Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Silver Bastard★ by @joannawylde

Silver Bastard (Silver Valley #1)
Author: Joanna Wylde
Release Date: April 7, 2015

First in the new Silver Valley series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers Motorcycle Club Novels.Fourteen months. For fourteen months, Puck Redhouse sat in a cell and kept his mouth shut, protecting the Silver Bastards MC from their enemies. Then he was free and it was time for his reward–full membership in the club, along with a party to celebrate. That’s when he saw Becca Jones for the first time and set everything in motion. Before the night ended he’d violated his parole and stolen her away from everything she knew.

Five years. It was five years ago that Puck destroyed Becca and saved her all in one night. She’s been terrified of him ever since, but she’s even more terrified of the monsters he still protects her from… But Becca refuses to let fear control her. She’s living her life and moving forward, until she gets a phone call from the past she can’t ignore. She has to go back, and there’s only one man she can trust to go with her–the ex-con biker who rescued her once before.Puck will help her again, but this time it’ll be on his terms. No more lies, no more tears, and no more holding back what he really wants…

ExcerptIgnoring him, I settled back on my stool and surveyed the room. We sat in Becca’s section, and what I saw wasn’t making me happy. I knew she was a good waitress, but she’d just started here and it showed. Not only had she fucked up several orders, she didn’t quite seem to get the rhythm of the bar. That wasn’t my problem, though.

My problem was that despite these fuckups, nobody seemed to mind. I had a nasty suspicion this was due to her perky tits, friendly smile, and tight little ass that seriously just needed a bite taken right out of it.

She really, really needed to get a new job—every man in the place wanted her. Including me. Especially me. I hated them. All of them. I shifted uncomfortably, because just like every time I shared a room with her, my pants had gotten tight.

Torture. Becca was just so fucking fine on every level, and not just her looks. There was something about the way she carried herself . . . I couldn’t put my finger on it. Like she was dancing through life to some song nobody else could hear. Never met another woman like her—she wasn’t just sexy, she was a survivor and I admired that.

She’d grown up so much since the first time I’d met her. Bigger boobs, a nice fullness to her ass that was nowhere close to fat but would be perfect to hold tight while I fucked her. Her lips had plumped, too, and over the years she’d gained a sparkle in her eyes that turned her from pretty to 100 percent spectacular.

Not to mention how she’d tasted.

Nearly blew in my pants when I’d taken that mouth. Just the memory got me hard. Make that harder. Fucking basket case.

When I’d pulled up to find her sitting outside with Collins, a thousand murder scenarios ran through my mind. And yeah, I know I covered that already, but if anything ever deserved empha- sis, this was it. Collins needed to die. I didn’t care how nice he was. After that I’d throw Becca on the back of my bike and make a run for the hills . . .

Okay, so there were a few problems with the plan, the top one being she hated me. Or she should—I’d certainly given her cause. Boonie nudged me.

“Did I mention you’re pathetic? You want her, take her. Other- wise let it go because you’re an embarrassment to all men in general and to the Silver Bastards in particular.”

Review
4 stars

The man was my personal North Atlantic iceberg, lurking under the cold waters, just waiting to shred me wide open.
Fucking biker.

Ladies and ovaries, prepare to meet the bane of your existence (I’ll explain) and the object of your upcoming pervy dreams, Puck Redhouse. So why bane of existence? Because I honestly thought that my poor ovaries would die a slow and painful death by sexual frustration for a good 60% of this book. But damn, what a way to go. Joanna knows how to give good sexual tension. OH MY GAWD, the sexual tension! It burned with the fire of a thousand venereal diseases, I tells ya. Not that I know what that feels like, but I’d guess it would be like that. Just saying. Moving on…

Do not think for one minute that I’m the kind of guy who does the right thing. That’s not my style. I’m the guy who does what he wants when he wants, and trust me when I say I didn’t do nearly enough to you that night to get out out of my system.”

Five years ago, Puck saved Becca Jones and destroyed her all at once. It was the night that irrevocably changed everything for both Puck and Becca. For Puck, it was a night that gave him an angel after months of hell inside a jail cell, only to turn into something that can put him right back into it. And for Becca, it gave her a taste of something she never expected but with devastating consequences. But it was also the night of her salvation.

Now Becca is a different person five years later. She’s older, working on her career, has an amazing best friend. But the memory of the rough biker still continues to equal terrify and tempt her. Puck and Becca don’t cross paths much and have barely seen each other over 5 years, but she’s always known his there. Beck’s history makes her weary of bikers and the MC, and even though the Silver Bastards are nothing like what she grew up in, they still scare her. Worst of all is the scowling man with the burning brown eyes that continues to have a visceral reaction to.

I’m not your friend, Becca. I’ve never been your friend and I never will be. I can be the man that fucks you and owns you, or I can be the man who keeps an eye on you…”

Even though the chemistry between her Puck is so palpable it practically crackles with electricity, both Puck and Becca are determined to stay away from each other. Puck out of atonement from the past and knowing that Becca is too good for the likes of him, and Becca because she’s determined to stay as far away from the biker life as she can and not turn into her mother who is the worst kind of MC whore.

Puck is definitely no sunshine and rainbows kind of biker. He makes no apologies for who he is and what he does. His life is all about his brothers and his MC. He has no interest of allowing a woman into his life and screwing any of it up. The relationships between him and Becca is definitely not an easy or smooth road. Puck is certainly not celibate when they’re not together, and he doesn’t make an effort to hide that. But when he sets his sights on Becca, he knows that he won’t settle for anything less than everything.

Becca is extremely stubborn and is determined to not get her heart involved. She says some very vicious and unthoughtful things to Puck at times that had me wanting to slap her. But as frustrating as they were at times, I found them to be a perfect balance for each other.

All I felt was him, all I wanted was him. In me, on me, surrounding me.

Even though this focuses on Silver Bastard’s territory, we do get a peak at all our favorite characters from Joanna’s other series. There’s Picnic, Horse and of course Painter. Let me just tell you, if you were anxious for Painter’s story before, this book will have you absolutely dying for it. Puck and Painter formed an extremely tight bond while they served time together. Painter is not the biker I remembered from The Reapers. He’s a little more rough, a little more hard, and all the more tempting. I’m salivating, SALIVATING for his book dammit! That little tease of him we get in this book was pure torture.

