Review: ★Never Let You Go★ by Monica Murphy

review-NLYGNever Let You Go
Series: Never Tear Us Apart #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Monica Murphy
Release Date: May 3, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.

The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.

The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.

I don’t want to let him go.

While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.

Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?

Buy LinksAMAZON | iBOOKS | B&NReview3 starsNever Let You Go MM-DGR

Ethan. Will. The boy of my past. The man of my future. The one I can never, ever let go.

Never Let You Go is the powerful conclusion to the emotional duet that started with Never Tear Us Apart. It begins immediately where the first book ended; both Ethan and and Katie dealing with the aftermath of the revelation of Ethan’s lie and the continuous hounding for their story by one very determined reporter.

I fell in love with this story and this couple in the first book. It was gripping and emotional, poignant and tragic love story of two people that should never be together yet make perfect sense together. The journey that the author sends them on individually as well as a couple was equal parts powerful and easy to believe. The story is equal parts emotional and devastating at times. Katie is still dealing with he afteraffects of all she’s been through. But now, she’s not only dealing with her issues after her kidnapping and rape when she was young, but the boy from her past all of a sudden being the man of her present. Who is Ethan/Will? Does he truly want her? Can she allow herself to feel for him?

Ethan was an incredible character. His unwavering love for Katie was so emotionally powerful, it’s almost heart breaking at times because all the odds are stacked against them.

The pace of the story is very slow, even more so than the first book. But whereas in the first book I found it to be a slow burn, here I just found it to be too slow. I can’t say it’s boring, because it’s more character driven than plot driven most of the time, but it didn’t have me gripped to the book and eager to turn the pages either. But even then, this was a solid 4 star read for me…up until that last 20%.

The crazy action and drama of that ending left my mind reeling. It was just too much. The pace of the book is quite slow and steady and then BAM, you get hit with all of that. I think that many people will actually enjoy the way things resolve, but for this reader it just felt out of the blue and unnecessary. I think the story was quite solid as it was and had everything just resolved quietly with some people out of the picture, it would have been best. I felt like I was watching a soap opera ending unfold. Add into this mix a somewhat cliche revelation and I was left with a lot of meh feelings.

Now all that aside, a 3 star rating means I did enjoy the book, because I did. While it didn’t wow me, it was still a satisfying conclusion. I’d gladly recommend it for readers that want something a little different in their romance because this is definitely that. It’s poignantly written and it’s certainly not a story I’ll soon be forgetting.


READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL

NEVER TEAR US APART
GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Review: ★Big Easy Temptation★ by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake

review-BETBig Easy Temptation
Series: The Perfect Gentlemen #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Romantic Suspense
Authors: Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Release Date: May 3, 2015add-to-goodreads-button-2

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The New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series present the third scintillating novel featuring the privileged, wealthy, wild men of Creighton Academy—the Perfect Gentlemen.

Years ago, Naval officer Dax Spencer and NCIS agent Holland Kirk indulged in a steamy affair—until she betrayed him in the wake of his father’s death. Dax tried to put her behind him with a payback of his own. But he never forgot Holland…

Now, as Dax and his fellow Perfect Gentlemen unravel a web of lies, he discovers his family’s tragedy is part of a much larger conspiracy. Soon, all clues point him back to New Orleans…where Holland waits, protecting her deadly secret and holding a torch for the only man she’s ever loved.

Once reunited, they can’t fight the passion flaring hot and wild. But something sinister lurks around every corner, from the elegance of the Garden district to the beauty of the bayou. Dax and Holland may find their way back to each other—if they survive…

Buy-Links10AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS

Review3.5 starsBig Easy Temptation-DGR

It was so funny that he’d come to New Orleans thinking that he could get back at her. Now he only wanted to get her back.

The perfect gentlemen return in this sexy second chance romance and what a twisty ride it was! With the third installment of this thrilling series, more mysteries are being unveiled but with every question we get an answer to, it only forms countless more.

She brought out the caveman in him. He wanted to mark her, to let everyone else know this one woman is his.

This was an interesting change of pace for me. I envisioned Dax totally different from the previous book. While we don’t know much about him, we do know that he’s still hung up on the only woman that he’s ever loved. It’s been years since they spoke and there’s enough betrayal and hurt brewing between them to guarantee no second chances, but sometimes fate has other plans.

Dax Spencer may be a too sexy for his own good Naval officer, but he’s always known what he wanted; the tough as nails NCIS agent Holland Kirk. Their lives are interwoven together with mutual friends, but Holland always keeps Dax at arm’s length. She’s always envisioned herself with someone less…intense, someone that will allow her to be as driven in her career as she is. And she knows that if she gives in to Dax, his job as a Naval officer will not let her do that…no matter how much he tempts her. But it’s not long before the chemistry between them burns too hot to deny, and Dax is nothing if not determined to win her heart.

