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Blog Tour, Dream Cast, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Until Nico☆ by @auroraroseR

Until Nico 
Until Series (Book 4)
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
RELEASE DATE: June 3rd, 2014

 
Sophie Grates has never had it easy, but she’s finding her way through life one step and one day at a time. That is, Until Nico comes in and flips her world upside-down. He forces her to see you cannot live life from the outside looking in, and sometimes you have to step out onto the ledge so you can really enjoy the view. Nico Mayson knew the moment he saw Sophie Grates that she was the one. His whole life, he has been judged by what’s on the outside, so finding a beautiful woman who sees the real him only makes his feelings that much stronger. Nico knows the kind of man he is, and the things he is capable of, and he will do everything in his power to help Sophie fight her demons so they can have their happily ever after. Everything in life worth having is worth fighting for.

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I look around and see a guy staring at me. He’s about my age, not much taller than my five feet five inches, cute, and wearing a suit and tie. I start to wave to see if he’s the one I’m meeting, but then another guy catches my attention. He’s about six three and huge, and I don’t mean just in height; his body looks like it’s been chiseled from stone. He’s wearing black boots, washed-out blue jeans, and a white t-shirt, and every piece of skin exposed is covered with tattoos. His ears have those gauge thingies in them. His dark blond hair is cut low on the sides, and the top is in a fauxhawk. His jaw is strong, with a few days of stubble, and his eyes are so blue that they almost look like contacts. He is beautiful in a way that is unusual but no less gorgeous.
His eyes come to me before looking away quickly, and the next second, they come back to me and do a head-to-toe sweep. I gulp at the intense expression on his face. I glance past him to the other guy—or at least try to—but Mr. Tattoo starts towards me, blocking my view. I want to take a step back, but I can’t go anywhere. Then I see my phone in his hand.
“This yours?” he asks.
I nod like an idiot. He shakes his head, running his free hand down his face, and then his eyes sweep over me again.
“You have got to be fucking kidding me,” he says, seeming upset.
I look down at myself, wondering how I could’ve offended him. I look normal—or my working-outside-the-house normal. When I’m at home working, I wear baggy sweats I cut off to make shorts or pajama pants that hang off of me along with tank tops or T-shirts. The few days a week I get out of the house, I like to dress up or at least wear heels.
“This cannot be fucking happening,” he growls, and I wonder if he is completely crazy.
“What?” I ask, finally finding my voice. I have to tilt my head way back; even in my four-inch heels, he still towers over me.
“You.”
“Me, what?” I ask, confused.
“Never mind. Who is this?” He presses the button on my phone, the screen lights up, and a picture of Jamie Dornan wearing nothing but a pair of jeans takes up the screen.
“Um…that’s Jamie,” I reply, wondering why he is asking but too afraid to ask him; the look on his face isn’t very inviting for conversation.
“He your man?”
“I wish,” I mumble under my breath and hear him growl.
My head flies back as I search his face; his jaw is ticking, and his knuckles of the hand holding my phone are turning white.
“What does that mean?” he asks.
“That’s Jamie Dornan. He’s playing Fifty. I don’t know him.” I feel my cheeks heat up and look down at my feet.
What the hell’s wrong with me? Why am I not afraid right now? I have been scared of virtually everything my whole life, and now, when I should be running for cover, I’m not scared at all. Just a little embarrassed.
“I don’t have time for this,” he says, and I don’t know what he’s talking about, but I all of a sudden really want my phone out of his hand before he crushes it to smithereens.
When I look up again, I see that he is walking away. My eyebrows come together, and I wonder what he is doing. Then I realize he still has my cell.
“Hey! You can’t steal my phone!” I run after him, grabbing his arm.
He looks down at me then stops short. I’m completely caught off guard when he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him. His free hand goes into my hair and pulls my head back, and then he kisses me. No, not kisses—he consumes me. My body starts to buzz like someone just plugged me into an electrical outlet, and I start to feel lightheaded. When he pulls his mouth from mine, I gasp, my fingers going to my lips. 
“What was that?” I whisper, looking into his eyes.
“What’s your name?” he asks, still holding me close.
“Sophie,” I tell him, my answer spoken behind my fingers.
His body is as hard as a rock against mine; I can feel every muscle, every contour, and it takes everything in me to keep breathing. I realize this is the first time in my life I have ever felt small, my curvy figure never having allowed it before.
“Sophie,” he repeats, standing up to his full height and pulling me with him. I look around and wonder if time has stopped for anyone else.  “My name is Nico.”
“Of course it is,” I say, staring into his amazing eyes, thinking that a guy who looks like him would have a name like that—cool and hot, something that rolls easily off your tongue but is hard to forget.
“I’ll see you when I get back into town, Sophie,” he says as he lets me go, making sure I’m steady on my feet.
“What?” I ask, looking around again.
“Here’s your phone.” He hands me my cell, and I’m still a little lightheaded when he starts to walk off again. I watch in a daze as he leaves, but then he turns around to face me from a few yards away.  “Sophie?”
“Yeah?” 
“Change the picture on your phone,” he demands before he turns and disappears into the crowd.

Dream Cast
3.5 Stars

We are going to explore this thing between us. We are going to take it as slowly as you need, but you are not going to push me away. It’s not going to work. You push me, and I will push back.

Let’s be honest, if you’re looking for an unpredictable and angsty book with unbelievable sexual tension, you will not find that here. But yet as another reviewer, J, said, these books are like crack. Highly predictable, steamy, insta-pretty much everything crack. Yes I know I hate insta-anything, but for some reason it just works here for me. The Mayson brothers take their “boom” shit verra seriously. And when they feel it and set their sights on the woman? Well they go after them with the determination of a mac truck.

And once they catch them? Well, I swear these boys have the sperm with the accuracy of a heat seeking missile. So word to the wise, heroines

Just saying.

After practically devouring the last book, I was dying to get my hands on Nico. Deliciously tatted up Nico.

Did I also happen to mention the piercings? And I’m not just talking about his ears

Poor Sophie never stood a chance.

When she first meets Nico when he finds her phone and gives it back to her, sparks fly immediately.

But c’mon. That’s not really too surprising here.

Nico knows right away that Sophie is his boom, and he pursues her relentlessly. Not that she puts up much of a fight. Oh she has her doubts for maybe all of 2.5 seconds, but Nico certainly sets her straight on those.