There’s a lot that happens in this book that made it for one entertaining read. It was a steady pace full of action, a little suspense, and a whole lot of hot biker lovin’.

Becca Jones might be my property in the eyes of the club, but the reality was that she owned me and there wasn’t a damned thing I could do about it.

I also loved the inclusion of a secondary plot here. The second Rourk first appeared on the scene, i was completely fascinated with him. But then Joanna went and added that bonus epilogue and OH MY GAWD. Worst sort of tease ever! If Rourk and Shane don’t get a book soon, I’m pretty sure I’d cut a bitch. I’m not even kidding.

Silver Bastard was definitely another winner from Miss Wylde, and I can’t wait for more of the Silver Bastards. While this is a spin-off series and can be read a standalone, The Reapers do make an appearance here. If you haven’t yet read Joanna’s other series, I strongly recommend you do. Especially if you want to get the back story before Painter’s book will be released.

About the Author

Joanna Wylde is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Reapers Motorcycle Club series. She currently lives in Idaho.

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Giveaway

 

Signed Paperback of Silver Bastard (3 copies)

 

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Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Deep★ by @KylieScottbooks

Author: Kylie Scott
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 31, 2015

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

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Excerpt

“C’mon. How have you been, really? What’s been going on with you?” he pushed. I frowned at him and he frowned right back. “Liz, please.”

I groaned in defeat. “All right, I suck.”

“Why do you suck?”

“So very many reasons.” I pushed my hair back from my face—no more hiding. “Pregnancy sucks. It’s natural, my ass. I finally stop throwing up, but I’m tired all the time. Giving up coffee was horrendous. None of my clothes fit right because of these stupid breasts, and they ache constantly. I have to pee like every thirty seconds, and then to top it off, I cry every time the Healthy Hound ad comes on. It’s ridiculous”

Little wrinkles appeared either side of his nose. “You cry at a dog food ad?”

“Yes. The puppies jump all over each other to get to their mother and it’s just so beautiful, with their cute little tails wagging and everything.”

He just stared at me.

“I know its psycho, Ben. Believe me, I’m well aware of this.”

“Hey, it’s fine.” He covered a smile with his hand. Too late, the bastard.

“You try dealing with all these hormones going apeshit. Crap. Apeshoot.”

“Apeshoot?”

“I’m trying not to swear,” I explained. “You want the first word our child comes out with to be something bad?”

“No. Gotcha.” The man was incredibly bad at hiding a grin. “No swearing.”

Review
4 stars

 

 

So I’d been knocked up by a rock star. Big deal.

 

Nothing can ruin a dinner party quicker than a random pregnancy announcement…especially when it’s yours…and the guy that knocked you up is the sexy bearded bassist for a rock band that also happens to be a commitment phobe. Oh and said pregnancy is the result of one stolen night together that really wasn’t supposed to happen and said bassist hasn’t talked to you since. Suffice it to say that Lizzy Rollins is having one hell of a week.

Also, wow, if this was the result of having great sex then I was so never going there again. Not even for mediocre sex. Nothing. I might even rule out masturbation, just in case. You couldn’t be too careful. Random attack sperm could be anywhere, just waiting to get a girl in trouble.

 

Got your attention now, don’t I? Good 🙂

I’ve been a huge fan of this series since the very first book. Whenever I need a feel good, lighthearted, sexy and laugh out loud rockstar romance, this has been my go-to. Every book has been unique in it’s own right, and I just knew that Ben’s story was going to be a good one ever since we first met him in Lick. If you’ve read Lick, you don’t get the best impression of him there. I gotta warn you, he will have even bigger dick moments in this book. But boy oh boy you will also find yourself falling hard for the bearded sex machine right along Lizzy.

Dreamy dark eyes pinned me in place, owning me. He licked his lips. Every time he did that my hormones erupted into the song of joy, a full orchestra plus heavenly choir accompanying. The whole shebang. It was ridiculous.

While the situation in this book and the back and forth between Lizzy and Ben may have driven me crazy in any other book, the saving grace here is the laugh out loud humor. I couldn’t get enough of Lizzy’s inner monologue. Between Mal’s random appearances and the rest of the Stage Dive crew, it was non-stop fun. Ultimately I have to say it was really Lizzy that stole the show here though.

Goodness, did he look angry. Between the beard and the expression on his face, he looked downright barbaric. He might as well be dressed in furs and carrying a spear, presenting me with the boar he’d caught for dinner. Ah, good old-fashioned Stone Age romance.

 

Lizzy is Anne’s younger sister, and ever since she met Ben through her relationship with Mal, Lizzy has been enraptured with him. But Ben also knows that Lizzy is hands off for him. Not only did he get warned off by Mal, he’s not the relationship type and knows he can’t give her what she wants. But that doesn’t stop Lizzy’s feelings or her pursuing of him. What begins as innocent texting soon begins to turn into something much more. Until one night where they both throw caution to the wind and finally give into the inevitable.

Unfortunately for Lizzy, Ben seems to have some super sperm. So what should have been one night comes with much bigger repercussions. Now they’re forced to deal with a pregnancy, a rock star that never sees himself getting married, raging pregnancy hormones, and did I mention the raging pregnancy hormones?

A wounded heart was apparently no competition for an overeager vagina. The urge for sperm made no sense. I already had a baby on board. My tart, attention-seeking nipples stood out loud and proud beneath my top, just begging for his lips. The situation between my legs wasn’t any better.

 

I can’t tell you how much I loved the banter between Lizzy and pretty much every other character including Ben. Even though I did find myself wanting to reach through my kindle and beat the neanderthal with a blunt object at times, Lizzy’s inner thoughts really lightened that up. The chemistry between her and Ben was electric. I couldn’t get enough of it.

Without comment he sat up, grabbing the back of his button-down shirt and pulling it over his head. His chest was so pretty. So hard and big and stuff, it made my IQ drop to my shoe size. Everything about him did. The bearded sex machine turned me into a stuttering fool. Sad but true.

 

This was such a bittersweet book for me to read because as much as I enjoyed it, I was so sad to see it come to an end. I really hope that Kylie will give us a spin-off and hopefully we won’t be seeing the last of Vaughn.

This was a sexy, laugh-out-loud, and entertaining as all get out romance. I definitely recommend it for all fans of rockstar romance.

