Review: Twisted Pride by Cora Reilly

May 2, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

TWISTED PRIDE
Series: The Camorra Chronicles #3
Genre: Dark Romance, Mafia
Author: Cora Reilly
Release Date: April 16, 2019

Remo Falcone is beyond redemption.

As Capo of the Camorra he rules with a brutal hand over his territory – a territory the Chicago Outfit breached.

Now Remo is out for retribution.
A wedding is sacred, stealing a bride sacrilegious.

Serafina is the niece of the Boss of the Outfit, and her hand has been promised in marriage for years, but kidnapped in her wedding dress on her way to church by Remo, Serafina quickly realizes that she can’t hope for saving. Yet, even in the hands of the cruelest man she knows, she is determined to cling to her pride, and Remo soon understands that the woman at his mercy might not be as easy to break as he thought.

A ruthless man on a quest to destroy the Outfit by breaking someone they are supposed to protect.

A woman intent on bringing a monster to his knees.
Two families that will never be the same.

AMAZON

Pride was the only weapon I had, and I would hold on to it until the very end.

Mafia romance is my jam. The darker, the better. And when I first saw the blurb to this story, I knew this had to be my first Cora Reilly book.

After finishing, I’ll admit I have very conflicting emotions about how I feel about it. On the one hand, I struggled to connect to the heroine and the way she was painted to be so naive and complacent in the beginning. On the other hand, the more I read, the more connected I felt to the story.

What begins as a twisted game of revenge soon begins to turn into something more. Remo and Serafina both come from the same world but they live on opposite sides of it. Where Serafina has been sheltered, Remo has seem the depths of human depravity and violence. So much so, that it’s twisted and tainted him into the Capo that he is today. The dynamic between them was a delicious one, however. I loved the push and pull of their unwanted attraction. Serbian should be a means to an end to a man like Remo. He doesn’t care about anything but his family. But there’s something about her that reaches into the hidden depths of him. It’s not instant. It’s a slow burn of realization as he discovers that Serafina isn’t the sheltered and soft beauty that she seems. That she’s got a core of strength and a pride beneath that delicate exterior. That he yearns to break her in all ways possible.

Now here is also where I struggled with the book; the characterization. It soon became apparent that I did myself a great disservice by reading this book without reading the others. There’s clearly a continuing story arc that follows the brothers, and even though the author attempts to give the reader bits and pieces, it still felt like I was missing huge chunks of their backstory. The incredible amount of redundant descriptions of Remo were a huge irritant for me. I lost count of the amount of times that I read about his cruel smile, cold voice and brutal acts. I’m not even kidding. The word cruel is used over 60 times in the book to describe either his smile, his eyes, or his general being. And yes, I counted.

Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed Remo’s dark depravity. But I also got tired of constantly being reminded of it. It felt like being slapped in the face with his personality. I get it! He’s cruel and brutal. Let his actions and behavior be the reminder. Not his description.

Aside from that, I really did enjoy the story. It was action-packed, gritty, and after the 30% mark, a complete page turner for me. And while I struggled with some parts, I still liked it enough to know I want to read the rest of this series. I definitely need Adamo’s story soon! That was a secondary character that I couldn’t get enough of.

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Review: Method by Kate Stewart

May 1, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

METHOD
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kate Stewart
Release Date: April 18, 2019

Hollywood is a temptress, a trickster, a soul-stealing devil. I married an A-list player, knowing I come second place to his craft. But Lucas and I are a golden couple, a modern-day fairy tale.

I’ve never doubted what we built…until the sudden death of Lucas’s best friend has scandal rocking the Hills and shaking the foundation of our relationship.

I chose Lucas as my safe haven…he chose the role of a lifetime.

For the next three months, I’ll share my nights with a stranger, watching as he buries his pain, immersed in his role and living as someone else.

We’ve done this before. I tell myself it’s just another movie, and he’ll return to me.

I should’ve known this time would be different.

To get my husband back, I’ll need the strength of ten men.

As it turns out, I’ll have to go through two.