You’re mine, Sophie. I don’t give a fuck what you think, or what the excuse it you try to give me, but you are mine.”

You won’t find anything here that you haven’t read before, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. Because I did. I really did. Nico was delicious. Its hard not to fall hard for these Mayson boys.

Plus with the few new faces that were introduced here, I was highly intrigued on where it would lead. Let’s say I’m even more excited about the spin off Aurora has in the works. I only ask that Lars is right after Kenton.

So why not 5 stars then? To be honest, after how much I loved Until Lilly, this one fell a bit short. I’m not saying I expect every book in the series to blow me away, but still. I thought this could have been a much shorter book, as some of it felt a bit drawn out and I found my interest waning toward the end. I loved the steamy sex scenes, but I wanted just a little more story. I’m not sure that all the craziness at the very end was necessary. I almost felt that it was just thrown in to spice things up or something? But really, it just had me rolling my eyes. The whole “bad guy” thing was highly predictable, and I knew right away who it was…and it still had me scratching my head at the necessity of it. Short of adding some drama to the mix, it brought absolutely nothing to the story for me.

The one thing that I really love about this series are the sugar sweet epilogues, and it certainly delivered on that end. I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect conclusion. I read it with a big goofy smile on my face. So while it wasn’t a 5 blow me away star read, it was still an enjoyable one and I’d gladly recommend it for fans of the series.

Now if I can just get my pervy little hands on Kenton’s book sooner… Because the teaser at the end had me going a little

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.
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And don’t miss the rest of the series

Until November (Until #1)

November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the Big Apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, November starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November, fate has other plans.

Asher Mayson has never had a problem getting a woman, that is until November. Now all he can think about is making November his and keeping her safe.

Warning 18+ sexual content and a strong Alpha Male.

Until Trevor (Until #2)

Trevor Mayson had his life planned out – make the family business successful and play the field for a few more years before eventually settling down. Then he sees her. Liz Hayes was beautiful, shy and everything that he could ever want…but she didn’t fit into his plans. After Trevor painfully rejects her, Liz finally starts to move on, but Trevor is finding it difficult to truly let her go. It seems the more he tries to stay away, the more intense his feelings for her become. Like a stretched rubber band, he can only take so much before snapping.

Liz Hayes is done waiting for Trevor and isn’t interested in getting her heart broken by him again, but Trevor is making it difficult for her to forget him when he shoves his way back into her life.

Can Trevor prove to her that he is worth falling in love with again, and is he ready to change his life plan to let her into his heart?

Until Lilly (Until #3)

When Cash Mayson was forced to choose between the love of his life and his unborn child, he knew exactly what he had to do. No matter how broken it left him.

When Lilly Donovan was forced to accept that the guy she loved wasn’t who she thought he was and became a single mother, she knew exactly what she had to do. Proving just how strong she was.

What happens when years later you find out that everything you thought you knew was a lie?

Can two people who once loved each other overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them and fall in love all over again?

Cash Mayson had forgotten how it felt to be loved Until Lilly came back into his life. And now that he remembers, he will do everything within his power to keep not only the woman that he loves, but also his children.

The power of love is a beautiful thing.

Review: ☆On The Way Home☆ by Skye Warren

On the Way Home
Clint

For eight months I’ve been deep under cover as a special operator in the Army. On the plane ride home, all I want is a hot shower and a long sleep. But a Dear John text message leaves me stranded. I need a ride and a place to stay, and the pretty stewardess is more than willing.


Della

It’s supposed to be a simple trade—the passenger in seat 34B for my sister. But the sexy soldier is more than I can handle in all the best ways. He trusts me, but I can’t save him. No one can. Sometimes trouble has a way of following you home.

On the Way Home is a dark new adult romance intended for readers over eighteen.

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3.5 Stars


Monsters came in all shapes and sizes. They wore custom designer suits and stewardess uniforms. They gave you a job as a stripper or went down on you to help you sleep, but those were just part of the lure. Because when you had learned to trust the monster, when you let your guard down, that’s when you got eaten.

This was my first book by Skye Warren, so I really wasn’t sure exactly what I would be going into. All I knew is that when I read that blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I’m a big fan of Dark Romance, and this sounded EXACTLY up my alley. Was it everything I thought it would be? Well….almost. Firstly, I can’t really say it was all that dark. It was more gritty. That’s not a bad thing at all, but still worth a mention.

Clint is returning home after 8 months of working deep under cover as a special operator in the Army. He doesn’t exactly have much to come back to since he received a Dear John text from his live-in girlfriend while still deployed. But he has high hopes that maybe they could still work it out…

Only to come home to see all his things packed up and to find out that she’s been cheating on him. Oh and did I mention that she’s trying to kick him out of his own place? Poor guy just can’t seem to get a break.

Luckily (or not quite so for Clint), the beautiful stewardess that caught his eye on the plane comes to his rescue.

Della is not at all what she appears to be, and her intentions towards Clint are anything but innocent. She’s supposed to be doing a job, a simple trade; Clint for her sister. But her plan gets a whole lot more complicated when she begins to have feelings for the sexy soldier.

This book could have easily been a 5 star read for me, if not for a few things…

The insta-love angle
I had a tough time understanding the almost immediate connection these two share. I mean, we go from them barely exchanging a few words on a plane to him staying at her place and fucking like bunnies…

Then Clint goes and shares confidential information from his deployment with her even though he has doubts about who she really is and the secrets she hides. Good job there, Mr. Undercover Man. But I suppose that fits his character.

Clint’s submissive nature in bed. This is NOT a BDSM book, not at all, but Clint is most definitely the submissive partner in bed. That’s certainly not quite my cuppa, so I had a tough time with this one.

He had some Alpha tendencies, but sadly they pretty much got lost within all the time he submitted to Della’s MUCH more aggressive sexual nature. Though, oddly enough, it was still pretty damn hot…even if it isn’t quite my cuppa.

The sex
To be fair, I feel like I should warn readers that this book contains (highlight to view spoiler)pegging[Pegging (hide spoiler)].(Spoiler) Yes. (view spoiler)pegging.(Spoiler)As in (view spoiler)Della sporting a strap on and… holy strap on butt sex, batman! (spoiler)

It fits the book and the story, HOWEVER, it is a tad out of my comfort zone. I don’t have a huge problem with it, and it was written pretty damn hot, but it’s not a preference of mine in books.