Unfortunately their short lived affair ends in heartbreak when Holland betrays him and in a drunken bender, Dax married her best friend only to later divorce. It’s been years since they spoke, but with new evidence that has now come to light about his father’s death, Dax is determined to solve the mystery once and for all. And the one person that holds the answers he needs is the one woman that completely annihilated him when he gave her everything.

The story is told in two parts; past and present, and I really enjoyed that the authors split it that way as opposed to doing it with flashbacks. It truly allows the reader to get immersed in the budding romance between Dax and Holland. The first half is a bit slow building and at times almost teeth-rottingly sweet (at least for my particular tastes). Dax may come off as a playboy in the previous books, but he’s definitely not one. I was very curious how he would redeem himself with the whole marriage to the best friend thing, and I’m happy to say he did that flawlessly.

The second half is a bit more angsty with the added element of second-chance romance at play, which I happen to love!

You’re the woman for me. I’ve never forgotten you, not once since the moment we met.

There’s a lot that happens in Big Easy Temptation, but even with the continuous story arc, the authors do a great job in allowing this to also be enjoyed as a standalone. Though I highly recommend reading in order to truly appreciate the complexity of the mystery surrounding everything.

I loved Holland and I really loved Dax. There was some odd phrases that I found myself rolling my eyes at, like “…she would welcome him as he planted his seed”, but altogether I highly enjoyed this book. I found this to be slower paced than the predecessors, but I was still heavily involved in the story. The first half took me a bit to get through but luckily it really picked up in the second half.

He unwound her polite facade, obliterated her protective walls, an reduced her to a trembling bundle of need.

I also seriously loved getting those glimpse of Mad. Every time I finish a book in this series I keep hoping that his death is a conspiracy and he’s really alive hiding somewhere. It just hurts my heart to think that he’s really gone because you know I love me my irreverent manwhores.

All in all this was another fantastic installment in a great series. With Jordan and Gus’s book next, I can’t wait to see how the rest of the mystery unfolds.

If you like a second chance romance with a dash of mystery and suspense, a dirty talking hero that only has eyes for one woman, and a heroine that’s as tough as she is smart, then you’ve found your next read.

I want to kiss and lick and taste every inch of you, Holland. Do you know how long I’ve waited to be here? Years. Fuck, sweetheart, even before I met you, I dreamed about you. I’ve always known you’re the one woman who could make me feel, make me want forever.”


READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS (The Perfect Gentlemen #1)
AMAZON | GOODREADS

SEDUCTION IN SESSION (The Perfect Gentlemen #2)
AMAZON | GOODREADS | MY REVIEW

Review: ★Manhandled★ BY @CARIQUINN @TARYNELLIOTTFIC

review-Manhandled Manhandled
Series: Hammered #2
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
Authors: Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott
Release Date: April 8, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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My name is Faith Keystone, but my friends call me Keys.
I’m the piano player for Hammered.
Did I mention I’m the only female in my band?
That means I technically have five older brothers.
Can’t forget my manager and security team, too.
Alone time is nonexistent.
I escaped an overbearing family to join this happy circus, and most of the time it’s awesome.
Except now, because of one teensy little incident at a show.
Now I have this hulking bodyguard shadowing me like a freaking puppy.
Only this puppy is more like a Doberman with an attitude problem.
And he only knows one word—NO.
I hate that word.
And I hate Quinn Alexander.
The one thing I do like is giving him the slip. Is it wrong that I kinda like when he growls at me after he finds me?
Because he always finds me.
Worst of all? I want him so bad that I keep forgetting I hate him.

BEYOND OBLIVION – A Rockstar Romance full of sexy fun set within the world of our Lost in Oblivion series! You never know who you’ll see show up in the books.

**Standalone**

Buy LinksAMAZON | iBOOKS

Book Trailer

Review4 starsManhandled-DGR

Fuck. My life had become the second circle of hell. Lust sitting on my shoulders with no outlet. Rule one- don’t fuck the client.

I have a confession to make, the second I saw Alex was the visual inspiration on the authors’ pinterest board for Quinn, I knew I had to get my pervy little hands on this book. What? Don’t look at me like that! Have you seen the man? Exactly. Add into that the fact that I love everything these two brilliant authors write, and I have the recipe for a guaranteed winner. And boy was it!