AMAZON

We are thin hearts trying to break through thick walls.

What is it about Kate Stewart’s words that never fail to pull me into every single emotion that she instills into her incredible books. And this book? It was one emotional roller coaster full of heart wrenching and angsty romance. It was one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long damn while and I couldn’t stop reading it. It reached into the very depth of my reader’s soul and managed to pull out every feeling ranging from one extreme to the other. It made me swoon, it made me cry, and at times it made me rage.

Method touches on a subject that isn’t easy to read. It paints an incredibly vivid picture of what happens when talent and dedication begins to skate the edge of madness and something else. Something dangerous. Something dark.

Mila and Lucas are the epitome of the Hollywood couple; desperately in love with the type of beginning that any romantic’s dreams are made out of. After six year of wedded bliss, the sudden and tragic death of Lucas’s best friend sends them into a tailspin that neither saw coming.

Mila knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she married Lucas. She knew that his craft comes first and she knew the price he paid for the prep he does before his roles. But nothing could prepare her for the mist of mourning that her husband enters after the death of his best friend or just exactly what his dedication to his craft will cost them.

The story is told in several flashbacks ranging from present, to their first meeting, and to the months leading up to their current situation. I don’t typically have an issue with flashbacks, and you can see that the author had a reason for writing them the way that she did. However, I couldn’t help but struggle with this part. Just as I was getting into the feeling of being in the present, it would flash back to 6 years ago, or to the months leading up to their deterioration. This began to get extremely distracting for me. There were parts that felt they jumped too suddenly and if it wasn’t for the shift to italics in the font, I’d have no idea we were suddenly teleported to 5 years ago.

That aside, I fell desperately in love with these characters and their story. My heart bled for Lucas and everything he goes through just as my heart ached for Mila and everything she stood through. This is a couple that loves each other at their worst, but just didn’t expect what would happen when the worst turns ugly. What happens when mourning and regrets begin to morph into something darker. And the price you pay for raw talent and everything that it takes for making it as a Hollywood A-lister. It was raw and gut wrenching and absolutely unforgettable. I devoured all of the words. It kept me reading well into the night. I was completely captivated by this incredible story. It was phenomenal. It was one of a kind. Kate Stewart just gets better and better with every book and I can’t wait to see what her imagination will come up with next.

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Review: More Than Tempt You by Shayla Black

April 30, 2019 by ·

MORE THAN TEMPT YOU
Series: More Than Words #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Shayla Black
Release Date: April 30, 2019

I romanced her for revenge…but what if she’s not the enemy after all?

I’m Clint Holmes. I was an ambitious guy with a busy life and a growing business. Sure North Dakota wasn’t a tropical paradise, but I was happy enough—until tragedy struck. Now the only thing that matters is finding the person responsible and making her pay. But Bethany Banks is a Harvard-educated shark used to swallowing her enemies whole while playing dangerous corporate games. How can a blue-collar oil man like me possibly beat her?

The moment I lay eyes on my beautiful nemesis, the answer is obvious. I seduce her.

On Maui, where she’s fled, I get to know the man-eater who caused my family so much pain…only to find she’s not the brazen ballbuster I assumed. She’s skittish, secretive, vulnerable. For some reason, my instinct is to protect her. I can’t abandon my plan…but I can’t stop wanting her. Night after night, I pry her open with my touch until I’m drowning in our passion. Soon, I’m questioning everything, especially the fine line between love and hate. But when the past comes back to wreak vengeance and the truth explodes, can I prove that I’m more than tempted to love her forever?

AMAZON

I came for my pound of flesh…but I’m the one who lost my heart.

I have a rule when it comes to Shayla Black books= she writes them, I read them. No exception. And while I get excited about all of her upcoming releases, there was something about this blurb that had me particularly foaming at the mouth. It’s a twist on the enemies to lovers with a splash of revenge and I was dying to get my grabby little hands on it.