The suspense part of the story is really what won me over. I spent a large part of the book on pins and needles just waiting for that other shoe to drop.

I really enjoyed the twist that Skye Warren added in the end. I did not see that coming at all. I think that was the very last thing I expected to happen. Della’s character was a very intriguing one to me, too. The things that she’s been through are terrible, but she had this tough core to her that I really liked. You know what she has to do, and you want to hate her for it, but yet your heart breaks for her all the same.

I found it to be more an erotic suspense than dark, but that may be because I’ve been pretty desensitized to Dark Romance, so it takes a LOT for me to label it that genre. There were dark elements here, but not many. I’d say this was more gritty than dark. At least in my opinion.

Ultimately did I enjoy this book? Yes.
Is it something that I would have read had I known in advance about Clint’s sexual submissiveness? Probably not.
Am I glad I read it? Surprisingly, yes.
Is it something I see myself re-reading in the future? Probably not

Writing style: Dual First Person POV

Skyeauthorpic
Skye Warren writes unapologetic erotica, including power play or erotic pain and sometimes dubious consent. There’s struggle in the sex. There’s pain in the relationships. Her books are raw, sexual and perversely romantic.

ARC Review: ☆The Innocent Liar☆ by @ElizabethFinn77

A woman hiding from her past, a man lost in his own…

Fiona was desperate to find a life in Jackson, Wyoming, but when a job interview that was supposed to be a sure thing turns ugly, she doubts there’s much hope of it. Eli sees through her lies, and regardless of the favor his father has asked of him, he’s just too stubborn to hire a woman who refuses to even give him her real name.

But there is a reason for everything, and he finds out soon enough her deceptions have a purpose too.

Secrets and lies are nothing to build a relationship on, but their attraction to one another is too intense to ignore. They’re simply magnets pulled together in a situation that should be driving them apart, but Eli has his own ghosts to contend with, and his past leaves him incapable of trusting a woman he can never fully know.

How can they move beyond her lies when the truth is what Eli really needs, and when her past threatens to destroy her, can he rise above his own needs to protect her — his innocent liar?

3.75 Erotically Angsty Stars

A woman hiding from her past, a man lost in his own…

The Innocent Liar is an angsty and erotic story about 2 broken people, each hiding from different kinds of demons from their past.

Fiona is hiding behind a veil of lies, innocent as they may be. She’s in a desperate situation, and the one saving grace that she’s counting on is the job that Eli may give her as a favor to his father.

Too bad Eli is too much of an asshole to just blindly do what his father asks. A man with his past is not one that can trust a woman that can’t so much as give him her real name. And his none-too-gentle dismissal of Fiona sends her fleeing his office in tears.

Guilt, circumstance, and desperate need bring them together again. But can a man that’s incapable of blind trust survive a relationship with a woman that’s incapable of giving him the truth, no matter how hot the passion between them may be?

I really liked this story, especially with the introduction we get to Eli. I have a particular soft spot for assholes, and Eli was one major asshole when Fiona first showed up to his office. He’s not exactly known for being a nice guy. A past that still haunts him and a fucked up marriage and divorce have pretty much guaranteed that. But there’s a method to his madness…


Anger gave him a sense of control and power that had once been missing from his life. People always assumed when a person was broken they didn’t realize they were broken. It wasn’t at all true. He knew it well. He saw it in himself, yet he would do nothing to stop it because he didn’t know how to function without his defects. They kept him sane and grounded. That was just a fact of life for him.

Fiona was one of those characters that I had a tough time deciding whether I truly loved or not. She wasn’t quite strong, and yet she wasn’t exactly weak either. What she was, was desperate and hiding from something that you know from the very beginning is going to be brutal to learn.

But something pulls the two of them together, even if neither of them truly understand what it is. Eli is a man that depends on truth, and Fiona is a woman that can’t give him that. Yet the inevitable happens…

He’d lived his life as though his past didn’t exist, yet oddly, his past had consumed him. But now, it didn’t – it wasn’t, and strangely, what had happened so many years ago was closer to the surface than ever before. She had something to do with that, and he needed to hold onto her, even if he hadn’t a clue how to do that.

Eli bounced back and forth between an utter asshole, to sweet back to asshole, to broken man, and then sweet again. It was tough to get a handle on his moods at times, though I did understand the reasoning behind them.

I’ll admit that at times I struggled to understand the connection between him and Fiona. I get that there was a sexual pull between them, but I felt like the progression of their relationship, especially given the circumstances was a little unbelievable to me.

I do love Elizabeth Finn’s writing, and by then end of the book I was very much sold. And if there’s one thing that Elizabeth can give you, it’s one hell of a scorching love scene. If you like your books steamy, this one will deliver that in spades.


I’m going to eat your pussy.” His tongue flicked the lobe of her ear. “Then I’m going to eat your ass.”
She shuddered…
“Then I’m going to watch you suck my dick. Then I’m going to fuck your ass, and I’m not going to stop until I’ve come inside you. Do you understand?”

I had a feeling about Elizabeth’s past, though we never really get the full painted picture, just the glossed over version of it. I understand that had the author went into the gory details of it, it would have shot the book from just angsty to pure dark category…but a part of me feels like I would have still wanted those details. We get bits and pieces of what she went through, but never the whole picture. And the ending doesn’t give much more details. Maybe it’s the dark romance lover in me that craved those details? I’m not sure.

For whatever reason there was just always something here that kept this from being that perfect 5 star read for me. I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars, so I tend to save those for books that I either absolutely LOVED or would see myself reading again.

Fans of Elizabeth Finn would definitely enjoy this book. She delivers a great angtsy love story about 2 broken characters finding healing with each other. And if you haven’t yet discovered this author, then I recommend you do. I’ve read a few books by Miss Finn, and I’ve enjoyed each of them.

So while this may not have been a perfect 5 star read for me, it was still a very enjoyable one and certainly one I would gladly recommend.

**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**

Review: ☆Masquerade☆ by Nyrae Dawn

A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime.

Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he’s ever seen. She’s wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her.

Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker’s body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more.

Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . . 

4 Stars

You can pretend all you want that you’ve never been hurt before and that you’ve never lost anything, but I will continue to call bullshit. Loss is loss. It’s not a contest about who’s been hurt more. We all have our battles to fight.”