If you loved the rest of this series, than you are definitely going to love this one. I’d highly recommend reading the series in order to truly appreciate all the characters and really enjoy it, though you could read it as a standalone.

Stage Dive Series Reading Order

Lick (Book One)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1LQBlbE
Play (Book Two)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1EDFuqc
Lead (Book Three)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1N35Jgb
Deep (Book Four)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1CT657M

About the Author

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway
Win a SIGNED SET of the Stage Dive Series

 

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Review: ★Before Jamaica Lane★ by Samantha Young

Before Jamaica Lane (On Dublin Street #3)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 7, 2014
One simple lesson in seduction between two friends can turn into so much more…
Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.

The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever…

Lines were being blurred, and other lines were actually being crossed. There were a whole lot of lines and none of them were of a solid consistency.

I only have one question after finishing this book: WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! I have no idea why I didn’t continue with this series after reading On Dublin Street when it just came out. I’ll blame my mile long TBR. But after hearing all about Nate from gushing GR friends, I figured it was way past time we get introduced. I was a little bit hesitant starting this since I read On Dublin Street such a long time ago, I remember a sum total of nothing from it. Oh and I kinda sorta mighta skipped book 2. (What? I’m a rebel like that) But I digress. My fear was since I couldn’t remember any of the secondary characters introduced in ODS that I’d feel lost jumping straight into book 3. And while it took a bit for me to get everyone straight, I never did find myself confused. I was totally enraptured in this wonderful book in just a few paragraphs.

Olivia, even though she’s not my preferred type of heroine, was easily one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a while. She’s so quirky in her nerdiness that her insecurities never bothered me. As a matter of fact, I found absolutely everything about her endearing, especially her insecurities. After losing her mother to cancer, Olivia moved to live with her father in Scotland. Having been taking care of her ailing mother, Olivia never really had a chance to experience the things that most teenagers do; going on dates, fooling around. So despite her outgoing and quirky personality, the second she’s around a guy she’s attracted to, she gets shy and absolutely tongue-tied. Meeting Nate when she first moved to Scotland, she would have been just as shy around him, had he not immediately put her directly in the friend zone. Now they’re the best of friends. So who else can Liv come to to help her get over her shyness with men so that she can catch the eye of a super cute graduate student she meets in the Library where she works?

Nate is the biggest manwhore of the group. His gorgeous looks and charismatic personality guarantee that never spends the night alone. But Liv gets something that the women don’t get… his true self. So when she comes to him for help, he knows that he’ll help her. If the constant zing of attraction that runs between them is any indication, it certainly won’t be a chore either.

Liv?” his brows creased. “Just say it.”
It rushed out in a burst of geek. “It’s size is a little problematic because despite my tendency to ramble, my mouth is pretty small and it won’t all fit in it and I have a gag reflex that might be a problem so I don’t know how-”
“Liv-” Nate was choking on laughter. “Take a deep breath.”

OK…so maybe it won’t be all serious either.

I have to say how much I loved Liv and her personality. Her nerdy sayings, her and Nate’s movie nights and “would you rather” games were so adorable. I honestly couldn’t get enough of it. Also, it’s so refreshing to read about a shy and awkward with the opposite sex girl that isn’t a virgin. And despite her insecurites, Liv was anything but weak. This is a woman that had no fear speaking her mind and standing up for what she wants and is right.

Then there was the electric connection between her and Nate that only continued to get hotter and hotter with each new “lesson”

God…Nate…”
“That’s right, babe…
I’m taking you straight to heaven.”
“Heaven. Hell,” I panted, my fingers raking the wall. “Who cares as long as I ride there on an orgasm.”

Nate is not the simple manwhore that he appears. Having had an experience in his teenage years that have forever put him off of love, he has reasons for his sleeping around. And for once in my reading history, I thought they were ones that make sense. Nate was just this perfect combination of sexy and adorable. The way that he’s with Liv makes you completely fall in love with him.

Does this feel like I don’t want you?”
I reared against him, silently begging for more. “No.” I shook my head, and then arched back as he thrust into me. Just like that, Nate began to screw the mortification right out of me.

There was also the sex. Did I mention the sex? Because oh my god, the sex.

Even though you know right away where these lessons will lead, it was still fun as hell watching both Liv and Nate fall for each other. Liv being strong and accepting of it, while Nate? Not so much. I wanted to throttle him for the way he handles everything. And then I wanted to hug Liv for not being the pushover that she could have been and standing up for herself…no matter how stubborn she may have been about it later. This was one of the best grovels I’ve read in a long time. It was, in a word, perfection.

You’re not ready to hear this yet,” he concluded. “But I do need you to know that I’m going to fight for you. I’m not making the mistake of walking away from you again. The only man in your future is me, Liv. The only kids in your future are mine.

If you’re a fan of the friends to lovers trope, this book is simply a must read. Don’t be an idiot like me and keep pushing off reading it. Drop whatever you’re doing right now, and read it immediately. Trust me. You won’t be sorry.

#NewRelease & Review: ★Once Upon a Dare★ by Jennifer Bonds

 Once Upon a Dare
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Jennifer Bonds
Release Date: April 7, 2015

Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play. But on the eve of earning her dream promotion, her best friend dares her to drop her ice queen façade for one night and seduce a sexy stranger.

Olivia’s worked her ass off to get where she is—why the hell not?Cole Bennett never thought he’d run into his feisty one-night stand at the office, furious that he stole her promotion. No matter how hard she tries to ice him out, they can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves…or their clothes on.
Olivia’s talented—maybe even more than Cole—so when his dropped hints to the boss net her a promotion of her own, he’s ready to celebrate…until she accuses him of fueling office rumors that she slept her way to the top. She wants to earn her own way? Fine. So what the hell does a guy have to do to permanently melt an ice queen?

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Review

3.5 stars


I kind of hate you sometimes.”
“If that’s code for ‘I want to fuck you until I can’t walk straight’, then I kind of hate you, too.”

If you’re looking for a light and easy read with a super sexy office romance, looks like you’ve found your next book. What a fantastic debut novel from Jennifer Bonds. I never know what I’m going into with a new to me author, but in the case here I was very pleasantly surprised.

Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play.