Clint is desperate for answers and revenge. After his father loses his entire life’s savings in a Ponzi scheme by those he trusted most, Clint needs to make them pay. His target? The beautiful and vicious financial wiz that held his father’s fortune and up and disappeared when the crooked empire that her father built went crumbling down. But not everything is what it seems.

Hawaii serves the beautiful backdrop to this story as Clint slowly begins to discover that Bethany may not quite be the ruthless shark that he thought she was.

I’ll admit, I had a tough time connecting Bethany’s true self to what I knew about her on paper. She seems to have two very big extremes; who she really is and who she needs to be, and there’s not much in the middle. She’s introverted and almost borderline naive, but at the same time…not. I won’t go into much detail here, but let’s just say some of the things she does for her father, I had a hard time connecting that woman to who she really is. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel for her and everything that she’s been through. This is a woman with many layers, and I was eager to keep unraveling them to get to the core of who she is.

The romance was deeply satisfying. I loved watching Clint’s eventual and almost unwilling fall for her. The more he gets to know the woman behind the enigma, the more he begins to question his resolve. I also loved that this is written in Clint’s POV. I really liked being in his head and experiencing his up and down emotions. He struggles with falling for the woman that’s responsible for his family’s greatest pain and he struggles even more with connecting his gut feelings and his heart.

This story had everything; feels and steam, mystery and action, along with a heart wrenching romance. I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t wait for more. Hopefully we get Clint’s brothers in the next one.

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than sixty novels. For nearly twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Connect with Shayla:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaylaBlackAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ShaylaBlack/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shayla_Black

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFM7RZF38CqBlr6YG3a4mRQ

Website: https://www.shaylablack.com

 

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: ,

Review: Nocturnes & Nightmares by Keri Lake

April 29, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

NOCTURNES & NIGHTMARES
Series: The Sandman Duet #1
Genre: Dark Thriller, Romantic Thriller
Author: Keri Lake
Release Date: April 29, 2019

The most terrifying monsters aren’t found in dreams …

Four young socialites have gone missing in the Chicago area. Two found dead, bearing the signature marks of a brutal serial killer. With the kind of tragedy that mars Nola Tensley’s past, she should be concerned, but without a pot to piss in, all the struggling single mom cares about is making a normal life for her son.

After all, she’s clearly not the murderer’s type.
Or is she?

When Rhett Voss, an enigmatic and handsome stranger, answers her ad for the outdated in-law suite at the back of her property, offering double her asking price, Nola really can’t refuse. Even though the supposed Wall Street Wolf seems better suited for a high-rise downtown—a suspicion that quickly turns into hindsight once she submits to the flirtations of her charming new tenant, and consequently, unearths a series of disturbing revelations.

Her curiosities lead her down the path of a madman, whose moniker, The Sandman, only hints at the grisly nature of his crimes. He’s smart. Evasive. A cunning psychopath with a twisted method of disposing his victims.

And his hunting grounds are hitting too close to home.

Author note: This book contains scenes of graphic sex and violence that some readers may find disturbing.

AMAZON

There’s something about this man I can’t quite put my finger on. Something wild and terrifying beneath that tightly composed mask he wears, like a thunderstorm behind the thin veil of a cloud.

A spine tingling, edge of your seat page turner!! This book was unlike anything I’ve read from Keri to date! I had goosebumps reading it. Honest to god goosebumps that only Keri’s words can elicit from me. The woman is an evil genius, crafting darker and darker tales that push the edge of every one of my boundaries and yet keeps me coming back for more like the addict that I am.

If the blurb doesn’t make it obvious enough, this book is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s dark. But more than that, it’s terrifying. It puts the reader inside the mind of a psychopath as they systematically and meticulously go on their killing spree. It introduces you to a serial killer that’s not just deranged, but smart in a way that’s allowed them to avoid being caught as more and more women fall into the deadly path.

It soon becomes apparent that in the center of the killer’s crosshairs is Nola Tensle, though she may not know it yet. As a single mom after the most devastating of tragedies, Nola is just trying to make it day by day and provide for her and her son. When an enigmatic stranger answers her ad for her rental in-suite, her life takes a sudden turn.

