#NewRelease & Review: ★Playing With Fire★ by Kate Meader

Review- PWFPlaying with Fire
Series: Hot in Chicago #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kate Meader
Release Date: September 29, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

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From popular romance author Kate Meader comes the second novel in Hot in Chicago, a brand-new, sizzling series that follows a group of firefighting foster siblings and their blazing hot love interests!

As the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6, Alexandra Dempsey gets it from all sides: the male coworkers who think she can’t do the job, the wives and girlfriends who see her as a threat to their firefighter men, and her overprotective foster brothers who want to shelter their baby sister at all costs. So when she single-handedly saves the life of Eli Cooper, Chicago’s devastatingly handsome mayor, she assumes the respect she’s longed for will finally come her way. But it seems Mr. Mayor has other ideas…

Eli Cooper’s mayoral ratings are plummeting, his chances at reelection dead in the water. When a sexy, curvaceous firefighter gives him the kiss of life, she does more than bring him back to the land of the living—she also breathes vitality into his campaign. Riding the wave of their feel-good story might prop up Eli’s flagging political fortunes, but the sizzling attraction between them can go nowhere; he’s her boss, and there are rules that must be obeyed. But you know what they say about rules: they’re made to be broken…

Buy-Links9Amazon / iBooks / B&N

Review5 starsPlaying With Fire-DGR

I despise you right now, Cooper.”
“Coming through loud and clear.”
“I may punch you, bite you, crush your nuts between my thighs. It’s going to be the best hate sex I’VE ever had. And YOUR survival is not my first concern.”

Kate Meader is an author that first hit my radar with her seriously delicious Even the Score. I fell in love with her witty writing and knew she’d be going straight to my auto buy list. When I saw that she has this series set in my hometown of Chicago with foster siblings that are all firefighters, well, suffice it to say reading it was a no brainer.

Smart, fun, sharp-witted and oh so sexy, Playing With Fire was addictingly good from beginning to end. As a matter of fact, I never wanted it to end. I was hooked from the first chapter and knew I had myself a winner and I was not even a little wrong. Kate Meader gives some of the best hate-lust I have ever read, and that’s saying a lot considering this is my all time favorite trope.

He’s so damn dominant. I don’t think I should be sleeping with a guy who dresses chauvinism up with chivalry.”

Alexandra Dempsey is used to always having to prove her worth. Her foster siblings and father are all fire fighter royalty that constantly try to shelter her, and if that’s not enough, getting criticism about her ability as a firefighter from the mayor of Chicago certainly doesn’t help. Eli Cooper is chauvinistic, domineering, and too sexy for his own good. So what if one look from him makes her nether regions pulse, she hates him…right?
PwF teaser-DGREli is no stranger to fighting for what he wants. A past marine, he’s no stranger to doing battle. But the battle of wits between him and the sassy fire fighter may be his biggest battle yet. With his mayoral ratings plummeting right around election, he makes Alexandra an offer she can’t refuse. And if they can finally have a reason to give into the fiery passion that’s burning between them, it’s a win win right? Even at the cost of a few deceitful lies…

I will fuck the ever-loving smart-assery out of you, Alexandra…
I’m going to fuck you so good, the only word on your lips will be my name. The only answer to every question will be my name. Now say it.”

I loved these two together. Who doesn’t love a sassy and sharp-witted heroine and a hero with a dominating streak in the bedroom? Rhetorical question, obviously, because I couldn’t get enough of them.
PwF teaser 2-DGRThere was not one dull moment in this book. It would send me from laughing out loud one moment to lusting after Eli the next.

Should I be jealous of my dog?”
“You might have Hollywood looks, dubious charm, great hair, and a giant penis, Eli Cooper, but that puppy of yours is the real selling point.”

The chemistry between these two characters was absolutely perfect. It was this fantastic mix of snarky and sexy. Alexandra “Sexy Lexi” was exactly the kind of heroine I love to read about. She’s strong but with just the right amount of that endearing vulnerability. Eli with his brooding intensity was the icing on the cake.

I’ve lied and cheated to make you mine, but I never promised to play fair. How I feel about you isn’t noble or pure, it just is. In this crazy, fucked-up life I lead, you are my one constant.

I’m hooked. Totally and completely hooked on Kate’s writing and this fantastic series. I’m already salivating for the next installment like a junky waiting for a fix. I recommend this book to any fans of contemporary romance. It’s not to be missed. If you haven’t yet discovered this fabulous author yet, you are really missing out.

READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

New Release, Review & #Giveaway: ★Beneath These Scars★ by @Meghan_March

Beneath These Scars Series: Beneath #4 Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance Author: Meghan March Release Date: September 22, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

BTS Amazon

I’m the guy you love to hate.

In every story in my life, I seem to end up playing the villain—and I’ve got the scars to prove it.

That role works fine for me, because I’m sure as hell not anyone’s hero.

