Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: ★Reclaim Me★ by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

reclaim-me-virtual-tour-3aRECLAIM ME
Series: Chasing Fire #3
Authors: Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Release Date: October 20th, 2015
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As the heart-pounding Chasing Fire trilogy concludes, a dangerous entanglement leaves Hudson and Allie wondering how much they’re willing to risk for the love they can’t live without…

There’s almost nothing Alessandra Sinclair wouldn’t do for Hudson Chase. He was her first love, and she’s determined that he’ll be her last. But when the terrible truth Hudson has been hiding comes to light, Allie finds herself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a man from her past who’s determined to use what he knows to ruin Hudson. Now, the only way to save the man she loves may be to lose him forever…

Hudson has always known that the secrets he keeps could be his downfall, but he never expected them to put Allie’s life in danger as well. It’s time for him to come clean–before everything he’s ever wanted is destroyed…

Includes previews of REMIND ME and RELEASE ME, the first two books of the Chasing Fire trilogy.

Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy

“Exceptional…Seriously sexy and sinfully steamy. Can’t wait for more from this writing duo!”–New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me

“Walker and Rogers strike the perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt connections…”–RT Book Review  

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ExcerptHudson pored over the dossier, trying to find something, anything, that might explain what the hell was going on. Had the past few days been an act, waiting for the perfect out? Or had it been a final good-bye, fucking each other senseless just to purge it out of her system? Had Allie realized that no matter what his zip code, he still wasn’t good enough? He gripped the document in his hand to avoid punching his fist through the tinted glass. He hadn’t even had a fighting fucking chance to talk her out of it.

“Mr. Chase.” Max’s voice cut through the rhetoricals and Hudson’s laser-sharp eyes darted to the rearview mirror. “The plane is on standby and the crew is ready to depart as soon as we arrive. ETA, eight minutes.”

Hudson checked his watch. “Thank you.” He took a deep breath in an attempt to downshift his nervous energy into focused calm, but his need to find Allie overrode all logic. If she thought she was walking without hearing him out. . . . Well, news flash, she was wrong. So fucking wrong.

After going through the airport’s private security entrance, the Mercedes shot down the tarmac and around the fat turn that lead to the hanger housing the Chase Industries plane. The car came to an abrupt stop inside, its tires squeaking against the highly polished concrete floor. Hudson exploded out of the vehicle. He didn’t give a shit if he had to fly halfway around the world to do it; he was going after her. Winning Allie back was a necessity, and if this was the way she wanted to play it, he was all fucking in.

groom putting on cuff-links as he gets dressed in formal wear close up


 GUEST POST


“Top 5 Hudson Chase Pick Up Lines” from RECLAIM ME

  1. “There is no one else, Allie. Just us.”
  2. “I can’t go this long without you,”
  3. “Spread your legs. Show me how much you want me.”
  4. “You’re aching to feel me inside you, aren’t you?”
  5. “Bend yourself over the desk and lift your skirt.”

 


Review3.5 starsReclaim Me-DGR

He had no idea what tomorrow held. But for now, she was his.

A sexy, captivating and thrilling conclusion to a trilogy that captured me from the very start! If you haven’t met Hudson Chase, you haven’t lived. The man is intense, sinfully sexy, protective, with a touch of broody. While I’m not usually a reader of trilogies since my attention span seems to wane somewhere around book 2, I’ve been dying to get my hands on this book for one reason and one reason only: Hudson.
Reclaim Me teaser-DGRRelease Me ended on a cliffhanger that was guaranteed to leave readers desperately panting for the final book. After everything that Allie and Hudson have been through, will the secrets that Hudson kept from her and a man determined to ruin everything finally tear them apart? I already knew that Julian was going to be playing a huge role in everything that happens in Reclaim Me from the events of Release Me. And now he finds himself with an ace in the hole with the information he’s holding against Allie. He’s determined to get what he believes is rightfully his; Ingram media. This was one villain that I loved to hate. What a slimy, little asshole this one was. Everything considered, however, the suspense part of the story really took a backseat to Allie and Hudson’s relationship. I never thought I’d find myself saying this; but there was a touch too much sex in this story. So much so, that it almost felt like filler at parts. I could have done with less of that and more fleshing out of the actual plot. As it was, I found a lot of it to be almost overshadowed by the amount of sex that took place.

Not to say that I complained too much because said sex happens with Hudson and there’s never a dull movement with that man. He’s that good. Add in a touch of humor and I was putty in his very skilled hands.

How was that?”
“Amazing…Adventurous. Arousing…Awesome.”
He chuckled quietly. “Allie’s orgasm brought to you by the letter ‘A’?”

My only other minor quibble is the big secret from Hudson’s past that has been hovering over him and Allie like a dark shadow for the last two books. I suppose that I built it up in my head and that’s mainly to blame for my finding the big reveal to be anticlimactic , but it did explain quite a few things.

For those that enjoy a thrilling trilogy with intense alpha males that are as protective as they are kinky, this is surely not to be missed. While I enjoyed the previous two books more, the conclusion was still highly satisfying. I’m definitely a big fan of these two authors and look forward to whatever they have in store for the future.


About the Author Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers. 

Amy K. Rogers
Ann Marie Walker
 

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Exclusive Excerpt, Review & #Giveaway: ★Exposed★ by @ivystoneauthor

Exposed-spotlightExposed
Series: Unguarded #1
Genre: Erotic Romance / Romantic Suspense
Author: Ivy Stone
Release Day: October 12, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

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One explosive encounter brought them together.
One infatuation led to a love like no other.
One secret tore them apart.

As head of the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau in Manhattan, Chief Detective Mason Cole walks in the line of fire every day. Between dodging bullets and braiding his daughter’s hair, Mason is tormented with haunting memories that refuse to relinquish control over him, no matter how hard he tries. After a bust gone wrong, he’s thrown for a loop by a woman who will fill his life with more chaos than ever before.

Lindsey Jenkins is a self-made woman. Bold and independent, she lives unapologetically in a life of deception. That is until her facade is threatened by a force stronger than anything she’s ever felt before—love.

Leaving their hearts unguarded could lead to destruction. Even worse, it could expose them both to a war they never saw coming.

In a city coerced by corruption and treachery, what happens when your greatest passion becomes your biggest weakness?

Buy LinksAmazon / iBooks / B&N /Kobo 


I am beyond excited to be able to share this book with you all. If you follow my reviews then you know that I love to discover new authors to love and boy was I blown away by Exposed! I have a feeling that I found myself a new favorite author to stalk and this is coming from one picky bitch. Read below for an exclusive excerpt, my review, and don’t forget to scroll down to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a paperback copy of Exposed or one of 2 ebooks!(sml) Exposed Teaser 2


EXLUSIVE EXCERPT!


I swallow a sigh. Where did this man come from? “You, Mason Cole, are a good man.”

Pushing his chair backwards, he steps out from the table and comes over to my side. His hands come out and he lifts me from under my arms before I know it’s happening. I’m pulled up, my body flush against his. My hands wrap around his neck and my legs naturally grip around his hips so I can steady us. Mason’s hands slide down to my ass and he walks with me in his arms, while piercing me with a perplexed stare I’ve seen before. He’s trying to do what others have attempted and failed. He’s trying to work me out. What he doesn’t realize is he already has me trapped in a fantasy where I can do nothing but imagine a different life, a different me, one where the heat burning within never disintegrates to ash. How does he do this to me? I can’t control it and it agitates me to no end that I can’t do a thing about it. I hear a lock click into place and he closes the door behind us.

“You don’t give much up, do you?” Mason’s voice trails off and his eyes narrow at me as he lays me down, my back hitting the soft cushioning of a bed.

“What do you mean?” I feign ignorance as my heart begins to thump rapidly in my chest. He grinds his hips forward and my body temperature shoots through the roof. How much longer can I hold out before giving into one temptation there may be no coming back from?