While I can’t say that this was my favorite book in the series, it was still a fantastic addition. Facadecontinues to hold the number one place in my heart so far.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book since meeting Maddox as Laney’s brooding older brother in book 2. I just knew that behind the mysterious broodiness lies the soul of a broken man, and I couldn’t wait to uncover all his secrets. Does that sound deep? Because what I meant to say is that the second I read tattoos and motorcycle my inner dirty girl was throwing her panties at my kindle. See? That doesn’t sound half as good as what I said before. What can I say? A girl’s got a type, and mine just happen to be tatted up, motorcycle riding bad boys.

The first half of the book got off to a rocky start for me. It took me a while to really get into the story and feel the connection between Bree and Maddox. I think in part that has to do with how quickly they got together. (And I do mean quickly, since clothes started flying in the first 5%) I simply couldn’t feel their connection. I read that they were drawn to one another…I just couldn’t connect to it, if that even makes sense. I was almost afraid that one of my favorite NA series may turn into a DNF. But then something changed right around the halfway point and I found myself getting more and more drawn into the story. I’d give the first half 3 stars and 5 stars for the second, rounding it to a solid 4 star read.

Both Bree and Maddox are closed off for their own reasons, and each of those reasons are absolutely heart breaking.

Maddox struggles with the guilt of the part that he played in his father’s affair and ultimate breakdown of everything that followed it. He doesn’t feel like he deserves anything, especially not love. After all, he was weak, not strong enough to do what needed to be done…or so he thinks.

The only thing that truly drives him is his desire to be a tattoo apprentice. Drawing and tattoos allow him an escape, if only for a little while, from his daily reality. Maddox gets the shock of a lifetime when he discovers the only tattoo shop in town is owned by the girl he spent one passionate night with…with no thoughts of later.

Bree is not looking for love either, she doesn’t even know what it is. She may appear whole on the outside, have parents that love and support her, and her own business, but inside she’s just a lost girl. Struggling with a past that has broken her and her belief in love, she merely takes life day to day.

As different as these two feel they may be from each other, they share a bond that neither of them want to face.

Brutal honesty is underrated and I can see he has it, like I do. If I were a different kind of girl- the kind who believed in love- Maddox would be the guy that I’d fall for. Though I guess if I really wasn’t me, he probably wouldn’t be what I’d want.

Although both of them fight the emotional connection between them as much as they can, the one thing that they can’t seem to fight is the sexual pull between them.

And they don’t exactly try to fight that all that much.

Stop making me want you.” The same heat from his eyes in now in his words.
“Stop letting me have you,” I reply, and it seems to inflame him more.

As much as I struggled with the first half of this book, I absolutely devoured the second half. That was when the emotional intensity that I’ve come to associate with this series and Nyrae’s writing really shined through. My heart broke for both Maddox and Bee with each new detail of their past coming to light. It was poignant and even gut wrenching at time. The part where Maddox finally talks with Adrian, I’m pretty sure it managed to bring a tear even to my cold and black little heart. It was that good.

Fans of the series will really enjoy this one, and if you’re like me and struggle in the beginning, I strongly recommend pushing through since it will be worth it in the end.

While you can easily read this book as a standalone, I’d highly recommend reading Facade first to get a better understanding of the story’s background and a better understanding of Maddox. But if you want to go ahead and just dive into this one without reading Facade, the author gives you plenty of background information that you wouldn’t be lost.

If you’re a fan of steamy NA with broken characters, a poignantly written story, and a hero who you will equal parts love and feel like your heart is breaking for, definitely give this one a try.

Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: ☆Ecstasy Claimed☆ by @SETTAJAY_

Gregoire has spent centuries with his brother Guardians fighting for the safety and security of the Realms. Endless decades of battling mixed with bouts of mindless sex to sate his needs. Needs that haven’t truly been fulfilled since she was born. The one destined to be his bonded mate. For the last twenty five years Gregoire has kept his distance giving her time to grow into a female who is capable of handling his intense dominance.

Alyssa has done everything that was expected of her, until the day she finds out she has a mate who has left her unclaimed. Unheard of when mates are rare and coveted. Even worse is the fact that he is the most powerful of her race and a Guardian of the Realms. Furious at the rejection she decides she is now in charge of her life. No more will she allow others to rule her.Against the backdrop of evil forces that are conspiring to topple the Realms, can Gregoire find his wayward mate before she is taken by corrupt Immortals? Can Alyssa forgive him and learn to exert her own female power while surrendering to his savage passion? And will the two of them be able to forge a mate bond that cannot be severed… or will they be forever cursed with an Ecstasy Unclaimed?

Warning – Dirty talking, possessive alpha male; scenes of sexual exhibition; an instance of f/f; spankings and more.

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Excerpt
Gregoire and Alyssa – Ecstasy Claimed
She was wide open, her knees straddling his thighs, her bottom against his stomach.  She circled her hips, thriving on the stretching sensation of being taken.  He flipped her hair to one side and pulled her bare back against his heaving chest.  His tongue and lips caressed her neck, and gooseflesh rose all over her arms.  He angled her head so he had the access he needed as she moved on him.  His hands massaged her hips up to her swollen breasts.
Do you like being open and on display for anyone that might come up to the house?
Desire flooded her at his words and the implication.  She was spread and impaled on his cock, her back tight to his chest, as he caressed her in front of the open windows.  No one was around, but the idea was there, and it made her hot.
 
I can feel that you do.  Imagine all they would see.  Your bare pussy sucking my cock deep as I lift your breasts and play with your pretty nipples.
His lips and tongue were at her neck, and her movements were frantic as she tried to lift up and ride him.
The only movement he allowed was the grinding of her hips and ass.  She pushed hard, trying for more, when one of his hands left a breast and gave a sharp smack to her mound.  She jumped at the unexpected action.  It hadn’t hurt; the slight sting moved quickly into delicious warmth.
 
You like when I slap your pussy, Angel?  Like the sting?  He spread his thighs beneath her, forcing her knees wider.  Look out the window and imagine what they’d see.  Your beautiful body spread wide, my cock buried deep inside your pussy, and your mound pink from my hand. Another sharp smack landed.  This one lower, right against her clit.  She cried out; she needed to come and almost did as heat flooded her.  They’d see you come as I slap your pussy and mark your skin as mine, and only mine.  They’d watch what only I can do to you.  They’d know you were mine in every way.
Review4 stars

It was your beautiful green eyes I saw every fucking time in the last five years. You were a hunger that ate at my gut every fucking day. Now that I have you, it’s even more intense. It’s not enough to have you. My beast wants the world to know you’re mine. It’s making me obsessed with showing the world you’re mine.

