.

Excerpt & Review: ★Servicing The Target★ by @CheriseSinclair

STT Review & Excerpt Tour Banner Servicing The Target
Series: Master of the Shadowlands #10
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Genre: BDSM Romance
Release Date: July 28, 2015add-to-goodreads-button31Servicing the Target - cover

A discharged Army Ranger, Ben considers his job as a BDSM club security guard to be an excellent hobby. He’s never been tempted to join in. But everything changes when the notorious Mistress Anne inadvertently reveals the caring heart concealed beneath her Domme armor.

Now, he’s set his sights on the beautiful Shadowlands Mistress. Maybe he’d considered himself vanilla, but she can put her stiletto on his chest any day, any time. He’ll trust her delicate hands to hold his heart. And if she wants to whip his ass on the way to an outstanding climax, he’s just fine with that too.

Sure, he knows she likes “pretty boy” slaves. And he’s older. Craggy and rough. And six-five. Minor hindrances. The mission is a go.

 

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STT - Teaser 1

Excerpt

He’d lied to her because of his own fears.
They’d both messed up.Oh, Ben.Why had he told her he wanted to be her slave? Whatever had possessed him? She’d known he was almost vanilla. Had cautioned him because he was so new to the lifestyle. Told him he was rushing things.Her eyes welled with tears. Her memory of that day was so clear, the joy she’d felt so brilliant. “I’ll be your slave.”And because she remembered so well, she also recalled what had happened before. How Ben had handed her the phone.Joey’d been on the line.She froze as the puzzle came together.Oh. Damn.After a long moment, she rubbed her hands over her face gently. Her skin felt fragile, as if a sudden movement might cause pieces to fall away.Joey’d asked to be her slave again, and Ben had heard enough to worry.She sighed, seeing how events had created the inevitability of this day. Because Ben wasn’t the sort of man who’d allow someone to poach his woman. If he’d been with her longer or understood more about the lifestyle, he’d have known he didn’t want a 24/7 submissive or slave relationship.But Joey had forced his hand.She’d been so stunned—“Yes, Ma’am, this is what I want”—and so filled with happiness, that she hadn’t questioned his motivation.Then, as she tumbled into loving him, she’d seen only what she wanted to see. Love might be blind, but it was also deaf, dumb, and stupid.She pressed her lips together. Her heedlessness had hurt them both.Now what should she do?A half-laugh escaped. The person she’d normally ask for guidance would be Ben. She rubbed her chest where the aching mass of bruised heart muscle hadn’t stopped throbbing. Heknew her. He’d have given her solid advice because he liked her the way she was.

With him, she’d been able to relax and not stay “on” all the time.

Was that because he didn’t need her to always be strong and invulnerable.

He was smart. Easygoing. Deadly. Competent. A survivor of the worst New York could throw at him and war, as well. He didn’t need her to make his decisions.

She blew out a breath, feeling like an idiot. Caught up in the way she always did things, she’d tried to make every choice for her, for him, for them.

He didn’t need her to be in charge.

What about her? Could she cope with a relationship where she wasn’t in control all the time?

Rather than an instant “no,” she heard only silence. As if the answer was…maybe. How odd.

STT Teaser 2

Review5 starsServicing The Target- DirtyGirlRomance

I’m going to hurt you, Ben- because this is what I told you I’d do. And because this is what you obviously want me to do.”

I’m not typically a fan of Domme heroines, but when it’s Cherise Sinclair writing it, it’d be a sin for me not to at least attempt it. Well imagine my shock that I can now say that this may have easily been my favorite Shadowlands book yet. Of course it figures that it would be this author that will not only make fall in love with the story and the characters but also appreciate a strong Domme. If you’re on the fence about reading it, you need to jump off the damn fence and READ IT…or else deVries will come and spank you. Trust me when I tell you that you will to be left disappointed.

Before last night, he’d hoped that if he had a taste of her, got a little closer, his curiosity would be satisfied. Instead, like the first shot of fine whiskey, she’d teased his appetite.
Now he’d set his sights on the woman.
And- as his team in the Rangers had witnessed- he never missed.

I think my hesitancy in reading about a submissive hero was that eventually he’d be too submissive for me. You know what I’m saying here? Like he’d lose some of his alpha, and if there’s one thing I need in my heroes is that absolute alpha vibe. Well, my friends, Ben is ALL alpha. If you don’t fall whips over stilettos for this man from the first few chapters, we’re not reading the same book. Ben has always been the man in the background of this series. The gentle giant that guards the doors of Shadowlands and absolutely vanilla, he’s always been a bit unassuming but you just knew there’s something intense brewing underneath the service. So of course it would take Mistress Anne to bring it to the surface and make him face his true desires.

This was not a man to be underestimated. Give him an inch and he’d take the entire country.

StT-DirtyGirlRomanceBen struggles with his desire for Mistress Anne because while it’s clear he has more…submissive desires in bed, that’s also where it ends. Anne likes the pretty boys and he’s definitely a few years and a few scars away from that, but he’ll gladly submit to her sharp stilettos and whip. But the ultimate deal breaker may be that Anne wants a slave and Ben doesn’t see himself submitting his control so fully.

He’d joined the U.S. Army to protect his country and moved into the Rangers to do an even better job. Anne might be the Dominant, but this soldier operated under his own priorities.

I loved the power play between these two. Ben, while being submissive, never loses his intensity. Being a former Ranger this is a man that protects those he loves with a single minded intensity, and it’s hard for him to turn that off long enough for Anne to take the reins. While on the outside they seem to be the unlikeliest match, together they make a perfect kind of sense. Their chemistry together is absolutely mind-blowing.
As far as Anne goes, well it doesn’t get more kick-ass than her. A fugitive recovery agent by day, this is a woman that knows how to throw a punch to fall a man twice her size. This is not only a woman that makes men shrivel in fear in the dungeon, she certainly handles her own outside of it. What I really loved about her is the vulnerability that was so evident about her. I think that’s what truly made her as endearing as she was. And the fact that Ben saw it and did everything to try and shelter her made me fall for him even more.

She reminded him of a glass knife. Unbelievably sharp, yet frighteningly vulnerable to being shattered. And she brought out every protective instinct he had.

Anne is tough, but beneath the leather and heels is a gentle soul of a woman that didn’t have an easy childhood growing up as an army brat and being constantly undermined by her military father. Being the only girl in the family doesn’t make it easier. But that doesn’t stop her from going after what she wants and leading a team of other agents in her job all while being constantly harassed by her misogynistic asshole of a cousin. She’s always having to prove herself, but she lets it roll off her back. I loved how protective she was of Ben too. I was worried that their relationship dynamic may come off as slightly emasculating, but it was never that. It was always this perfect power balance between them and man did I enjoy that.