I run my life and my empire with an iron fist—until she knocks my tightly controlled world off its axis.

She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but I can’t help but want to save her anyway.

I guess we’re about to find out if there’s a hero buried … beneath these scars.

Buy-Links6Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / iBooksBTS-teaser-6Excerpt

Chapter 1

Lucas

SWEAT DRIPPED INTO MY EYES as I bounced on the balls of my feet. Someone had to be calling out how much time was left in this round soon. My pride was on the line, and there was no way I would hand it over to Con Leahy. He’d already gotten the girl, and I wasn’t about to let him humiliate me in the ring in this piece-of-shit New Orleans gym too. My muscles burned, but that was nothing compared to the heat of victory—or the sting of defeat.

What had started out as a boxing lesson had quickly transformed into an all-out brawl for dominance and respect. Only you would pay a million dollars to get your ass kicked, Titan. The voice in my head mocked me as I bobbed and weaved. But I hadn’t paid a million to get my ass kicked. I’d done it because that night at the charity auction I’d been drunk, pissed off, and determined to prove a point—he might’ve gotten the girl, but I was still the one with the power. I got a sick sense of satisfaction that every time Con bought something for his gym and these kids, he had to think of me.

I swung with another right hook. The blow connected with Con’s jaw and snapped his head to the side. Yeah. That’s right. But my mental cheer came a moment too soon, and pain exploded in my left side. Shit, that’s going to hurt tomorrow. I stumbled back but threw myself forward again, shooting out my fist with an uppercut that knocked Con back a step. This was how it had gone for the last several minutes—trading punches and circling each other. There was no love lost in this ring, that was for damn sure, and I was ready for this to be over. I would walk out of here with every bit of the respect I was owed. Fuck anyone who thought otherwise. Con moved toward me and the circling started again. The cheers and chants from the crowd surrounding the ring in the old warehouse gym seemed to grow every time I glanced beyond the ropes.

A flash of blond hair caught my eye as I stepped left and Con shifted to the right. Vanessa. She threw her head back and laughed at something said by her redheaded friend, Elle. I turned my attention back to the man in front of me, but my focus wandered again when a huskier, sexier laugh echoed through the room. My eyes strayed from Con for a second too long as I tried to track down the source of the laughter. Pain burst through my jaw, catching me by surprise, and I stumbled back into the ropes. Using their momentum, I shoved off to the side, my pride stinging from my momentary lapse in concentration. Embarrassed and now thoroughly pissed off, I surged forward and attacked. One punch. That was all I landed before the bell rang, signaling the end of the round and my very expensive “lesson.” I pushed off Con, and my knee might have slipped as I stepped back . . . and caught him directly in the balls. It was probably an accident. I huffed out a chuckle, but Con didn’t share my humor.

“Goddamn it!” he roared. “Are you fucking serious?” It was like stabbing a bull with a matador’s sword, but I was ready for him. I jumped out of the way as Con charged, and shifted into a defensive stance when he swung.

“Should’ve expected a cheap shot from you, motherfucker.” Unrestrained anger flashed over his face as every shred of coaching mentality fled, along with that smug superiority he’d been giving me. GoodYou aren’t better than me, Leahy. I could buy and sell you a hundred times over. He might’ve gotten the girl, but I wasn’t going to let him get away with her clean. I wanted blood.

“Should’ve expected you to strut around this ring like a fucking cock of the walk,” I shot back. Con feinted and swung again, but I’d been studying his movements. I bobbed and weaved, and got the hell out of the way. I threw my own punch as soon as I had a clean shot. It landed just below Con’s left eye, splitting the skin over his cheekbone and sending blood spattering everywhere. The taste of victory was sweet.

“First blood,” I said under my breath. Apparently my words weren’t quiet enough because Con’s head snapped up and he glared at me with disgust, as if I needed to be put down like a rabid animal. “This ain’t a fuckin’ duel, you piece of shit.”

“It sure isn’t a friendly competition either.”

“Paid a million to get that cheap shot in, didn’t you?” My lips twisted into a mocking smile.

“I sure didn’t pay a million to have you show me up.” Con dropped his hands and shook his head. “Just when I thought you weren’t a complete fucking asshole.”

“You were wrong,” I replied, turning for the ropes. Con’s fists lifted and before I could react, one connected with my cheekbone. The instantaneous gush of blood told me I’d have a scar to match his, but it didn’t matter. One more scar wouldn’t hurt my banged-up face. I roared as I charged, but I didn’t get the chance to retaliate. Shouts filled the room, and beefy arms wrapped around my body, holding me back.

“You’re not half bad when you’re not being a shady rich prick,” Lord’s voice said in my ear. I lunged toward Con, but Lord’s grip only tightened.

“Get your goddamn hands off me,” I growled at him. Leaning closer to my ear, he lowered his voice.

