DGR Fave & Geri’s Review: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

June 6, 2018 by ·

THE KISS QUOTIENT
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Author: Helen Hoang
Release Date: June 5, 2018

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases–a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice–with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan.

The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan–from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he’s making her feel.

Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic…

AMAZON | B&N

All the things that make you different make you perfect.”

Oh my gosh, this book!

I’ve seen my friends gush about Helen Hoang’s debut for a month or so, and being a contrarian that I am, I tried to temper my expectations. I’ve been here before. Everyone I know loved a book and I’m like, ‘meh’. But that’s not the case here.

The Kiss Quotient not only met my expectations, IT EXCEEDED IT!

I finished this book with a huge grin on my face (always a good sign) and full heart. These characters that Hoang brought to life in the pages of her book made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with them.

You’re very good at the talking part.”
“I’ve had sex. There isn’t a talking part.”
A spark danced in his eyes. “There’s definitely a talking part.”

Stella Lane is magnificent as Hoang’s heroine. She’s beautiful, smart, and kind. Her motivations were so wonderfully written and explored by the author that there’s really nothing I can say except, WOW. I just fell in love with her character just like Michael did.

And speaking Michael? Oh man, easily one of the best romance heroes ever. And I don’t say this lightly. Michael Larsen is a cinnamon roll. Sweet and gooey and perfect for Stella! He might be the sweetest and softest hero but he also owns one of the dirtiest mouth out there. In other words, he’s perfect.

Love, he found, was a jail. It trapped, and it clipped wings. It dragged you down, forced you to places you didn’t want to go.

In all seriousness though, this book is definitely one of the best I’ve read this year. Everything about it worked for me. The romance was excellent. The characters were multi-dimensional, even the secondary ones (please give us Quan’s book, please?), were interesting and had motivations you can relate to.  And lastly, don’t let the pretty pastel cover fool you ’cause this book is super steamy in the best way possible.

So yeah, I dig everything about this book and I hope you would read it and dig it too.

 

· Filed Under: All Reviews, By Star Rating, DGR Favorites, Dirty Talkers · Tagged With: , , ,

Review: Order of Protection by Lexi Blake

June 5, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

ORDER OF PROTECTION
Series: Courting Justice #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: June 5, 2018

A sexy and suspenseful new contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake where love and law entwine for a conviction of the heart.

To high-end defense attorney Henry Garrison, Win Hughes is a woman he met during one of the most trying times of his life. She’s soft and warm, and he finds solace in their brief relationship. But Win has a secret. She’s actually Taylor Winston-Hughes—born to one of the wealthiest families in the country, orphaned as a child by a tragic accident. Win moves in the wealthiest circles, but her lavish lifestyle hides her pain.

When her best friend is murdered in the midst of a glittering New York gala, Win’s charged with the crime, and the only person in the world she wants to see is Henry.

Henry is shocked at the true identity of his lover, but he can’t reject the case. This trial could take his new firm into the stratosphere. Still, he’s not getting burned by Win again. And yet every turn brings them closer together.

As the case takes a wild turn and Win’s entire life is upended, she must look to the people she’s closest to in order to find a killer. And Henry must decide between making his case and saving the woman he loves…

AMAZON

Win had done that for him, too. Win had done all those things, and just like the fucking alcohol, she’d turned out to be one more addiction he couldn’t afford.

You know what I truly love about this author? Her ability to create new characters while also tying in all previous favorites. If you’ve read her Masters & Mercenaries series as well as her Lawless trilogy, then you’re in for a treat with the cameos that will appear in her brand new Courting Justice series.

In Order of Protection, we’re introduced to the Monster of Manhattan, Henry Garrison, as he picks up the pieces of his life after he hits rock bottom following a bitter divorce from his famous actress wife and the ensuing scandal of it that almost cost him his career as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in NY. He’s done with women, and he’s officially done with the rich and spoiled famous ones.

Taylor Winston Hughes is no stranger to the limelight. As the infamous Billion Dollar Baby, the heiress is used to being in the scrutiny of the public eye. At one point, it almost cost her her life. She meets Henry at a time when they need each other the most. But while she knows right away who he is, Henry has no idea that Win isn’t just a gorgeous woman that he has a weeklong affair with. And when she’s framed for the murder of her best friend, he’s the only one that she can count on.

Henry and Win’s relationship was tumultuous at best. Both of them have been burned in the past. But where Win is more realistic about it and isn’t afraid to own her feelings, Henry runs from them at all costs. He goes hot and cold often, and when he finds out Win’s true identity, he turns downright ice cold. There were times where I wanted to slap him, but I also understood the whys of it. The character development was truly on point here, and it helped sympathize with both characters easily.