Sheena’s face paled, but she still…stupidly…tried to speak.
“Listen, you—”
“Maybe your wimpy friends put up with you touching and hanging on their men, but I don’t. Hands off.” She twisted to put her hand on Ben’s stomach in her own claiming gesture. Why be subtle? “Mine.”

Cherise Sinclair always manages to write an incredible romance that’s laced with an erotic touch of BDSM and this book was no exception. I loved every single page of it and never wanted it to end. What I really appreciate about these books is that they’re so much more than sex or BDSM. At the heart of it, it’s a touching and emotional love story about two people that are imperfectly perfect and yet perfect together. Having read this author’s entire backlist, I can say that without a second thought and mean every word. No one writes an erotic BDSM romance quite like her.

As always all the favorite characters from the previous books make an appearance and even get a POV in this one. I loved getting a little more Z and Jessica, and of course Raoul and Kim was great as well. It felt like the added perk on top of what was already a fantastic story. If you’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series, it’s pretty much a safe bet that you will love this one. And if you haven’t yet discovered this incredible author yet? I’m really not sure what you’re doing with your life.


About the Author

Author PhotoHaving to wear glasses in elementary school can scar a person for life.

Dubbed a nerd at an early age, Cherise Sinclair has been trying to live up to the stereotype ever since. And what better way than being an author?

Known for writing deeply emotional stories, the USA Today Bestselling Author has penned sixteen erotic romance novels, most with a BDSM theme. (Please do not mention the phrase mommy porn in her presence.) Her awards range from a National Leather Award to a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination to a GoodReads BDSM group award for best author of the year.

Cherise lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Their two fledglings have left the nest recently to try their wings and hopefully will fly high and strong. The “ascendant erotica queen” (Rolling Stone Magazine) now spends her days writing with occasional supervision from a sadistic calico cat.

Website /Facebook / Twitter /Goodreads / 1001 Dark Nights

New Release & Review: ★The Hotter You Burn★ by @genashowalter

HotterYouBurn_banner The Hotter You Burn
Series: The Original Heartbreakers #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: July 28, 2015
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The Hotter you Burn

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers tale featuring a troubled playboy and the woman he can’t resist…

Beck O’ckley is ruthless in the boardroom…and the bedroom. He’s never been with the same woman twice, and vows he never will. With a past as twisted as his, meaningless sex keeps the demons at bay. His motto: One and done. No harm, no foul.

Harlow Glass is the most hated girl in town. The beautiful artist is penniless, jobless and homeless. When she sneaks into Beck’s home—her ancestral estate—for food, she’s shocked by his early return…and her immediate, sizzling and intense attraction to him.

For the first time in Beck’s life, he can’t get a woman out of his mind. All too soon, friendship blooms into obsession and he’ll have to break her heart…or surrender his own.

Buy-Links10Amazon /  iBooks / B&N

Excerpt

“I’d like to hire you to paint my portrait.”Harlow almost bounced out of her seat, but caught herself with a single thought. Can’t appear too hasty. “Okay,” she said, playing with the edge of a piece of paper. “If you insist. And if the price is right.” She’d drawn countless images of Beck, but the thought of painting him to scale and seeing him in full color intoxicated her. She could play with different shades of gold, brown and bronze, and even a wealth of greens to get the emerald flecks hidden so deeply in his eyes just right.Maybe Kimberly had nailed it. Maybe Harlow had stared at Beck for reasons that had nothing to do with the job.

“Name a figure.” He slowly, leisurely, walked back to the couch and eased down, the whiskey in hand. “Whatever it is, lollipop, I’ll pay it.”

The new endearment startled her, considering he hadn’t used one these past three weeks. The fact that he’d gone with lollipop, something sweet and edible he’d never called the others…

I’m special to him.

Oh, no, no, no. Red alert! Red alert! That was the true danger of him. Somehow, he made everyone feel special.

“That’s a daring thing to say,” she stated quietly.

“But true nonetheless.”

She placed her elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “Very well. The price is…” Inspiration struck, and she smiled evilly. “You can’t have sex for a week.”

His eyes narrowed to tiny slits, but he appeared far from angry. “Why do you care about my sex life?”

“I care about you, and I think abstinence will help build character.”

He didn’t miss a beat. “You care? Very well, I accept.” No time to celebrate. “With two caveats,” he added. “The week won’t start until the painting is done.” He smiled now, and it was a wicked one. “Also, I want the painting to be a nude.”

Her breath caught in her throat, only to exit on a gust. “I…you…excuse me?”

“A nude. Meaning I won’t be wearing any clothing. If you want to strip down, that’ll be okay too.”

This was punishment for daring to impede his sex life, wasn’t it? “I’ve never actually painted or even drawn what you’re suggesting, and I’m not sure I have the skill.” Or if she would survive.

“I have complete faith in your ability. And as an artist, a professional, I’ll expect you to view me strictly through objective eyes. You can do that, can’t you?”

“Of course,” she said. She could absolutely, one hundred percent view him through objective eyes…if he wore a cloak of invisibility. But even then it would be iffy. “Why do you want a nude?” she demanded, hoping to shame him into retracting his request.

“Maybe I enjoy the thought of disrobing for you.” His voice had gone low and husky, a caress of unfettered temptation, making her shiver. “Maybe I like the thought of your eyes on my bare skin and your hands forming the shapes of my body.”

She gulped. Having only ever dealt with boys, never with men, she had no idea how to respond to so blatant a statement.

“Or,” he said, his voice returning to its normal fun, flirty tone. “Maybe I’m narcissistic and want to immortalize every inch of myself. How is one to know?”

How indeed. “When would you like to start?”

“Tonight.”

I’m going to hate myself for reminding him of this, but… “What about your date? I can’t—won’t—hurt Kimberly.”

“I think we both know she was about to cancel on me. Which makes me wonder what the two of you were discussing.”

Shifting uncomfortably, she said, “I will never betray a confidence.”

“I could change your mind, but I won’t. I admire your mindset.” His gaze dropped to the pulse fluttering in her neck. “I’ll arrive at seven, and I’ll bring dinner.”

“Yes. I’d like that.” A lot. And it wasn’t the thought of food that made her heart race, but the thought of having him in her space. Alone…naked. Within reach.

She sucked in a breath. Oh…crap. The worst had happened, hadn’t it?

Kimberly had figured it out, but Harlow had done her best to deny it until the truth practically vibrated in her bones. How had she ever fooled herself into thinking she could fall for West…when she’d already fallen for Beck?

“What’s wrong, dove?” he asked gently. He came around the desk and sat at the edge, turning her chair to trap her between his legs. “You were twinkles one moment, sullen the next.”

He always read her so well, while she always struggled to make sense of his moods. Life wasn’t fair. “It’s nothing I want to discuss right now,” she said, refusing to lie to him. But she had to talk to someone about this.