Mason shakes his head. “You’re a mystery, Lindsey Jenkins.”

My tongue darts out and I lick my lips, my mouth now drier than a desert because it craves a thirst only Mason can satisfy. “The best kind always are, Detective.”

I watch him search my face as heat pours off him in waves of desire.

“You’re not making this easy for me, you know.” I sigh.

“Life’s not easy. Relationships sure as shit aren’t either. You’re not the kind of woman to let anything or anyone get in her way, so why are you letting the shit in your own head mess you up so much you’ll let it keep you from something that could bring you happiness?”

I look away, not able to look him in the eye anymore. I don’t want to lie to him. “Because of you.”

Mason gently cups my face, bringing it back so he can see me. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s because you’re a good man, because deep down on some level I do trust you. It’s because of those reasons I can’t let myself fall for you.”

“It’s too late for that, sweetheart. You’ve already fallen, just like I have. Now let me catch you.”

My heart soars.

I lie. “Okay.”

I’m going to hell.


Review4.5 starsExposed- DGR

Fate. I never believed in it. Fate was a bitch I wanted to bury. But one chance meeting, one touch, it left me questioning everything.

You know how sometimes you read a book by a new author and you just know that this is someone that you’re going to be hooked on for a long time? Exposed by Ivy Stone was that book for me. It was a page turner I never wanted to set down. The writing was complex, enthralling, with a touch of grit and incredibly sexy. The characters were well developed and multi-layered. What truly hooked me was the author’s voice and writing style. I simply couldn’t get enough of it. If this book is anything to go by, Miss Stone has quite the career ahead of her and she certainly got herself a huge fan in me.

It’s been a few months since I found a book that kept me up well into the night reading. A romance with a deliciously slow burn that crackles with electricity until it finally explodes with so much sexual chemistry it scorches. A heroine that’s kick-ass and a hero that will protect her at any cost. A sinfully sexy romance set around secrets, suspense, and enough twists to set you reeling. I loved the absolute hell out of this book!

I didn’t realize it at the time, but this day, this second, was the fundamental moment that would change everything. When paths would be crossed for reasons still unkown, when lives would become intertwined.

Lindsey Jenkins has been to hell and back. She’s lost everything and had to pick up the pieces not only for herself but her younger sister when she was just a kid herself. Now she’s older, stronger, and with enough secrets that may very well bury her.
Exposed teaser 2-DGRChief Detective Mason Cole has secrets and demons of his own. Working for the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau in Manhattan guarantees that he’s seen the evil that world has, but there’s one particular job that continues to haunt him.

I should have listened to my instincts. Instead, I walked the path to hell, into a nightmare bearing an unexpected gift, one that would guarantee a bittersweet demise.

One night changes the course of both their lives and brings them crashing together into a world of deadly secrets and undeniable chemistry.
Exposed teaser1-DGRI loved the complexity of both Mason and Lindsey. It’s refreshing to read about a heroine like Lindsey, and without giving anything away it’s a role reversal I enjoyed a hell of a lot. This is no sweet blushing virgin. This is one tough chick but not over the top tough. She has just that right amount of vulnerability to endear her to the reader while at the same time not losing the kick-ass intensity that she has. She’s fiercely protective of her sister and willing to sell her soul to the devil to keep her safe.

How far would you go to protect the ones you love? I’d bleed lies to set her free. I’d bleed truth to watch her fly

There’s another element to this story in the shape of her sister and Mason’s partner, Roamyn. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if I’d like Ali at first. When you first meet her, she’s deep in the bowels of her addiction and barely functioning. But there’s also so much more to her than meets the eye. Roamyn was just the icing on the cake with his broody intensity.

It’s great how the author managed to introduce and hook you on the secondary characters without ever losing focus from the main couple and their romance. And let me just tell you, the story of Mason and Lindsey is a hell of a wild ride.
Exposed teaser 3-DGR

I want him, bad. I want him to slap those cuffs on, tell me what a bad girl I’ve been, and fuck me into oblivion. I hold back my grin. This is so not going to end well.

I loved the way that Mason pursued Lindsey and broke through all her carefully built barriers. This is not your typical manwhore hero and as much as I love me the manwhores, he was the perfect change of pace. He’s not just looking for a meaningless hookup. But at the same time, this is a man with secrets of his own. Demons that he still continues to fight.

You keep putting those walls up, sweetheart, I’m just going to keep knocking them down.”

There were a few things that left me with questions about both Mason and Lindsey. Things that I wished were fleshed out a little bit more. Things about Lindsey’s past and how she got into the life that she did that I wish we got more development on. I also found myself questioning a few decisions that Mason made as a cop that I had difficulty suspending my disbelief on.

However, it’s clear that there’s still much more to be told with both of them in the upcoming books so perhaps that will be something that’s addressed later on. And even while I can’t say that this book was perfect, I still found myself enjoying the story so much that I barely batted an eye lash at the minor issues.

One thing is for sure; I am completely and utterly hooked on this series and can’t wait for more. I’m already salivating for Roamyn’s story. If there’s one book you read this year, let it be this one. This is definitely an author that has some big things in her future. This is one debut you do not want to miss. Trust me on that.


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GiveawayDrop by my Facebook page HERE to enter this giveaway!Exposed- Giveaway

New Release & Spotlight: ★Always Dangerous★ by Dee J. Adams

Guest Post- AD

Today is the release day for Always Dangerous, book 6 in the Adrenaline Highs series by Dee J. Adams. If you follow my blog, then you already know how much I love anything Romantic Suspense so I’m beyond excited to have Dee J. Adams at DGR today to talk about all things Always Dangerous with a guest post and a little teaser of an excerpt!


About The BookAlways Dangerous
Series: Adrenaline Highs Book 6
Release Date: October 6, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

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Leo Frost has lost his house, his car and possibly his acting career. Releasing an independent film is his only hope of paying for his sister’s twenty-four/seven care, but he’s got to finish it first. The last thing he needs is a curveball from the one woman who could break his focus with a look, a smile and the most unexpected news of his life.

Kim Jacobs wants it all—a career in a big city, a husband and a family, but a tryst two months ago with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars leaves her pregnant. Knowing Leo doesn’t want kids or a wife, Kim decides to make her own happily-ever-after with the help of a recent inheritance. All that’s left is to tell the man and move on.

Kim’s short visit to L.A. turns deadly with a series of mysterious attempts on her life. Suddenly Leo not only has to save his career, he has to find out who’s trying to murder the lady who is stealing his heart. As an actor, danger was staged and nothing was at stake, but now the threats are all too real. If Leo wants a future and a family with Kim, he has to prove he can do more than play a hero onscreen, he has to be one in real life.

Buy LinksAmazon / iBooks / B&N / Kobo / ARe


GUEST POST


The Series. The Whole Series and Nothing But the Series.

First of all… A big thank you to Lana for having me at Dirty Girl Romance, especially on release day for Always Dangerous! Now… onto the topic!

What matters to you? Is it money? Looks? Personality? A sense of humor? What turns you on? What attracts you to the opposite sex?

I love that the characters in the Adrenaline Highs series all found different reasons to fall in love with each other.  From Trace and Mac in Dangerous Race to Kim and Leo in Always Dangerous, the qualities that bring them together are the same ones that threaten to tear them apart.

Money doesn’t make the world go round for Ellie and Quinn in Danger Zone and Ashley and Mel learn what’s most important to them in Dangerously Close. There are more couples and more stories, but I think you get the idea that these characters deal with the same problems we all do… the only difference is someone is usually trying to kill one of them for one reason or another! 

Always Dangerous takes two of the most world-weary characters and gives them something to fight for. Leo and Kim are both lonely and have very different ideas about what they want in life. Too bad their attraction is more than they can fight. Or…maybe not! It’s those things worth fighting for that make our lives richer and these two discover that the hard way. 