I really loved Win. She’s not a naive and spoiled little rich girl. This is a woman that knows what she wants and is a survivor. She’s not afraid to stand up to Henry and his mood swings. I enjoyed her quite a bit.

There’s quite a bit happening with the story between the romance and the suspense of who done it that leaves you guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the suspense element immensely, especially since it really did leave me reeling once the truth of everything came out. The romance was great, even if it ran hot and cold at times. I loved the angst between this couple, though I’ll admit that I wanted Win to make Henry work for it at times and not give into him as easily as she did at times.

I LOVE that we get more Noah Lawless and I’m practically salivating for his book. I’ll settle for David’s next since Lexi does like to save the best for last and I’ll take what I can get.

Order of Protection was a romance full of suspense and deeply buried secrets. It was had a bit of a slow start, but when it picked up steam around the 40% mark, it was unputdownable. Lexi Blake can really do no wrong with me, and I can’t wait for more in this series.

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Review: In Bed With The Beast by Tara Sivec

June 4, 2018 by · Leave a Comment


IN BED WITH THE BEAST
Series: The Naughty Princess Club #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Author: Tara Sivec
Release Date: June 5, 2018

A tale as old as time: she needs a place to stay, he’s a grump with a secret and an extra room…can love find a way?

Meet the Naughty Princess Club, a series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that brings readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that three women fall into once they decide to strut their stuff and bring on their own happily ever after.

Living in her overprotective dad’s basement, shy Belle lives her life through books. Being a part of the Naughty Princess Club is the first adventure she’s ever had, plus she desperately needs the money to save one of her favorite places – the local library.

But when her new friends and new business gets her kicked out of her dad’s house, Belle is rescued by the surly Vincent “Beast” Adams who invites her to be his house guest until she gets back on her feet. Despite his attitude problem and long list of rules, Belle finds herself warming to the muscled man with a penchant for growling and starts seeing a gentle side to him that wasn’t there before.

Yet there’s a room that Beast keeps locked and Belle keeps getting hints that Beast is hiding something…can a nerdy librarian tame the beast or will their romance be over before it has a chance to blossom?

AMAZON | iBOOKS

“Oh, my God,” I whisper, my thighs clenching…
“My name’s Vincent. But you can yell whatever you want tonight.”


Oh beast. *heart eyes emoji*

Man do I love me those broody bearded types. And it just doesn’t get any broodier than beast aka Vincent. The silent and grumpy security guard at Charming. If you’ve already read At the Stroke of Midnight, then you’ve already seen the awkwardly hilarious first encounter between him and Belle. And if you haven’t, no worries, because you won’t have any trouble reading this as a standalone. However, I still highly recommend book one simply because it’s freaking AWESOME! But I digress.

Belle is the shy and awkward one of the three girlfriends. She has a tendency to sprout random weird facts when she feels awkward, and that’s quite common. I also couldn’t get enough of her adorably quirky personality. After living in her father’s basement for far too long, this shy librarian is finally ready to take life by the horns. First thing? Book her first stripper event so she can help save her financially struggling beloved library in which she works. Too bad her experience with men of the non fictional variety is entirely too limited. So what’s a girl to do? Enlist the help of the silent, broody one that seems to be hounding her every step lately.

One of my favorite things about this series is most definitely the banter and the friendship that Belle shares with Ariel and Cindy. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Cindy’s loud mouth and balls to the wall personality. That girl brings each page she appears on to life. She’s truly my spirit animal.

I usually pair this dress with a colorful cardigan sweater and a pair of ballet flats in the same color as the sweater,” I complain, shifting from foot to foot in the heels she made me put on.
“If you ever put a cardigan on again I will punch you in the throat. Also, if you ever use a safety pin to close the neckline of one of your dresses again, I’ll stab you in the eye with it.”

Vincent was deliciously broody. With a painful history, he’s withdrawn completely into himself. But little does he know that a quirky librarian will help him see the light of things.

In Bed With The Beast was a delicious slow burn full of heart and humor. I absolutely adored Belle and Beast together. Watching his heart slowly melt and as he unwillingly falls harder and harder for Belle was entirely satisfying. I’m seriously hooked on this series, but I’m pretty sure I’d part with an ovary to get my hands on Ariel’s book. That set up screams awesome and I absolutely cannot wait to read her book!