Now I have two words for you here: Rhett. Voss. Sweet mother! This man. GAH! Enigmatic and dark with a past shrouded in mystery and blood, this is an anti-hero like only Keri Lake can write. There’s a hidden depravity beneath the surface of the calm exterior that he presents to the world. And you can’t wait but finally get a taste for all the hidden desires that lurk just beneath his presence.

I would tell you that this is a dark thriller first and a romance second. The romance unravels organically in a way that’s realistic to the story, but you won’t be dissatisfied. However, the suspense will certainly take center stage in this first book.

This book kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to finish. I had to sleep with the lights out for a solid week after finishing and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was a hair raising sort of thriller that spun a dark web and kept you up all night. Love love LOVED IT!

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#DGRFave & Review: Pretty Reckless by LJ Shen

April 28, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

PRETTY RECKLESS
Series: All Saints High #1
Genre: New Adult, Mature Young Adult Romance
Author: LJ Shen
Release Date: April 26, 2019

From USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author L.J. Shen comes an intense, high school enemies-to-lovers romance with a twist.

Penn

They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
I’d had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to me, and now my heart was completely iced.
I took her first kiss.
She took the only thing I loved.
I was poor.
She was rich.
The good thing about circumstances? They can change. Fast.
Now, I’m her parents’ latest shiny project.
Her housemate. Her tormentor. The captain of the rival football team she hates so much.
Yeah, baby girl, say it—I’m your foster brother.
There’s a price to pay for ruining the only good thing in my life, and she’s about to shell out some serious tears.
Daria Followhill thinks she is THE queen. I’m about to prove to her that she’s nothing but a spoiled princess.

Daria

Everyone loves a good old unapologetic punk.
But being a bitch? Oh, you get slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll, and foot you put in your adversaries’ way.
The thing about stiletto heels is that they make a hell of a dent when you walk all over the people who try to hurt you.
In Penn Scully’s case, I pierced his heart until he bled out, then left it in a trash can on a bright summer day.
Four years ago, he asked me to save all my firsts for him.
Now he lives across the hall, and I want nothing more than to be his last everything.
His parting words when he gave me his heart were that nothing in this world is free.
Now? Now he is making me pay.

AMAZON

He gave me the rarest thing in the world, and I gave him heartache.”

Oh the angst! The angst of it all!!!

Welcome to your new addiction, angst addicts. Because this new series? It’s about to reach into your very soul and tear out all of the feels!

Pretty Reckless took high school rivals, added a splash of enemies to lovers, wrapped around heart-wrenching angst, and delivered one finger-licking utterly addicting page-turner! If NA angst is your crack of choice, then Shen is about to become your favorite dealer.

I don’t have enough praise for this book and everything that I experienced along with it. This is the stuff that my NA romance dreams are made of. Delicious angst, multilayered characters, plenty of plot twists, and an unputdownable story.

If you’ve read Shen’s Sinners of Saint series, then you’ll be familiar with the Followhill from Defy. Daria is the daughter of Melody and Jaime. And if you recall their forbidden union, then you already know that their daughter will have one big chip on her shoulder as she attends the same high school as her parents had their notorious relationship at.

Daria is easily one of my favorite heroines of LJ Shen to date. I love a female that can own the fact that she’s a queen B. But she’s also not the stereotypical do-gooder. This is a girl with a huge chip on her shoulder and she can be downright vicious to those that cross her path. She’s completely unapologetic about it, though being in her head, you see the glimpses of the vulnerability that causes her to lash out the way she does. Poor little rich girl.

As for Penn. Sweet mother of ovaries! I turned cougar for this man and I have no regrets. The turbulent enemies to lovers relationship that happens between these two kept me absolutely riveted to the pages. Daria may give as good as she gets, but Penn doesn’t pull any punches with her either. They are pure fire together.

I devoured and I mean straight up DEVOURED this book and was left desperate for more. Shen is a master of her craft and just keeps getting better and better with each new book. I’m already frothing at the mouth for more ASH!