“When you calm the hell down and realize you’re making an ass of yourself in front of a bunch of kids and women.” I glanced out to the crowd and read disgust on so many faces, including Vanessa’s. Like it mattered what a single goddamn person in this gym thought of me. I could buy and sell them all. Lord was still holding me back when Con came toward us. He yanked his gloves off and wiped at the blood still dripping from the gash on his face.

“You’re also not half bad when you’re paying attention—and when you’re not throwing a knee into my nuts. But I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.” I jerked at the arms trapping me. “Call off your dog, and I’m gone.”

“You ever want another round, it’s gonna cost you two million next time,” Con said. “For another chance to make you bleed? I’d pay even more.” Con nodded to his brother, and Lord let me go. The crowd had already started to disperse. The only person in the building who probably didn’t want to run me down in the parking lot was my COO, and arguably my friend, Ryder Colson. And he was nowhere to be seen. Instead of Colson, I saw a group of women moving toward the door—Vanessa Frost in her white cotton dress, Elle Snyder in her yellow retro number, and two others I didn’t know. One looked familiar with tanned skin the color of honey, her hair in dark waves, and a curvy body displayed by a funky teal dress with hot-pink polka dots. She hooked her hands on her hips, and that husky laugh echoed through the room again. Apparently she was the one who had distracted me in the ring. My eyes didn’t move from her to take in the fourth woman. Colson came up beside me.

“Who knew there’d be so many hot pieces of ass in this shit warehouse?” I turned toward him.

“Give any of them a shot, and you’ll probably find yourself bleeding on the floor.” Ryder shrugged off my comment.

“Go get your shit. I’ll wait.” He was gone before I could tell him he didn’t need to wait around for me. But then again, he was my only ally in a building full of people who undoubtedly would have preferred to see me KO’d on the floor of the ring. Just one more place I’d never be welcome. Good thing I didn’t give a fuck. I’d showed up, gone toe-to-toe with Con, and had taken back a piece of my pride. That was enough. For today. I was already thinking of hiring a trainer as I went for my bag.

BTS-teaser-9 Review4.5 starsBTS-DGR

…she didn’t have to like me to fuck me; she just had to want me more than she hated me.

I became an instant fan of Meghan March when I first read Beneath These Chains earlier this year. Her writing, her alphas, the super sexy romance, the story, everything about her book just…worked for me. Now while I did feel like I was missing a bit of a backstory here since Lucas was first introduced in Beneath This Ink and I haven’t read that yet, that never once diminished my enjoyment. Meghan does a fantastic job giving readers that backstory so the book can be easily enjoyed as a standalone. BTS teaser-DGRLucas. Fucking. Titan. Just that name alone gives me shivers. I mean, the man is as intense as he is hated, and for good reason too. Lucas hasn’t exactly been making friends in his determination for success. He has no problem using people or playing dirty and that’s certainly amassed his share of enemies. But Lucas isn’t a man that cares about that…until he meets the woman that tempts him beyond reason…and turns him down flat.

I held his stare, not wanting him to see how easily my body responded to him. “Never gonna happen.” “For every time you tell me never, I’m going to make you beg longer to come the next time I have you.”

Yve Santos is determined to stand on her own two feet. She’s no one’s mistress or kept woman. The last thing she needs in her life is an entitled billionaire, even if the asshole is sexier than sin. She wants nothing to do with him, and tells him that often. Unfortunately her words lack conviction when said asshole also turns her own body traitor on her and turns her on with just his broody stare and husky voice alone. BTC teaser-DGRSo basically we have delicious hate lust, an asshole billionaire, and a sassy, smart mouthed heroine that isn’t shy about putting him in his place…and I loved it. It was like this book was custom written just for me. Truth be told, nothing revs my engine more than enemies to lovers trope, add in an underlaying of sexual chemistry strong enough to level a building and I’m putty in your hands. I absolutely devoured this book. DEVOURED it, I tells ya!

He consumed me. With every thrust and retreat, he unraveled me.

But it’s also so much more than billionaire meets sassy but down on her luck heroine. There’s a very solid story that weaves flawlessly with the romance to make this one unputdownable read. While it’s clear that Lucas has his secrets, Yve has her own, and they may just be deadly. Can she let Lucas in enough to save her or will they crash and burn with their fiery passion? Guess you’ll have to read to find that out. You didn’t expect me to tell you that, did you? What I can tell you is that these books seem to get better and better for me. I loved everything about it; the characters, the romance, the writing, and the oh sweet baby jebus scorching hot sex. What? I never claimed to be virtuous here and the sex was that hot. All growly and hatey and everything. DELICIOUS. If you haven’t read this series yet, I strongly recommend you do. While you can just as easy read this book as a standalone, I think it’d be best enjoyed read in series order. Besides, if the last 2 heroes I read by Meghan March are anything to go by, Con and Simon are sure to be just as hot. Trust me on this, this is a series you need to read.