Who? She had no confidants, and any secrets she revealed to others could be used as a weapon against her. A game of “humiliate Harlow for sport.”

“What will it take to get you to trust me, hmm?”

Was he serious? “Beck, for the past three weeks you’ve treated me like I’m a carrier of cholera. Why do you want my trust?”

“You’re my friend.”

But I want to be more. “Yes,” she said, and cleared her throat. “You’re right. I am.”

“So talk to me like a friend. Share your past with me. Tell me what changed you in high school.”

Her mouth went dry. Always they circled back to this. “Forget I agreed to be your friend. We’re enemies.”

“You’ll tell me what’s easy, but nothing that’s hard.”

“I don’t like to think about what changed me. It hurts.”

“Pain fades. Rip off the bandage and give the wound a chance to heal.”

“No.” If she told him, she’d have to show him. If she showed him, he’d never want her again. And right now he wanted her. He had to. The way he was looking at her…

He leaned down until his nose almost brushed against hers. “One day, Harlow, you’ll open up to me.”

“One day,” she whispered. “Maybe. But probably not.”

He cupped her nape, the heat of him making her gasp. “Definitely. And in more ways than one. I’ll make sure of it.”

HotterYouBurn_graphic

 

Review
5 starsTHYB-DGR

He couldn’t have her without committing to her. He had to have her, but he couldn’t commit to her. It was the surest way to lose her forever.

I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive reading this book after not quite loving the first book in this series. But then Beck O’ckley was the hero that really captivated me in The Closer You Come with his one-and-done policy with women. Who doesn’t love an unrepentant manwhore? I certainly do. Then you have the heroine, Harlow Glass, as the most hated girl in town that’s still paying for her high school bullying days all those years ago. Add in some sizzling sexual chemistry with a dash of humor and you have the recipe for the perfect contemporary romance. I loved this book!

Just then she was a woman who’d stepped straight from his sweetest dreams- and his worst nightmares. Someone who changed the rules of the game.

First of all, if you haven’t read the first book in the series, don’t worry, because you can easily read this one as a standalone. However, The Closer You Come does give the background to the three men and helps set up each of their individual books, so it does help to read the series in order.

Beck is the most easy going of his three friends. But beneath his take-nothing-too-seriously demeanor, is the broken soul of a man that’s been through hell and back. Abandoned as a child and going through the system as a foster kid solidified his belief that nothing is permanent. When his friend spent 9 years behind bars for a crime all three of them committed, it also gave him a good dose of guilt that he still can’t shake. Beck has a one night only policy with women. That’s all he has to give them, one sweaty passionate night spent between the sheets and that’s it. No repeats. He’s not lacking for female attention, so imagine his surprise when one particular woman won’t leave his mind and tempts him beyond reason. She’s also the woman that won’t give him the time of day.

The day my panties drop for you,” she said without any sharpness, “is the day I want to be taken behind one of the sheds and shot.”
“Because you’ll know you’ll never have me again and you won’t be able to live with the pain?”

Harlow Glass is the the town’s pariah. Her vicious bullying back in high school made her persona non grata in her small town, and the town residents are not quick to forget. But she’s so much more than she made people believe. This is a woman that’s suffered her own pain and in high school her way of dealing with a verbally abusive father at home is to project that hate outward to hide her pain and powerlessness. Now with the recent passing of her mother, Harlow is down on her luck; penniless, jobless and homeless. On top of it, her beloved childhood home is now occupied by someone else, and one of them is Beck. When she sneaks into the house to steal a pie, she gets more than she bargained for.

Do you know how painful it is to crave something with every fiber of your being? To want it more than you want water to drink?”

The Hotter You Burn had that signature Gena Showalter snarky humor that I’ve come to know and love. The banter between Harlow and Beck had me grinning like a fool for a good portion of the book.

For all you know, my ANYTHING is better than any other you’ve seen.”
“You thinks so?” His gaze dropped to her chest. “Show me.” A croak. But was it a demand- or a plea?
Desire mingled with panic, and she gulped. “Not even if you begged me.”
“I’ve never begged before. But there’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?”

I was afraid that the situation that Harlow is now facing would make her a shy little mouse, but she wasn’t that at all. Beyond her terrible situation, this was a woman that had a backbone. Even if that backbone allowed the town people to shit on her, because she thinks she deserves it after what she’d done. She views it as her atonement.
The push and pull between her and Beck had me going back and forth between wanting to pull my hair out and icing my ovaries, because holy lady blue balls! The tension was almost unbearable at times. But at the same time it was oh so delicious.

Harlow was a sickness, and bedding her was the only cure.

As much as I loved the tension between them, I have to admit that at times it was so frustrating, I wanted to scream. Beck’s inability to believe he can give Harlow anything beyond one night, trying to set her up with her dream man, going on double dates, I wanted to shake the ever loving stubbornness out of the man! Luckily there were the secondary characters that provided the comedic relief this book surely needed to lighten the weight of it.

Trouser snake? Really? “What about man meat? Or even the middle snake?” Harlow suggested.
Jessie Kay nodded thoughtfully. “Or we could go with something simple like the peen. If we wanted to get technical, we’d have to go with the meatsicle. Or the anaconda, but that’s on a case-by-case basis.”
Daphne tried for a stern expression, only to ruin it with a snort. “I am not playing this game. But if I were, I’d suggest we call it the weenie wonka.”

I even found myself warming up to Jessie Kay in this book, which I never and I mean EVER thought would happen.

At the end of it, I loved every part of this book, even the frustrating ones. I loved the snarky, sarcastic humor. I loved the banter. I loved the MCs and all the secondary characters. I loved the story and the romance.

What do you need me to do?” she asked breathily. “Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”
“Just keep breathing, baby.”

This was the perfect contemporary romance to spend a weekend with. It had it all; the laughs, the swoons, the sexy…did I mention the laughs?

Careful. You keep that up, and you’ll find yourself flat on your back, Beck Jr. deep inside you.”
“You mean the Baconator?”
He barked out a laugh. “You’ve named my penis the Baconator?”
“What? I like bacon.”

If you’re like me and didn’t love the first book, trust me and give this book a chance. It had everything I’ve come to love in Gena’s writing. It even has me wanting to read Jessie Kay’s book now, which as much as I hated her in book 1 is saying a hell of a lot.



About the Author

Gena Author Photo 1

Gena Showalter is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose works have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor, danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.

 

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Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Frisk Me★ by Lauren Layne

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Frisk Me
Series: New York’s Finest #1
Author: Lauren Layne
Release Date: July 28, 2015
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FRISK ME

After a photograph of Luc Moretti saving a tourist hits social media, he instantly becomes New York’s most famous and beloved cop. When a major network decides to run a special on the “American Hero,” Luc’s boss gives him no choice but to cooperate in the name of good exposure for the department. Luc doesn’t mind the celebrity status-what he does mind is the gorgeous brunette journalist who’s been assigned to follow his every move. Especially since she also happens to be the same knockout that rejected him rather publicly the week before.