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#NewRelease & Review: The Perfect First by Maya Hughes

April 25, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

THE PERFECT FIRST
Series: Fulton U #1
Genre: New Adult Romance
Author: Maya Hughes
Release Date: April 25, 2019

“How long do you last in bed?” Those were her first words to me, swiftly followed up with, “And how big would you say you are?”

Cue the record scratching, what?!

Persephone Alexander. Math genius. Lover of blazers. The only girl I know who can make Heidi braids look sexy as hell. And she’s on a mission. Lose her virginity by the end of the semester.

I walked in on her interview session for potential candidates (who even does that?) and saw straight through her brave front. She’s got a list of Firsts to accomplish like she’s only got months to live. I’ve decided to be her guide for all her firsts except one. Someone’s got to keep her out of trouble. I have one rule, no sex. We even shook on it.

I’ll help her find the right guy for the job. Someone like her doesn’t need someone like me and my massive…baggage for her first time.

Drinking at a bar. Check.

Partying all night. Double check.

Skinny dipping. Triple check.

She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. The walls I’d put up around my heart are slowly crumbling with each touch that sets fire to my soul.

I’m the first to bend the rules. One electrifying kiss changes everything and suddenly I don’t want to be her first, I want to be her only. But her plan was written before I came onto the scene and now I’m determined to get her to re-write her future with me.

AMAZON

I’d give her the other firsts, as many as I could, because if I gave her too much, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from never wanting to stop.

Calling all New Adult Romance fans, because The Perfect First is an absolute must read. It was a swoony, quirky, steamy, funny and utterly endearing page-turner. I devoured this. I binge read it. I couldn’t put it down for even a minute.

I’ve read my fair share of New Adult romance and some of these stories are a dime a dozen. But this was not one of those stories! There was this uniqueness to this book that just resonated with me. It made it into one of those books that I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

Shy virgin meets sexy college football superstar? Yes, please. But this book was so much more than that! I think what really made the story for me was Seph. On paper, she’s not a heroine that I gravitate towards. She’s a shy and totally sheltered genius. She has no friends because she has no idea how to handle social situations. She’s never so much as been exposed to them outside of school mixers with older professors and tutors. But she’s not the quirky introvert that I was expecting. Her father is a domineering tyrant that expects nothing short of extraordinary from her and it’s been a weight on her shoulders for her entire life. Being away from home and in college, she’s determined to have all of the firsts that she’s missed out on her entire life, even if she has to take an ad out for the perfect first to take her virginity.

Reece doesn’t answer her ad. He has no shortage of willing females on campus being the football superstar that he is. But when he inadvertently stumbles on Seph’s “interview session” he can’t help but be intrigued by the girl. What starts as an unlikely friendship soon begins to develop into something neither one of them were expecting.

I can’t tell you enough just how much I loved Seph’s character. There was this sweet and naive quality to her. It was so entertaining to see her grow into herself with each new experience she has with Reece. Until she finally grows into someone that stands up for what she wants. I loved watching her become more and more comfortable in her own skin. I loved the way her friendship with Reece slowly develops into that something more. I seriously couldn’t get enough of the two of them together.

The Perfect First was simply delicious! I’m talking finger-licking good sort of NA and I’m beyond excited for this brand new series. Every secondary character that’s been introduced already has my full attention and all of the grabby hands. I need LJ and Nix’s books like YESTERDAY. If you’re a fan of fun and quirky NA with plenty of steam, unique characters, and a romance that you will root for from begging to finish, The Perfect First is NOT TO BE MISSED!


Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! 🙂 I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Author Links

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Review: Chasing Bliss by Lexi Blake

April 24, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

CHASING BLISS
Series: Nights In Bliss #7
Genre: Erotic Romance, Menage, Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 23, 2019

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

Gemma Wells came to Bliss, Colorado, after a scandal cost her everything. Utterly lost, she’s built walls so high, she thinks no one can get through them. She’s done with love and friendship and all matters of the heart.