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Geri’s Review: Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

May 30, 2018 by ·

GRUMPY FAKE BOYFRIEND
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Jackie Lau
Release Date: May 22nd 2018

I’m a pretty simple guy. When I’m not writing a science fiction novel, I’m watching a good movie or reading a book.

Alone. I like my reclusive life.

That is, until my only friend asks for a favor—pretend to be his baby sister’s boyfriend on a couples’ getaway. Her ex is going to be there and she needs me as a buffer.

I should have said no, but Naomi is bubbly, energetic, and beautiful.

She also means everything to her brother.

But now, our fake romance is starting to feel all too real, and I find myself stuck between the promise I made to my friend and risking my heart to the one woman who might actually get me…

 

AMAZON

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend is exactly what I expected—a sweet, low-angst romance with cute banter, and fun, relatable characters.

Will Stafford is the aforementioned grumpy, fake boyfriend who was asked by a dear friend of his to pretend to be his sister’s fake boyfriend for the weekend. Will is many things but he is not a social person at all.

A weekend—a long weekend—with several people I don’t know in a freaking beach house while pretending to be someone’s boyfriend is pretty much the worst thing I could imagine.

But he owes Jeremy big time. So despite his reservations, he agreed to spend time with strangers and pretend to be someone’s boyfriend.

Enter Naomi Kwan. The bubbly, fun, beautiful sister in need of a fake boyfriend. She’s social, and she’s not afraid to put herself out there. A total opposite of Will. But the moment they met, the chemistry between them was undeniable.

We need to figure out our story. How did we meet? How long have we been dating?”

“A month,” I say. “We met through your brother.”

“You’re a writer. I thought you had better imagination than that.”

This was a fun book to read. Mainly because Will’s and Naomi’s inner monologue were a riot. They’re both hilarious. Their banter was cute and despite some personal issues I have with the writing style—first person present tense is not my favorite AT ALL—I was engaged and smiling all the way through. The characters were just so dang fun to read.

Jackie Lau was able to highlight the differences in their personality without feeling like it’s too much of a difference for them to be realistically together. That’s also an issue for me with the opposite attracts trope. Sometimes the two main characters are too much of an opposite that the HEA doesn’t feel believable. That wasn’t a problem here. The author was able to craft Naomi and Will’s personalities and still was able to convince me that they can work together as a couple.

Overall, this was a sweet and fun read. I finished this book with a smile on my face. So if you’re looking for some light, low-angst read, I would recommend this book.

· Filed Under: All Reviews, By Star Rating, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: , ,

Review: Riven by Roan Parrish

May 28, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

RIVEN
Genre: Contemporary MM Romance
Author: Roan Parrish
Release Date: May 29, 2018

Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he doesn’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.

Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.

AMAZON

He was lust and heat and power and I fucking loved it.

Have you ever read a book for the cover alone? What? Now don’t look at me like that. Have you seen this cover? There’s just something about it that’s utterly magnetic. It lures you in. And then you read the blurb, and INSTANT HOOK!

This was my second book by Roan Parrish and I’m definitely a fan. Riven is an emotional, character driven story that was as gripping as it was raw. Now normally, I don’t really enjoy a romance where the main characters hook up in less than 20% of the book. But that’s what happened when Theo first stumbles onto Caleb. The unwilling rockstar that’s trying to escape his reality meets a brooding recovering addict and sparks fly immediately. After no more than some conversation over their love of music and a romantic walk, they fall into bed together. But yet somehow it totally worked in this story.

The chemistry between Theo and Caleb may have been instant, but it also progresses over the course of their courtship. Caleb struggles daily with his sobriety. He was such an endearingly imperfect character. This is a man that’s as far from perfect as it gets, and he knows it. After several failed stints in rehab, he hopes his third will be the charm. Cutting himself off fully from his previous life is the only way he sees of serving sobriety this time around. And Theo and his fame threatens everything he’s worked so hard for.

Theo was absolutely adorable. There was something so vulnerable about him that you can’t help but fall for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his emotions all over his face. He’s one of the most genuine characters I’ve read in a long while. His fame is still a shock to him and something he struggles with. He loves music, but hates the notoriety that has come with it and the weird vibe that he seems to have with his bandmates. Caleb is his escape from his own gloom reality.

Theo had burrowed deeper than I’d realized, dug barbs into me. And when he’d ripped away—when I’d pushed him away—it had felt like they all tore loose at once.

This was a bit slower paced than I normally like, but it still worked for me. I loved the characters, and I absolutely loved the story. It may not have been my normal cuppa, but it was one I enjoyed from beginning to finish. Caleb and Theo were adorable together and oh so sexy. If you’re looking for an emotionally charged, character driven story, this is a definite must read.