Do you like crazy hot PNR books. I’m talking CRAZY HOT. Several panty changes during the book hot. Leave you screaming

 Hot?

Well, my friends, then you need to introduce yourselves to the deliciously kinky world of The Guadians of The Realms.

Setta Jay does a great job with retelling details from the past book without sounding redundant, so you can easily read this as a standalone. However, I would highly recommend reading the series in order since many characters are introduced early on and it helps you develop a better understanding of them.

In Ecstasy Claimed we get the story of Gregoire, Uri’s manwhorish friend that we first meet in Ecstasy Unbound.

Only problem with his manwhoring ways? Turns out he’s had a mate for 25 years that he was waiting to claim once she’s reached her maturity. But hey, a manwhore has has needs 🙂

Alyssa has always been the good daughter and the good girl. But when she comes to terms with the fact that her destined mate doesn’t seem to want her, she decides to really start living her life. First thing on the menu? Relieve herself of her pesky virginity.

I really enjoy Setta’s unique world building in this series. She definitely writes some sadistic asshole villains, so be prepared for that.

As for the story, I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. I was happy to see Sam and Erik get their HEA. My heart broke for everything that Sam went through in the previous book, and I loved how gentle and caring Erik was with her.

To say that it was scorching hot would be an understatement. At times I even found myself asking if there was almost too much sex.

(pause for dramatic gasps)

Yes, this does happen to me some times believe it or not. But the story drew me in enough that I was able to overlook this.

My few minor quibbles keeping this from a 5 star?

There’s a scene around the 20% mark that I’m not quite sure how I feel about. Warning, there’s a MFFM scene here. Alyssa goes from a good girl virgin, to getting one hell of a lesson in oral pleasure. Now given the context of the book, this wasn’t THAT far out of the realm of belief. BUT, and this is a big but, I couldn’t match the girl that was portrayed to this wanton one that was jumping into an experience like this. Not to say that scene wasn’t hot as fuck, but it just didn’t fit the story for me.

I was hoping for a little bit more characterization on Gregoire. There were bits and pieces given during their bonding scene, but I would have loved a little more. He was such a enigma to me in book 1 and I wanted to know more about his past.

All that aside, I really enjoyed the second installment and I’ve definitely become a fan of this series. I love how even though you have the “mate” element, there is no insta-love present. I also really like Setta’s writing and world building. I seem to get more and more sold on this series with each new book and I cannot wait until book 3 and the big bad Dorian to get his story. I’ve been curious about him from the beginning and from the sounds of it his mate will be giving him a run for his money.

About the Author
The sad truth is that I’m not nearly as entertaining as fiction. *Wink* I am a thirty-seven year old stay at home writer, thanks to my incredibly supportive husband.  We’ve been together for thirteen years and I still love waking up next to that sexy man.  We lost our furry child recently, so we are childless at the moment.  Our whole world revolved around her.  Needless to say, I love animals, especially dogs.  Okay, maybe not all animals, I’m not a super big fan of monkeys.  Any animal that throws their feces kind of eeks me out.  I may, or may not, have a problem with candy.  I love any research that leads to Neiman Marcus’ online shoe department. Spreadsheets give me way more happiness than they should.  I love to read, the dirtier the better. It all started with the naughty historical romances by Judith McNaught that I devoured as a teenager.  I love reading about hot, sexy alpha males and heroines that are smart enough to live.
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Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: #UntilLilly by @auroraroseR

Until Lilly Blog Tour
Title: Until Lilly (Until, #3)
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Release Date: March 2, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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When Cash Mayson was forced to choose between the love of his life and his unborn child, he knew exactly what he had to do. No matter how broken it left him.

When Lilly Donovan was forced to accept that the guy she loved wasn’t who she thought he was and became a single mother, she knew exactly what she had to do. Proving just how strong she was.

What happens when years later you find out that everything you thought you knew was a lie?

Can two people who once loved each other overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them and fall in love all over again?

Cash Mayson had forgotten how it felt to be loved Until Lilly came back into his life. And now that he remembers, he will do everything within his power to keep not only the woman that he loves, but also his children.

The power of love is a beautiful thing.

“Is that what you do? I mean do you often try to hit on women in coffee shops by buying coffee for them?”

“I can tell you with one hundred percent truthfulness that I have never done that before.”

“Never.” A look passes over his face I don’t know what It means but I don’t like it.”

“Do you date a lot?” I ask quietly wondering if he thinks I will be some kind of conquest.”

“I haven’t dated.”

“You haven’t dated?” I look him over again he must think I am stupid guys who look like him must date a lot.

“I have never had to date.”

“What does that mean?”

“If I want to sleep with someone I don’t need to date them.”

“What?” I breathe that is not at all what I expected him to say. “You’re the guy that can get any girl he wants without ever putting any kind of effort into it.” He shrugs the gesture making me feel sick at the same time I want to kick him in the nuts. Maybe the red hair does make me have a temper.

“I never lead anyone on or tell them things they want to hear.”

“So that makes it okay?”

“I don’t know if it makes it okay but it’s who I am.”

“Well I am glad that this is coming to light now rather than later.”

“Oh no,” He shakes his head. “This thing with you is something completely different.”

“Yeah I know.” I tell him crossing my arms over my chest. “Its different because I will not be sleeping with you.” I lean forward. “EVER.”

“Well I guess we answered the question about red heads and their tempers didn’t we.” He smiles showing off both dimples. “But trust me when I tell you I would not have driven almost three hours to sleep with you that’s not what I am looking for.”

4.5 stars

I’m going to make you fall in love with me again.

Now I have a confession to make here.
*whispers* I didn’t like book 1.
*Ducks for flying tomatoes*
Now now, don’t get all judgy with me here. I loved the set up and idea behind the book. I just wasn’t big on the delivery. As in, the heroine drove me slightly batty. The 2nd book was better, but there was still something missing for me.

Now you’re probably sitting there and thinking to yourself, why is this crazy bitch reading book 3 when she wasn’t thrilled about the first 2? Well because I knew that the first two books the author was still coming into her own as a writer, but I loved where the series was heading. Possessive, slightly domineering, sexy as hell alpha male brothers?