Ava Sims is a woman who gets what she wants. And what she wants is to be CBC’s lead anchor-but to get there, she’ll need to nail the fluff piece on the playboy cop. Luc Moretti is everything Ava knows to stay away from: a stubborn charmer with a hero-complex. But the more Ava gets to know Luc and his oddball family, the more she realizes that beneath the swagger and the blue uniform is a complex man who makes her heart beat too fast. Soon, Ava’s doing the unthinkable, and falling for the best of New York’s finest … 

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Excerpt

Luc stifled the smile, letting his former scowl resettle on his face. If Lopez thought he was being played, there was no way he’d go for it.
“Hey, so Cap said the hot reporter would be doing ride-alongs with us. That’ll be cool,” Lopez said.“Seriously? You hate ride-alongs,” Luc said.Lopez held up a finger. “No, I hate the dippy, I-wanna-be-a-cop-someday type of ride-alongs. Those stupid kids are always offering advice when they don’t know shit about shit. But Ms. Sims will be a nice kind of ride-along. Just sitting, observing…looking fine…”Luc withheld the snort. If Lopez thought Ava wouldn’t be offering plenty of unsolicited advice, he had an unpleasant surprise. He doubted mind your own business was in her DNA, not to mention it was a blatant contradiction of her job description.“Hot or not, same rules apply,” Luc said, just to set the record straight. “She can come on the tame ride-alongs. That’s it.”“Shit, and here I was planning to bring her to a shoot-out,” Lopez mused.Luc flung the paperclip back at his partner, nailing him in the forehead. “Hey. So, I need you to be my wingman.”

Lopez rubbed the red spot to the right of his temple with a knowing grin. “Ah, so you do want a piece of Miss Media.”

Yes.

No!

Damn it.

“Let me rephrase,” Luc said, sitting back in his chair. “I need you to be my reverse wingman. Do whatever you need to keep that plastic, nosy diva away from me.”

There was a light tap on his shoulder before a female voice spoke up. “Gonna be hard when this nosy diva is hell-bent on getting all up in your business.”

Whoops.

“Nice job, Wingman,” Luc said with a glare at Lopez, whose grin indicated that he’d definitely seen Ava approaching and had opted not to mention it.

Luc pivoted around in his chair so he faced Ava. Only he was sitting, and she was standing, which put him exactly at eye level with Ava’s slim hips.

Generally speaking, Luc liked a little more curve to his women, but apparently his preferences were shifting, because he couldn’t help his sex-starved brain from thinking that Ava Sims’s hips were the perfect size for his hands to wrap around, his fingers holding her still as he prepared to plunge into her…

The fantasy dissolved into a million pieces when she opened her sassy mouth again.

“You know…” her voice was considering, her finger tapping idly against her lips. “I’d always heard that the whole man-in-uniform thing was supposed to be a turn-on. Guess it’s an acquired taste.”

Review

4 starsFrisk Me-DGR

Whatever they had, it wasn’t typical sexual attraction.
It was something deeper.
Darker.

Whenever I see a new series come out by Lauren Layne, I don’t even bother reading the synopsis before adding. I don’t need to because I already know that the chances are 99.9% that I’ll love it. But I was an extra shot of excited when I read the blurb for this book because…HOT COPS! What? Like you didn’t? Don’t judge me! Although admittedly, I could have done with a different cover *cringes*. I know, I know, don’t judge a book by the cover and all that, and this was certainly a huge case of that. My inner cover cover whore just shut her eyes and dove in hoping against hope that the hero looks nothing like what the cover implied…and he didn’t! (thank jebus)

If you cooperate….just the tiniest bit, I’ll buy you a drink after.”
“You’re bribing an officer of the law? Or just really desperate to spend time with me, Sims?”
“Two questions, Moretti. What EXACTLY is up your ass? And how the hell do we remove it?”
He ran a hand through his hair, answering honestly, because honey was what Morettis did best. “Sexual frustration. As far as how to fix it…”

The hate-to-love trope. *dreamy sigh* Can it ever get old? And when you put Luc and Ava in a room together, sparks certainly fly. These two had instant chemistry from the very first time they traded insults. Three years ago they first met when officer Luc wrote Ava a ticket for illegally parking her news van and it’s been on ever since…the unfinished business between them, that is. Now Ava is back (shoving the ticket from 3 years ago right at his chest and everything), only this time it’s business. After his heroic actions saved a little girl has garnered national attention and followed up with a good samaritan video of him giving his coat to a homeless man sealed the deal, everyone wants a piece of Luc, Ava included. But what she wants him for is an exclusive and it goes against everything Luc stands for to put his life on display. He’s no one’s hero, and the last thing he wants is more attention when he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt after a job got wrong got his friend and partner killed. Thus begins the hate lust relationship that will make your ovaries so blue, you’ll think you’ll die if these two finally don’t admit to each other what they want and give into the inevitable.

Anthony can be irritable; try not to piss him off,” he said out of the corner of his mouth.
“Sure, I’ll just tape my mouth shut,” she snapped…
For a second, he looked hopeful. “That’s an option?”

Luc was a hero that I fell for right away. He’s just the right amount of tortured but with a dry wit about him that I loved. Coming from a long line of NYPD’s finest, he’s the lowest on the tandem pole it seems. His brothers are detectives and his father is the previous police commissioner. Luc is still suffering survivor’s guilt about the failed rescue that cost his partner his life. His biggest fear is the exclusive that his new boss is forcing him to go along with will allow Ava to dig further than he wants.

My favorite thing about this book was Luc’s relationship with him family and then the icing on the cake was Nonna. This woman quite honestly stole the show.

What color lipstick do you think I should wear? Classic red or shocking orange? I’m thinking orange. Also, have either of you seen my push-up bra? I’m worried I left it at Ned’s house.”
Neither brother responded, and Anthony very slowly turned his head to look at Luc. “She belongs in a home. One with bars on the window.”

I found myself giggling like a loon at every single scene with her. Everything that came out of her mouth was just absolute gold, I swear.

It doesn’t even matter that she’s not Italian,” Nonna said in a hushed voice. “She has dark hair and dark eyes so we’ll just lie. We can change her last name. I know someone.”
Luc tipped his head back and looked at the ceiling.
“Try to talk her into it tonight, Luca. Oh, and find out if she’s Catholic, would you? I suppose we can lie about that too, although I don’t know how Jesus would feel about that…”

Ava was a character that try as I might I never quite warmed up to. Considering her intentions throughout the entire book and then finally her actions at the end, it’s no wonder why I felt that way. I’m still not sure how I feel about her, but probably just a step away from tolerating her.