Excerpt

Leo had been up most of the night working on the numbers for his movie, so she felt confident that she wouldn’t wake him when she left for her hike. She needed some serious space from the guy. He jumbled every one of her senses. He was a man who didn’t want commitment and she was a woman who did. Her head knew he wasn’t the guy for her, but her heart didn’t care. And her duplicitous body…forget about it. Her heart pounded like a damn drum whenever he was around, her eyes always searched him out and her hands ached to touch. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

She’d just finished writing him a note when he showed up in the kitchen, looking bleary-eyed, rumpled and gorgeous as hell in shorts…and only shorts. His washboard abs made her mouth water for a taste. For all the hours she’d spent last night hardening her heart to this man, all it took was one look for the traitorous organ to pound out of control.

His sleepy eyes narrowed as he took in her outfit. “What the hell are you planning now?”

She ignored his tone and the way it made her girl parts tingle. “I’m going on a little hike. If you don’t see me back here tonight, then call the fire department again. I may need rescuing.”

He shook his head slowly as his tired eyes opened wider. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Uh oh. Too late.” She zipped past him, but he caught her arm and twirled her about face.

Leo exhaled a measured breath. “Nothing I say is going to stop you, is it?” She shrugged a shoulder and opened her mouth to tell him she was a grown woman, perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but he cut her off. “Fine. Give me time to get dressed and pack us some provisions.” He gestured to the tiny pack she had over her shoulders. “That doesn’t hold nearly enough water for the amount of energy we’ll be expending.” He leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers. “Give me ten minutes or else.”

Kim smothered a grin. He was kind of funny when he ordered her around. “Or else what?” She kept a straight face. Sometimes she liked goading him just to see what he would do.

“Or else when I see you next, I’m going to put you over my knee and spank that sweet ass of yours.”

A blast of heat exploded in her stomach and moved directly south. Though the picture he created sounded erotic as hell, Kim was totally not into that. “Don’t count on it,” she breathed. “That is not on my to-do list. Ever.”

“Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.” He pulled away. “Ten minutes starting now. You better be here.”


CONNECT WITH DEE J. ADAMS

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Exclusive Excerpt & Character Interview with Rick “Riff” Rotten SOFTER THAN STEEL

Spotlight- STS Softer Than Steel
Series: Love & Steel #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Jessica Topper
Release Date: September 15, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

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From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much “I Do” About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you have to find yourself before you can find love…

As rock star “Riff Rotten”, Rick Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer, especially now that he’s reunited with his former band mate, Adrian “Digger” Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek help for his anxiety.

Burned by a musician in the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to do with him–until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft side.

As Sidra and Rick work through their painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance they’ve forged, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive…

Buy-Links10Amazon / iBooks / B&N


I have been obsessed with all things Jessica Topper ever since she made me fall in love with a drunken reclusive rocker, Adrian “Digger” Graves in Louder Than Love. Then she made me fall even harder for him and Kat in their follow up novella, Deeper Than Dreams. All the while teasing me incessantly with the promise of  “Riff Rotten”, Adrian’s band mate and the man that’s still healing the wounds of his past. To say that I’ve been salivating to finally get my hands on his story would be an understatement. So I am beyond excited to be able to get the man himself on DGR today to answer all my questions. Plus don’t miss an exclusive excerpt and Jessica’s dream cast for Softer Than Steel after the interview. And now, without further ado, please welcome, Rick “Riff Rotten” Rottenberg….

 


ROCK STAR ALERT: Front man Rick “Riff” Rotten from the legendary British metal band Corroded Corpse, drops in on Dirty Girl Romance today! Riff’s been living under the radar in Hawaii since the death of his wife, raising his kids and staying out of the limelight. But the band is now back, in action and in high demand! This sexy singer has some secrets lurking under that dark and brooding brow of his. Not sure how much we can dig out of him, but let’s give it a shot. Here we go!

 

DGR: So…care to state your name and occupation?

Riff: The name’s Riff…and I’m here to soil your reputation rotten, my dear Lana.

DGR: (Fans self) Oh my, that accent! Is that all you do?

Riff: I guess I’m – to quote The Moody Blues – “just a singer in a rock and roll band.”

DGR: And lead guitarist, too – right?

Riff: Rhythm. (Leans back in chair, crosses arms) Digger plays lead.

DGR: You guys were huge back in the day, all over MTV and the radio. Then you just disappeared. Did you ever think you would be here, doing it all over again, in the 21st Century?

Riff: No way. We were such pompous and cocky young bastards. Self-destructive doesn’t even begin to describe it! I think my last words to Digger were “See you in hell.” I figured one of us would be dead, and the other would follow soon after. I never thought we’d be in the same room again, let alone share a stage! But it’s been great. We’re at the top of our game now.

DGR: I’ll say! All of Asia, then Germany, France, Spain…and now you’re plowing through the States…this reunion tour has been massive. Which country has the best fans?

Riff: Japan. Such polite people. Plus they pick up after themselves. Nothing worse than finishing a festival gig and watching people leave it littered like a bloody landfill.

DGR: So would you say you’re an environmentalist, Riff?

Riff: (shakes his long curls out) Not exactly. But I’ve got three boys to think of. Would like to leave the world a better place for them, you know?

DGR: Wow. Three sons. How do they like having a rock star for a father?

Riff: They’re like any other kids, really. Probably embarrassed by their old man, except when they need a loan or the keys to the car. (laughs)

DGR: I guess all kids are the same, huh? So, let me ask you some Coke or Pepsi-type questions. What’s your poison?

Riff: (laughs) Well, if we’re on tour, it’s more like Wine or Whiskey. If Digger’s fiancé is accompanying him, we stock the bus and green room with wine. Kat likes her Pinot! Juice boxes for Abbey, of course. As long as there’s a proper ale for Sam, and some craft beer for Jim, they’re happy as clams.

DGR: And for you?

Riff: Whiskey, now and then. I like the slow burn.

DGR: Fame or fortune?

Riff: Bloody hell. Both? Neither? Pass!

DGR: Tux or T-shirt?

Riff: (laughs and gestures down to his tight black tee, jeans and motorcycle boots) Pretty much my uniform. Although what did Kat call me when she saw me in a tux? Oh, yes – the James Bond of heavy metal.

DGR: You’ve mentioned Adrian – um, Digger’s – fiancée quite a bit. I take it you two get along?

Riff: She tolerates me. (chuckles) But seriously, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you right now. There would be no album about to be recorded. She was instrumental in bringing us all back together.

DGR: Cheers to Kat! So you’re about to hit the studio in New York City and record your first new album in years. Exciting! What do you like to do in your off-time, in the city? Do you like to people-watch?

Riff: I like to find the prettiest girl in the room, and imagine taking her to bed. (Arches an eyebrow, stares pointedly) Usually, I’m not left imagining for very long.

DGR: Whoa. (blushes) That’s one way to pass the time. So I take it you’re single?

Riff: (somber) I’m a free agent, yes.

DGR: Watch out, ladies! Last one: Brains or beauty?

Riff: Actually, there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman who knows her own mind. (Smiles wistfully and stands) Thanks for humoring me today, luv. See you down at the show, then, right? Cheers.

DGR: Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Riff. Thanks for stopping by today!


DREAM CAST

Dream Cast- STS

Exclusive Softer Than Steel excerpt

Seventeen thousand fans can’t be wrong.                                                                            

Rick Rottenberg clipped his mic into its stand, lifted his face to the spots and hazers shining high above the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy stage, and threw his head back, exalted. Sweat-soaked ringlets grazed the middle of his slick bare back. It had taken four years to grow his hair back out to acceptable headbanging, rock-and-roll length. Running a hand through the dark, unruly mass of curls, he smiled. Sometimes he forgot it was there, even dreamed his head was still shaved clean. He had kept it shorn like a Buddhist monk for so long, first in solidarity for Simone, then for years after for no reason he could ascertain.