Well after writing this book, I’m pretty sure the author thought

Because everything that bothered me in the first two books was nowhere to be found here. I LOVED IT.

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, and this one delivered it in spades!

Four years ago Lilly and Cash met by chance at a coffee shop. And as in true Mayson brothers fashion, that’s all the time Cash needed to know that Lilly is his “one”. They date and finally share an amazing night together…only for things to fall apart the very next day.

Cash is head over heals for Lilly, but when his crazy ex (hookup, fuck buddy?) comes back with the news that she’s pregnant he has no other choice but to do the right thing and be there for his baby. So he makes the ultimate sacrifice, breaking not only his own heart but Lilly’s in the process.

When Lilly receives Cash’s cold text message that it’s over between them, it’s the last thing she expects. The fact that she is now pregnant and Cash is not at all the man she though he was is not an easy pill to swallow. But she knows what she has to do for her unborn baby, and that’s stay strong and move on, raising her baby as a single mom.

Now years later when their paths cross again, can Cash win Lilly’s heart once more or is the damage he did between them irreparable?

The one thing I really love about Aurora’s alpha males, is when they see the woman they want they go after her with all the grace of a speeding train. Nothing gets in their way. They know what they want, and they will have it. Cash knows that he will stop at nothing to win Lilly back, he just needs to prove to her that he’s not the man she thinks he is.

And I forgive you, Cash. I definitely approve of your methods in making up for lost time.

But it wasn’t all hot sexy loving. (Which I will never have too much of in these books) I absolutely loved seeing the romance grow between Lilly and Cash. Cash was this perfect combination of dirty talking alpha male and sweet.

There was also the added element of Cash’s psycho ex to keep things interesting. And let me tell you…Jules?

Talk about your crazy bitches. Good lord. The things that she did had me screaming at my kindle in the middle of an empty room.

You know how sometimes there are these characters that just make you want to take off your earrings, put on your ass kicking boots, take out a baseball bat, jump into your kindle and beat the ever loving hell out of them? Well, Jules was that character for me.

I wish that Lilly had stood up to her, but that never really happened. Luckily Cash and his family really came through in that.

But gah! Jules!

Let me end this before I go off on another Jules tangent here. I adored this book. The second chance love story, the added element of their kids together, catching up with the rest of the Mason brothers, it was fantastic.

You get your scorching hot sex scenes with a great story and I for one cannot wait for Nico’s book…especially after the teaser in this one.

If you liked the first two books, you will love this one. And if you’re like me and the first two books weren’t that great for you, then read this one and you will change your mind about the series. Aurora Rose Reynolds is definitely an auto buy author for me after this one.

Until November (Until #1)
November
Until Trevor (Until #2)
Until_Trevor_front

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat whose husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires its beauty.

Blog Tour, Review & #Giveaway: #Destroyed by @PepperWinters

Title: Destroyed
Series: Stand-alone
Author: Pepper Winters
Genre: Dark (Lighter) / Romance (Grey Romance)
Release Date: March 7, 2014
Tour Organized by: As the Pages Turn

She has a secret.

I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated. 

I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn’t realized how far I could fall or what I’d do to get free.

He has a secret.

I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I want, act how I want.

I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.

One secret destroys them.

5 Utterly Destroyed Stars

His presence made me forget everything but him. He took over my world. He was an eclipse.

Oh. Wow. I don’t remember the last time I have felt so utterly enraptured by a story. This book ruined me. It destroyed me. I spent the last 25% of it ugly crying all over my damn kindle, and I’m not even ashamed to admit it. If this is what Pepper Winters calls a “Gray Romance”, I need to one-click all her Dark stuff because…DAMN.

Looking at that book blurb, I’m sure you thought it to be pretty vague. And I bet you’re hoping to read this review and get some hints into the story. Well hope springs eternal, my friends, but you will not be getting any hints here. I will try to review this without giving anything away because this is a book that needs to be experienced without any preconceived notions whatsoever.

What happens when a a man that is by all intents and purposes broken, meets the one woman that he thinks can cure him?

Obsidian Fox is emotionally and physically scarred. He’s broken, beyond redemption. He exists only for pain. Touch and emotion have all been effectively conditioned out of him; a product of a past that he never wanted.

Utterly incapable or being so much as touched without wanting to

Kill.
Sever.
Bleed.
Devour.


Violence and brutality are a constant presence in his life. A recluse in his mansion, he is the owner of a secret fight club where legal and not so legal things take place. His world is dark and he doesn’t have much hope of ever feeling the light, until he meets her…

Hazel has not had an easy life, but it hasn’t broken her. Her past is colored with pain and hardships, and her present is faced with a tragedy she’s unable to prevent. But she holds it together. She stays strong.

When Fox spots the beautiful brunette is his underground fight club, he’s immediately drawn to her. Never having felt a pull towards any woman, it takes him all of 3 seconds to understand that she’s different…to him. He must have her, even if he has to buy her.

Now I’ll admit, the first 20% of this book I was afraid that it was heading toward a very cliche and overdone plot. Boy was I wrong.

Pepper Winters takes a man that we should, by all accounts, absolutely hate. He’s beyond redemption, beyond saving, beyond mercy. I loved that this was written in dual first person POV. It gives you a peak inside the head of a man that you would otherwise think of as a monster. The author not only makes you understand him, she makes you fall for him, she makes your heart break for him and everything he struggles with.

He craves touch, but is completely incapable of bearing it. Hazel sees the struggle inside him. She wants to heal him. She needs to help him.

But can Fox truly let her in without destroying them both in the process?

The author trickle feeds you information from both their past, crumb by tiny crumb. My heart broke with every new detail inside Fox’s past. He’s a man haunted by demons of his past. But they’re not only a part of his nightmares, they’re very much their in his waking life. Hanging by a thread of sanity, any word or touch can set him off and shut off his humanity.

The writing is what captured me. It was almost lyrical, poetic, in a dark and sadistic way. Pepper has a true gift for words. You’re not simply reading a story, you get to live it through these characters.

Then came that last 30% of the book. Holy mother of feels, it fucking gutted me. I was a hysterical, slobbering, ugly crying mess. But here’s the thing; it was absolutely necessary in the story. There’s many authors out there that like to throw a twist in the story just for the shock value of it. This was not one of those things.