That being said, I did love her and Luc together. Their chemistry was practically crackling with electricity. But don’t let that fool you because there’s no insta-anything in this book. It was a very slow burn that at times left me so frustrated, I didn’t know whether to scream at the ceiling for them to finally do it, or to ice my ovaries. While I can’t say that the story itself was slow paced or dragging, the romance was certainly….worth the wait.

I’ve been thinking on my rating for a few days now. While I disliked some of the decisions Ava made, I still enjoyed this book. I loved the family dynamic and all the secondary characters. I’m absolutely dying for Vincent’s book because oh man, that set up? Delicious sounding. But I’ll certainly make do with the grumpy and broody Anthony in the meantime and without any complaints. I do love me a broody man. Lauren Layne definitely has herself another winner with this series and I can’t wait for more.

I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”



About the Author
Lauren
Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren’s gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Review: ★Him★ by @sarinabowen & @ellekennedy

Review HimHim
Genre: New Adult, MM Romance
Authors: Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Release Date: July 28, 2015add-to-goodreads-button-2

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend…and a big one to learn about himself.

Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition

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HIM1

Review

5 starsHim-DirtyGirlRomance

Jamie Canning was my first crush and my first love. But he was never mine to have.

So let’s see here; we have friends-to-lovers, second chance romance and GFY all mixed in with sizzling chemistry and humor. If that’s not enough to justify my 5 star rating, I dunno what is. Maybe I haven’t read an MM in a while, maybe I was exactly in the mood for a feel good and sexy MM romance? Whatever the reason may be, I loved this book to pieces. There was not one part of it I read where I didn’t either have a goofy grin on my face or felt like I needed to ice my ovaries. It was fabulous!

My weakness is him.

Ryan “Wes” Wesley and Jamie Canning have been friends for years. Some of their favorite memories came from the time they spent together at hockey camp, until the summer when they were eighteen when one night and one dare changed everything and Wes just disappeared from his life. Jamie never stopped missing his best friend or wondering what he did to push him away.

Wes has been in love with his very straight best friend for years. His mistake those four years ago made him turn away and not look back since. But he’s never forgotten Jamie or gotten over his feelings for him. Now chance brings them together again on the ice rink, and Wes will be dammed if he’ll just let him walk away from his life again. And if he happens to get his friend to look at him as anything more than just a buddy? Hey, hope springs eternal, right?

Maybe one day a switch would suddenly go off and he’d be like, hmmm, I’m totally into Wes. Or maybe he would figure out he swings both ways and decide to take a walk on the dude side.

I simply loved the interaction between Jamie and Wes. Their bond is so strong even after 4 years without speaking. I command the authors for making the transition to Jamie’s true sexuality as natural as it did. It was like the reader was discovering everything along with him and it just made it that much better. As for Wes? Don’t even get me started on that man. He was my favorite part about this book. He’s a rule breaking wise ass, but beneath the muscles and tattoos is a heart of gold. His feelings for Jamie were so heart melting and heart breaking, I just wanted to reach through my kindle and hug him.

There was so much to love about this book, the biggest being the banter between these two. It was utterly delicious.

…what two guys stand around describing their perfect sexual partner? Did we wander onto the set of Sex and the City? If so, I’m Samantha. Called it.”
“You know actual character names from Sex and the City? Shit, if you hadn’t told me you were gay, I would’ve figured it out just now.”

And if you’re curious about the steam? Well let’s just say Him has just the right amount to make this story incredibly sexy on top of entertaining as hell! The sexual chemistry between Ryan and Jamie practically crackled with electricity. And when they finally get together?

We’ve been going at it every night like puck bunnies in heat this week. Pinch me. It’s like a blowjob relay race around here. And we’ve gotten really good at passing the baton

Ryan was such a fantastic hero as well. He’s such a tender heart, but it totally works for him. Together they just made a certain kind of sense. These are two guys that you’ll be rooting for from beginning to finish. I absolutely loved the way that Ryan is with his family and their quirkiness. Considering the cold detachment of Wes’s family, it was wonderful to have such a warm family dynamic on the other end.

If you’re looking for a fun and sexy NA MM romance, you really should look no further. Sabrina Bowen and Elle Kennedy together are a dynamic powerhouse and I only hope they have more books planned together for the future because I’d read them all without a second thought.

What do you want?” I ask. And I need him to be specific. This is a very dangerous game we’re playing. It will probably end in disaster. But if there’s a way I can prevent that, I will.
He moves further onto the bed, making room for me. Then he beckons. And there isn’t enough money, fame or fortune in the world to keep me from obeying.


Him2

 

About the Author

Sarina
Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Elle
Goodreads​ / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Review: ★Playing With Trouble★ by @ChanelCleeton

Review PwT

Playing With Trouble 
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015
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22873151

The author of Flirting with Scandal presents her second book in a sexy contemporary romance series about three sisters in a powerful political family, the scandals that threaten to destroy them, and the passion that drives them…

The daughter of one of the Senate’s most powerful figures, Blair Reynolds was ready to become the ultimate political wife—until she caught her fiancé cheating on her wedding day. Law school is a fresh start, her shot at putting the pieces of her life back together. That’s the plan, at least. Until trouble comes in the form of her Torts professor, the man whose arrogance infuriates her in class but haunts her private fantasies.

Graydon Canter had a fortune and a place on all the hottest “Thirty under Thirty” lists, until a series of personal missteps nearly destroyed his career. A year teaching at a D.C. law school is just the break he needs to get his life back in order, as long as nothing—and no one—trips him up.

When Blair and Gray are forced to work together, their explosive attraction becomes impossible to resist. But Gray’s demons have drawn him dangerously close to the edge, and Blair has spent her life playing by the rules. Will she break them for a shot at love?

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Review4.5 stars
PwT-DGR

He was no longer my professor, no longer someone I loathed. He was hands I needed on my body, lips I wanted kissing mine.

I was first hooked on this series and this author when I read Flirting with Scandal. Now I can honestly say I’m completely addicted. Playing With Trouble was even better than the first book, and let me just tell you; I loved the first book. It had everything I love going for it; hate-to-love, forbidden romance, and enough sexual tension and chemistry to set your kindle on fire.
PwT1-DGRBlair Reynolds is the middle daughter of a conterversial senator and the good girl of the family. Constantly used by her political family to boost their family image, Blair is tired of being the pawn and the girl that falls in line with what she’s told. In a last resort of rebellion she enrolls in law school instead of following in the political science footsteps. But her decision soon comes to bite her in the ass in the shape of her too sexy for words and tormentor of her nightmares professor, Graydon Canter.

This is what happened when perfect cracked and splintered. This was what happened when your life fell apart.