For those that enjoyed Manaconda, this book is a must read! And even if you haven’t read that book yet, you can easily enjoy this one as a standalone. Where Manaconda was a bit on the fluffy side with some great humor and a dose of insta, Manhandled is nothing of the sort. It’s a slow burn, and I’m talking it-hurt-so-good-but-my-ovaries-may-explode-if-they-don’t-do-it-soon sort of slow. I absolutely loved it! There’s a healthy dose of angst and all of it wrapped around a great suspense sub plot that together adds up to one entertaining read.

Damn you, Warden.”
Duty. Loyalty. None of those were synonymous with fuck the client until she was unconscious.

Faith Keystone or “Keys” is the sassy piano player for Hammered. She’s fun loving, smart-mouthed, and everyone’s best friend. I loved her straight off the bat because how can you not? When a crazy fan becomes a whole lot more threatening than anyone ever thought and threatens Faith’s safety, her parents and the band insist that she needs additional protection and no one but the best will do. The best just happens to be in the sexy and brooding shape of Noah’s best friend and former Ranger turned body guard, Quinn Alexander.

Can we just say that name out loud once more? Quinn. Alexander. *rarrrr*

What happens when you take a stringent, growly, broody and all business bodyguard and throw him in with a sassy, never take no for an answer rockstar? A whole lot of sexiness!

I couldn’t deny him.
I couldn’t do anything but hold on and roll my hips in time with his deep strokes.
He hollowed me out and owned every part of me.

This was a slow burn sort of romance, which I loved, and when these two finally do get together? Holy mother of fireworks!

It was so easy to fall into that blackness of pleasure and let my body just ride his storm.
I wanted to be his storm.
I wanted to watch him go blind. Because of this. Because of us.

A fun, at times suspenseful, a little angsty, and a whole lot of sexy kind of read that’s sure to put a smile on any rockstar romance lovers face. If you haven’t discovered these authors yet, it’s about time you get acquainted. I highly recommend 😉


Don’t miss book 1 in the Hammered series!A28018771AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Review: ★The Wedding Pact★ by Katee Robert

review-TWPThe Wedding Pact
Series: The O’Malleys #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Katee Robert
Release Date: April 26, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O’Malleys—wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

Carrigan O’Malley has always known her arranged marriage would be more about power and prestige than passion. But after one taste of the hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced James Halloran, she’s ruined for anyone else. Too bad James and his family are enemy number 1.

Hallorans vs. O’Malleys—that’s how it’s always been. James should be thinking more about how to expand his family’s empire instead of how silky Carrigan’s skin is against his and how he can next get her into his bed. Those are dangerous thoughts. But not nearly as dangerous as he’ll be if he can’t get what he wants: Carrigan by his side for the rest of their lives.

Buy LinksAMAZON | iBOOKS

Review3.5 starsThe wedding pact-DGR

His options were sink or swim- and if he sunk, he’d take a hell of a lot of people with him. So he got up every day, and he swam, even though some of the shit he was required to do turn his stomach and made him lose sleep.

The Wedding Pact picks up right where The Marriage Contract left off. For those that are thinking of reading these books as standalones, while you technically could, I’d recommend reading the series in order as the story arc continues through the books and the O’Malley siblings get introduced early. Carrigan and James’s story began in book 1 with the hot little interlude they shared in the supply closet of a club four months ago before each knew who the other was. Things didn’t end well when James thew her in the trunk of his car and kidnapped her in order to use her against her family since the O’Malleys and Hallorans are mortal enemies.

Now both sides are left to deal with he aftermath. The eldest Holloran heir is dead, the father is in jail, and James is left to run his father’s empire and deal with his wayward younger brother who seems to constantly get himself into trouble. But there’s one thing that James never forgot; the taste and feel of Carrigan, the woman that he can’t stop thinking about and can never have.

Carrigan O’Malley. The daughter of the enemy. The one woman he sure as hell needed to keep his hands off.

With the death of her brother Devlin during the Holloran vs O’Malley power struggle, things have been a lot more on edge than usual in her family. Try as she might to avoid the subject, with her pushing thirty, her father is pushing her to fulfill her responsibility as an O’Malley and pick a suitor in order to form a power alliance. But as much as Carrigan wants to deny it, she can’t stop thinking about James. When she fled from his house (and he let her escape), she took a prized possesion of his with her and now James is using that as an excuse to track her down. Can she resist the temptation or will giving in to him have everything crashing and burning?
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. While I loved the premise and set up in The Marriage Contract, the insta-love element didn’t quite work for me. There’s an edge of angst with a dose of forbidden in this book that really worked for me. James is rough around the edges and deliciously sexy. Carrigan is one tough cookie herself. She doesn’t need anyone to save her and takes care of herself just fine; which I really appreciated.