Ain’t that the truth. The woman is as straitlaced as they come. The previous pageant queen has spent her entire career proving her worth and that it’s not her looks that got her the job. She lives and breathes her job. Known in the office as the ice queen, she doesn’t have time for the distractions of the male variety. But a girl’s got needs. So when her best friend issues her a dare to sleep with a stranger from the bar, she decides to go for it. Specifically since the super sexy stranger at the bar has been eyeing her.

Cole Bennett is back in New York for a new job. But when a blonde beauty that he’s had his eyes on approaches him with an enticing offer, who is he to resist? He’s only a man.


When I see something I want, I find a way to make it mine. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to share.

Unfortunately, what starts and supposed to end as just a sizzling one night stand, turns into something more. When Olivia sneaks out of Cole’s hotel room at night only to bump into him at her office the next day, she’s shocked. She’s even more shocked when she realizes that he also got the promotion that she’s been fighting to prove herself for months for. Now they have fireworks between them of the not so sexual variety. But that’s not to say that the super hot chemistry they seem to share disappears. If anything it just burns even hotter.


A fucking dare, huh?
Sweetheart, it may have started that way, but in case you haven’t noticed, we can’t be in the same room without ripping each other’s clothes off, so why keep fighting it?”

Jennifer Bonds certainly knows how to write one smoking hot sex scenes. Cole and Olivia definitely burn up the pages together. They have this hate-lust thing going on and it’s absolutely delicious.


She was smart and sexy, the kind of woman you couldn’t let go of once you’d had a taste. He was only human, for fuck’s sake, and they had unfinished business.

Olivia is sassy and even a bit of a ball-buster, which I liked. She definitely gives as good as she gets. Though at certain parts I found her to be a little exasperating with how hard she was on Cole.

This was a quick and steamy afternoon read that I highly enjoyed. The ending was a little cheesetastic, but fitting for the story. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author.

Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Yours Completely★ by @JoyaRyanAuthor

Yours Completely (Reign #2)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Joya Ryan
Release Date: April 2, 2015

For fans of J Lynn, Jodi Ellen Malpas and Sylvia Day comes Yours Completely, an all-consuming, raw and powerful love story . ..

Lana Case knows what it feels like to be tossed aside – first by her family and then by the man she naively believed was her true love. But when Jack leaves, reconfirming that she isn’t worthy of love, her world shatters. The last person Lana thought to find refuge in is an adrenaline-junky firefighter, let alone Jack’s best friend. Yet Callum Malone’s easy-going, playboy persona is just what she needs.

When Lana finds herself the target of a stalker who isn’t going away, Callum not only welcomes her into his home, but also into his bed. Unable to deny the chemistry between them, Lana gives in and after a night of fiery passion discovers what it finally feels like to not only be cherished – but safe. Lana and Callum are falling fast, knowing they’re both far out of their depth. And then Jack returns to claim the woman he left behind . . .

Addictive and unforgettable, Lana’s story will seduce, surprise and stay with you. A brand new romance by the #1 Bestselling author of Break Me Slowly, the Reign series is an emotional roller coaster you’ll want to keep riding forever.

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Review

4.5 stars

What do you see when you look at me?”
“I see my next mistake.”

Wow. I’m honestly shocked at how incredibly much I enjoyed this book. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the previous book too. But something about this one managed to suck me in so completely, I read the entire thing in one sitting. Let me address one major key point here first: I am NOT a reader that likes love triangles. They send me into a stabby and ragey mess that takes me weeks to wade through. I don’t touch them with a ten foot pole. If love triangles were a vagina, I wouldn’t fuck it with someone else’s dick. Are you seeing what I’m getting at here? I don’t do them. Period. Unless they’re written like they are here. Would I categorize this as a love triangle? Yes and no. Are there two love interests for the heroine? Yes. Are they both present in her life at the same time? No. And you know what, I think that’s what I loved. Miss Ryan allowed the reader to truly get to know each man, Jack and Callum, individually in their own books without relationship crossover and angst. She made you feel exactly what Lana is feeling for each man and understand the depths of it, without making it feel one is getting the short end of the stick. These two men were two halves of a whole and such complex characters, that you can’t help but be drawn to both of them in their own right.

In the previous book Lana Case fell fast and hard for the mysterious and enigmatic Jack. When Jack leaves her after finding out the full depth of her history with her father and stepbrother, she’s devastated. He leaves her picking up the pieces of her hear, unsure whether she’ll ever be able to piece herself together. The last man that she expects to come back into her life is the sexy firefighter and Jack’s best friend, Callum, who she shared one intense kiss with in the previous book.

I know Jack hurt you, and yes, he’s my best friend. I know what’s ahead of me when it comes to you, and it’s not going to be easy. If you want to hide, I can’t help with that or allow it. But if you want to run? Fight? Feel something? That’s my department all day long.”

While the book is told entirely in Lana’s POV, you can see through her eyes exactly what Cal wants and feels.

You want a place to hide? That was Jack. And you’re right. He’s gone. But I’m the place you can run to. I’m also the one you run from…So go ahead and run, Kitten. But don’t think I won’t catch you.”

Cal is so different from Jack and yet the same. He may not have that all encompassing intensity to him, he definitely has a few demons of his own. He’s a man that has no desire for anything longer than a night with a woman, and yet he’s enraptured by Lana. He doesn’t try to take Jack’s place and he doesn’t want her to move on; he knows she never will. Jack had too much of her heart. But he does want her to move. He wants her to move to him, he’ll help her pick up the pieces. All he wants in return is the place Lana still has in her heart.

I loved how natural the progression of their relationship and feelings for each other went. You never feel like Lana is trying to replace Jack with Cal. Nor do you get the feeling that Cal is some sort of substitute. They may be best friends, but they’re also very different men. Cal is by no means anything less than alpha, but his corners are slightly smoother than Jack. He’s calmer. But that certainly doesn’t mean the man is any less intense in the bedroom.

I kissed him, soft and slow, so contradictory to the way he was taking me. Fast and hard and completely.

I spent the entire book waiting for that other shoe to drop, because you just know that Callum is keeping something from Lana. There’s also the continued threat from Lana’s psychotic step-brother. As much as I hated her father in the first book, I loathed him in this one. The added element of suspense with whoever is trying to hurt Lana only made for a more interesting read. The romance between Cal and Lana was center stage at all times though…

…I was falling hard for the man that seemed to have a way with picking me up and carrying me when I needed him the most.”