Graydon or Gray had it all; an incredibly successful law career, a marriage, more money than he knew what to do with and was quickly climbing the corporate latter in his law firm…until he lost it all. Now stuck teaching a law class at a university for students that weren’t good enough to get into a better school or simply bought their way in, he gets his kicks by tormenting the beauty in his Torts class. So what if his picking on her daily roots from his undeniable attraction to her? She’s off-limits and that’s where she’ll stay…until she doesn’t.

I stared down into her eyes, trying to read the emotions I saw there. I wanted her. More than a dance. More than a fuck.
I was drunk on her, and in this case, sobriety was just out of my reach.

This book had some of the best sexual tension I’ve read in a very long while. It was utterly delicious. I loved the way Chanel Cleeton handled their attraction and ultimate giving into it. I couldn’t get enough of these two.

Gray was that perfect broody and broken hero that you love to read about and root for his redemption. He didn’t sugar coat or hide his faults. He came right out and put them out for Blair to see. Blair on the other hand was a fantastic heroine. She’s the good girl, but you also see her grow into herself as the book progresses. She doesn’t allow anyone to step all over her, and I appreciated that it finally extended to her parents as well.

The center of it all was definitely the romance, and it was even hotter than the first book. These two were so hot together they practically sizzled.

I wanted to consume her; I wanted to break her and put her back together again, because that’s what I did- I broke things.

Of course there’s plenty of other things going on to keep the reader interested and it all culminates towards one hell of a plot twist towards the end. While I did see it coming from the beginning, it sets up the next book perfectly and I’m practically salivating to get my hands on it.

If politics aren’t your thing, not to worry, because this book barely had any aside from the happenings of Blair’s father. It’s more muted and in the background, much like the first book. I honestly cannot recommend this series enough.

She was like a dream I’d given up long ago. A different life, a better me. A chance to wash the filth away.

I devoured this book and didn’t want to set it down for even a minute. It was the perfect combination of sexy and a touch of angsty with a dash of dry wit and humor. I absolutely loved it.

I’m not the hero, Blair. And somehow I still got the princess.
“Honey, I’m pretty sure you’re the beast. And I am definitely not a princess. I thought we just established that.
“You’re my princess. Dirty mouth, naughty lingerie, wicked tongue, formidable temper, and all.

I have a feeling about the twist for the third book and I”m keeping my fingers crossed that I’m right because that will make it even better than I think. Chanel Cleeton has definitely made it straight to my auto-buy shelf and I can’t wait for more from this talented author.


READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

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New Release & Review: ★Even The Score★ by @KittyMeader

Review EtS

Even The Score
Series: Tall, Dark, and Texan #1
Author: Kate Meader
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015add-to-goodreads-button-2

25671716

He’ll make her an offer she can’t refuse…

Actress Tess McKenzie is performing in the Tenth Circle of Showbiz Hell-dinner theater. All she really wants is to start a theater of her own. Then Tess receives an offer she can’t refuse. She’ll get her funding…if she pretends to be the fiancée to her nemesis, Texan property tycoon Hunter Dade. If she’s going to pull this off, she’ll need all the luck she can get. Break a leg, indeed.

On the verge of a big business deal, Hunter needs to hire a fiancée. He hasn’t quite forgiven Tess for ruining his wedding, but when their chemistry goes from combative to straight-up lust, the “no sex” clause in their mutually beneficial arrangement is tested. Which is a serious problem, because if Tess isn’t careful, she’ll go from breaking a leg to breaking her heart…

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Review5 starsEtS-DGR

Revenge was a dish best served in bed- And Tess McKenzie was about to get a five-course meal.

There is no other trope out there that I love more than hate-to-love. And I think I may have found my favorite hate-to-love romance book to date. Even the Score was full of sexual chemistry, humor, all wrapped around a fantastic story that was utterly delicious. Delicious I tells ya! If this book isn’t on your TBR, you are seriously missing out because what a perfect gam this turned out to be.

What the fuck was happening here? So it had been a while since he’d released his pent-up energy inside a woman, but this was Tess McKenzie. They despised each other. The last time they’d been this close, he had been losing his ever-loving shit on her.

A year ago Tess McKenzie was responsible for talking her best friend out of walking down the aisle to marry Hunter Dade, To say that Hunter still holds a grudge about this to this day would be a mild understatement. He despises the little spitfire. But beneath their barbs and insults is an undercurrent of lust and sexual chemistry so strong it’s enough to make things a while lot more interesting.

When not thinking of imaginative ways to murder her, he’d be consumed with conjuring up even more imaginative ways to screw her brains out.
Fast, slow, all night long.

Tess may have been responsible for the worst day of his life, but Hudson is willing to let bygones be bygones…well…sort of. He’ll get his revenge AND get something out of Tess first. He’ll offer her a deal that she can’t pass up. Hunter needs a “fiance” to land a deal that he needs, and Tess needs funds to start her theater. He may not have forgiven her, but he’s certainly willing to overlook things for a few days. Or as long as it takes to get this attraction out of their systems…

There was that flash of anger again, and his cock stirred in response. Taking her would be a pleasure. Making her beg as he fucked her tight, curvy body would be the ultimate prize.

The chemistry between these two was absolutely sizzling. Even when they were at each other’s throats, you can practically feel them wanting to jump each other’s bones. It was so much fun to read. But things are not quite as they seem with them either. Tess may not be the rich little princess that Hunter always thought her to be. And Hunter may be a lot more than just a property tycoon with a chip on his shoulder. As these two begin to get to know each other and their connection grows, they begin to see that somethings aren’t so simple.

They kissed like they fought: wild, uninhibited, with bite.

Kate Meader devised the perfect formula of hate+lust to make this book absolutely unputdownable. I couldn’t get enough of it. There’s none of that typical and tiring back and forth that you’d normally find in books like this. It just felt like natural progression here.

…he wanted her pleading for the sweet release that came when his working-class cock was pounding the ever-loving superiority out of her.

You can see each of the character’s growth throughout the story and you can’t help but root for them both.

If you’re a fan of the hate-to-love trope, this book is not to be missed. This was my first 5 stars from Brazen this year and I can tell you that I’ve found myself a new author to love. I’m now going back and adding every other book on this woman’s backlist. I’m in love here, people! With the story and with this author.

He wanted to fuck her, possess her, save her- And then he wanted to spend every second of his sorry life making hers better.

Author Interview, Review & #Giveaway: ★Flash Point★ by @BrookeBlaine1

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Author: Brooke Blaine
Genre: (Standalone) Romantic Suspense Novel
Release Date: July 12, 2015add-to-goodreads-button-2

Flash Point EBOOK Cover

The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.

It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night.

She escaped.

The danger should’ve been over.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.

The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.

Katherine Shaw.

Rich girl? Check.

Spoiled and obstinate? Check.

A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from.

Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.

