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Review: ★Dungeon Royale★ by Lexi Blake

Broken by betrayal, one woman holds the secret to his redemption…

An agent broken

MI6 agent Damon Knight prided himself on always being in control. His missions were executed with cold, calculating precision. His club, The Garden, was run with an equally ordered and detached decadence. But his perfect world was shattered by one bullet, fired from the gun of his former partner. That betrayal almost cost him his life and ruined his career. His handlers want him to retire, threatening to revoke his license to kill if he doesn’t drop his obsession with a shadowy organization called The Collective. To earn their trust, he has to prove himself on a unique assignment with an equally unusual partner.

A woman tempted
Penelope Cash has spent her whole life wanting more. More passion. More adventure. But duty has forced her to live a quiet life. Her only excitement is watching the agents of MI6 as they save England and the world. Despite her training, she’s only an analyst. The closest she is allowed to danger and intrigue is in her dreams, which are often filled with one Damon Knight. But everything changes when the woman assigned to pose as Damon’s submissive on his latest mission is incapacitated. Penny is suddenly faced with a decision. Stay in her safe little world or risk her life and her heart for Queen and country.

An enemy revealed

With the McKay-Taggart team at their side, Damon and Penny hunt an international terrorist across the great cities of Northern Europe. Playing the part of her Master, Damon begins to learn that under Penny’s mousy exterior is a passionate submissive, one who just might lay claim to his cold heart. But when Damon’s true enemy is brought out of the shadows, it might be Penny who pays the ultimate price.

Review
4 stars

Sex isn’t polite, Penelope. Sex is dirty and nasty and raw. I want you rough. I’m a bloody man and you’re going to treat me like one. And I’m going to show you just how much of a woman you are.

This series has been a go to of mine whenever I need a hot BDSM read with a great plot and some action and suspense thrown into the mix. And it seems to only get better and better with each new book.

Dungeon Royale starts off immediately where Love and Let Die ended, with Damon being betrayed by his long time partner in MI6 and shot twice. Barely surviving the attack, months later Damon is still recuperating. He wants back into the field, but his superiors are questioning his medical reports. So when his boss presents to him an opportunity to prove that he can still perform despite his injuries, he jumps at the chance. There’s just one thing he needs for the mission, a female partner and submissive, and the mousy company translator seems the perfect fit for the job.

But there’s also another thing standing in his way; he has to convince her.

Penelope Cash has spent her life taking care of others and letting people stomp all over her. She’s shy, awkward, and hasn’t had the best of luck with men…if you can even count the one relationship she had as an experience. She has always been attracted to the sexy as sin Damon Knight, but she knows that he would never go for a woman like her. That doesn’t stop her from wanting more from her life. A dangerous mission may just be the answer, if only Damon could convince her.

She’s scared out of her mind, Nige, and I rather think it isn’t about taking a bullet. She knows I’ll keep her safe. So that makes me really wonder what really frightens her. I think she’s a prudish chit and she’s worried I’ll get her knickers off.”
“Did you ever stop to wonder if perhaps I’m simply not interested in even pretending to sleep with you?”
“No. Not once.”
“Maybe I don’t like men, Mr. Knight.”
“Oh you like men, love. And you like me.”

I was a little afraid at first that Penny might irritate me. I’m not a big fan of the super shy and mousy heroines. But I shouldn’t have been concerned, since this is a Lexi Blake book. Penny was an amazing heroine, she’s not at all what she first appears to me. I loved watching her personal growth and seeing her come into her own as the story progressed. She was the perfect match to Damon.

The action and suspense in the story was none stop. It was quick paced and entertaining as hell. Then there was all the characters from the previous books that I’ve loved that made an appearance in this one. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Ian.

I’m not retiring and I’m not managing an office for you.”
“Come on, Knight, I promise to send someone to assassinate you at least once a month. It’ll keep your adrenaline up. It’s not so bad, man. Hell, I’m lying. It’s horrible. You get to sit around and listen to everyone whine constantly. ‘I need time off. My wife is giving birth. I can’t sleep with that target in oder to get information because I’m a faithful husband.’ God, they constantly whine at me

Then there were the sex scenes. And in this series, there is only one thing that you can expect them to be. SCORCHING.