Then came that damn cliffhanger. Holy mother of GAH but does this author know how to leave you begging for more. Holy shit!

I am absolutely dying to see how everything resolves in the 3rd book. If you haven’t read this amazing author yet, you need to give this a try. I’m completely sucked in!

Don’t miss the first book in the Reign trilogy

About the Author

National and international bestselling author Joya Ryan is the author of the Shattered Series (Break Me Slowly, Possess Me Slowly and Capture Me Slowly), the Sweet Torment Series (Breathe You In, Only You), and The Chasing Love Series (Chasing Trouble, Chasing Temptation, Chasing Desire).

Passionate about both cooking and dancing (despite not being too skilled at the latter), she loves spending time at home color coding things. She resides in California with her husband and her two sons. Visit Joya Ryan online

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Review: ★The Closer You Come★ by Gena Showalter

The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers #1)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: March 31, 2015

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.

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Review
2.5 stars


Once wasn’t going to be enough. He realized that now. He wanted her countless times in countless ways. Underneath him. On top of him. Beside him…

When I saw that Gena was coming out with a brand new contemporary romance series, I was thrilled! I loved Catch a Mate and I’ve been dying for her to write more in this genre. Having read both of her PNR series, I already knew I love the snarky and humor characters she creates and the synopsis sounded right up my alley. Three bad boys, one small town, a guaranteed recipe for enjoyment, right? Well…kind of.

Unfortunately the book managed to start off on the wrong foot with me. See I’m one of those ridiculously picky readers that when something bothers me enough in the very beginning, it will set the tone for the entire book. It’s terrible really, but something I can’t change. And the fact that when Brook Lynn first meets Jase is when she walks in on him as he’s getting dressed after sleeping with her sister?

Yeah, not exactly the best way to start. Now it’s very clear that he’s not interested in Brook Lynn’s sister from the beginning and their night together was anything but spellbinding, but still. I just kept thinking in my head, ‘her sister? really?’. Suffice to say that I had a tough time moving on from that.

I’m a big fan of the small town settings in books, and this was definitely no exception. Strawberry Valley had this really endearing quality to it that I really loved. Brook Lynn was also a fantastic heroine. She grew up in the small souther town, and it’s all she’s ever known. Having lost her parents at a young age and then a conman uncle leaving them broke and alone, she’s come to rely on herself. With a dream of one day owning the town’s small jewelry store, Brook Lynn works her butt off on two jobs, trying to support herself and her party loving sister. This brings me to another thing that didn’t quire work for me; Jessie Kay. I’m pretty sure I spent the majority of the book wanting to hit her in both ovaries. Her constant irresponsible behavior constantly leaves Brook Lynn paying the price, while she’s off either partying or sleeping with another man. It does give the reader a little insight later on about the why’s of her behavior, but it just wasn’t enough for me. That, along with her penchant for the word “dude” pretty much made me want to throttle her. The girl straight up drove me batty.

Now Jase was a character I was equal intrigued with and slightly put off (see my sleeping with the sister comment above). Intrigued, because this is clearly a tortured man. Having spent the last 9 years in prison because he also covered for his 2 best friends has left him with plenty of scars; externally and even more internal. He’s no longer the young boy that he went to prison as. He’s harder, more jaded, but he’s trying to move on. A gorgeous and bubbly blonde that tempts him beyond reason is the very last thing he needs.


Feel nothing. Want nothing. Need nothing.

But there’s just something about Brook Lynn that draws him in, and the chemistry between them soon proves too strong to resist.

As much as I loved Jase and Brook Lynn together, there was always something that nagged me about them too. There was the ghost of sister’s past. Then there was the annoying overuse of the “angel” endearment. But that aside I was really enjoying this book still. It had a little of Gena’s signature snark and humor, or what I’ve come to refer to as Gena-isms. Though at times you can definitely see a little of a mix between her contemporary and PNR voice. I doubt this is something most would spot unless you’ve read her other work. Or maybe I was just nitpicking since I was already starting on the wrong foot? I’m not sure. But I can’t say that it still wasn’t good.

What ultimately ruined it for me was the last 30%. Until then, I found the book to be moving at a fairly slow pace. It wasn’t boring by any means, but just slow. Then the last 30% you get one drama after another. First with [su_spoiler title=”Click to view spoiler” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron”]Jase’s ex girlfriend showing up together with the daughter he never knew.[/su_spoiler] Say what? Maybe it was just me, but I really felt the book could have done without that. It added nothing to the story for me. Then there was a whole different drama that actually fit the story. But the combination of the two in the last 30%? Meh. It just felt too much.

I thought Strawberry Valley had become my home,” he said. “But it’s you, You are my home, angel. You’re where I’ve put down roots.

I really wanted to love this book, but sadly it was just OK.

On a positive note, I absolutely loved Jase’s two best friends; West and Beck. Beck with his manwhorish ways and hilarious come-ons completely sucked me in. I can’t wait for his book, especially after getting that small peak into the heroine that will be bringing him to his knees. The polar opposites definitely have all the ingredients for an amazing read. I also really loved the broken and tortured West. As much as I want to read his book, I am a little afraid since it looks like he’s going to be with Jessie Kay. Hopefully the girl will do a 180 in the next book and manage to endear me to her, because that certainly didn’t happen in this book.

This was a light contemporary romance with quite a bit of steam, and quite a bit of cheese. While I could have done with less cheese and the last 30%, I’m definitely hooked on the series and can’t wait to see what the next book brings.

Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★The Slayer★ by @Kele_Moon

Title: The Slayer (Untamed Hearts, #2)
Author: Kele Moon
Genre: Erotic | Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 31, 2015
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To Chuito the apartment was a self-imposed prison for a lifetime of sins. To Alaine, the girl next door, it was salvation from her overbearing, religious father.He was a devil.
She was an angel.

Two people who should’ve never met, let alone become friends, but it’s not until they give into the dangerous passion that’s been simmering under the surface for five years that things go to hell.

On the outside, Chuito ‘The Slayer’ Garcia is on top of the world. He’s successful. He’s wealthy. He’s a champion MMA fighter surrounded by friends who support him, but they don’t know what he was before he came to Garnet.

A gangster.
A thief.
An addict.
A murderer.