Buy LinksAmazoniBooks / B&N / KoboFlash Point Teaser 3 by Michelle Tan


Interview bannerDGR: Hi Brooke! Thanks so much for being her at DGR. I got some verra interesting questions lined up for today! I hope you left your delicate sensibilities at the door 😉

Brooke: Thank you so much for having me! You know I only signed up for this for the naughty questions, right?

DGR: Let’s start easy; can you introduce yourself to readers that may not be familiar with you yet?

Brooke: Absolutely not.

Oh, all right, twist my arm. My name is Brooke Blaine, and I’m a bookaholic, chocoholic, 80’smovieandmusicaholic, and coffeemugcollectoraholic. I also like to write stories and make ridiculous dubsmash videos for my friends. No, you won’t find those on YouTube unless my phone gets hacked. Flash Point is my first solo novel, and I’ve also co-written a naughty, naughty serial with my best friend.

DGR: You co-wrote A Desperate Man with Ella Frank, and now you have your very own debut novel, how’s it feel?

Brooke: Fan-flippin-tastic. Actually, it was great to co-write with Ella too (we’re writing ADM 3 right now and have more collaborations up our sleeves), but it feels amazing to have my own book out. It’s been a long time coming, that’s for sure.

DGR: A Desperate Man was erotica and Flash Point is a sexy Romantic Suspense, do you have a genre you prefer to write in?

Brooke: Um. My next book is a Romantic Comedy. I know, I know. I’m doing this all wrong. But I’m the kind of reader that switches up my genres with every book I read, and my writing reflects that as well. I tend to write based on what I’m feeling and where my head is at…for instance, with A Desperate Man, I had some frustrations that just needed to be channeled, and Evan James and his sex addiction came out. My first solo book was actually intended to be the comedy I’m working on now, but I just wasn’t in the right mindset for it. That hot bodyguard was adamant he be the one you met before the others. Bossy bastard.

DGR: So you ARE at DIRTY girl romance, so how’s about some hard hitting questions? Sex scenes. What are some no no words you will never use in your writing. (please say lady flower or pearl? LOL)

Brooke: Oh God, I never would’ve THOUGHT lady flower or pearl. You’re just trying to gross me out now. I’d never say flicking the bean either, though it was funny when Gerard Butler said it. Ella is my critique partner, and she is SO PICKY about her sex scenes, so she would never ever let me write the words “baby arm,” “mayo shooting hotdog gun,” or “soft-shelled tuna taco” unless I was writing something intended to be crude or for shock value. And um, I’m not currently doing that, so I think we’re good.

DGR: Where do you get the inspiration for them? *waggles brows*

Brooke: For my sex scenes? I should say porn or movies or books, but the truth is, I just make them up depending on what’s going on. That’s such a boring answer. Let me give you a better one—

From my real life wallbanger boyfriend!

That’s not true, but let’s pretend it is.

DGR: Coffee, tea, or COCKtails?

You can’t make someone choose between coffee and cocktails. They are both crucial to my survival. Tea, on the other hand…well, I tried Twinings for Ana Steele, but it just didn’t work for me. Even my sink protested when I dumped it out.

DGR: Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

Brooke: My real identity. Where I live.

Oh, wait, you wanted me to tell you?

Um…I sleep with the TV on in another room when I’m at home by myself. Yeah, I’m a big chicken. I have no idea why I decided it was a good idea to write a suspense book. NIGHTMARES.

OK, now let’s talk Flash Point.

DGR: I love how assertive Katherine was. She had just the right amount of confidence without being brash. What are your thoughts on whiny or insecure heroines?

Brooke: Thank you! I have a pretty strong opinion on whiny and insecure heroines. I do enjoy flawed characters, but I prefer to read and write about the kind of women I surround myself with in real life. Yes, we all have our insecurities, and yes, I whine when I go too long without chocolate of some kind, but I don’t particularly care for women who have to be saved by a man or who put their lives on hold to do whatever it is they want her to. There’s nothing wrong with those kinds of books, and I’ve read and enjoyed them on occasion, but I’m a super independent single female, and I choose to reflect that in my writing.

DGR: Jason was (pause for lusty thoughts…..and I’m back) YUMMY! I may have taken a peek at your Pinterest board. Was Jason Statham your inspiration for his character?

Brooke: He definitely was! When you think badass, hot bodyguard who could kill you with a look…I mean, there was only one guy that fit that criteria for me. He’s so smooth even when he’s kicking ass. That’s what I was going for. I may or may not have binged on his movies.

DGR: If you had to describe Flash Point for us in 5 words, what would they be?

Brooke: BEST DAMN ROMANTIC SUSPENSE EVER!

Of course. 😉

DGR: Did you have a favorite part to write in the book?

Brooke: Yes! The end. Always the end. It was the same with A Desperate Man too. I get so excited to hurry up and get to that part that I end up writing it before the middle section is done.

DGR: Flash Point is quite a bit different from A Desperate Man. It’s definitely one sizzling romantic suspense. Are you planning on writing more in this genre or something totally different next?

Brooke: I will definitely write more romantic suspense in the near future. I’m thinking a certain character from this book should tell their story in a separate standalone, but the pieces are still coming together so it won’t be next. I anticipate that book will come in the first half of 2016. DGR: Any delicious little tidbits you can share with us? (Spoiler free, of course)

One of the characters in Flash Point was quite a bit older until the last week of writing. There is a HUGE thing that happens at the end of the book that was not part of the original draft. It was changed the day before the rest of my critique readers received their copy. Katherine’s father looks like a local judge from my hometown who is also grade school friend’s father. Many of the character names and places are Easter eggs for my family if/when they read it. Actually, that goes for all of my stories.

DGR: So what’s up next for you?

Brooke: Next up is my romantic comedy, Licked. Is that a dirty enough title for you? It will be the first in a series focusing on a group of girlfriends, but I can’t tell you toooooo much more yet. I’ll be announcing the release date/blurb/cover reveal in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled on my website, (www.brookeblaine.com) subscribe to my newsletter (http://eepurl.com/brxPkP) or hang out with me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer) so you don’t miss it. Dammit, I wish I could show you now!

DGR: Anything else you’d like to leave the readers with?

Brooke: I’d leave them with a copy of my book and a shot of whiskey if I could, but since my smart computer is not quite that smart, a simple thank you will have to do. I appreciate all of you who have picked up/will up my books. There are so many choices out there, (my TBR is insane too!) and I’m so appreciative of everyone who takes a chance on a newbie. Many spanks for that!

Thanks so much for having me, Dirty Girl! <3

Here are my links again, in case you want them:

 

Flash Point Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OfkYmk

Amazon Non-US link: myBook.to/FP

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://bit.ly/1ULDQxR

Apple iBooks: http://apple.co/1LYP4LD

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1HvHIZO

A Desperate Man (Read for FREE exclusively on KU through August 2015)

ADM 1 Link – http://amzn.to/1OflpNs

ADM 2 Link – http://amzn.to/1Hz7U6Q

Brooke’s Contact Links

Newsletter Sign-up: http://eepurl.com/brxPkP

Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+BrookeBlaine

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/BrookeBlaine

Instagram: www.instagram.com/BrookeBlaine1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brookeblaine11


 Review4 starsFlash Point-DGR

He’d made a decision tonight. One that would ignite the world around him, but he was willing to scorch it to the ground to get what he wanted.