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Review: Rogue Royalty by Meghan March

May 23, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

ROGUE ROYALTY
Series: Savage Trilogy #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Author: Meghan March
Release Day: May 22, 2018

New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March concludes the story of her next devastating and damaged anti-hero in the final book in the Savage Trilogy, Rogue Royalty.

Unthinkable. Unbelievable. Inconceivable.

I don’t recognize what my life has become.

I can’t tell where the lies end and the truth begins anymore.

He came into my world and urged me out of my safe little corner.

All my dreams are coming true except the one thing I want most—my own happy ending.

But I’ll fight for it.

For now.

For always.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO | AUDIBLE 

I don’t deserve her at all. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her more than I want my next breath.

I finished this book in one sitting, as it my norm with all things Meghan March. However, I also finished this book three days ago. I’ve then spent that long picking my jaw off of the ground long enough to write this review. Truth be told, I still can’t even. No seriously. I honestly can’t even form a sentence. My head is still busy exploding. Because not only is Meghan March the queen of cliff hangers, apparently the woman is also the queen of plot twists. Or she’s the devil. Because swear to god, those twists are evil. They screw with my brain and I can’t stop thinking about them for days afterwards.

How do I even begin to write this review and keep it spoiler free? I haven’t a clue here, guys. I feel like the slightest detail could ruin it for someone that hasn’t read it, and so I’m going to vague review the hell out of this review and hope you don’t hate me for it. Because, paying it forward and all that jazz.

With him, I feel all the extremes. There’s nothing average about what we have.

If you haven’t read the first two books, don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans here and ruin it for you. But if I can recommend one thing, is you go into this trilogy absolutely blind. Don’t read the blurbs. Don’t read the reviews. JUST READ THE BOOKS.

But I digress. After two books of sizzling build up, it all comes to a head in Rogue Royalty. Secrets are unveiled, and boy were there some doozies here. For everyone. The truth is finally revealed, and when the cracks of everything that Temperance thought she knew begin to tumble further at her feet, her entire world blows apart.

I have to be honest, for the first 50% I found myself thinking this was going to be a 3 star read for me. I’m an ADD reader after all, and trilogies tend to lose me right around book 3; I tend to get complacent and bored. I should have known better that it was simply the calm before the storm. Because HOLY SHIT was there a storm. I was left questioning my own name at the end of it. Damn. Just damn.

Rogue Royalty was one epic twist after the next. It was sexy thrilling. It was a mind blowing conclusion to one suspenseful and erotically charged trilogy. It was nothing I had expected and I’m still reeling.

GRAB THE REST OF THE TRILOGY

SAVAGE PRINCE 

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO 

IRON PRINCESS

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO

ROGUE ROYALTY

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO

A New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had.

Sign up for Meghan’s newsletter and receive exclusive content that she saves for her subscribers: http://meghanmarch.com/subscribe

To get the inside scoop on a daily basis, search Meghan March’s Runaway Readers on Facebook and join the fun.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | TWITTER | PINTEREST

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Rom, Romantic Suspense · Tagged With: , ,

New Release & Review: Beneath The Scars by Cherise Sinclair

May 22, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

BENEATH THE SCARS
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands #13
Genre: BDSM Romance, Contemporary
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Release Date: May 22, 2018

Josie doesn’t need any help raising her son.

Pregnant at sixteen, Josie learned the hard way about men and their empty promises. She picked herself up and is raising her eleven-year-old son. By herself. And that’s the way she intends it to stay. Unfortunately, her impressionable boy becomes fascinated by the scruffy, intimidating biker who lives next door.

The scars on Holt’s face are only the most visible of his wounds.

Out of the hospital after being attacked in his own damn house, Holt is coming to terms with the fact that his scars frighten people. Like his now-ex-girlfriend who ran after one look at him. Like his redheaded neighbor who hauled her boy away as if Holt was a serial killer. Fine. He’ll give the pretty bartender all the space she wants.

The Shadowlands will bring them together…

When Josie starts bartending in the exclusive, private club, she discovers her neighbor is a member. And a Master–a skilled powerful Dom who can make her fantasies come true. Slowly, the firefighter breaks down the walls around her heart, teaching her how to trust. How to love…

But when her son’s choices lead to disaster, can their relationship survive?

AMAZON

The three C’s—he had them in abundance: competent, confident, and caring. She’d never been so…attracted…to anyone before.