There’s also a bit more grit to this story than the previous one. I was hoping with the series focusing around a mob family that we’d finally get to the nitty gritty and it begins to dig into the dark underbelly a bit here. But at it’s heart, it’s still mostly a contemporary romance, so if you’re worried that it’s dark, don’t be.

I enjoyed the forbidden romance and progressing story line here. We get Cillian’s POV as well which is building up to be a doozy that I can’t wait to read. And while I enjoyed the story for the most part, there were also some things that grated on me a bit. For one, it was James’s overuse of the endearment ‘lovely’. It got so repetitive at times, he’d be using it numerous times in a conversation. I’m a bit surprised it wasn’t cut down, to be honest, because it was simply too much. Or at least it was for me. I also found the resolution for James and Carrigan to be a little flat. There was all this build up, and it all wrapped up almost too perfectly at the end, particularly for James and his family.

Also (and this is the picky Russian in me poking her head out), I have to say that I was pretty disappointed that the one and only Russian word that was used by a secondary character here was used wrong. Google translate strikes again. But I tend to be super picky about translations in books, so this is definitely an “it’s only me” thing. Most won’t even notice, let alone bat an eye lash at this.

But those minor quibbles aside, it was still a great, sexy and action-packed read. If you’re looking to dip your toes into a mafia story but don’t like them too gritty or dark, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

With this woman by my side, I’d be content to let the rest of the world burn.


Don’t miss book 1 in The O’Malleys series51KN2u8chqL._SX307_BO1,204,203,200_AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Review: ★Over The Line★ by Lisa Desrochers

Review-OTLOver the Line
Series: On the Run #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Author: Lisa Desrochers
Release Date: April 19, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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The USA Today bestselling author of Outside the Lines once again explores love on the edge in an explosive new romance about obsession, betrayal, and a killer attraction.
Lee Delgado never planned on falling in love with the irresistible Oliver Savoca, son of a Chicago crime lord. Considering that their families are rivals, she knew it could never work. And now that both their fathers have been nabbed on racketeering charges, any real chance at a future with the man she loves has been shot to hell. But a greater blow is yet to come.

Not only does Lee learn that a contract is out on her life, she has reason to believe that Oliver is behind the devastating betrayal. Now she’s working closely—very closely—with Federal Agent Sean Callahan to help bring her man down. But however she’s come to feel about Callahan, Lee is still deeply, hopelessly, unabashedly in love with Oliver.

Where that fearless love takes Lee next is beyond her control—but the risk is worth every beat of her heart.

Includes an exclusive preview of the next On the Run novel 

Buy LinksAMAZON | iBOOKS

Review3.5 stars

…it was always her. There’s never been a woman who’s captivated me the way she does. I was ready to turn my world upside down to find a way to make us work, despite the insurmountable obstacles.
But all she ever wanted was revenge.


This series is certainly picking up steam as it goes along and just gets better. Over The Line was an action-packed, sizzling hot ride from begging to end. Add in a splash of forbidden romance between two dueling mafia families, revenge, and a love in spite of it, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for an unputdownable read!

All along, I’ve thought I was becoming desperately lonely. But now, looking at him, I’m afraid maybe I’m just desperate.
For him.

First of all, I highly recommend reading this series in order. While you get plenty of background here, reading Outside the Lines will help put a lot of things in perspective as well as understand the secondary characters more.

The Delgado siblings had to uproot their entire life for Witsec when their Chicago crime lord father was put in jail. Now they’ve learned that there is a contract for a hit on them, and time is quickly running out. No one proves to be more dangerous than the man from Lee’s past with an ax to grind and revenge to seek.

While all the Delgado siblings are struggling with their new personas, Lee is feeling it the most lately. She was on the road to a successful career in finance, and now she can’t even put her illustrious university on her resume. But the one thing she seems to struggle with the most is her complete and utter loneliness. The one man that’s she’s ever gotten close to is the son of her family’s biggest enemy and the person that she betrayed. While she finds herself growing attached to the agent in charge of her family’s case, she still can’t forget about Oliver

Oliver Savoca has one goal in mind; find Lee and get the pass code that may be the thing he needs to save his life. He knows that she’s responsible for hacking the financial program their business uses and them bleeding money since. He just needs the passcode to set things right before his father finds out that he’s responsible for allowing her to get that close to their business in the first place. But when he finally tracks her down, he knows that the passcode is only an excuse and his feelings for her are undeniable.