No one makes it through life without scars. It’s impossible. But they’re not signs of shame; they’re badges of honor showing that you fought and survived


About the Author

meghan march headshot

Meghan March is the author of contemporary and erotic romance novels. Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads


Catch Up on the Beneath Series

Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1) Beneath This Mask

He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name. The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away. I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it. Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?

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Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2) Beneath This Ink

I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her. And then I finally had her for one night. A night I don’t remember. I figured I’d blown my shot. But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance. Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?

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Beneath These Chains (Beneath #3) 9780990404842

I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job. She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave. Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want complicated. We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past. But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains?

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Release Blitz, Review & #Giveaway: ★Sweet Obsession★ by J. Daniels

RB Banner
Title: Sweet Obsession
Series: Sweet Addiction #3
Author: J Daniels
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic Romance
Release Date: September 22, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

 Sweet Obsession Ebook Cover

***Author’s note*** Sweet Obsession can be read as a standalone novel.

Everyone knows Brooke Wicks loves to have a good time. She’s not interested in getting serious, settling down, or limiting herself to one man. So when she meets the sexy, irresistible Mason King, she sees another opportunity to let loose and go wild. But the gorgeous Aussie isn’t interested in just a quick fling with Brooke, and if she wants to get into his bed, she’s going to have to do it on his terms.

Loving fast and hard has always been Mason’s philosophy. He doesn’t want a meaningless connection, he wants it all, and he wants it with Brooke. When she makes her one desire known—to hit it and quit it—Mason wages a plan to ensure Brooke keeps coming back for more. Or so he hopes.

Getting her attention was the easy part. Keeping it might be damn near impossible.

Sweet Obsession is where the Sweet Addiction series meets the Alabama Summer series.

Buy Links
Review
4.5 stars
Sweet Obsession -DGR

With a strangled cry, we fall, words and moans blending into the night. It’s hot and filthy, and so profoundly intimate…

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with all things J. Daniels (see what I did there?) and for damn good reason too. The woman never fails to serve up a hero that is guaranteed to make me pant and drool over. Ever since Mason was first introduced in All I Want, I’ve been obsessively stalking patiently waiting for his book. Can you blame me? He’s a sex on a stick Aussie, yeah?
SO teaser- Dirty Girl RomanceNow here’s the thing, I’m one of those, what do you call it? Heroine haters. Yep. I’m a picky bitch when it comes to them and I’m not sorry. So when J gave me a heroine with no sexual inhibitions that has no qualms about getting what she wants and makes no excuses or apologies for it? Oh I am beyond sold. In a world of virgins, Brooke was a breath of fresh air.

When was your last actual boyfriend, Brooke? College?”
“High school…I played the field in college. Literally. I think I was one defender short of bedding the entire lacrosse team.

Between her inner monologue and banter with Joey, Billy and Dylan, Sweet Obsession brought some major LOLs which is what I’ve come to associate with this author. She just has this perfect combination of sweet and sexy with laugh out loud funny. I can’t get enough of it.
Sweet Obsession teaser-Dirty Girl RomanceBrooke is not about the boyfriend thing. She’s gets what she needs and she moves on, until a certain yoga instructor sets up a studio across from the bakery she works at and tilts her world upside down.

Mason isn’t about playing the field. He moved all the way to Chicago to follow his dream of owning his yoga studio and he doesn’t want a meaningless one night stand. When a gorgeous brunette unashamedly flirts with him, he knows he wants her….but on his terms. He wants a connection and a relationship and he’ll settle for nothing else and so he sets about doing just that. What follows is some of the most painful sexual frustration that I have ever felt in my life. I’m talking blue ovaries kind of pain here, people! But man did it hurt so good. I love the way the author stayed true to her characters and their relationship by really making that sexual tension burn. She didn’t throw them into bed together right away and I thoroughly appreciated it. I loved watching Mason slowly and systematically break down all of Brooke’s barriers and carefully constructed walls. It was utterly delicious, even if I did feel like my poor ovaries may combust in the process. It was certainly worth the wait.

I want to absorb him, every flavor of Mason. His sweetness and his ferocity. The gentle planes and sharp, savage angles of his passion.

SO teaser 3- Dirty Girl RomanceI loved pretty much everything about this book. And J saves a special treat for Sweet Addiction fans at the end that you’ll MORE than appreciate. It was like the cherry on top. So good.

What I’ve come to love about her writing is her consistency. Her book ALWAYS deliver on their deliciously sexy promise AND they only get better with each new book. It’s not often you’ll read an author whose craft actually gets better and you can see the growth with every book. Having read her entire backlist, I can truly attest to that. The woman rocks my socks.

My only minor quibble is I did wish for a little more explanation on Brooke’s commitment phobia. While I can understand her hit ’em and quit ’em policy, it seemed like there should be a reason that the mere thought of a relationship and utter of the word ‘boyfriend’ sends her to the local liquor store in a panic would need some sort of reason. But that’s just me being the picky bitch that I am. Perhaps that would have also better explained the major conflict at the end as well. As it was I felt it kind of came out of left field for me; considering that Mason knew exactly how Brooke was when he started pursuing her. So his reaction seemed almost out of character.But that was mainly a blimp on the perfection of the book as a whole, so I barely batted an eyelash at it.