Simone’s gone.

Gone.

Even in a sea of thousands, you’re alone.

Grimacing, he hoisted his guitar by its neck, high overhead.

The crowd’s response was visceral. A rolling current of fists raised, eyes squeezed shut, and a collective hoarse roar emanated from their throats. Rick ripped out his in-ear monitors by their cords, letting the sound hit his eardrums full-force. Like bracing himself for a hard wave, he took a wide stance in his black leather boots and steeled himself.

I was born to do this.

It was less a thought and more like a full-on sensory experience, as his eyes adjusted to the raised house lights and his ears welcomed the cacophony of applause. Dry ice from the fog machines burned his nose, and the ten-gauge steel of the guitar strings cut into his palm as he used his instrument like a conductor’s baton to whip the French crowd into a frenzied cyclone.

And he tasted victory.

It had taken four years. But Riff Rotten was back.

Because seventeen thousand screaming, rabid, shining, elated metal fans can’t be wrong.

Right?

 

Review, Author Interview & #Giveaway: ★Sustained★ by @EmmaChse

Spotlight Sustained

If you follow me on social media, then you may have already seen me gushing and raving about Jake and this absolutely FABULOUS book. Whenever I need sexy romance and laugh out loud scenes, Emma Chase is my go-to and she hasn’t let me down yet. But this book? Oh I think I may have my favorite one by her yet with Sustained. Drew from Tangled may be my number one still, but Jake Becker is now standing right there alongside with him. If this book isn’t on your TBRs, it NEEDS to be. Trust me on this. You’ll thank me for it after 😉

I’m super excited to have the awesome Emma Chase on the blog today answering all my (intrusive) but still totally fun questions. And don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the post to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a paperback copy of Sustained (US/CAN residents)


About The Book SUSTAINED
Series: Legal Briefs #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Emma Chase
Release Date: August 25, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

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Emma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled series, returns with the second installment of the Legal Briefs series!

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will get you off. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I’m going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and am knee deep in a damn compost pit.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, and defend her…and the kids.

And that—that, I know how to do.

Buy LinksAmazon / B&N /iBooks  / BAM  / IndieBound  / Google


Emma Chase interview

DGR: Can we start out with having you introduce yourself?
 
EC:  Hi, I’m Emma Chase, author of the Tangled Series and the Legal Briefs Series. I live in New Jersey with my highly entertaining husband, two brilliant kids and two badly behaving dogs, whom I love to the moon and back (all of them – not just the dogs). 
DGR: You have written some of my favorite male POV books, hands down. How are you able to channel the male perspective as well as you do?
EC: Thank you! Growing up with a rowdy, raunchy group of boys as my best friends probably had a lot to do with it. Their voices, all their opinions and advice are definitely running around in my head. But there’s also a freedom for me, in writing from the male POV. And I think that’s because my guy characters have such confidence – so much swagger – that they believe pretty much no matter what they say or do, readers are going to love them anyway. So in their voices, there’s no self-doubt, very little indecision. That makes for some very fun writing.
DGR: Let’s talk Sustained. I don’t know if you remember, but I met you at a Vegas signing (I was the chatty redhead LOL). And when you talked about Sustained with the passion that you had for it, I swear right then and there that was going to be my next read. Clearly this book holds a special place in your heart, can you tell us about it?
EC:  Yes – I actually do remember you! Sustained is definitely very special to me – for a few reasons. There’s something so heartwarming about Jake and Chelsea, an amazing mix of strength and vulnerability – it’s beautiful to see their journey, to watch them find their place with each other. And the kids are just so fun and entertaining – I knew even before I wrote it that much of the humor would come from the kids (my own children are two of the funniest people I know). 
I think another reason Sustained is so dear to me, if I’m being honest, is, for a long time I never thought I’d be able to write something as special as Tangled. I’ve loved all my stories, but there was something different and so entertaining about that first book. And I was okay with it possibly being the best thing I’d ever write. But then Sustained came along and though they are different stories – it has that same special quality to it – that same feeling of a book that will make readers really happy and characters that will stay with them in the best kind of way long after they finish.
It’s rewarding to read reviews that feel this is my best work – to know that I’m improving in my craft and able to give readers fun, sexy stories that are just as good as the book that made them start reading my work in the first place.  
DGR:  What was your favorite part about writing Sustained? And don’t say everything, because that’s all I loved about it and couldn’t pick. I’ll put you on the spot though LOL
EC: Haha! You took my answer! I really did love every scene, lol! But beyond that, I loved the experience of writing these characters, of watching them grow, change, find themselves and their place with each other. They deserved each other, they deserved that happiness, so much! And because I adored them, writing Sustained was a beautiful journey to take.  
DGR:  If you had to describe Jake Becker in 5 words or less, what would they be?
EC: Honorable, gorgeous, protective, shrewd, loving 
DGR:  I think one of my favorite parts about this book were the kids and then Jake’s relationship with them. I think I actually cried myself laughing at the One Direction concert scene. Did you have any inspiration for the kids when you were writing them?
 
EC: Yes! So much of my own children’s energy and humor went into the McQuaid’s personalities. And so many hilarious memories (things I can laugh about now, that I didn’t laugh about then) of moments with my kids growing up inspired Jake’s interactions with the kids. The way he talks to them, treats them with respect and honesty but also gentleness was such a joy to write.
DGR: Do you have a favorite scene in Sustained? 
EC: My favorite scene is when Jake and Chelsea are in bed, having a deep, revealing talk. There’s something so moving about that scene for me – and it’s a pivotal moment for Jake and Chelsea. I also love the scene when Jake and the kids are waiting for Chelsea to get home and kind of ambush her when she does.
DGR: Any little teasers you can give us to whet the reader’s appetite for Jake?
EC: Does this work?
Chelsea is drawing. Me. 
“Am I gonna have to pay you a dime, Jack?” My voice is gravelly with sleep and sex.
She smiles. And it’s beautiful. “This one is on the house, Rose.” 
Yeah. Time to remind her I’m definitely not a Rose. I throw back the covers, sit up, swing around to sit on the edge of the bed, feet on the floor. I lower my hand, wrap it around my dick, and bring him back to life with just a few rough strokes. And Chelsea’s drawing suddenly stops short. 
“I’ve never done an X-rated sketch. Are you auditioning to be my first?” she asks lightly. 
“I wasn’t sure what the focus of the piece would be. I wanted to make sure it’s to scale.” 
“That’s so helpful of you.” 
“How about you? You in a helpful mood?”
DGR: Jake’s friend Brent is up next. Any hints about what we can expect for his book? 
EC: What’s great about this series is each of the guys have very distinct personalities. Stanton is the southern charmer, Jake is the more serious protector, and Brent is definitely the carefree playboy. There’s a lot of quick banter, sexy sexual-tension, and clever arguing in Brent’s story – he and Kennedy argue really well. Theirs is a story about first crushes and second chance love that’s light and pure fun! 
DGR:  Anything you’d like to add to leave the readers with?
EC: Just that I’m super excited for everyone to read Jake and Chelsea’s story. It’s very special to me and I hope it will be just as special to all of you!

Review

5 stars
Sustained- Dirty Girl Romance

 

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

No one, and I mean no one gives male POV quite like Emma Chase. The woman is the queen of male POVs and nothing beats her. While Drew from Tangled is still my number one, Jake is now right there alongside with him. I want to tell you that I liked this book, but that’d be an outright lie. Because I didn’t just like it. I fucking loved it. Hard.
Sustained teaser-DirtyGirlRomanceI had the immense pleasure to meet Emma at an author signing earlier last month, and hearing her talk about this book alone let me know that I’m in for a heck of a treat. Why? Because when an author is clearly so passionate about a character and book that her entire face lights up when she talks about it, you just know that it will be transferred to the writing. And you know what? It’s so true. The writing and the characters practically leap off the pages at you. The romance, the MCs, the secondary characters, the story, the kids, EVERYTHING about this book just did it for me. It was absolutely fabulous.