I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than it’s predecessor. It was quicker-paced, a whole lot steamier and filled with quite a few twists and turns. Lee was a kick-ass heroine in her own right even if she did have me wanting to rip my hair out in frustration over some of her actions. I wasn’t a fan of the way she pursued her connection with Sean. I don’t mind a little love triangle, though I can’t really call it that here. I almost felt bad for Sean with the way everything unfolded. But mostly I disliked this turn of events because I loved Oliver. He really lays his heart out for Lee and at times she almost stomps on it. That’s not to say I hate it, it did add a certain element of angst that I enjoyed for the most part. But I could have done without the lust connection to Sean. It’s personal taste thing and it is is what it is, you can’t help how you feel.

The last 30% I found to be a bit convoluted and almost too much was happening. But ultimately it did the job of driving the plot for the future book as well, so I can’t complain too much. There’s quite a delicious set up for Grant, and I’m already salivating for his book.

Ultimately, this was a super sexy and entertaining read and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

You are the only real thing I have left…
I’ve given up all the rest so I could have you. So don’t tell me this isn’t real, Lee. Nothing else is. Only this.


DON’T MISS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES!

51hNHpIhLVL._SX318_BO1,204,203,200_MY REVIEW | AMAZON

Review: ★Game Player★ by B.J. Harvey

Review-GPGame Player
Series: Game #1
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Author: B.J. Harvey
Release Date: March 23, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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From the USA Today bestselling author of the Bliss series comes a new spin off series featuring your favorite Bliss series characters who are yet to meet their match.

Matt Taylor’s motto:
“I’m the king of the cut ‘n’ run. I wine them, dine them, then slide inside them, making sure I get up, get dressed and get out before they can even utter the words “second date.”

Mia Roberts’ motto:
“I’m queen of the chase. I meet them, greet them, date them and leave them. A social butterfly, I’m happily single and happy to stay that way.”

The players have been found.

The challenge has been set.

Whatever happens, they’ll soon find out that playing the game can get you played in the best possible way.

Buy LinksAMAZONReview4 starsGame Player-DGR

I still hate you.” She mutters under her breath.
“You can hate me and still fuck me. In fact, if you off like that every time I make you come, you’re welcome to hate-fuck me any time you want.”

I’ve been on a rom kick lately so when the author offered me a chance to read Game Player, I jumped on it. This was my first book by BJ Harvey and all I can say after finishing is, where has she been all my life? Game Player is full of wickedly hilarious banter, sizzling hot romance, and a cast of characters that I completely fell in love with. I had a goofy smile on my face for most of the book (some parts I wanted to throttle the heroine), but that may have been because I wanted Matt for myself. Nothing wrong with a little heroinecide. I’m totally making that a word, by the way. But I digress…

Knowing you, you’d probably try and turn up early to witness the walk of shame.”
“If you’ve done it right, it should always be a stomp of satisfaction. Have I taught you nothing?

Matt Taylor is a player in every sense of the word. He’s the hit it and quit it type and not one for settling down. But one drunken hookup at a wedding 18 months ago changed his relationship with Mia irrevocably. They may not have spoken of it since, but eventually the sparks between them prove too hot to ignore.

Don’t you worry about me, legs. There’s a whole black book worth of willing volunteers.”
“Legs?”
“Well I can’t call you Tits, can I?”
“You’re a piece of work, Taylor.”
“It’s okay to admit you want me, Mia.”

Mia is a sassy, call them like she sees them type of chick. She sees nothing wrong with giving in to the undeniable urges between her and Matt, but that’s it. Matt may want something more, or so he says, but how can she trust a player like him?

Why did I ever think I could play the player at his own game?

I absolutely loved Matt. His internal dialogue gave me many a giggle, and the man has a hell of a mouth on him when it comes to the dirty talk.

Jesus, are you trying to kill me?
“No, Legs, I don’t want to kill you. I want to make you moan. I want you to whimper, and I want you to scream my name when I’m balls deep inside you. My mouth is going to claim you, my hands are going to explore you, and my cock will make you mine-even if you only ever give me one night.”

Ovaries. CUMbusted.

But in all seriousness, I couldn’t get enough of him. You can see how much he struggles with his feelings for Mia when she doesn’t trust him with that. Mia was a source of frustration for me for much of the duration of the book. I wanted to throttle her for the way she acts with Matt at times. But on the other hand, it kept their antics lively and angsty, so in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t take much away form my enjoyment.