Now his past is churning up demons he can’t ignore. Chuito knows he needs to go back to Miami to end it, but there’s something holding him back, a single temptation he can’t resist before leaving.

Alaine.

She’s the one drug he can’t give up…even if it destroys them both.

“To me you’re coke. Fine. Smooth. Perfectly white. Very bad for me, but so fucking sexy I don’t give a shit. It’s worth going down for.” – Chuito Garcia

His destiny always found him no matter how much he ran from it. As sure as Chuito knew the next breath would have to enter his lungs whether he wanted it to or not, he knew that Alaine couldn’t be his forever.

This was THE best fighter romance I’ve read. Ever. To date.

This was Kele’s best book to date.

This is a book that will not only stay with me but it’s going straight to my re-read shelf along with my top 5 favorites.

Simply said, I loved the absolute FUCK out of this book.

I can’t tell you that I loved Chuito in the previous books because let’s be honest here, the man can be a true asshole to anyone that isn’t his closest friends or family. If you’ve read The Viper and saw how he treated Marcos’ girlfriend, you know what I’m talking about. But beneath the tattoos, the title belt, the reputation, and the rough gangster exterior is the heart of a protector. Chuito is a man that does everything fiercely; the way he lives, the way he fucks, and definitely the way he loves. He will do anything for his family. Even if it means selling his soul to the devil, or better yet the Italian mob, to protect his best friend and cousin.

Fate caught up with everyone eventually. Even the devil wasn’t immune to it.

The Slayer will take you back to the beginning and really give you the bones of Chuito’s story, and it is no light read. This is not a man that had an easy life. This is someone that got his first battle scars on the streets, running with a gang that’s only more dangerous when it’s crossed. But when he saw a way out, he took it. Unfortunately, the life had already fully sucked in his cousin and he was unable to help him then. The story line here mixed in with the events of Crossing the Line, and to truly appreciate this book, I would highly recommend reading that first.

Alaine is a ray of life that Chuito never expected to deserve or to give him the time of day. But when the beautiful young woman becomes his neighbor, the begin an incredibly strong friendship. Alaine has been in love with Chuito for as long as she’s known him. There isn’t a part of him that doesn’t call to every feminine part of her. Now let me tell you, watching the way that Chuito is with her will absolutely melt your heart. This is not a man that ever hides his feelings or leads her on. He’s not your typical manwhore that sleeps around to take his mind off of the one woman he doesn’t think he can have or deserves. He couldn’t be further from that. But that doesn’t mean that he gives into her. She’s too good for him, too pure. His past and his life can always catch up with him. His current situation with Tino isn’t exactly one he wants touching her either. So while he loves her, he knows he can never give her more than that.

I just love you. That’s it. Only love. Not sex. I can just love someone. Love is good. Sex is cruel.”

Their connection was something that absolutely drew you in. The chemistry between them is so palpable it’s electric. Their private dancing is just the icing on the cake.


Listen to the drums. That’s the part you listen to. Feel it.”
“I’m feeling it.”
No. Feel it like a heartbeat. Like life. You want it to be a love song, hear the sex in it. Hold me like I hold you.” He jerked her tighter against him as he said it, forcing her breasts to crush against his chest and her dress to ride higher up on her thighs. “Like you need me.”

God but I loved it.

This was not a love story of a few days or even weeks. This was a love story strengthened by friendship and grown through several years. This may just even be one of my most favorite couples I’ve read to date.

Chuito fights the connection between them for a long as he can. But inevitably, it proves to be too much, and when these two finally get together? Well, forget sparks, we’re talking about 4th of July fireworks here. I don’t remember the last time I read a book where the first sexual encounter actually gave me goosebums. With the books I’ve read, believe me when I say that this pervert has been desensitized to most of it. But boy did these two together get my heart pumping.

She clung to his shoulders and let him take her mouth the way he had taken her heart a long time ago- violently and without warning.

But it was so much more than just an incredible love story. At the heart of it, there’s Chuito’s past catching up with him and him fighting like hell to protect Alaine and his cousin from it. There was one scene in this book that was so incredibly gut wrenching to read, I actually had to set the book down for 5 minutes after reading it, just to calm myself.

Gangster tears weren’t ordinary tears. The cut had to be deeper than bone, a hurt that made motherfuckers unrepentant murderers. It ripped open souls and bled out humanity.

All of my favorite secondary characters from previous books made an appearance. And of course what would this series be without Tino and Nova. Now Tino, oh my darling Tino. I freaking love this man. The banter between him and everyone else was the comedic relief that was definitely necessary and oh so welcome.

You just told me you manspaced. You’re fucked up too.”
“It’s a common courtesy,” Tino went on. “No woman wants to suck on a hairy dick.”

But when if there’s one thing that Tino does even more fiercely than Chuito, it’s protecting his loved ones. And there is definitely one heart breaking choice that Tino makes in this book that you just know will haunt him all through his book and I can’t wait to see how that plays out.

I’m pretty sure that I highlighted over half this book. I just couldn’t stop myself. I loved it so hard.

I’m talking everything; the story, the romance, the angst, the heartache, EVERYTHING. As long as this book was (an it was LONG), I never wanted it to end.

This is a book and author that needs to be on everyone’s TBR list. I don’t care who you are, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this series or these characters. If this book doesn’t make you fall head over heels for Chuito and Alaine, then we haven’t been reading the same one. I’m that confident. Kele Moon is an incredibly talented author that continues to write books that are better and better than the last. All have her signature voice, but yet they’re different in the best of ways. No one book, character, or story of hers is the same. I can’t tell you how much I love that. This book will break your heart, it will melt it, and then it will piece it together, all in one breath stealing and captivating story. I simply cannot recommend it enough.

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A freckle faced, redhead born and raised in Hawaii, Kele Moon has always been a bit of a sore thumb and has come to enjoy the novelty of it. She thrives off pushing the envelope and finding ways to make the impossible work in her story telling. With a mad passion for romance, she adores the art of falling in love. The only rules she believes in is that, in love there are no rules and true love knows no bounds.