You don’t have to be an asshole.”
I shrug. “I don’t HAVE to be…it’s just easier that way.”

Yep. That’d be Jake and he’s one of those. You know the type I’m talking about. The womanizing, successful types that thinks that relationships are for suckers. But then again you also know what they say about “the bigger they are.” And when Jake falls, he definitely falls hard.
Jake was a character that I fell for hard in just the first chapter. The man is a successful defense attorney but there’s just something so sardonic about him that he endears you to him straightaway.

Criminal defense really isn’t so different from proctology. In both fields, it’s one asshole after another.

He’s the asshole at work and outside of it and he’s just fine with that. But then a chance meeting with a woman tilts his entire world on it’s axis, especially when the woman’s six orphaned nieces and nephews steal his heart right along with her. I have to say that Jake’s “manny” relationship with those kids absolutely melted my heart. It was easily one of my favorite parts of this book. His banter with them never failed to put a goofy smile on my face. I honestly couldn’t get enough of it.

Riley, boys your age….are really not worth your time. They’re selfish and stupid. It’s not their fault; they’re just programmed that way- but they’re still a lost cause. I think you should stay away from all of them until you’re at least…twenty-five. Or…have you considered being a lesbian?”

The romance, while almost secondary to the story, was perfectly balanced with it though. I’m not sure if that makes sense but it does in my head. What I mean is, it wasn’t ALL romance, but there was just the right amount of it to bring this book from good to absolutely fantastic. There’s nothing better for me than to watch the “asshole” fall and fall heard for a woman when he least expects it, and watching Jake fall for Chelsea was perfection.

Now I’m going to make you come. And it’s going to be ever bit as fucking good for me as it is for you. Probably better.”

Don’t get me wrong, both Chelsea and Jake are far from perfect and I wanted to shake them for their stupidity more than a few times. But at the same time it just worked. I adored these two together. It wasn’t instant and I loved the burn of their sexual chemistry until they finally ignited together.
Sustained-DGRSustained was just one of those laugh-out-loud, feel good romances that I never wanted to end. It was funny, and sweet, and oh so sexy. It reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Emma Chase’s writing and heroes to begin with. In a word, it was perfect. It was everything I’ve come to expect from this incredibly talented writer and yet so much more. I loved the absolute hell out of it. I can’t recommend this book enough. You will fall in love with Jake, you will absolutely fall head over heels for the kids, and you’ll adore Jake and Chelsea together. It’s simply impossible not to. Now I’m anxiously awaiting Brent’s book in Appealed.
Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of Sustained HERE

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

Blog Tour Banner - Flash Point Flash Point
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

Giveaway
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Author Interview, Review & #Giveaway: ★Toxic★ by @authorkimkarr

Interview & Giveaway

Last week I read this book that made me want to rip my hair out and throw my kindle at the wall. If I could have done both at the same time, I’m pretty sure I would have. I was enraged…and I was entranced. Phoebe and Jeremy together was a train wreck that you just couldn’t tear your eyes away from. I loved each agonizing, made me want to curl into a ball of rage and scream to the ceiling second. I have the super fabulous Kim Karr on the blog today for an interview where I got to pick her brain about all things Toxic. Read on to read that along with my full review below. And don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a paperback of Toxic!
About The Book
TOXIC
Author: Kim Karr
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2015
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The New York Times bestselling author of the Connections novels turns up the heat in a sexy new romance about money, power, danger, and passion…

Sometimes you have to wonder if your life is just too good to be true.
Is it real or just an illusion?
Does the man lying beside you really love you like he says he does?
If the answer is yes, you’re meant to live happily ever after.
If the answer is no, you’re living my life…
and nothing will ever be the same.

I know I should walk away, but I can’t.

I’ll take whatever I can get for as long as it lasts.
I know when it’s over…
I’ll never find another man like him.

Buy Links

Amazon / iBooks / B&N / BAM / IndieBound / Google / Kobo 

Author Interview

If you haven’t added this deliciously angsty book to your TBR yet, I’m pretty sure this interview just may convince you 😉

DGR: Can we start out with a quick introduction for any readers out there that haven’t heard of you yet (if those even exist?)

KK: I’ll be 49 soon and can’t believe I’m one year away from 50. I don’t feel old at all and I hope to stay that way. I grew up in Rochester, NY and now live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I have always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I write romance books because I love to watch love blossom.

DGR: I’m a HUGE fan of the second chance romance. Do you have a favorite trope to write? Or is it more about when inspiration strikes you?
KK: I love second chance romances as well. That feeling you get in your stomach when it flips the first time they see each other again—it’s priceless.

DGR: Did you have any inspiration behind the story and/or the characters of Toxic?

KK: I’d read an article about underground nightclubs and thought it was such a cool idea. People show up in the oddest of places to party and then move to another. That transformed into Jeremy’s business in a more legit way. As for Phoebe and friends, I wanted to create a group that was somewhat against the grain of how we think of socialites.

DGR: Jeremy McQueen. The blurb describes him as a sexy, intense, sometimes brooding entrepreneur that goes after what he wants. I have to admit I was sold on the book from that alone. What else can you tell us about the brooding Jeremy?

KK: He was always the hired help’s son. A guy from the wrong side of the tracks so to say that turned his life into something good. He, like everyone, has issues and his stem from his childhood, from believing he was a bastard and then learning that wasn’t the case. All he wants is for someone to believe in him. However, sometimes his darkside makes it hard to do that. I just love him. Can you tell?

DGR: If you had to describe Phoebe St. Claire in 6 words or less, what would they be?

KK: As bold and delicate as a rose. I think that’s 7, oops.

DGR: What was your favorite part about writing this book?

KK: The intensity these two characters felt for each other. I felt it on every page. They were meant to be together.

DGR: Now without giving away any spoilers, what was one of your favorite scenes from Toxic?

KK: When Phoebe sees Jeremy after 5 long years. Here’s a peek: “Someone stepped between us. The distressed leather was the first thing my eyes were focused on when my skin started to tingle with a sense of familiarity. The tingling quickly turned into trembling as my gaze lifted and I saw the bluest of blue eyes.”

DGR:  If you had to describe the book to us in a twitter size type sum-up, what would you say?

KK: #Toxiclove I’m so not good at twitter. Sorry.

DGR: Any little teasers or excerpts you can entice us with? Pretty please?