Admittedly, it took me a bit to really wrap my mind around all the characters. I believe this is a spin off from BJ’s Bliss series, and many of the characters from that series have a cameo here. As this was my first book, it took my puny brain a bit to get a hang of everything, but once I did, I was right in the swing of things.

All in all, Game Player was a sexy and hilarious read that I enjoyed thoroughly. This is an author that will surely be my go-to whenever I need a book to put a smile on my face while making my ovaries happy.


Check out BJ Harvey’s Bliss series

TEMPORARY BLISS | TRUE BLISS | BLISSFUL SURRENDER | PERMANENT BLISS | FINDING BLISS

New Release & Review: ★Dirty★ by @KylieScottbooks

Review-DirtyDirty
Series: Dive Bar #1
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Author: Kylie Scott
Release Date: April 19, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn’t know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it’s with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she’d marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he’s all wrong-maybe it’s time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.

After all, what’s wrong with getting dirty?

Buy LinksAMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N

Review5 starsDirty2-DGR

I’d broken into his house, but he’d somehow broken into me, cracked me wide open, exposing me to so much more of life than what had existed before.

You know that moment when you pick exactly the right book at exactly the right time? You know what I’m talking about here; when all the planets aline and you pick the book that’s guaranteed to be the perfect one for your mood and taste. Well this book was that for me! And what perfect timing too because I’ll be going into my weekend with a perma-grin on my face. Dirty was laugh out loud funny, with a cast of secondary characters that you’re guaranteed to fall for right away. It’s filled with amazing banter, swoony moments, and make-your-ovaries-happy-sort-of-sexy times.

No part was left untouched. My smile grew wider, my nipples hard and my loins Vaughan-addled. That’s a medical term.

First, let’s talk about Lydia. Has a more perfect heroine ever been written for me? I think not! Here’s a girl that discovers her soon to be husband is having an affair…on their wedding day…with his best man. So she does what any reasonable person would do; makes a run for it by climbing over a fence, breaking into the first house she sees and believes to be empty, and proceeding to have a meltdown in the bathtub. And the entire time her internal monologue had me laughing. This is a woman that’s been dealt the worst card and she’s able to poke fun of herself in such an endearingly quirky manner, you can’t help but love her. She’s not perfect; she can get down on herself and her body issues, but again, this is done in such a way that just makes you love her that much more.

I just want you to know, I will not be falling slave to your devil dick and demon tongue. No matter how good they are.”
“Hmm…
Is that your way of saying you like how I fuck?”
“Yes. Basically.”

As for Vaughan? Well, let’s just say the man lives up to his promise. I fell for him when I first met him in the Stage Dive series, and I loved him even more here. He’s just the right amount of alpha and yet he’s funny at all the right times and even sweet at others, without ever losing any of his edge.
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Fuck. I was so confused. “We have a bed at home. I mean, at your place.”
Low laughter from the deviant. “Yeah, but I have you all turned on right here. Why wait?”
“I’m not really turned on.”
“Nipples.”
I looked down. They were indeed twin hard points, all too obvious beneath the thin cotton of my top. Talk about betrayal. “They know nothing.”

This book kept me laughing at parts and uncomfortably squirming at others. It was sexy and humorous perfection. I loved every single page of it. I love every single secondary character that was introduced. I’m pretty sure I’d part with an ovary right meow to get my hands on Pat’s book, but I’ll happily settle for Joe’s book next.

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up sort of book that will put a smile on your face and make your ovaries giddy with joy, you’ve found your next read!


Pre-Order TWIST, book 2 in the Dive Bar series, releasing November 22, 2016

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When his younger brother loses interest in online dating, hot, bearded, bartender extraordinaire, Joe Collins, only intends to log into his account and shut it down. Until he reads about her.

Alex Parks is funny, friendly, and pretty much everything he’s been looking for in a woman. And in no time at all they’re emailing up a storm, telling each other their deepest darkest secrets…apart from the
one that really matters.

And when it comes to love, serving it straight up works better than with a twist.

New Release & Review: ★Slow & Steady★ by Kendall Ryan

S&SbaNNERSlow & Steady
Series: Alphas Undone #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kendall Ryan
Release Date: April 12, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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When Greyson Archer tosses a twenty on the stage of a strip club, the last thing he expects to see are the haunted green eyes staring back at him. Finley should be home raising her infant daughter and baking cookies, not tucking singles into her G-string and giving lap dances.

Greyson can’t deny that he’d like his own private show, but there’s not a chance in hell of that happening. The last time the former Navy SEAL saw her she was dressed in black, holding a folded flag and sobbing that it was all his fault… and he agreed with every single word. He couldn’t do anything to help her then, but he can now.