This was an inferno of devastation, but one that needed to burn in order for the story to rise like a phoenix throw the ashes of it. I knew it was coming, but it didn’t prepare me for it in the least. As much as it gutted me, Pepper stayed true to the story and the characters and I can absolutely understand it.

If you’re expecting hearts and flowers, this is not the book for you. If you’re expecting a perfect hero with a just a few defects, this is DEFINITELY not the book for you. But if you like tortured heroes, strong heroines, an emotional and dark story that will grip you by the heart strings and not let go until the last page, you need to read this book.

I loved every single page of it. How have I not discovered this author before is beyond me. But I plan on rectifying this immediately. Pepper Winters is an auto-buy now for me.

For those wondering if there’s a HEA (Highlight to view spoiler) YES. An incredibly satisfying one 

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero the better and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.
She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby (who speaks French—hot!) who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. She loves to hear from her readers so hit her up at pepperwinters@gmail.com
Author Social links

1 x signed copy of Destroyed
2 x signed Destroyed swag packs
5 x eBook copies of Destroyed 
2 x eBook copies of Tears of Tess
2 x eBook copies Quintessentially Q
1 x signed swag pack of Monsters in the Dark

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ARC Review: Mine to Crave by Cynthia Eden

New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Eden continues her dark and sexy “Mine” romantic suspense series with…MINE TO CRAVE.

HE TAKES WHAT HE WANTS.

From the moment that billionaire casino owner Drake Archer sees Jasmine Bennett, he’s obsessed. Consumed by desire for the mysterious redhead, Drake will do anything necessary to claim her. Yet as desire rages between them, danger is stalking ever closer. Drake’s past isn’t dead, and the ex-Special Forces agent will soon have to face the ghosts he left behind. 

SHE’S HIDING SECRETS.

Jasmine isn’t who she pretends to be. She’s a woman on a mission—and she’s supposed to be stealing secrets from the mysterious Drake. Falling for him isn’t on her agenda, but when lust and love tangle together, all the rules get broken. 

AN ENEMY IS CLOSING IN…

When Drake learns of Jasmine’s betrayal…all hell breaks loose. He knows that he should turn his back on her, but it’s too late for him. He can’t let her go, but he can teach her a lesson. No one betrays him…not without paying a heavy price. Drake will destroy all of the enemies on his trail, he’ll bury his past, and he’ll teach Jasmine to want only him…just as much as he craves her.

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3.5- 4 Stars


He was more than obsessed. He was lost in her. And if he didn’t stay away, while he could, he knew that Jasmine would never be free of him.

I’ve been waiting for Drake’s book since first meeting him in Mine to Keep. Nothing better than a broken, brooding alpha male that suffered the ultimate betrayal. I couldn’t wait to meet the woman that would bring him to his knees. Maybe the problem was that I set my hopes too high? I’m not sure. But for whatever reason, this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Like the rest of the Mine series, this book carries that possessive to the extent of obsession theme. The problem is that I didn’t understand the connection between Drake and Jasmine in the beginning.

Draka had almost lost his life TWICE due to a betrayal by a woman he trusted in the past. And that betrayal almost cost him everything. The man he is now is hard, cold, and doesn’t trust anyone. A successful owner of a casino, all Drake wants from his evenings is to find a woman so he can lose himself between her thighs for the night and move on to the next one. Until he spots her…

Jasmine is at Drake’s casino on a mission. As sexy as the man might be, she can’t afford to get distracted from her job. She needs to steal information and move on. But her mission suddenly takes a detour the second she gets into his office.

Here’s where things got a little muddy for me. Drake catches Jasmine in the act of trying to steal from him. He knows that she isn’t who she says he is, and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it. But he’s also feeling an incredible sexual pull towards the woman, no matter her duplicitous behavior.

When Drake discovers that nothing was in fact stolen, he lets Jasmine go. But he’s also determined to get answers to his question about what information she was after and who she’s working for. He follows her, saves her from an attacker, and then forces her home with him. Did I mention that he also still wants to sleep with her and protect her?

The woman just broke into your files, you saw her on cameras trying to steal from you, yet you allow her into your home? What proceeded to happen was a game of “I want you, but I don’t trust you. I’ll take you, but I still don’t trust you”. Drake pushes, so Jasmine pulls back. Then Jasmine pushes and Drake pulls back. I’ll admit I was somewhere between thinking it’s hot and being annoyed. I can’t decide which I was more.

As per usual Cynthia Eden fashion this book was fast paced, action filled, and steamy. Drake and Jazmine may have not have had the best communication, but the sexual chemistry between them was scorching.

The one thing that I loved about Cynthia’s previous books is this constant state of WTF is going on that you have reading her books. You think the story is headed one way then BAM, she throws the mother of all plot twists your way. That wasn’t the case here. You know pretty much right away who the bad guy is and why he’s after them. There’s not much guess work there aside from wondering how all these people are related.

Who is Jasmine really? What is Victor’s connection to Jasmine? How will they escape when the killer has them in their sight? But there was none of that plot twist that you don’t see coming, unless you count the whole Noah revelation.

I enjoyed this new addition to the Mine series, but it wasn’t my favorite. I still got my Cynthia Eden fix, so I can’t complain. I guess I just wanted a little bit more. Luckily there’s another book planned, and I can’t wait to find out who’s next. [I’d love a book for Saxon or Victor (hide spoiler)]

***ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Blog Tour & #Giveaway: #Transcendence by #ShaySavage

 Title: Transcendence
Author: Shay Savage
Genre: Pre-historical Romance
It’s said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to comprehend language?
Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.
Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.
With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.








4 I just fell for a caveman stars
I will provide for her. I will give her anything she wants.

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to read a book that only has about 4 words of dialogue yet still love it?

Have you also ever wondered of what would happen if a prehistoric book mated with a Nicholas Sparks book?

If I was a fan of Shay Savage before reading this, I am now full on

This was an amazing, beautiful, one of a kind love story. It was unlike anything I have ever read and I doubt I’d read again. It was unique. It was unforgettable.

I struggled with my rating at first since it did take me a bit to get into the story. I did skim through some parts and found it to be slow in others. But considering it’s been 2 days since I’ve finished and I still can’t stop thinking about it? It deserves nothing less of the 4 glorious stars.

If you read the blurb and are expecting a domineering “caveman” caveman type alpha (You know the type. The “me man you woman we bang” type of caveman”), well you’ll be sadly disappointed. Ehd was nothing like that.