Phoebe St. Claire
————————
Feeling a bit drunk and overwhelmed with so many and so few choices at the same time, I needed some time alone and snuck off toward the beach path.
I ran toward the ocean and twirled in the sand as the wind blew around me. Once I started to feel dizzy from twirling, I still wasn’t ready to head back to the party, so I took the path that would lead me to the large Olympic-sized pool. I tugged my sandals off with thoughts of putting my feet in the water to rinse the mud and sand away. As I approached the pool, I noticed how it glowed like it was lit by small pale fires. Lost in the enchantment of it, the sudden movement beneath the surface startled me.
A fair-haired boy emerged from the water. He pulled himself up and out so quickly that I was momentarily stunned. And then when he drank me in with his eyes, I shuddered.
I couldn’t help it, the way he looked at me just made me shiver. No one had ever looked at me like that before and I found myself gazing back into his intense eyes.
He was utterly beautiful. His bare chest was sculpted but not overly bulky like Danny or Jamie. They worked out every day pumping obnoxious amounts of iron to look the way they did. In contrast, the boy standing before me had a swimmer’s build.
He stood stoic and a cautious look crossed his face. He was long and lean in a pair of bright green neon swim trunks.
Right away I could tell he didn’t care what anyone thought about him.
I loved the idea of that.
So I smiled at him.
He shook his head and his hair fell into his eyes.
I wanted to reach out and push it away. It wasn’t long, but it wasn’t short. It was perfect.
“Hey,” he said, grabbing a towel off the ground.
It didn’t belong to the club. It was small, beige, and a bit worn—not the large hunter-green fluffy ones monogrammed in white I’d always gotten when I used to come here to swim as a kid.
“Hey,” I said back, swinging my sandals nervously.
He grabbed a pair of jeans that lay next to where the towel had been and walked right by me.
I turned to watch him as he strode into one of the cabanas and dropped his trunks. I froze and squeezed my eyes shut, thinking I shouldn’t be watching him but then opened them quickly when I couldn’t resist maybe catching a glimpse.
“Didn’t your parents ever tell you it isn’t polite to stare?” His voice was low and sexy, and it tugged me out of my own head.
I put my hands on my hips. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to get dressed in mixed company?”
He pulled his jeans on and laughed. “My mother might have mentioned that once or twice but I’ve never been good at following the rules.”
And it didn’t escape my notice that he didn’t put any underwear on first.
Hot. Totally and completely hot.
I didn’t see anything I shouldn’t have seen, it was too dark, but something inside me electrified at the thought of seeing him naked and I stepped closer. That’s when I noticed the scuffed-up black work boots on one of the lounges with a T-shirt thrown next to them.
I raised a brow. “Is this your changing room?”
He laughed again but this time added a smile and put his hands up. “Okay you caught me. I better get out of here before anyone else does.”
He was adorable and charming and my heart skipped a beat or two.
Then I stepped even closer and entered the cabana entrance, effectively blocking his way. “Why? You’re not doing anything wrong.”
He shrugged but he didn’t try to move around me. “I usually swim in the ocean but when the water is too rough, like tonight, I come here.”
I bit my lip in contemplation before speaking. “Does it really matter if you get caught?”
He crossed his arms over his bare chest. “Let’s just say it’s not just the swimming. It’s more that I’ve been caught doing a few too many things that I shouldn’t have been doing in the past.”
A bad boy.
The thought made my pulse thunder. “So you’re not a member at this club?”
He cleared his throat and shifted from foot to foot. “No,” he laughed but his laugh was anything but genuine. “Are you?”
I hesitated as I considered my answer. “No, I was just walking the beach and wanted to rinse my feet. I’m Phoebe,” I said extending my hand. Technically, I wasn’t lying. I wasn’t a member, my parents were. I hadn’t even been here in years. And I was out for a walk.
Amusement danced in his blue eyes. “Jeremy,” he said back.
When I chewed on my lower lip, I noticed how his eyes focused on it.
Mine focused on the entirety of his mouth—his strong, firm jaw, his sensuous lips, and his tongue that had snuck out to lick his lips.
That mouth.
It was almost too much.
Almost.

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

KK: I hope you read Toxic and fall in love with Jeremy and Phoebe’s world. Enjoy!

Review

4 stars

Toxic-DGR

Jeremy McQueen.
He wasn’t just any boy- he was “the boy”. The only one I never should have met, and the one I’d never trade meeting for the world.

It’s been over a week since I read Toxic and it’s taken me this long to be able to sum my feelings and clear my head enough to rate it. If I can describe this book for you in one word, it would be exhausting. I was absolutely emotionally spent when I finished it. I spent a good 40% of it feeling like I want to rip my hair out. And this is coming from a self-professed angst whore, mind you.
But then here’s the thing; I liked it. Even though the constant back and forth between Phoebe and Jeremy left me feeling like they’re going to give me whiplash, I still liked it and gobbled it up like the angst starved junky that I am. Was it delicious? Heck no! I thought I may choke on it. But god help me, I still liked it. My favorite trope is the second chance romance and Toxic delivers it in spades.

It was emotionally draining, erotic, touching, and rage inducing all at once. Yeah. Try wrapping your head around that.

I loved him once, even though I’d never told him I did. And as I looked at him, everything I’d ever felt for him came rushing back.

Toxic1-DGRPhoebe and Jeremy first met as teenagers years ago. Phoebe was the rich girl with the golden spoon in her mouth and Jeremy was the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Their connection was instantaneous and burned hot and bright, but then lies tore them apart. While Phoebe never got over the boy that once made her entire body and heart burn, she moved on. Now years later fate brings them together again, but he’s no longer the boy she once knew. He’s successful and rich but still invites everything in her like they never spent any years apart.

He took all my air away. I didn’t care- I didn’t need to breathe.

While both Phoebe and Jeremy know they may be toxic together, they can’t stay away from each other. Their chemistry practically crackles in electricity. There’s one thing that’s certain, Kim Karr can write some scorching sex scenes. But the lies between them are like poison that won’t leave. Much as they try to purge it from their relationship it remains that one toxic factor that brews the way for mistrust and mistakes. I think it would be safe to say that neither of these characters are perfect, far from it in fact. These two fuck up so many times it made me want to throttle them and chuck my kindle at the wall. It was rage inducing.

That’s the thing with jealousy- it festers and builds until there is nothing left.

There’s a wealth of secondary characters that were introduced that added to the story in a very significant way. Maybe that’s what helped dilute the angst between Jeremy and Phoebe? It made the book evolve like a movie in front of my eyes and it made me really connect to the characters’ lives. I’m not sure I’d be able to say the same thing if this happened in any other book, but in this one it just worked.

The focus of the story of course are Jeremy and Phoebe and their romance and road to forgiveness and maturity.

We were frantic for each other- time hadn’t done anything to quash what we felt physically for each other. In fact, it only fanned the flames and the fire was bigger than ever.

Toxic2-DGRI think I felt every emotion along with them and that really helped connecting with them. Kim Karr did an amazing job creating two imperfect characters that were imperfectly perfect together. Does that even make sense? In my head it does, but then again I’m still getting over this book. As much as I wanted to rip my hair out for the last 40% of the book, I also secretly loved it. I guess I’m just a masochist that way.

With my eyes closed, I felt the earth move and the sky shift. In my own darkness, I felt a million different things but I didn’t feel lost in him. I knew then for certain, I wouldn’t get lost in him. There was no way I could. Not when I had found myself in him.

If you’re looking for a book that will enrage you and enrapture you all in one, Toxic is that. It’s a make you want to rip your hair out while still rooting for the characters kind of second chance romance. It was far from perfect, but yet it worked. It may not be for everyone, but if you’re a reader that enjoys your angst in rage inducing proportions while getting an unforgettable second chance romance, Toxic is definitely a must read.

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Review & Author Interview: ☆Chained by Night☆ by @LarissaIone

 THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

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Review-DGR4.5 stars

Aylin had gotten under his skin, and for all his experience fighting enemies, he had no defense against a female whose strength humbled him, whose voice soothed him, and whose touch drove him wild.

This book just reminded me all over again why I’m such a big fan of Larissa Ione’s writing. If I had any doubts about this new series after finishing Bound by Night, I don’t have a doubt in sight after reading this. As a matter of fact, I’m hooked, line and sinker, and cannot wait for the next one.

Chained by Night is a sexy, action packed read that you are not going to want to miss out on.

If you’ve read any of Ione’s other series, then you know this one is a bit different, but in a very unique way. You get vampires but with a whole different Native American lore twist. While you can technically read this as a standalone, I’d highly recommend your start with book one as the story progresses throughout the series, and you really get a better grasp on the world building and the lore in Bound by Night.

As the clan chief of MoonBound and 2nd generation vampire, I just knew Hunter will be a force to be reckoned with…and he definitely was.

To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans. Too bad that the rival clan is ruthless, bloodthirsty, and his destined mate is one uber bitch, Rasha. But Rasha also happens to have an identical twin sister, that is the polar opposite of everything she is. Aylin is is sweet and caring, but also cursed. Born with a deformity and as the cursed second twin, the best her fate has to offer is a mating to a clan leader known for his brutality that far surpasses her own sadistic father.