So obsessed is she with the beauty of romance and the novelty of creating it she’s lost in her own wonder world most of the time. Thankfully she married her own dark, handsome, brooding hero who had infinite patience for her airy ways and attempts to keep her grounded. When she leaves her keys in the refrigerator or her cell phone in the oven he’s usually there to save her from herself. The two of them now reside in Florida with their three beautiful children who make their lives both fun and challenging in equal parts–They wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Review: ★Fisher’s Light★ by @TaraSivec

Fisher’s Light
Author: Tara Sivec
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Second Chance Romance)
Release Date: March 24, 2015

Fisher,I guess this is it, huh? After fourteen years together, starting a life of our own on this island, five deployments and countless letters I’ve written you through it all, I finally go out to the mailbox and see something I’ve always dreamed of: an envelope with your handwriting on it. For one moment, I actually thought you’d changed your mind, that all the awful things you said to me were just your way of coping after everything you’d been through. I was still here, Fisher. I was still here, holding my breath, waiting for you to come back even though you told me you never would. You always said you’d find your way back to me. Out of all the lies you’ve told me, this one hurts the most.
Enclosed you will find the signed divorce papers, as requested.
I hope you find what you’re looking for. I’m sorry it wasn’t me.
Lucy

To get the ending they want, Lucy and Fisher will have to go back to the beginning. Through the good and the bad, they’ll be reminded of why they always made their way back to each other, and why this time, one way or another, it will be the last time.

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Review5 stars

I’m going to fix this. I have to fix this… I hate every moment that I’m away from her, but I will do whatever it takes to find the man she once loved and bring him back to her.”

When I first read that blurb, I knew that this was going to be one of those books for me. The soul crushing, gut wrenching, make you hurt so good just to put you back together kind of books. And you know what? I wasn’t even a tiny bit wrong. Just 5 percent into this story, I was completely captivated and totally enraptured in the story of Fisher and Lucy. I think the only thing I love more than an amazing second chance romance, is a tortured hero and this book gave me both.

How do I get that back when the darkness is hell bent on taking over, holding me in its clutches and making sure I never see the sunshine again?

Fisher’s Light is told in alternating first person POV and flips back and forth between past and present in the form of Fisher’s journal entries in past and alternating POVs in the present. It’s done in such an incredible way that it read like two sides of a coin. It gave you the dark, ugly parts of their relationship only to turn around and through Fisher’s journal to give you that light at the end of the tunnel. Where one part you’ll find yourself hating him and the way he treats Lucy, in the other part your heart will break for him and his internal struggle. These two sides were balances out so well, that the story was made that much better.

Fisher and Lucy are high school sweethearts. Their love for each other flows right off of the pages and deep into your soul. It’s one of those couples that will really stay with me for years to come. Fisher is the son of the founding family of Fisher’s Island. He’s the popular rich boy that every boy wants to be and every girl wants to be with. But the second Fisher first lays eyes on Lucy, no one else exists for him.

Fisher joins the Marines when he’s 18. Their marriage of 14 years survives 5 of his tours overseas. Every time he comes back, he comes back a little more broken, a little more haunted, and a little more tortured.

Suffering from debilitating PTSD, Fisher begins to slowly lose touch between his reality and his memories but Lucy stands by him through it all

There might be a few cracks, but nothing is ever perfect. Anything that’s worth living for, worth dying for, has a few cracks

But unfortunately, no matter how hard she fights for him, with each and every day that passes, Fisher slips further and further away from her. Until the one day where he breaks her so completely that there is absolutely no coming back from it.

I don’t deserve her forgiveness. I never deserved her to begin with, so now she’ll be free to find security and happiness without having to worry about the broken man she married who can never be fixed.

This book hurt so good, I can’t even begin to describe to you the feels of it all. I was a slobbering, sniveling mess for a good chunk of it and I loved every tearful second of it. It was such a beautiful and emotional story.

Lucy is ones of those heroines that you will fall in love with from the very beginning. She’s strong but with insecurities, yet her love for Fisher is so fierce and unconditional. When he left her a year ago, she didn’t know if she could come back from it. But she picked up the scattered pieces of her life and she’s trying to move on.

To get to the good, sometimes you have to live through the bad.

Fisher never stopped loving Lucy. He knows that his actions hurt her immeasurably, but he’s determined to atone for his sins and get his wife back. There is no one else for him.

You’re my light, Lucy…
You are always the light in my darkness. You’re the reason I’m alive, you’re the reason I’m here and you’re the reason I breathe, every day.”

Lucy is no longer the insecure and meek little girl from their childhood or the quiet wife he left behind, and she definitely doesn’t make things easy for him. Watching him really work to get back into her life was one of my favorite parts of this book. Having only read Tara’s Chocolate Lovers series, I was honestly shocked at how she was able to flip from humorous and fluffy to something so emotional and poignant. It speaks volumes of her talent as an author.

I will ALWAYS fucking fight for you, Lucy,” I promise as I dig my fingers deeper into her hips and pull her body down a little more on my cock…
“It’s always been you. It will ALWAYS, only be you.” I whisper as I shift my hips and slide in and out of her as fast as I can in the water.

I adored this book from beginning to finish. It ripped my heart to shreds and then melded it all back together with a romance that I’ll compare all others to. It was just THAT good.

I recommend this book for any romance readers. This is simply a must read and it’s going straight to the very top of my all time favorites.

New Release & Review: ★One To Save★ by Tia Louise

One to Save (One to Hold #6)
Author: Tia Louise
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 26, 2015

(Derek & Melissa)“I lost myself in the darkness of trying to protect you…”

Some threats come at you as friendly fire.Some threats take away everything.Family won’t let you go down without a fight.

The Secret isn’t as secure as Derek’s team originally thought it was, and a person on the inside of Alexander-Knight is set on exposing him, breaking him, and taking away all he holds dear.
Refusing to let anyone suffer for his crimes, Derek takes matters into his own hands. He’s exposed, he’s defenseless, but his friends are determined to save him.

A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.


Inevitably, inexorably, as long as I lived on this planet, my future would lead to that moment in a small conference room in Baltimore when I got revenge.