Finley deserves better than this dingy club, and when an obsessed customer crosses the line, Greyson leads the rescue and will do whatever it takes to make amends for their broken past.

He never expected to want to settle down, but with Finley, everything is different. For the first time ever, he can breathe. But Greyson will have to fight for what he wants in order to keep the woman with the green eyes he’s dreamed about so often.

Slow & Steady is book 2 in the Alphas Undone series, but can be read as a standalone novel, as it features a new couple.

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ss1Excerpt

It was nine o’clock on a Saturday night and I was totally out of my fucking element. A bottle of red wine tucked under one arm. A bouquet of wild flowers in the other. A condom tucked into my wallet, just in case. I was in foreign territory, and my entire body knew it – tense shoulders, my heart beating like a drum, and arousal barely contained beneath the surface.

Finley was standing at the doorway, watching me with a confused expression.

She looked gorgeous, makeup free, pink-painted toes, hair mussed and loose. Little cotton pajama shorts and a tank top that hugged her lush breasts.

“Maple’s not here.” She said the words, but she knew as well as I did I wasn’t here for Maple.

“I know that.” My voice was sure and confident.

“Then why are you … oh.” Finley shifted her weight, her eyes dropping from mine as she saw the wine and flowers. She could read it all, plain as day. I knew she could see my intentions, my uncertainty, and underneath it all, my desire. Maybe it was the desire to fix everything I’d broken, or maybe it was just my desire for her as a man desires a woman.

Normally when I felt that primal urge for sex, I headed to West’s bar. I’d pick out a woman for the night. Share a few drinks with her, a few laughs. Later, we’d head back to my place and fuck until dawn. And that was it. I’d be set for a few months.

This … with the courting and the nerves … it was nothing like my standard operating procedure.

I’d never felt so stripped bare and vulnerable. Never put myself out there so completely with a woman before. But then again, Finley was unlike any woman I’d ever met.

And she was still just standing there. “Can I come inside?” I asked, heart in my throat.

She didn’t say anything. But she opened the door wider.

With Nolan’s words ringing in my ears, I stepped over the threshold, sure that whatever happened tonight had the power to heal us both.

ss3Review3.5 stars

She wasn’t meant to be mine. They weren’t meant to be mine.

Now it’s been a hot minute since I last read a book by Kendall Ryan that I forgot just how well they can hit the spot.

Greyson Archer is a former Navy SEAL that still harbors unimaginable guilt over the death of his friend and teammate. When drinking his sorrows away at a run down strip joint, the last thing he expects is to recognize the face of the striking stripper that caught his attention the mere second she went on the stage. The fact that the woman that seems to make his blood heat is also the widow of his fallen brother in arms doesn’t do much for his guilt.

Seeing how low she’s come to support herself and her baby daughter, Greyson is determined to make things right. He wants to give them what he should have given them when her husband died; his support. He’ll just have to put his libido on hold…if only Finley will allow him to get close enough to help.

Finley is just fine on her own. She may be barely making ends meet, making her rent, and working as a stripper to support herself and her daughter, but she doesn’t need Greyson to come in with his bad boy vibes and oozing sexuality to tempt her self control. She still harbors plenty of rage his way, but the lust is certainly a heavy undercurrent in their relationship. Greyson is determined to help and when Finley’s life is in danger, he knows that he won’t take no for an answer.

Slow & Steady is exactly what the title implies; it’s a slow and steady build. However, with the length of the story, it didn’t allow a lot of things to be fleshed out and connect me to the story more. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it. Quite a lot, in fact. 3.5 stars for me means I really liked it. But there were times when I wanted to throttle Finley for her stubbornness and stupidity in certain situations. The suspense part of the story was a bit…odd. I felt the story could have easily done without it and been just fine. But it did serve as a plot driver in finally getting Finley and Grey together.

This was a quick, cute and sexy read about second chances and forgiveness. It had a little suspense, a little steam, and quite a few swoony moments. It certainly hit the spot for the mood I was in and was the perfect read to spend a Saturday afternoon on.

About the Author

Kendall Ryan Headshot 1 pic

Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Unravel Me, Resisting Her and When I Break.

She’s a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. She lives in Minneapolis with her adorable husband and two baby sons, and enjoys hiking, being active, and reading.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

 

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New Release: ★Calico★ by Callie Hart

Calico-RB
CALICO
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Callie Hart
Release Date: April 12th, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

NEW CALICO COVER

Coralie

Twelve years ago, I ran to stay alive.