Jesse McCann and Cade Sinclair have floated through life, enjoying the world around them, but not becoming a part of it. One look at the pretty attorney and Jesse realizes he’s found a reason to stay put. Cade is crazy about her, but his dark past keeps him at arm’s length. He wants her, but he’s sure he doesn’t deserve her.

But a secret from Gemma’s past threatens to wreck their futures. Her fiancé is back and brings danger with him. Time is running out. Jesse and Cade have to melt this Ice Queen’s heart or she might not leave Bliss alive.

AMAZON

The one who hugged me is Jesse McCann, and he’s apparently a bit of a pervert. The one who’s running away is the man formerly known as Bare-Chested Ape Man. His real name is Cade. Sinclair, I think. Apparently he likes to be naked. Like a lot. This place is weird.”
Naomi grinned. “This place is awesome. So you’re being pursued by a nudist and a Dom?”

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this series is my crack. A guilty pleasure read that always leaves me satisfied with just the right amount of action and suspense drizzled around an enticingly sexy MFM romance. The fictional town of Bliss makes for a charming background filled with quirky and vivid secondary characters that I’ll never get enough of.

After meeting Cade and Jesse in the previous book, I was more than ready for their story. Two sexy mechanics? Bring it on, I say. Of course, in true series fashion, one of them will ultimately be the damaged one and the other be pushing forward for love. And while it may sound formulaic, it never gets old for me. Cade is the standoffish one to Jesse’s lighter side. Though Jesse definitely has his own frustrating quirks himself. And while admittedly I got tired of Cade’s constant push back, I liked the way that Jesse’s easy going demeanor balanced out the dynamic.

Gemma is a heroine that was impossible not to like for me. The woman hides a soft heart beneath a brash and snarky exterior. And yes, this may be because I found her to be my spirit animal, but i just couldn’t help but find her endearing. This is a woman that’s been through a lot and life hardened her edges. She’s slow to trust and she has no problem putting someone in their place. It takes a lot for Jesse to find get to that delicate center she hides so well. And when Cade discovers that she’s not quite the ball buster big city chick that she comes across as, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

I loved the way Gemma gave them both hell and I definitely loved the way they both worked for her in their own right. While I did get frustrated with each of them at some points in the story, I still couldn’t get enough. The action and suspense was perfectly paced and of course I loved more glimpses of my poor broken Michael. I can’t wait for his book! As for this one, it was another fantastic addition to one addicting series!

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New Release & Review: Black List by Lynn Raye Harris

April 23, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

BLACK LIST
Series: Black’s Bandits #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Release Date: April 23, 2019

Jace Kaiser is a man without a country, without connection. His only loyalty is to the group who saved him, and the man who leads them. 
Until her…

The assignment should have been easy. Capture a deadly assassin and take her to HQ. But flawed intel leads to disaster, and Jace abducts a beautiful art appraiser instead. Intrigued by her courage, he’s drawn to her in ways he can’t explain. Dr. Madeline Cole stood up to him, fought for her identity, and never backed down. She’s the kind of woman he could fall for if it wasn’t so dangerous–for her.

Then Maddy is targeted for elimination because she’s the sole person who can identify the mysterious female assassin–and the only thing standing between her and certain death is the sexy mercenary who swears he’ll die before he lets anything happen to her. As the passion between them ignites, it seems clear that keeping Maddy safe has become the most important assignment of Jace’s life.

Even then, protecting her might not be enough–because Jace has secrets that could destroy them both. And someone is determined to unmask them all…

AMAZON

I’m not safe,” he told her. Growled at her, really. “Don’t you know what this is, Maddy?”
She licked her lips. Shook her pretty head. Her eyes were wide. Not scared, but slightly shocked. She didn’t speak.
“It’s a seduction,” he told her. “I want you beneath me. On top of me. Surrounding me. I’ve never even kissed you, and I want you so badly my knees are weak with it.”