I enjoyed the absolute fuck out of this book. I couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh, it made me swoon, and as always it left me wanting even more. If you haven’t discovered this fabulous author yet, she needs to be on your must read. Sweet Obsession is a book you don’t want to miss 😉


 

SWEET ADDICTION SERIES

ALABAMA SUMMER SERIES

About the Author

J. Daniels is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, and the Alabama Summer series. She loves curling up with a good book, drinking a ridiculous amount of coffee, and writing stories her children will never read.

J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

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Review: ★Kaleidoscope Hearts★ by Claire Contreras

Review- KH Kaleidoscope Hearts
Series: Hearts #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Claire Contreras
Release Date: January 20, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

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He was my older brother’s best friend.
He was never supposed to be mine.
I thought we would get it out of our system and move on.

One of us did.
One of us left.

Now he’s back, looking at me like he wants to devour me. And all those feelings I’d turned into anger are brewing into something else, something that terrifies me.
He broke my heart last time.
This time he’ll obliterate it.

 

 

 


 

Buy-Links9Amazon / iBooks

Review4.5 starsKH- Dirty Girl Romance

Love is beautiful, shattering, moving, haunting. Love is everything.

This beautifully written and emotional book is everything that I love about second chance romance. Everything. I’m not sure where I’ve been that I’m only discovering this fantastic author and this series now, but boy am I glad that it’s finally on my radar. Everything about this book worked for me; the writing, the secondary characters, the story, the romance, and most especially the H/h. Simply put, I adored it.

Does he make your heart race like I do?
Does he make you feel like you can’t breathe sometimes?”

Oliver has always been Estelle’s older brother’s best friend…until a kiss changed everything. They had a few stolen moments together and then everything changed when Oliver walked away. Estelle may have moved on and got engaged to someone else, but she never got over Oliver.
KH teaser- Dirty Girl RomanceA lot has happened with Estelle since that fateful night with Oliver, she met someone else and fell in love…only to lose him to a tragic accident later. After a year of mourning, Estelle is back in the town she grew up in and living with her brother, and Oliver is now determined to right the mistake of their past.

Your simplicity is maddening. Everything about you drives me crazy.

I loved the alternating flashbacks from past to present in both their POVs. It truly allows the reader to be fully engrossed in their story and fall for both them just as hard. The writing is beautiful and flawless and it gripped me from the first chapter alone. I simply couldn’t put this book down.
KH teaser 2- Dirty Girl RomanceI appreciated how the author managed to show the difference between Estelle’s love for Oliver and her deceased fiance without downplaying what she had with him. That’s no easy feat in my opinion. It’s clear that Estelle loved her fiance but Oliver was always her one. Nothing was ever undermined or belittled. It just flowed.

Shattered or not, if you look carefully enough, you’ll find something beautiful in them, and all beautiful things are a little broken.

If you’re looking for a touching and beautiful second chance romance, this series is an absolute must read. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to dive straight into Paper Hearts because after meeting both Jensen and Mia in this one, I’m practically salivating for their story.

Mini Review: ★Paper Hearts★ by Claire Contreras

Review- Paper HeartsPaper Hearts
Series: Hearts #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Claire Contreras
Release Date: September 9, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

25284952

I lost her.

No, I didn’t lose her. I threw her away.

She was my best friend.

I was never supposed to fall in love with her.

I was careless.

She was heartbroken.

I was doing fine until she came back into my life and reminded me what love was supposed to feel like.

When it’s all said and done, she may not want to stay, but this time I’m going to do everything in my power to not let her go.

Buy LinksAmazon / iBooks

Review5 stars

Look, I’m not going to give you a full review here simply because (1) I’m lazy and (2) there’s already so many great reviews that sum up this amazing book perfectly.

What I can tell you is that this was one of my favorite second chance romances I’ve read all year. It was deliciously angsty, heart-breakingly emotional, sexy, sweet and everything in between. Poignantly written, emotionally charged perfection. Truly. See here’s the thing, I’m not a fan of romances where the hero has a child from the other woman and I have yet to read a book where that’s worked for me…until this one. I adored Jensen. Their journey to a HEA was not easy but filled with so many emotions, it brought tears to my eyes with the sheer beauty of it. Torn Hearts shattered me and Paper Hearts slowly put me back together again. I don’t think I’ve loved a hero so much since…well…ever. The things that this man does and says are so swoon worthy, they’re beyond words.

If you’re a fan of second chance romance, this book is not to be missed. Period. Maybe once I get over my feels I can come back and write it the review it deserves, but for now, this is what you get 🙂

Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: ★Hold On★ by @KristenAshley68

HOLD ON BlogTour Graphic Hold On
Series: The ‘Burg #6
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: September 1, 2015add-to-goodreads-button3

25664796-3

Since she was young, Cher Rivers knew she was not the kind of girl who got what she wanted. A girl who could hope. A girl who could dream. She knew a happily ever after just wasn’t in the cards for her.