So here’s the thing, when it comes to my romantic suspense, I’m one picky girl. It’s the first genre that originally got me into reading and I read a lot of it. So suffice it to say it takes quite a bit to impress me. What? I said I was picky. Having had a bit of a taste of Brooke Blaine’s awesome in A Desperate Man: Volume 1 that she co-wrote with Ella Frank, I already had a feeling that her own debut would rock my world, and I wasn’t even a little bit wrong. I freaking loved this book! Suspenseful, sexy, and with twists and turns that will leave your mind reeling, this book kept me up well into the night because I couldn’t put it down.

He always asked her what she wanted, but it was never clearer than now. This. Him. That was what she wanted.

Have you ever read about a character that felt so alive in your head he practically jumped off the pages? That’s how you know the true talent of an author, when she’s able to accomplish this with her MCs. And let me just tell you, if Jason was that character for me. You could hear his voice and feel his intensity from the very first page. Man but I gobbled that up.
FP1-DGRKatherine Shaw witnessed the brutal murder of her mother five years ago. Powerless and unable to do anything but watch, she’s still dealing with the nightmares of that night. Having the killers responsible never been caught certainly doesn’t make her sleep any better. But now it seems like the threat is back and this time they’re after her and they won’t stop until she suffers the fate she was meant to along with her mother.

Jason Garrett is a bodyguard and part of the team hired by Katherine’s father to protect her. Intense would be an understatement for what he is. He lives, breathes and sleeps his job. Just because the little spitfire that is his client is determined to seduce him doesn’t mean he’ll lose sight of what he was hired to do and succumb to her advances.

It was the first rule in the handbook: “Thou shalt not have fucking relations with a client, current of former.”

Katherine was a badass in her own right. It’s not often you meet a heroine that’s not shy about going after what she wants but doesn’t come off as brash while doing it. Katherine was no wilting wallflower, that’s for damn sure. The girl was determined to get Jason in her bed and she went at him with all the arsenal she had. Have to respect her game.

She cried out his name and dug her nails into his back as he held her close, her body bucking, and pleasure, vicious and exhilarating, tore through her.

After finishing Flash Point I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Brooke Blaine has definitely got a new fan in me. I can’t wait to see what else the woman has up her sleeve with her future books.

There was a few things that I was left to assume (which was definitely the author’s intent). There were a few things that took place that I would have liked more detail for and explanation. It left several questions in my head, and maybe that’s not a bad thing since I’m still thinking about it. The book ends on a HFN, however, for a romantic suspense, the ending did justice to the kind of story it was. I don’t think it would have been as believable had it ended any other way. If you’re on the fence about reading it, I highly recommend you do. You won’t be sorry. If sexy romantic suspense is your cuppa, this is definitely a must read. Cleverly written, packed with humor and action, and unpredictable until the very end, Flash Point was one hell of a debut from the fabulous Brooke Blaine.

About the AuthorYou 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.

Flash Point is her debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. 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.

Contact Links

Newsletter / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Goodreads / Instagram / Pinterest

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Review: ★Release Me★ by @AnnMarie_Walker & @Amy_KRogers

Review Release MeRelease Me
Series: Chasing Fire #2
Authors: Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Release Date: July 21st, 2015
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ReleaseMe_final_hires

The second in the “seriously sexy and sinfully steamy”* Chasing Fire series, about a pain too deep to forgive and a passion too hot to forget…

Alessandra Sinclair knows that Hudson Chase is the last man she should want. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has grown into a man who would do anything to get ahead, even if it means breaking Allie’s heart. But whenever she’s near him, the attraction between them is undeniable. And now that they’re working together, keeping her distance from Hudson is almost as impossible as keeping her feelings in check…

Hudson already lost Allie once and he refuses to lose her again. He’s determined to use their new business partnership to rekindle the spark he knows is still there. Only the closer he gets to winning her over, the clearer it becomes there are still secrets that could tear them apart for good…
 

Buy LinksAmazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | GooglePlay

 

Review4 stars

Release Me-DGR


She knew the man, not the corporate myth. He was the one she’d fallen for. He was the one who’d broken her heart.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not really a trilogy girl. I have never really read a trilogy where the main couple consumed me in such a way that I was itching for more of them, and yet somehow these two authors have managed that feat. Not only did I enjoy Release Me, I loved it even more than the first. Yeah. I’ll give you a moment to absorb that.

Release me1-DGRRelease Me takes off immediately where Remind Me left off; Ally reeling from Hudson’s lie and betrayal. But there’s something much more sinister lurking around the corner than just the shadow of their love. This book starts with a bang that will grab the reader’s attention from the very first page and guarantee to keep you glued to the pages until the end. (Damn you to hell cliffhanger!)

You have to let me go, Hudson. Release me.”

If second chance romance is your thing, this trilogy will deliver it in spades. I gobbled it right up like the starved addict that I am and it was absolutely delicious. The angst, the secrets, and of course the absolutely scorching hot sex all combined guaranteed for a page turner.

Hudson Chase is just as magnetic as ever. The allude to the secrets he’s hiding is one hell of a tease and the authors are absolute sadists for giving you just one crumb at a time. If you’re looking for a grovel, it’s not quite what you’ll get here. The man doesn’t do anything in half measure and when he sets his mind to get Allie back, nothing will stand in his way; including her. And he certainly doesn’t make it easy on her when he goes after what he wants with a singleminded intent.

Since the day you walked into my office, I’ve wanted you here, spread out on my desk while I fucked you senseless over Chicago.”

There was not one wasted page in the story. While I felt like the first book was a bit overwhelming on the sex, this one had the absolutely perfect formula. It was just enough to add to the story without taking anything away.
Release Me2-DGR

I’m grateful for you every day,” he murmured.
And just like that she fell even deeper.

Chasing Fire is a sinfully sexy trilogy that I’m absolutely addicted to with an alpha that I will never be able to quit. Not one dull moment in the book, which surprised me since more often than not I find the middle book to be more of a stretched out filler. I never once felt that way here. I was glued to the pages with bated breath to see what will happen next. And while I mostly saw that ending coming since there was plenty of set up for it, it still got me. How I’m supposed to be patient until the next book is beyond me. But if the story continues to build like it has, I already know that book three will blow me away and I cannot freaking wait.



READ THE TRILOGY IN ORDER

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ReclaimMe_HiRes  (Book Three) Coming Oct 21st, 2015

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