All of the feels and hot as sin BDSM romance combine for another incredible addition to the Masters of the Shadowlands series. I will never tire of these books or Cherise Sinclair’s words. She has this ability to create a BDSM romance that evokes as much emotion as it does chemistry, and characters that are impossible to forget. Beneath the Scars was no exception.

His intent gaze said the Dom would figure out why she was running. And the idea of him getting deeper was simply terrifying.

Holt. *Dreamy sigh*
This man. I swear. How can a man be equally soft, sweet and protective while being intense, dominant and sexy? I don’t know, but Holt was all of those things and more. This is a man that wants a woman of his own. He doesn’t run from relationships. Unfortunately he just doesn’t have the best luck with the women he’s dated lately. His most recent girlfriend left him in the hospital after seeing the gruesome scars he was left with after his near fatal attack by a crazy stalker in the events that began in Mischief and the Masters. Now he’s back home, recuperating and itching to get back to his job as a firefighter and EMT. Are you swooning yet? Because GAH! But I digress.

Josie has trust issues when it comes to men. She learned her lesson after the deceit of a man she thought cared for her left her a single mother at a young age. Now all she cares about is taking care of her son and making ends meet. But when a new job offer that she can’t turn away lands her as a new bartender at the Shadowlands club, the neighbor that she grossly misjudged at first meeting begins to turn her world on its axis.

Because he fully intended to sweep her off her feet and into his arms. And keep her there.

Josie took a bit for me to warm up to, if I’m being perfectly honest. She’s quick to jump to the worst possible conclusions when it comes to Holt due to her history, and at times I wanted to shake her. But at the same time, I also understood her and sympathized with her. Cherise always does such an amazing job with her character development, that I have yet to meet one that I didn’t love.

But ultimately, what made this book for me was Holt. The man was everything. EVERYTHING. He had all the patience in the world when it came to Josie and he wasn’t afraid to wait her out. He was sweet, understanding, and an ultimate Dom. He was sweet and patient when it came to introducing the finicky Josie to the lifestyle. I adored him.

I also loved the way that he took care of Josie’s son and their interactions. I loved that Cherise gave the reader a peek inside the young boy’s head. It wasn’t just about Josie and Holt, but about Josie and her son and Holt. And I loved that we got to see all of that develop.

Beneath the Scars was an emotional, deeply satisfying, and sexy romance. It was everything I’ve come to crave from the talented Cherise Sinclair and I already find myself craving more in this series.

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Review: Stripped by Tara Wyatt

May 18, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

STRIPPED
Series: Blue HEAT #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tara Wyatt
Release Date: May 15, 2018

Detective Sawyer Matthews isn’t just having a bad day—he’s having the worst day. His hunt for the criminal who killed his team member has stalled and now… he’s got to play nice with his new, totally unwanted partner. It’s not that she isn’t qualified, or that he doesn’t like her—it’s because he knows what she looks like naked. So very, very naked.

Brooke Simmons finally landed her dream job working for H.E.A.T, an elite undercover detective squad, and she’s not giving up simply because she had a one-night-stand with her sullen—but undeniably sexy—new partner. They’ll just have to keep it professional. Easier said than done, considering their first case requires Sawyer to infiltrate a drug cartel operating out of a male strip show. Watching him do his best Magic Mike impression every night isn’t just hot—it’s torture.

Sawyer doesn’t need any distractions, yet his attraction to Brooke is explosive and he can’t resist going for round two. Or three. Or four. But as their investigation progresses and danger mounts, they’ll have to put their jobs, hearts, and lives on the line to fight… for each other, for survival, and for justice.

AMAZON

When a hot one night stand turns out to be your new partner for an elite crimefighting unit you’ve been waiting to get a spot on for your entire career? Awwwwwwwkward.

When a very bad date sends Brooke to lick her wounds at a local bar, she doesn’t expect to pass her night with a man that makes her stop thinking about everything. But she certainly doesn’t expect for this man to turn out to be her brand new partner at HEAT, and less than thrilled to see her again. After losing his best friend and partner on duty, Sawyer Matthews’s entire world becomes revenge and catching the criminal responsible for it. Being forced to work with another partner is bad enough, but when it’s a woman he’s fighting an undeniable attraction to? It’s even worse.