One To Save is the continuation of Derek and Melissa’s story that we originally met in One to Hold. If you haven’t read that book yet, I’d really encourage you to do so along with One to Protect. You just wouldn’t have the same appreciation or understanding for these characters without having their entire back story. The author does bring the reader up to date about everything that happened with them without having it be redundant, but I’d still recommend reading it in order. Actually, I’d recommend reading the entire series in order because there is a story ARC between all the characters that continues throughout the series. While each book is technically a standalone, you would enjoy the stories so much more having read them in order. The characters from previous books always make an appearance, and it would help you to truly understand each individual character so much more. Slayde from One to Love makes an appearance here, and trust me when I tell you that you would have a much better understanding of what happens in this book having read his book, as well as Stuart from One to Leave. Read the series in order is basically what you should be taking away from this 😉


I lost myself in the darkness of trying to protect you…

Derek is dealing with the fallout of a decision he made in protecting Melissa, his now fiance. Although he’d do it all over again if he had to, it still doesn’t stop him from thinking about the repercussions. Keeping it from her is also a decision that he is agonizing over.

Their relationship wasn’t one built on sunshine and promises. They first met when he was hired by Melissa’s abusive husband hired him to follow her. But when he learned the full truth of her story, things changed. They’ve been through their share of trouble and have come out of it stronger. But this just may be the one secret that may shatter everything that they are once and for all.

It’s not just the repercussions from the event that threaten Derek. There is also someone that is determined to make him pay and take away everything that he holds dear.

This was a definite page turner of a book. I’m not typically a fan of reading about the same couple for longer than two books simply because the drama begins to feel manufactured. That was not the case here at all. This really was a very natural progression of events. Considering everything that has already happened, you can see that it was all coming to a head. Sure it packs a good punch of angst and emotion, but it fit their story. You can see why it happened the way it did and why they needed this book to really bring closure to their relationship.

Derek is everything I love about my alphas; fiercely protective, dirty talking, loving but with that added edge. I loved him. Melissa is the perfect counterpart to his rough edges. I really enjoyed seeing them go through their ups and downs, and especially their ups.

You get a lot more on the fallout of Stuart and Nikki’s story here. As much as I hated Nikki in Stuart’s book, I have to say she really grew on me here. Tia definitely has me intrigued enough to really want a book for her. Though I can’t say I’m too disappointed about the upcoming book’s characters. That epilogue was smokin’ hawt. Tia definitely knows how to hook you in with the way her books end. While she gives you the perfect HEA for the couple, she reels you right in with a hell of a tease for the next one. A fantastic new edition to the series. I cannot freaking wait for the next one!

Don’t Miss The Rest of The Series

One To Hold (One To Hold Book 1)
(Derek & Melissa)
One to Keep (One to Hold Book 2)
Patrick & Elaine
 One to Protect (One to Hold Book 3)
(Derek & Melissa)
 One to Love (One to Hold Book 4)
(Slayde & Kenny)

One to Leave (One to Hold Book 5)

(Stuart & Mariska)

Review: ★Going Long★ by Cari Quinn

Going Long (Boys of Fall)
Author: Cari Quinn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 19, 2015

This time, he’ll need to hit all the right notes to win the woman he’s always loved…

Wade Bennett is used to coming in second to his seemingly perfect older brother. In high school, Colt was a star linebacker while Wade was the punter, an important job without all of the glory. When Charlene Martinez—the only girl Wade ever truly wanted—fell for Colt, Wade decided to take his chances with music and went on the road. Leaving behind his family, his best friend, Rafe, and Charlene, who had feelings for Wade she never allowed herself to feel.

Years in Nashville quickly hardened the dreamy guy who just wanted to sing and hang out with his dog. His success has given him more than enough money, even if he knows he’ll never be able to compete with his hometown hero big brother. But after Coach Carr’s heart attack, Wade comes home to help the man who helped him make the decision to chase his dreams all those years ago.

Now Wade wants to chase a new dream in his old hometown, especially since Charlene is single again after divorcing Colt. And Wade is no longer a boy unwilling to fight for what—and who—he needs.

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This was either his worst idea or his best mistake. There was no way it could be anything but a disaster on some level.

I love Cari Quinn’s books. Whenever I’m in the mood for a romance that has a great story and manages to pack in the feels right along smoking hot sex, she’s my go to. The woman does angsty and does it well. But her straight contemporary are just as great. I haven’t read a book by her I haven’t loved yet, and this was no exception. I was intrigued the second I read the blurb. Childhood friends, unrequited romance, wanting your brother’s ex wife; consider me sold.

She’d told herself she’d never take a chance again, and she’d kept that promise. Only Wade made her want to break the rules. To test the boundaries.

The last place that Wade Bennett wants to come back to is the small town that he grew up in. Now a successful country star, he wasn’t always the star of the show. Growing up in the shadow of his older brother, he’s used to coming in second both on the football field and in love. When his brother started dating the girl that he fell in love with when he was just a small boy, he knew that he needed to leave. The fact that his brother later married her ensured that he also stayed away. But a call from his childhood best friend letting him know that their beloved high school football coach had a heart attack and needs them, he knows that he’s going to come back to help. He’s no longer the boy living in is brother’s shadow, and his childhood love is no longer married to his brother. If ever there was a time to make his move, this is it.

Charlene Martinez may have married the older Bennett brother, but unbeknownst to them both she’s always been in love with Wade. Unfortunately Wade had always placed her firmly in the friend zone. Any hope that she may have had after one stolen kiss back in high school, shattered the very next day when Wade moved away. But now Wade is back, and no matter how hard she tries to resist, if the boy was tempting to her, the man is downright irresistible.

In a small town where everyone knows each others business, can these two keep the heat between them under wraps? Can they finally make things between them work? Guess you’ll have to read to find out.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Charlene actually had an amicable divorce and was so friendly with her ex husband. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel guilty about being with Wade, but Cari handled this plot line very well. Charlene and Wade definitely burned up the pages together. This author knows how to write one steamy as hell scene. I love books with the small town element, so of course this one really fit the bill for me. Between all the secondary characters and the story I never once found myself bored. I also loved how she managed to work in a guest appearance by Gray and Jaz from Twisted. That was a huge highlight of the book for me.

As much as I enjoyed it, it was also just missing a certain something to bring it up to a solid 4 stars for me. I can’t really place my finger on exactly what it was, but there was just a missing oomph. I loved the story and the characters, but at the same time I had no problems setting the book down. I wasn’t ever bored, but it just failed to grip me as much as Cari’s other books have. Nonetheless it was still a fantastic read and one I’d recommend to any lovers of contemporary romance. A perfect afternoon read with just the right amount of steam and story.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

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