In love for years with the last bastion of the ‘burg’s eligible bachelors, Garrett Merrick, Cher worked hard at making him laugh. Being one of the guys. Having him in her life the only way she could. All this knowing he was in love with another woman.

The Merrick Family is known for loving deep. So when Cecelia Merrick was murdered, it marked the Merricks in a way none of them recovered. Both Cecelia’s children found love. Both turned their backs on it. But Garrett “Merry” Merrick knew in his soul the woman he divorced years ago was the one for him.

Until the night when Cher took Garrett’s back and things changed. The Merrick family loves deep. They also protect fiercely. And with his eyes finally open, Garrett sees the woman who truly is for him and he goes after her.

Buy-Links10 Amazon / B&N / iBooks

Excerpt

Through this, my leg hit an end table and I adjusted. We cleared the couch, I shifted again too soon, both my calves hit the coffee table, and my ass went down on it.

I looked up. Cell flat to the table, I braced my hands to push up, but Merry was there, chin in his throat, eyes on me, and when he spoke again, his mind was clearly on my location.

“Tried to get your mouth on me more than once when we tore at each other up last Friday, but I was in the mood to use mine. Lookin’ forward to learnin’ what you can do with yours, but like I said, baby, right now, don’t got the time.”

My only response that he couldn’t twist was to glare at him, which was what I did.

“But got time before I go for a kiss,” Merry informed me.

“Only kiss I’ll give you is tellin’ you to kiss off,” I informed him.

“Who knew warm brown eyes like the ones you got could spark that kind of fire,” he muttered as if he wasn’t even talking to me.

“Step back,” I demanded.

“No,” he denied.

I continued to glare up at him, then I realized I was not the kind of woman who sat on her ass, glaring up at a man towering over her and pinning her in. So I stood, which put me smack in Merry’s space, my breasts brushing against his abs and up his chest on my way.

They kept brushing when he didn’t move back, but I didn’t attempt escape, even to get away from the shafts of electricity this all caused at my nipples, shafts that headed south.

I glared at him from closer.

He stared into my eyes, his gaze moving down to my mouth then back up as one side of his lips curved.

He was getting off on this.

I didn’t get that and I didn’t want to get that.

I wanted this done.

“In the mood to play, Officer?” I whispered.

“Told you, sweetheart, don’t got the time.”

I shook my head but held his gaze. “Not what I mean. Single mom, all alone. Switch out her storms. Offer info to help her out of a jam. Been a while since I was in the know about these things, so tell me, what’s the price for all that? You mentioned a blowjob. You got stamina, but I got talent. Balance that out, I’m thinkin’ it’ll take more than the usual ten, fifteen minutes. We’ll give it twenty. So I can manage my time, is there more?”

I wasn’t even done talking before I learned his eyes could spark fire too.

I also learned he was in the mood to play, that being, playing me at my own game.

And doing it better.

He dipped his face close, his voice low. “Storms get me the blowjob, brown eyes. I get the intel you need, that buys me sinkin’ deep in wet pussy.”

I felt my nipples get harder at the same time something else happened to me that, if he was of a mind to take his payoff right then, he’d get what he wanted.

I hid this reaction and asked, “You want this all in one go, or you wanna spread payback out for a while?”

“Keep plenty of time open, Cher. I intend to earn a fuckuva lot more and draw it out collecting.”

I nodded, still keeping a lock on his eyes. “I get it. Girl like me, only payback expected for me to be able to give.”

That didn’t get me fire.

That got me ice.

“I hear you talk down about yourself one more time, Cher, shit will get extreme.”

That made me ice over.

“Do not hand me that crap, Merry. You come into my home and got no problem talkin’ about wet pussy right to my face tells me the woman you know me to be.”

He dipped his face even closer, to the point it felt like if I blinked, my lashes would sweep his in a butterfly kiss.

“Do not hand me your shit, Cher,” he growled. “That hang-up is yours, not mine. And how I know that is I made you come just finger fuckin’ you and talkin’ dirty in your ear, and it was the talk and not what my fingers were doin’ that took you there. I like that, a woman who can let go and let me give her that without gettin’ uptight and closin’ down on me. You liked it too, a fuckuva lot more than me. So don’t stand there handin’ me your shit when I know you’re wet for me now and I haven’t fuckin’ touched you.”

I refused to reply to that because he was right and I had no intention of confirming that information.

But it was then he hit me with a verbal blow, the intensity of which, not in my whole shitty-ass life I’d ever received.

“Christ, if I didn’t know you were worth it, I’d walk out the door and this would be done—all we got, over.”

I could stand.

I could stare.

But I couldn’t breathe.

Merry could.

He could also speak.