Now I’ll be honest, the whole undercover male stripper totally sold me. But this book was so much more than that. As a matter of fact, it was barely a blip on the radar of the entire story. So if you’re planning on reading it hoping it’ll be a whole lot of male stripper action a la Magic Mike, think again. I’m also admittedly not a fan of the MCs having sex so early in the book because often times I find I lose interest in their connection. Luckily that never happened here. There was enough of a slow burn following their initial hookup that kept me fully invested. Even though I wanted to kick Sawyer in the balls a whole lot of times. The man gives brooding and hardheaded a new meaning.

I enjoyed the secondary characters and the suspense part of the story. If I’m being truthful, that kept me more engaged than the romance for the majority of the book. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed Brooke and Sawyer together. But I also couldn’t help but feeling like something was missing for me that I couldn’t quite get my finger on.

Blue HEAT was definitely an exciting start to what looks to be a promising new series, and I for one am hooked. I’ll be on the lookout for book two, and also eagerly anticipating the book for a certain character that had the best hook for ever at the end of this book. I won’t spoiler it for you, but I will say I’m pretty much salivating for his story.

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#DGRFave & Review: Filthy Gods by R. Scarlett

May 17, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

 

 

 

FILTHY GODS
Series: American Gods #0.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: R. Scarlett
Release Date: May 15, 2018

Prelude in the American Gods series.

Young. Wealthy. Elite. Attractive. The gentlemen’s secret society at Yale was filled with them.

And Nathaniel Radcliffe, the bane of my existence, was one of them.

As the right hand of the American Gods, he was conceited and arrogant. A dangerously handsome man in a tailored custom suit and shiny black oxford loafers.

The classroom was our battlefield. We made a sport out of arguing and debating, ready to do anything in order to win over the other.

Deadly opponents, deadlier minds.

I’d sworn I’d never give him the upper hand, until…

The secret I’ve been hiding for the last three years?

He just discovered it… and now he has all the power.

*35k Novella

AMAZON

He was a mere man, I knew that, but he and his friends were treated like gods. It didn’t help they looked like it, too. Intimidating, perfect and deadly. 

What if Paper Princess and The In Crowd had a book baby? A sexy, thrilling, and addicting book baby that will captivate you from the very first page and have you hooked on a new series of bad boys? Well, my friends, that would be this book and it would be this series. Because holy mother of book crack was this good!

There was something holy and unholy about the boys. Sacred and sinful all at once. Bastards of Grace. Fame, wealth and power poured out of them. They were the things of legends and myths.

A group of men so rich and powerful they can only be known as American Gods? Sign me up! This is a prequel to what’s set to be an amazing new series from R. Scarlett. And while it was a novella, it was wholly satisfying. Surprisingly so. I’m not usually a reader that gravitates towards novellas, because they always leave me wanting more. And don’t get me wrong, this book left me craving, but craving the rest of the series. The novella itself was a complete story, perfectly paced, and entirely satisfying.

Juliette is barely making ends meet. As the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, she’s desperately hiding her humble past while trying to make a name for herself at Yale among the wealthy and the entitled. And at the top of the food chain are the American Gods. Nathaniel Radcliffe may not be one of those bad boys, but he’s in with them. He’s wealthy, connected, powerful, and her biggest rival in school. Used to his calculated and educated debates with her in class, it’s unnerving to be on the receiving end of it outside of school. Especially when she finds out that the country club that she works at is also one that his family owes. And his silence is going to cost her. They agree to a summer fling to work their unwanted lust out of their system, but nothing is ever quite so simple.

I felt like delicate glass in his powerful hands. I fought him—thrust for thrust, kiss for kiss, nip for nip, and he met me each time, working each other to a pleasure so intense, I feared it would end us both.

The novella introduces the reader to a secret society of men. Men that are powerful, broken but deadly. I was salivating at the mere mention of the American Gods and practically shaking to get my hands on their books. Because the set up? DELICIOUS.

As for this book? It was fantastic! I loved the instant and undeniable chemistry between Nathaniel and Juliette. I loved how Juliette’s strength and perseverance shined through even when she submitted to his powerful presence. The book helped set the scene but it also gave us a deliciously filthy story. If you’re like me and love your angst with plenty of power dynamics and drama, this is an absolute must read!

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Review & Excerpt: Worth The Risk by K. Bromberg

May 16, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

WORTH THE RISK
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: May 15, 2018

From New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a new, sexy standalone about taking chances and finding love when it’s least expected. Or wanted.

This whole contest was supposed to be easy. I know, I know. Famous last words.

It’s a long story, but I messed up at work. Big time. To earn back the trust of my boss, I promised to save one of our magazines. Yep. That Hot Dad contest you’ve seen advertised all over the place was my idea. And if I’m successful, if I’m able to increase our online readership, then I get a shot at my dream job.