She was an impossible combination of wary and unguarded, as if she didn’t trust others but wanted them to trust her. Her spirit seemed desperate to burst from her with an explosion of energy, but something was holding her back. She reminded him of a bird with clipped wings or a wolf on a chain, wanting to be free but unable to make it happen.

The one thing I truly love about Ione’s writing, is she can take even the most damaged heroine, but make her fierce in a perfectly understated way.

Hunter faces more than a mating he doesn’t desire to a woman that turns his blood cold. He also faces an ancient curse that can only be broken by facing a challenge of 3 tests that is also foreseen to cost him his life. Add to that his undeniable pull to his mate’s twin sister, and you got yourself some entertaining reading.

Screw the challenge and the danger and the demon.
He had a feeling that Aylin was the true menace to his future.

I found this book to be much quicker paced and more action packed than the previous one, and I devoured it in practically one sitting. The sexual chemistry and connection between Aylin and Hunter was practically palpable. I just couldn’t seem to put this book down. You really get to see Aylin grow into a fierce warrior and a force to be reckoned with of her own as the story progresses. The impending war between humans and vampires continues to progress with new discoveries and twists and turns.

I loved pretty much everything about this book, ESPECIALLY the parts with Myne. There are some revelations about his connection with Hunter here that I never saw coming. It completely blindsided me and I am absolutely dying to get my hands on his book (which luckily will be next.)

Chained by Night had it all; a fantastic heroine, a fierce, possessive, protective and sexy as hell hero, scorching sexual chemistry, fantastic world building, action and romance. What else could you possibly want? This was everything I love about PNR and I cannot wait for more from this series.


Author InterviewDGR: I am so excited to have one of my all time favorite PNR authors here today; Larissa Ione.  Having read practically her entire back list, I can safely tell you that this woman can write some of the most addicting series and swoon-worthy heroes. But I digress…
Welcome, Larissa, I’m so happy to have you here today!
 
LI: Thank you! I’m happy to be here!
DGR:  Can you tell the readers something about yourself…well…aside from the fact that you’re filled with awesome, of course J
LI: LOL – not sure about the awesome, but I do write books in an awesome genre! If your readers like paranormal romance that’s dark, gritty, and sexy, I might have just the series for them!
DGR:  Your MoonBound Clan Vampire series is very different from your other work, is there anything in particular that inspired you to create such a unique world where humans own vampires for slaves?
 
LI: As much as I love my Demonica and ACRO series (written as Sydney Croft with partner Stephanie Tyler,) those series are very fantastical. I wanted to write vampires, but with more of a contemporary feel that would appeal to a different audience. I also wanted to do something different with my vampires and give them a Native American background, something I share with them. Writing the MoonBound Clan Vampires gave me a chance to explore my Native American roots as well as explore a society that reflects both the worst – and the best – of humanity.
DGR: What is your favorite part about this particular series?
LI: I’d say that I love the underdog aspect – vampires, who SHOULD be the alpha predators on the planet, are outnumbered and outgunned by humans, but they’re starting to rally. What will it take for them to prevail? I can’t wait to see!
DGR: You gave the readers a little taste of Hunter, the leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, in the previous book, and his story sounds like it’s going to be AMAZING. Can you tell us a little more just to whet the appetite?
LI: Sure! Hunter will be faced with having to choose between duty and love. He’s fighting for his clan’s very existence and fighting battles on two fronts – with enemy clans and the humans. But he’s also going to be fighting for the female he loves…who happens to be the twin sister of the female he’s supposed to mate.
DGR:  If you could give us three words to describe this book, what would they be?
LI: Gritty, intense, sexy!
DGR:  Can you describe Hunter to us in a few words?
LI: Fairly laid-back, but deep inside he harbors is father’s monstrous DNA…something he battles with frequently. He’s honorable, fair, and leads by example. He also has a tendency to hold grudges…
DGR:  Will Myne be getting a book any time soon? I have to admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for him since he reminds me of Wraith from the Demonica series 🙂
LI: Myne is next! I can’t wait to get to work on his story. I LOVE writing him…just as I love writing Wraith!
DGR:  Any clues you can give about what you have planned next?
LI: I’m currently working on some Demonica novellas that will lead the way to a new spinoff Demonica series set 20 years in the future and focusing on the kids. I’ll also be working on Myne’s story, which will put us one step closer to dealing with the humans who have enslaved vampires for decades. Exciting times ahead!
DGR:  Anything else you’d like to leave the readers with?
LI: Just a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported my work. Without my awesome readers, I wouldn’t be here. So…thank you!!!!

About the AuthorNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Larissa Ione penned her first novel at the age of 13 and hasn’t stopped writing since. She has been a U.S. Air Force meteorologist, an EMT, and a professional dog trainer, and you never know when one of those interests will pop into her novels.She lives a nomadic existence with her U.S. Coast Guard husband and son, so her writing career has been a blessing — a job that moves easily.

She writes dark paranormal romance for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books,) and contemporary romance for Red Sage and Samhain. Under the pen name Sydney Croft, she writes erotic action adventure romance with partner Stephanie Tyler.

 

Review, Guest Post Character Interview & #Giveaway: ☆Until Alex☆ by J. Nathan

On the outside, Hayden is every girl’s living breathing fantasy, brooding and devastatingly gorgeous. He spends his nights losing himself in alcohol and faceless girls, but it’s all just a facade. An elaborate cover for the emotionless shell of a man he is. One who harbors too many secrets and destroys lives the way his was destroyed. It’s the reason he avoids relationships and keeps everyone at arm’s length…

Until Alex

Alex’s life just shattered into a million pieces, leaving her with more grief than she knows what to do with and guilt so deep it’s destroyed the carefree girl she once was. Now she’s hundreds of miles from home, living with an aunt she doesn’t know, finishing senior year at a college she’s never been to, and trying desperately to get through a single day without breaking down. She’s never felt more alone in her life…

Until Hayden

The trouble with Hayden is who he wants to be and who he is are in constant flux. And though he’d die before letting Alex learn the truth about him, he can’t be sure he’s strong enough to let her in…or push her away. She’s the one person who just might see the real him.

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Sometimes a book comes along that equal parts takes you by surprise and captivates you. This was one of those books to me. I want everyone to know about the pure awesome that is the writing of J. Nathan, so read below and see for yourself 😉
Review4.5 stars

I never thought that would happen for me. I always thought I deserved what no one else wanted.
Until Alex.

When I finished this book, I had to go back and make sure that I read it right because I couldn’t believe this amazing story was a debut novel. Wow. Just wow. If you’re looking for an incredibly emotional and angsty NA book with endearingly broken characters, a heartbreaking and heart-melting love story, and fantastic writing…You. Need. To. Read. This. Book. You will be hooked from the epilogue alone.

Hayden is the ultimate bad boy. He has the looks and the attitude that attracts women to him like no other. But beneath the surface of the womanizing, brooding and cocky playboy, is a dark secret and a past that plagues his every thought and makes him keep everyone at arms length. He’s not looking for a relationship or anything lasting. Just alcohol and countless of faceless girls that he can lose himself in for a few moments to drown out the memories.

If I learned one thing from my messed up life, it was that you didn’t let people in, and you didn’t let your emotions out. You couldn’t. I wondered if I even had any. Emotions that is. Because if you asked me, life had hardened me beyond repair.

But then she moves in down the hall. A girl who cries quietly every day outside. A girl he has no business paying attention to. Alex.

But just like Hayden, Alex is not what she seems to be beneath the surface. She’s running. Running from a devastating event that forever changed the course of her life. She’s running for the memories and the constant reminders of her pain.

How ironic that the one person that manages to drown out the memories for her is the brooding and mysterious Hayden.

But as much as Alex is determined to get to know Hayden, Hayden is just as determined to keep her at arm’s length.