“Hope like fuck no one takes off with those storms while I’m gone. You think they will, move ’em into garage and leave the key under the mat. I’m switchin’ ’em out, Cher. I come back tonight and they’re done, I’ll find you, and I won’t be collectin’. I’ll be dishin’ it out, but you won’t get it until you beg for it and do that shit for a really long time.”

His words were lost on me.

I continued to stand.

I continued to stare.

But my lungs had started burning.

If I didn’t know you were worth it…

“When’s Ethan’s next sleepover?” Merry bit out.

“Friday,” I whispered. “But his friend’s comin’ here.”

“Fuck,” Merry clipped. “Find a time, babe. You don’t, payback’ll stack up and I’ll have to take personal days and hole up in a hotel with you for a week. And there’s not a doubt that stick-up-her-ass church lady your ex tied his shit to won’t appreciate you bein’ gone from your kid for a weeklong fuckathon.”

That was kind of funny as well as hot.

I still said nothing.

Merry fell silent and stared at me.

Then he dealt the second biggest verbal blow I’d ever received in my life.

“Christ, you’re pretty, even standin’ there plotting my murder.”

After that, he lifted a hand, grabbed me gentle but firm at my neck, yanked me up so my mouth hit his hard but brief, then he let me go.

“Later, babe,” he said, strolling to my door. He stopped in it, turned to me, and bid his farewell by saying, “You touch those storms only to put them in the garage.”

He closed the door on that.

I stood where he left me.

If I didn’t know you were worth it…

What was I worth?

What was I worth to Merry?

Review5 starsHold On-Burg 6- DirtyGirlRomance

It happens. For people like us, baby. It happens, eventually. Just as long as we hold on.

What an incredibly bittersweet book this was for me to read. I first discovered this amazing series back in 2012 when I read For You. And I’ve been wanting and slowly dying for Merry’s book ever since. He’s been through a hell of a lot throughout the entire series and all of it finally truly coming to a head in Golden Trail. I had always assumed when I read those books that he would end up with his ex, but after finishing Hold On, I can’t be happier with the direction that the fabulous Kristen Ashley took it. I adored absolutely every single page.
Hold On teaser2- Dirty Girl RomanceNow if you’ve read the entire series, I’m sure there one huge question on your minds which I’d like to answer for you right now. Yes, Cher’s boobs are indeed real. Alright then. Moving on…

The only thing I know is, what’s at the end of the road we’re on is unknown. Along the way, I break through that fortress you’ve built around you and manage to extract your head from your ass, it’ll be worth the trip.

If there’s one thing I learned is that expectations are the bane of my existence. i built them up so high for some characters, only to be let down. But I can honestly tell you that Merry was everything I had hoped he would be and so much more. As a matter of fact, I’d go so far as to say that he’s not my second favorite in this series right after Joe. That’s high praise, people, because it simply doesn’t get any better than Joe. I loved everything about this man; his stubbornness, his protectiveness, his possessiveness, and his all around KA alpha male-ness. *swoon*

The romance between him and Cher is a slow build filled with plenty of bumps along the way, but when both the MCs are as endearing as these two, I didn’t even mind the bumps. Sure they have their moments where you want to knock some sense into them, but at the same time they stay true to themselves so it’s hard to judge.

Cher is one of those KA heroines that was impossible not to like. To be honest, I didn’t feel one way or another for her throughout the series. I wasn’t sure what to make of her. She’s a wild child and I was almost afraid she’d be borderline brash in her own book, but that was simply not the case. Kristen Ashley managed to endear her to readers so completely, you can’t imagine not liking her. She’s an amazing mother and while she has her hangups with men for very good reasons, she’s not a doormat. This is a woman that has her own breed of strength and she uses it to go to bat for her family. I loved that about her. I also loved how vulnerable she was when it came to Merry.
Hold On teaser- Dirty Girl RomanceBeing a victim of that psycho Danny, she certainly has her demons and emotional scars a’plenty. That doesn’t simply disappear when her and Merry get together. But watching her heal Merry’s wounds for him in turn to heal hers was easily one of my favorite things about this book.

Need you to get this, Cher. I wanna kiss you. But right now, I wanna kiss you because you’re standin’ in my arms, lookin’ up at me the way you’re lookin’ up at me. I definitely wanna kiss the girl who loves to make me laugh. And I wanna kiss the girl who put that dress on for me. I also wanna kiss you because after I kiss you, I’m gonna take you to my bed and I’m gonna fuck you. But you need to know, in this instant, I wanna kiss you because you’re the girl you are right now, the way you are right now, lookin’ up at me.”

You know how I was sure I had a 5 star read on my hands? I didn’t skim even one page. Not. A. One. Not any of the descriptions of the clothes, the furniture, the rooms, the clouds in the sky, nothing. I was enthralled in the characters and their romance from beginning to end and absolutely devoured every page.