Port Royal, South Carolina, was my home. I was born there. I fell in love there. And I nearly died there. I never thought I’d go back. Now, after so many years, I have to return to bury the man who made my life a living hell. Some nights, I used to cry myself to sleep, praying my father would die. Other nights were different. Other nights, there was him.

Callan Cross.

My first confidante. My first kiss. My first love. My first everything: Callan was the glue that held me together when everything else was falling apart. He was my savior. He was there for me whenever I needed him…

Until he wasn’t.

Every night, I’ve seen the love of my life in my sleep.
I just never thought I’d have to face him again.

Callan

Twelve years ago, I f*#@ed up big time.

Living life through a camera lens is sometimes easier than dealing with it head on. Scratch that. It’s always easier. For over a decade, I’ve been a master of my art, taking photographs all over the world. Yet despite all of the countries I’ve visited, the amazing things I’ve seen, the beautiful women I’ve screwed, my heart has remained in pieces.

Coralie’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, will ever love. And I’m determined to show her that we’re meant to be together. Even if it means unearthing the bones of the past in the process.

A lifetime and a thousand miles have stood between us.
Now, there’s no length of time I won’t wait, no distance I won’t travel, in order to make her mine.

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iBOOKS

Calico-DGR

About the Author

Callie Hart

Callie Hart is an obsessive romantic who loves throwing a dark twist into her stories. Her characters are imperfect, flawed individuals who dictate when she eats, sleeps and breathes. Callie’s Internationally Bestselling Blood & Roses series has garnered well over 1000 5 star reviews.
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Review: ★Thrown Down★ by Tessa Bailey

Review-Thrown DownTHROWN DOWN
Series: Made in Jersey #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: April 4, 2016add-to-goodreads-button-2

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He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams…

Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her…and River is in danger of drowning a second time.

No one believed Hook’s resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he’ll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he’s worth their love in the process–even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.

But even as River’s body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time…

Buy LinksAMAZON | iBOOKSReview3 stars

He didn’t remember a time when River didn’t occupy his heart. His mind. All of him.

I’ve been waiting for River and Vaughn’s book since first meeting them in Crashed Out. I love a good second chance romance, and of course the complexity of River having a child that Vaughn didn’t know about when he left added to the intrigue. Now this sort of set up could either work really well or not, and in the case of this book, it worked and worked well. Vaughn and River are still very much hung up on each other even 5 years worth of separation later and Vaughn was devoted to her even when he was away. He left because he didn’t think he could give River the life she deserves being the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. But when he learns that River gave birth to his daughter, he drops everything to come back to the town that only holds painful memories to him to make things right with the only woman that will hold his heart.

But while the set up was great and I loved Vaughn’s bad boy side and dirty talking, all the dirty talking and sex began to overshadow the story for me. There’s a line between hot dirty talk and porny, and some of the lines here went from porny to making me feel like I was reading a dirty Victorian romance…

His growl of bliss was released against River’s flesh, ropes of male fluid soiling River’s bedclothes.

Male fluid? Bedclothes?
Then there were terms like …manhood stood
…damp femininity
…River gasped, feeling her loins quiver.

Then this doozy

Fuck, Riv, I couldn’t breathe around how bad I want to eat you. Still can’t. I felt that little rosebud through my pants today- up against your car- and I’m a sick man now. Am I imagining how bad it needs me?

He’s referring to her clit…as a rosebud…and inferring that he can feel it though his pants? What on earth does she have down there because I’m pretty sure that requires medical intervention!
Or this…

Can I have this pussy for myself again? Please, River? Give it back to your buck for safe keeping.”

And topped off with this

“This kitty likes when you’re on all fours, doesn’t it? You could never get that ass up in the air fast enough. Fuck, the way you used to look at me over your shoulder. Come get it, big daddy.”

and this one…

Vaughn fell over her like a fuck-hungry prison inmate

Le sigh.

This had such a strong promise, and again, if you can overlook the lines I referenced above, you’d really love it. I did really love the story. But unfortunately for me, the OTT dirty talk once again overshadowed things. I adored Tessa’s Line of Duty series. Her heroes were sexy dirty talkers, but it was perfectly balanced. It feels like it was just trying too hard to be dirty here, if that even makes sense.

On a different note, there’s a secondary character in this book that really caught my attention and I do believe there may be an MM in the making, and my pervy self is already salivating for that one. Will I read the next one? Absolutely. Can’t love them all. I still love Tessa and her writing, but sadly this one fell a bit flat. Hopefully the next one will make up for it.


THE REST OF THE SERIES


MADE IN JERSEY #125781782AMAZON | MY REVIEW

MADE IN JERSEY #1.526226522AMAZON | MY REVIEW

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