I hated myself in that moment for not being able to control that part of me. The fucked-up part that kept people at a distance. It was a defense mechanism. My very own alarm system that kicked in when things got too uncomfortable, or in this case, too close to being normal.

The relationship between them is a very slow burn. But it’s also perfectly written, in my opinion, as it gives you the time to truly get invested in both the MCs AND their relationship. It gives you the time to really understand them. It gives you the time to really fall for them.

With each details of Hayden’s past coming to light, your heart just breaks for him all the more. As hard as he tries to stay away from Alex, his fight is already lost the second he lays eyes on her. But don’t get me wrong, this was no insta-love…or insta-anything. Their road to being together is filled with angst filled bumps that will tear at every heart string you have.

I don’t know what this is. This thing between us. But I really need it.

Even at times when Hayden truly fucks up and you want to throttle him for his decisions, you still can’t help but love him.

I will do whatever it takes to make you forget. I’ll say whatever you need me to say. Go wherever you need me to go. And I’ll be whoever you need me to be.

This is definitely more PG13, so don’t expect a lot of steam here. Now typically I am NOT a reader that reads PG13 anything, but the story here just captivated me. The little steam that there was was satisfying while still leaving you wanting more…but in a good way.

He kissed me like he needed me to breathe.

This is not just a NA Romance novel, it’s so much more than that. It’s about second chances, finding your inner strength, and facing your darkest demons. I was glued to my kindle until the very last page. I eagerly anticipate ANY future books by this author. J. Nathan is going straight to my auto-buy list.



Guest Post

MOTIVATION FOR UNTIL ALEX

When I was in my early twenties, I wrote a screenplay. I worked on it relentlessly, confident that if it just got into the right hands, it could go somewhere. Then, somehow, the fates aligned. Drew Barrymore read it! I know, dream come true, right? And wait for it…she actually liked it! Unfortunately, her production company partner, who just so happens to be Jimmy Fallon’s wife, gave me a painful dose of reality and passed on it. Ten years and plenty of rejection letters later, the screenplay remains on a flash drive in my desk drawer.

Needless to say, I lost the motivation to write. It seemed like a losing battle. Too much time and effort spent on something no one would ever see…

Then, a year and a half ago, I had one of the most vivid dreams I’d ever had. It was about a girl who moved in with her aunt after suffering a horrific tragedy. She befriended a standoffish neighbor, who for some reason put her at ease, and they grew close—until others threatened their friendship. That’s when he intentionally hurt her to keep her safe. But, as hard as he tried to stay away, there was an undeniable connection between them, one that could not be ignored. From there, a slow, yet well-deserved romance ensued.

Upon waking up from that dream, I immediately wrote down everything I could remember (while still in bed). I ended up with three pages of sloppy handwritten notes. Throughout the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about those two broken souls and their story, so I added three more pages of notes. If you check out my website under About Self Publishing, you can see them.

Those sloppy notes served as the perfect outline for my first novel. After a year and a half—and many tweaks later—Until Alex was completed. My husband forced me to do something with it so it didn’t end up like my screenplay tucked away in some drawer. Thank goodness for self-publishing because I would have never been able to endure another set of rejection letters!

Tweaks I made to Until Alex worth noting:

Hayden: His original name was Aiden, but having two main characters with a name starting with A, especially when Alex’s name could be a guy’s name, seemed like it could get confusing.

The Title: The not-so-original, original title was Aiden and Alex. I know, I know. Then I got creative and changed it to Alex and Hayden. Yup. I’m very clever. I came up with Until Alex right before I started sending out ARC’s.

The competition: Alex originally tried out for the musical Legally Blonde instead of a singing competition. But it ruined the timeline of the story since play preparations take months, and I didn’t want to jump weeks. I hate stories that do that. I don’t want to miss time with the characters. I want to live every moment with them.

YA versus NA: Initially, this story was about seniors in high school. But because I primarily read new adult novels, I wanted to write something my friends and I would be more apt to read.

The Prologue: Thanks to my wonderful editor Stephanie Elliot, I changed the initial prologue. I only wrote the scene with Hayden’s father a couple months ago. Originally, I had the flashback of what happened in the alley as the prologue (instead of spreading it throughout the first few chapters). But Stephanie pointed out that she hated Hayden in the beginning because of the prologue. I knew I needed to find something that would make people feel compassion for him, understand his distance from others, and love him as much as I did. Hence, the new prologue, which so many readers have noted is what made them read the book. To think it almost didn’t exist…

DREAM CAST

When I read, I don’t really see a character in my mind. It’s more of the idea of them. Their qualities, flaws, maybe their eyes. But usually they’re “faceless.” So trying to cast my characters is really tough.

I love your casting on Goodreads for the leads! Those models definitely fit what I was going for. I particularly like the Hayden with the words “I would’ve given anything…” on it. My fave! Sooo Hayden!

I used to watch E! News religiously. But being a mom to a four year old, a high school English teacher, an avid reader, and a when-I-have-time writer, I’m totally out of the hot actors and actresses under 25 loop. But if I had to choose actors and actresses to bring my characters to life, these are some I may consider (knowing their ages are a little off).

Interview with Hayden

What’s your greatest flaw?

My anger. I normally can’t control it which makes me volatile. My “friends” understand when I go quiet and need to excuse myself from a situation. They don’t know the true cause of it, where it stems from, but they respect my mood swings and my privacy. Remy’s the only one who really gets me. 

What do you think others think of you?

Girls want to sleep with me, guys want to be me, and this girl who just moved into my building thinks I’m some kind of miracle worker. For the record, she’s fucking delusional.

Would you consider yourself a lucky guy?

On the outside? Yes. Different girls all the time, a friend who’d stand by me no matter what, my own apartment and truck, good looks—I’m not conceited, but when you hear it enough, you’ve got to believe it, right? But all that shit’s just superficial. If people really knew me, knew the truth about me and what I’d been through, they’d know I have shit for luck. No one, and I mean no one(except Remy of course), looks out for me but me. Anything that happens is because I make it happen. Fuck luck.

You mention you’ve been through some stuff. What in your past would you most want to forget?

All. Of. It. 

Do you consider yourself a romantic guy?

(His narrowed eyes and creased forehead answer for him) 

I’m sure the ladies are curious; do you have a preference, blondes, redheads, or brunettes? 

For a long time, it didn’t matter. If she was a willing female, she was for me. But lately, I’m more into brunettes.

Colors say a lot about a person. Do you have a favorite?

Green. Like the color of tropical fish.

Care to elaborate?

Nope.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

One word. Jake’s.

If you could be stranded on a deserted island with one person, who would it be and why?

(He considers the question for a long time before answering) 

My neighbor Alex. For some strange reason, I want to be the guy she thinks I am. In a situation where I’d normally flip the fuck out, she calms me down. It’s inexplicable, but this girl I barely know brings out the best in me. I would do whatever it took to help her survive and get her off that island.(His brows squished together) Would we have clothes? Because if not, that would make this situation a whole lot more interesting. (His dimples popped)

If someone were to write your life story, what are two things you’d want them to make clear?

I’m not this bad boy people think I am. I got the reputation because I hang with Remy. Now I can’t seem to shake it. I guess I’ve never really done anything to try because it keeps people away.

Some might say I’ve got daddy issues. Damn straight I do. I mean, how could I not? Mine screwed me up beyond repair. But I don’t blame anything I say or do on him. I make my own choices, pave my own path. Yeah, I chose my job which was a dumbass decision, but it was mine to make.

I am who I am. Love me or hate me.

 
About the Author

I’m an avid reader of all things romance-especially those with alpha males. The more unlikable they are in the beginning, the better. Happy endings are a must. Don’t leave me with an unexpected cliffhanger or someone dying in the end. I’ll mope around and be too embarrassed to explain why. Love triangles and negative people are the bane of my existence. My family, friends, sangria, and watermelon margaritas are the light…

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