I cannot picture a better book to end this amazing series with. If you were slightly disappointed with Frankie and Benny’s book like I was, this book will more than make up for it. Trust me. If you’re thinking of reading this as a standalone, don’t. I mean, you can definitely do so, but you’ll be missing out on the development of both these characters’ stories and why would you want to do that anyway?

That brings me to my final point: The epilogue. Hands down. Bar none. THE best epilogue KA has ever written. Period. And I’ve read practically her entire backlist so me saying that says a lot. I cried like a lunatic. Tears of joy. It was so incredibly perfect. Beautiful. Emotional. Ugh. Just…GAH. The most wonderful way to close the final pages on the characters I’ve slowly fallen in love with through the years. It was that perfect cherry on top and I simply adored it.


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Review: ✩Prisoner✩ by @Annika_Martin & @skye_warren

He seethes with raw power the first time I see him—pure menace and rippling muscles in shackles. He’s dangerous. He’s wild. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.So I hide behind my prim glasses and my book like I always do, because I have secrets too. Then he shows up in the prison writing class I have to teach, and he blows me away with his honesty. He tells me secrets in his stories, and it’s getting harder to hide mine. I shiver when he gets too close, with only the cuffs and the bars and the guards holding him back. At night I can’t stop thinking about him in his cell.

But that’s the thing about an animal in a cage—you never know when he’ll bite. He might use you to escape. He might even pull you into a forest and hold a hand over your mouth so you can’t call for the cops. He might make you come so hard, you can’t think.

And you might crave him more than your next breath.


Some people have a relationship that’s sunshine and roses. Our is darkness and vengeance.

If you’ve read the blurb, then you probably picked up on the fact that it pretty much tells you nothing. As far as descriptions go, it’s very vague…AND THAT’S IMPORTANT. I’d advise you to read as little reviews about this book if not any before diving in. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it that much more. What are some things I can tell you about it?

1. Prepare to read it in one sitting.
I’m not even kidding. This story sucked me in from the very first page and I was utterly incapable of setting it down until the last one.

2. I wouldn’t classify it as dark, per say. Sure it has a darker undercurrent, it’s definitely on the grittier end, and there are scenes that are violent and even some that border on non-consent. BUT, all that being said, I didn’t find it that dark. I’ve read darker. That doesn’t make it any less good.


See, here’s something for you to ponder. You’re smart, so you need to be thinking what you are to me right now. Do you know what you are to me, Ms. Winslow?”

Abigail hides behind her books and her glasses. She’s not meek, but she’s not exactly “noticeable”. Her childhood hasn’t exactly been sunshine and butterflies, and she’s not looking to go back. When she accepts an assignment from the English Department where she studies to teach a class in prison, she questions her ability. But nothing shakes her more than her very first meeting with him.

Grayson.
Sweet baby jebus, their first meeting was one of the most intense ones I’ve read in a while. I knew right then that this was going to be good, and I was not disappointed in the least. Holy shit.


Pain is a funny thing. We fight so hard to avoid it, almost more than death. But it’s the only thing that binds us. Going through pain together, and coming out on the other side, is the only form of friendship I’ve ever known.

He was such a tortured character, but he also had a very endearing vulnerability to him as well. Maybe that’s also why I wasn’t as bothered by the couple’s almost instantaneous connection. It somehow fit the both of them. Don’t get me wrong, Grayson was not a soft man. Fuck no. He was intense with an undercurrent of brutality, and yet there was always something about him that no matter what fucked up thing he does, you can’t help but love him.

This isn’t a fucking fairy tale. I’m not going to turn into a good guy because her cunt is made of velvet and rainbows.

Abigail was a force to be reckoned with herself. I loved that she wasn’t the meek little kitten that she comes off as in the very beginning. She certainly had a fierceness to her, though she does make some stupid decisions along the way. I never quite understood why she was the way she was though. Sure we get her childhood history and that puts some pieces together, just not all.

I want to hurt her and I want to protect her. Break her and shield her.

Grayson was my favorite part of the story. As intimidating and fucked up as he is, he’s also fiercely protective. This is not a man that enjoys sweet and easy in bed. This is a man that fucks and fucks hard. And this girl is NOT complaining.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between the side characters that are introduced. The subject matter is not a light one of how they all came together and I can already tell we’re in for some amazing books in this series. I’m especially intrigued by Stone. I love me a good asshole and that was one giant, violent, walking asshole. But oh man do I get the feeling his book is going to be fantastic. I can’t wait to read about the woman that will bring him to his knees. The bigger they are…

But that is all you will be getting from me. Only thing I can tell you here is READ THIS BOOK. Do it. It’s a gritty, suspenseful, erotic, and completely unputdownable romance that you will never want to end. It’s not entirely dark and yet it’s definitely not rainbows and unicorns. What it is, is addictingly good. So good in fact, that you’ll be dying for the next book as soon as you finish. But you won’t get any pity from me, since I’m in that fucking boat right now LOL 😉

Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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