Well hot diggity damn! Looks like I’ve got myself another smokin’ hot spinoff to obsess over. See what I did there? HOT series? HOT Spinoff? Ha! I crack myself up sometimes. Quit judging me! It was funny in my head. But I digress.

If you’ve been a devoted Ian Black addict like me, you’ll be practically wetting yourself with excitement over this brand new series. Because we finally get a series for those covert mercenaries that we’ve seen make appearances in so many HOT books. And let me tell you, friends, they’re even hotter than I thought!

The first book brings us the story of the mysterious Jace Kaiser. The man is clouded in mystery like his boss. And if the prologue was anything to go by, you knew you were in for one hell of a ride with his story. A case of mistaken identity when hunting down a dangerous and lethal target, leads Jace down a path he never expected. I mean, it’s not everyday that you essentially kidnap a woman that you think is a lethal assassin only to discover she’s exactly who she says she is. And who she is tempts you like no other. Maddy was a bit too sweet for my tastes at times, but she balanced Jace’s edges nicely. Admittedly, I had a little bit of a hard time connecting to her because I like my heroines with a bit more of an edge, but this is totally a personal bias. Ultimately I loved her and Jace together.

But what REALLY stole the show for me here was the intro to one secondary character that I knew right away would be my catnip. And at the end of the book, I discovered I was not wrong. Holy hot damn! If they end up with who I think they end up with, I’m already salivating for that book. And if you were craving more Ian Black, not only do you get him here, but you even get a peek into his head with a few chapters in his POV. Suffice it to say, this reader was on book cloud 9! I can’t wait for more in this series!

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#DGRFave & Review & Giveaway: Pieces of Us by @aljacksonauthor

April 22, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
 
PIECES OF US
Series: Confessions of the Heart #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: A.L. Jackson
Release Date: April 22, 2019
Maxon Chambers has a way of stealing all the attention.
All my affection, and all my dreams.
What I needed to remember was he’d stolen my good judgment and my virginity, too.
When he broke up with me, I ran across the country and swore I’d never return to Broadshire Rim.
But here I am, thirteen years later.
Maxon is all grown up.
Sexier than sin and more tempting than ever.
A detective on the Charleston force, he lives on the outside of safety, devoted to protecting the people of his city.
But with the way he’s looking at me now? I’m pretty sure what needs protecting is my heart.
Can we mend the pieces of us? Or will he leave my heart shattered forever . . .

There’s never been a single day in my life when I didn’t want you. We are endless.”


Deeply romantic, heartbreakingly emotional, and achingly beautiful. Pieces of Us is easily one of my favorite AL Jackson books to date. I fell head over heels for Mack and Izzy’s story and I still can’t stop thinking about them after finishing.

It’s no secret that I love a good punch to the feels that a second chance romance always brings. But there was something so special about Mack and Izzy’s story. I don’t even know how to begin to describe it, but it felt almost electric. I always knew there was some darkness in Mack’s past. He’s been such a solid presence in his friend’s lives. But beneath that cop exterior, still waters run deep. This is a man with deep emotional scars and demons from his past that continue to haunt his present

Izzy has loved Maxon “Mack” Chambers since they were kids. Him, the boy on the wrong side of the tracks. Her, the sweet dreamer that thought she can save him. But then everything they built came tumbling down around Izzy and she had no choice but to run. Now she’s back and has no desire to see the man that broke her heart. But things never quite go as you intended.

I really don’t want to tell you much more about this story, but prepare yourself for one emotional ride. I couldn’t bear to put this book down for even a second, utterly desperate for another piece of Izze and Mack’s past. I was dying to know how it all fell apart and even more desperate to see how they would rebuild it all.

Mack is one of my favorite heroes in this series. And I though I loved Ian. But man, nothing compares to the way that this man loves. His soul is so achingly broken and yet he yearns for Izzy and everything that they lost. Izzy is a heroine that’s impossible not to love. She’s this delicate combination of vulnerability and strength. She’s survived so much pain in her life and yet she holds strong. She never gave up on Mack when they were kids. Her unique view of the world and wonderment were extremely endearing. Izzy as an adult is even more so.