He was vulnerable, sweet, constantly doubting himself with Beh, and at the same time so incredibly endearing that you can’t help but completely fall for him. His inner thoughts never failed to put a smile on my face.

What if I don’t fit inside her?
After all this time of waiting for her to want me, what will I do if I am unable to mate with Beh?
I take a calming breath and assure myself I will fit inside of her. Women are supposed to stretch there so babies can be put inside and come back out when they’re ready. If something the size of a baby can come out, surely my penis can go in.
It’s big, but it’t not that big!

The story is told entirely in Ehd’s POV. The fact that Shay Savage was able to write an entire book from a caveman’s POV that has about 3 words in his whole vocabulary just shows her incredible talent as an author. It’s no small feat let me tell you.

You don’t get much more insight into Elizabeth that what Ehd is able to gather from his perspective.

It wasn’t a quick paced book. There wasn’t a lot of action, no dirty talk, or filthy dirty caveman loving. Don’t get me wrong, it was still steamy, in a very sweet first time discovery way. Both Elizabeth, or Beh as he calls her, and Ehd are innocently naive. But that just added to the appeal for me.

It is told over the span of many years, and unfolds the story of love at it’s most innocent and pure. It was beautiful, albeit not my usual type of book.

Then there was that ending. Oh my poor cold little heart, that ending!

The only other time I cried like that was at the end of (The Notebook)[The Notebook (hide spoiler)]. Good lord. (Highlight to view spoilers)

And just as you think it’s over, Shay gives you a last chapter that just ties everything together.

Were there some discrepancies in the story? Sure. (How can Elizabeth live her entire life in the tribe and even her children talk, but no one else in the tribe, not even Ehd pick up more words? )[How can Elizabeth live her entire life in the tribe and even her children talk, but no one else in the tribe, not even Ehd pick up more words? (hide spoiler)]
But this is not really a book that you expect to be highly realistic, so I didn’t harp on that.

So if you’re looking for a different and unique book about a beautiful and innocent love and discovery, this is not to be missed. You will fall for Ehd just like I did. It’s one of those books that will stick with you for a while.

***ARC given to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review***

Shay Savage lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, two children, and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker, and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. When not writing, she enjoys science fiction movies, and loves soccer in any and all forms. During the fall, she coaches her daughter’s soccer team. Though she currently works in the technology field, her school background is in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

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Review: Summer Girl, Winter Boy by #BarbaraElsborg

Jai Winter is trying to do the right thing, even though he knows it’s wrong. Forced to participate in kinky sex games, the renowned model spends his spare moments creating an impressive list of suicide options. Until a snowy day provides a bit of Summer…a pink-haired burst of sunshine with a ready smile. What begins as the hottest sex of his life turns into a ray of hope.

Summer Dey has baggage of her own—literally. Having spent eighteen months in South America trying to escape a shocking accident, Summer finds an illegal nightmare hidden in her suitcase. She doesn’t want to put Jai in danger, but his gorgeous face and killer bod prove hard to resist.
Boy meets girl, girl falls for boy, and everything would be perfect if it wasn’t for blackmail, drug dealers and tragic events in both their pasts. Staying together could be their salvation—or their ultimate undoing.

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4.5 Stars


I know that this is just one day. A day when winter and summer collide. I know I won’t see you again. We go our seperate ways. But we have this now, let’s not waste it.”

Whenever I’m in a book slump, picking up a Barbara Elsborg book is a no brainer for me. I have yet to find a book by her that I did’t love. It’s always this perfect combination of angst, scorching hot sex, broken yet endearingly quirky characters, scorching hot sex, and some more angst. It’s my favorite book recipe. Seriously. DELICIOUS

Jai Winter is famous model that is stuck in his own living hell. Blackmailed into being pretty much a sex slave, he doesn’t see any other way out but one.

He hates himself, he hates his situation, and more than that he hates the 2 people that are forcing him to do this for the last 10 years. Protecting a secret that he believes would destroy his family, Jai is forced to go along with whatever kinky and filthy thing may be demanded of him. The only thing that makes it bearable, is losing himself in a haze of drugs and alcohol.

But then one chance meeting in an airport changes everything…

Summer Dey is a meteorologist coming back from an 18 month researching trip to South America, where she ran to escape a tragic accident. When she arrives at the airport, she’s shocked to discovered that someone has placed illegal drugs in her suitcase. She’s terrified of the repercussions that are sure to follow. Does she get rid of them and chance whoever wants them coming after them? Or does she take them with and chance being arrested? And then she meets Jai…

I don’t want to give anything away, and saying much more would definitely be a spoiler. This is one of those books you simply have to read to find out on your own.

What I’ve come to love in Barbara Elsborg’s books, is this trademark quirky humor that all her characters seem to have.


I want to take care of you,” he whispered. “I don’t want anyone to ever hurt you.”
“I can fight my own battles.”
“I want to fight alongside you.”
“Will you show me your sword?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Later.”
“I hear it’s a big one.”
“Nothing you can’t handle.”

Both Jai and Summer are broken characters, but they’re each dealing with a different darkness. Jai from his present, and Summer from her past.

I adored Summer and at the same time my heart broke for her and what she’s been through. Her own family treats her like a social leper for something that wasn’t her fault. There were times I wanted to reach through my kindle and throttle her mother and sister.

Jai’s situation was absolutely gut wrenching. The things that he’s forced to do, and the way that he attempts to deal with it was incredibly difficult to read. He’s basically a puppet on the strings of 2 evil and immoral puppeteers. I have never wished for 2 characters to be killed off more that these two.

But the way that Jai and Summer help each other heal was lovely.

I’m not typically of insta-love, insta-lust, or insta anything. And while it may not have been insta-love here, it was pretty close. But in the case of this book, it just worked. You can completely understand how these 2 characters are drawn to one another and need each other. The connections between them was beautiful. I loved how each helped mend a painful emotional hole in the other.

At the end of everything, this was about a beautiful love story between two broken people in the midst of impossible circumstances.


I love you.”
“I am lovely,” she whispered.
“Yeah, you are. You’re my light, my warmth, the summer in my life, the sun in my world. You helped me see possibilities when everything seemed black and hopeless. You brought my heart back to life.”

If you’ve read Strangers, both Kate and Charlie make an appearance in this book. I loved catching up with them and seeing where they are a few years after. I liked how Miss Elsborg managed to fit them into the story.

Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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