But the one thing I never expected to happen, happened: Contestant number ten, Grayson Malone. Hello, Mr. Difficult. And did I mention sexy as hell?

Unfortunately he knows me. The old me, anyway. And while we might be older now, I remind him of before. Of the woman who broke his heart, who hardened him, and who left him alone to raise the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen.

But I don’t want a relationship. And I definitely don’t fall for single dads with baggage. Even ones with chiseled abs and killer smiles.

But he got to me. They got to me. Him and his son and their messy, crazy life. But I got to him too. I see the stolen glances. I feel the walls he built start to crumble. I recognize that there’s an unexpected beauty to the chaos in his life.

And now that the contest is about to end, we’re left to decide whether the last six months were just fun or if what we have is worth risking it all?

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO

But by the time I reach her, my blood boils with irrationality spurred on by too much alcohol.“Can I have a moment?” I ask as I walk up to her and grab her elbow, pushing her down the darkened hallway.

“What is your problem?” She hisses as she fights me every step of the way.

We get looks. I get looks. I don’t care because all I keep seeing is Vince’s hands on her arm. His eyes on her tits. His bullshit game I can spot a mile away.

I find the closest door down the hallway leading to the bathrooms, and it opens. I push her through it, barely noticing that it’s an office of sorts before the door is shut, her back is up against it, and my mouth is covering hers.

Take.

Goddammit. That’s my only thought as I fit my lips to hers and take out my anger on her mouth with tongue and teeth and every fucking lick and nip in between.

“What—”

“I’m so pissed at you.”

It’s all I say. It’s the only chance I give her to come up for air before my lips are back on hers. Before my tongue wars with hers. Before my body admits it would beg, borrow, and steal in order to taste every other part of her.

Groan.

I swallow the tiny sound she makes in our kiss as my hands hold her neck still and my lips wage an all-out assault. She hesitates—just a split second—before she reacts. Before her body bows into me, and her mouth argues back.

Fist.

Her hand in my shirt. Her other hand at the back of my neck as our bodies meet—pressed knee to chest. Her perfume in my nose. Her hair tickling my cheeks. The feel of her tits against my chest.

Give.

I can’t get enough.

I’m mad at her.

I want her.

I don’t want to want her.

Christ, do I want her.

“Gray.” A murmured protest.

I tear my lips from hers, shove off the door I have her pressed against, and stride to the other side of the room.

“You are . . . you just . . .” It’s as if I can barely breathe. Christ, I’m mad at you.”

She stands there, lips parted, chest heaving, and golden brown curls messed from my hands, but her eyes look hurt. A hurt I don’t want to see but can’t deny.

“Why?”

“You did this,” I accuse as I try to manage the anger that’s waging a war against my desire.

“Did what?” Her eyes narrow. Her hand goes to press against her chest.

“Made me want you.”

for CGFC

Grayson: I’ve been thinking about you all day.

I look down at the text and smile before turning my attention back to Rissa and our plans for how we’re going to end this round of voting and move on to the top five.

“So, I think we close it out and then maybe take the next week and announce one of the finalists each day. Give little tidbits about each of them, make readers like them more, just have fun with it.”

My phone beeps again with another text, and I bite back the new grin trying to form on my lips. Rissa only huffs, eyeing my phone with annoyance. “Sorry, let me turn my ringer off.”

And then I have to feign nonchalance when I look down at my phone and find another text.

Grayson: My dick is rock hard, and it’s you I’m imagining. It’s in my hand when I’d rather it be in your mouth with my fingers in your pussy, working you into a frenzy.

“Is everything okay?” Rissa asks, making me realize I must have made a noise when I read the text. “You look startled.”

I glance back at the text again and shake my head while every part of my body comes to life. “Yeah, it’s, uh, fine.”

“Your ringer.” Her brows are lifted as she glances to my phone and then back to me.

“My finger?” I squeak, thinking she saw the phone screen.

“Ringer. Sound on your phone.”

“Oh, yes . . . sorry.” Flustered, I fumble with my cell, and before I can even switch it off, another text alert pings.

Grayson: I want to bend you over and watch as my cock slides in and out of you.

“So back to next week . . .”

“Yes,” I swallow over the desire lodged in every place it should be and try not to glance at my phone as it vibrates again.

“Are you good with that plan?” Rissa asks as I shift in my seat to abate the sudden ache burning brighter than bright.

“Yes. Sure. I think that sounds like a great plan.”

Grayson: I want my cock buried so deep that you feel every damn inch of me.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, why?” My voice breaks like a prepubescent teenager.