I loved everything about this story. Two secondary characters in particular. These two completely owned my heart. I loved them so much.

If you’re looking for a beautiful romance that will break you and then put you back together in the best of ways, you seriously can’t go wrong with this book. I can’t recommend it enough!

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, and FIGHT FOR ME novels. Grab A.L. Jackson’s latest novel, PIECES OF US, the third stand-alone novel in her brand-new CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART series.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonAmzn
Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor

Don’t miss the awesome giveaway for the Pieces of Us release! It’s the first two books from the Confessions of the Heart Series + Kindle Fire + Polaroid Camera + All the Goods!

Ahhh I can’t wait for you to experience this story! I’m so insanely proud of it! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
xoxo ~
Amy

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Review: Praying For Rain by BB Easton

April 11, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

PRAYING FOR RAIN
Series: Praying For Rain #1
Genre: Dystopian Romance
Author: BB Easton
Release Date: April 11, 2019

“None of this matters, and we’re all going to die.”

With only three days left until the predicted apocalypse, the small town of Franklin Springs, Georgia, has become a wasteland of abandoned cars, abandoned homes, abandoned businesses, and abandoned people. People like Rainbow Williams.

Rain isn’t afraid of dying. In fact, she’s looking forward to it. If she can just outrun her pain until April 23, she’ll never have to feel it at all.

Wes Parker has survived every horrible thing this life has thrown at him with nothing more than his resourcefulness and disarming good looks. Why should the end of the world be any different? All he needs are some basic supplies, shelter, and a sucker willing to help him out, which is exactly what he finds when he returns to his hometown of Franklin Springs.

As society crumbles, dangers mount, and secrets refuse to stay buried, two lost souls are thrust together in a twist of fate—one who will do anything to survive and one who can’t wait to die.

Perhaps, together, they can learn how to live.

Before their time runs out.

AMAZON

I’ve finally found what I’ve been missing my whole life, and if I keep it, it will kill me.
No wonder Rain was wearing a black hoodie when I met her.
She’s the fifth fucking horseman of the apocalypse.

Have you ever read a book where the story unravels like a movie reel before your eyes? Because the entire time I was reading Praying For Rain, I could have sworn that I was inside of it. The world building, the mystery, the characters, the totally riveting story line all combined to suck you ride into the story and keep you at the edge of your seat the entire time!

Dystopian is not a genre that I would typically gravitate towards, but when a trusted book friend tells you that a book is a must read, you read the damn book. And if you’re sitting there and thinking on wether or not to take the plunge, I’ll tell you that you NEED TO READ THIS DAMN BOOK!

Rain presses up onto her toes at the same moment that I dive for her parted lips, and our mouths collide like the train wreck that we are.

What would the world turn into if everyone knew they only have days to live? What if everyone was having extremely vivid nightmares that foreshadows the end of days on April 23rd? Nightmares that shows the world burning to the ground and a mysterious entity that’s the cause of it all. Pure chaos and pandemonium would ensue, bringing out the very worst of humanity.

That’s the backdrop of the story in Praying For Rain. Sound delicious? Because it really was. The book introduces Rain, a young woman with secrets and some clearly deep seated issues. Rain has made her peace with the fact that she won’t survive April 23rd. She’s just trying to make the best of the days she has left and numb her pain and memories with anything she can. A chance encounter introduces her to Wes, a man that’s determined to survive. What first starts as a mutually selfish partnership, soon begins to turn into something more.

Wes and Rain were incredibly multi-layered characters. Deeply flawed and broken almost beyond repair, they both have some issues. But as the layers begin to unravel, you begin to see the why’s of it and become more and more invested in these characters and their survival.

While there’s plenty of world building taking place, it’s still very much a character driven story. The first half is somewhat slow paced and it picks up in the second half that leaves you with your jaw on the floor at the end.

This was my first BB Easton book and I now know it will certainly not be my last. I can’t wait for the continuation of this trilogy and see how it all ends.

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