Grayson: I want you to come so hard you have to bite the pillow.

“You look a little flushed. Are you coming down with something?”

Grayson: You always have a choice. Isn’t that what you said to me once? Make a choice, Sidney. Isn’t it time to head to lunch?

“I mean, yeah, maybe.” I pull at my collar some. “Maybe that’s why I feel so flushed all of a sudden.”

Grayson: Meet me on the backside of The Cottages. Room Six. Fifteen minutes.

“Either that,” she says as she stands and heads to the door, only turning back to give me a wink, “or you’re guilty as hell. Maybe you should go take care of that itch texting you . . . or take some Tylenol. Whichever one it is, I think you should take the afternoon off.”

Grayson: Choose me.

“Oh.” It’s the only thing I can think to say because my brain is otherwise occupied imagining Grayson following through on his promises.

“And, Sid?”

“Yeah?”

“I sure hope he’s every bit worth breaking the rules.” She winks. “It’s about damn time. Your secret is safe with me.”

You take risks every damn day in your job—you’ve made a name for yourself doing it—and yet, you won’t take a goddamn risk on me, will you?”

They say you save the best for last, and that’s precisely what K. Bromberg has done with the third Malone brother. Ever since I read Cuffed I’ve been itching to get my hands on his story. The broken hearted, closed off single father that’s there for everyone but has ultimately given up on love hit all of my check boxes. I knew his book would tug at every heart string, and I was not wrong.

It’s a bad sign when you want to fuck the person you have determined you hate. When you’re sitting outside her house second-guessing your reaction.

Grayson has been burned. Once upon a time he took a chance on love, only for the woman to turn out to be a selfish and entitled rich girl who left him and their son behind and never looked back. Now it’s just him and his boy, and he like that just fine. His brothers may have all found love, but his only love has been his son, and he intends to keep it that way. But things get a little complicated when his name ends up in the Hot Dad contest that brings a blast form his past to his door.

Sidney comes from a rich family but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know hard work. Her father ensures of it when he makes her work her way to the job of her dreams by saving a magazine that she really wants no part of. Used to the frills and thrills of the city, Sidney suddenly finds herself in small town America, working for a family magazine, and trying to convince a man that could save the magazine to participate in a contest he wants no part of.

I really liked Sidney. This is a woman that can own the mistakes of her past. She knows that she was the snooty in-crowd girl that didn’t pay much attention to the blue-collar boy Grayson of their high school past. But she’s not that girl anymore, no matter how much Grayson wants to continue to paint her with that tainted paintbrush. Grayson is convinced she’s just like his ex; rich, entitled, and out only for herself. So the chemistry brewing between them from the start? Extremely inconvenient.

I loved the slow burn and sexual tension. I’m all about the enemies to lovers trope and this book brought it in spades. The constant push and pull, the antagonistic arguments, the heated looks. All of it was utterly delicious to read. And when they finally give in to the sparks between them? Explosive!

I want you to make noise, Princess.” The tug of his teeth on my ear as his fingers tuck back in and curve against my G-spot. “I want you to scream.” A soft tug of my hair. “And I want to know you know who’s making you scream.”

As much as I wanted to hate Grayson for his treatment of Sidney at times, I simply couldn’t. This was a man with deep emotional scars, and it’s hard to let go of a past that colored so much of your future. Sidney, for her part, at times let him believe the worst of her, until of course, she didn’t. That had to have been my favorite part; watching her finally show him who she is. Watching her change and fall hard. Luke was just as adorable as he was in the other books, I loved that little boy to pieces. It was no wonder it took him no time at all to steal Sidney’s heart.

Worth The Risk is a heartwarming story of love in unexpected places. It was emotional and swoony. I loved watching both Gray and Sidney fall for each other and their fight for each other. It’s easily enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other two Malone brothers in Cuffed and Combust. But of course, single daddy rescue pilot Gray was definitely my favorite.

Who knew you were so dominant?” I tease. “You know what they say . . .” he says as he takes a few steps back from me. “No, what?”
“It’s always the quiet ones you have to worry about.”

Text Kbromberg to 77948 to stay up to date on all things, Driven movies and new releases!

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, Kristy has sold over one million copies of her books across sixteen different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by Passionflix with the first movie slated to release in the summer of 2018.

She is currently working on her Everyday Heroes trilogy. This series consists of three complete standalone novels—Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit (late spring 2018)—and is about three brothers who are emergency responders, the jobs that call to them, and the women who challenge them.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

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