There was a new character introduced in this book, and I can only hope that he will eventually get his own story. Nothing better than a sexy Aussie accent 🙂

And like with all the rest of the books in the series, the last chapter give you a preview of the next book. All I can say to you Miss Blake is that you are a damn sadist for teasing me this way. As excited as I am to finally get my hands on Simon and Chelsea’s book, I’m pretty sure I may go a little crazy waiting until Aug 19.

But then again, patience has never been a virtue of mine.

This is not a series that I would recommend reading out of order. Although Lexi gives plenty of background about each character in their book, it just wouldn’t be the same. Many of the characters get introduced early in the series and helps you get a stronger feel for them. Damon Knight was first introduced in book 5 and Penelope is a new character. I’ve loved every book in this series, so I definitely recommend reading them all.

Don’t Miss The Rest of The Series!

The Dom Who Loved Me (Masters & Mercenaries #1)
The Men With The Golden Cuffs (Masters and Mercenaries #2)
A View to a Thrill (Masters and Mercenaries #7)

Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

From USA Today bestselling author Lisa Desrochers comes the third book in her sizzling new adult series. 

If you play with fire …

Tossed out of college and cut off by her parents, Samantha West is in pretty dire straits. So when her rocker best friend hooks her up with a job dancing at a gentlemen’s club, who is she to turn it down? Plus, there are rules to dancing at Benny’s: No touching, keep your clothes on at all times, and never get closer than three feet. Unfortunately for Sam, her first private client makes her want to break every single one of them.

Harrison Yates is scorching hot, but he’s got a past that involves being left at the altar not too long ago. Sam is determined to make him forget about his ex, but when she makes her move, it flings her life into a spiral of chaos she never saw coming. Because Harrison Yates isn’t who he seems to be. And his secret will probably get her killed. 

The book will be released on January 21st.

“Every page is deliciously breathtaking, wickedly sexy and sensational. A LITTLE TOO HOT is wonderfully unique and a LOT HOT! I am a HUGE Lisa Desrochers fan.”
— KATY EVANS, New York Times bestselling author of REAL

“Lisa is brilliant at creating sizzling sexual tension and impossible circumstances that make the reader hold their breath all the way to happy ever after. Sam and Harrison are more than A Little Too Hot, they are scorching!”
— JAY CROWNOVER, New York Times bestselling author of RULE

“Lisa Desrochers’ best yet! A LITTLE TOO HOT is hotter than hot with all the emotional punch to back it up!”
— SOPHIE JORDAN, New York Times bestselling author

                                                              *********

A LITTLE TOO HOT PRE-ORDER: 

Pre-order A LITTLE TOO HOT for an exclusive alternative chapter written in the hero’s POV!
***********

Review
Suddenly, this doesn’t feel like a game anymore. It feels deeper. And scarier.

How is it possible that I am only now discovering this amazing author? I should be kicking myself. Or be spanked…preferably by Harrison…if he was into that sort of thing. What?

As in my usual fashion, I did things a whole lot backwards and read this book without reading 1 and 2. And while I plan on rectifying this immediately, it’s also safe to say this is easily read as a standalone. The author does such a fantastic job with character development and explaining things from the previous books that I never once felt lost or confused. What I did feel, was completely engrossed in the characters and the story.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Samantha at first. Her heavy partying and lack of interest in classes got her kicked out of not only college but also her parent’s house. Her desperate circumstances force her to accept her friend Jonathan’s offer to hook her up with a job. An exotic dancer at a club is not exactly her dream job, even if she doesn’t have to take her clothes off. But hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. So she begins working at Benny’s, which you can probably describe as

Sam is not exactly looking for love. She’s still getting over her heart being broken by her boyfriend Trevor, who’s now engaged to her best friend. The last thing she expects is to begin lusting after a client. But she can’t help herself.

Harrison Yates is sexy, tattoed, and getting over his own heart break. But the chemistry between them is too hot to ignore. So what happens when lines start to get crossed and things get a little too hot?

The second Harrison entered the picture, I was sucked in. The sexual tension between these two was combustible. I love when an author can make you burn for it right along with the H/h. Lisa Desrochers did such an amazing job with this. You could practically taste it. And then when Sam and Harrison begin to give into the sexual pull between them?

But then right around 28% Lisa threw in the mother of all plot twists. I did not see that coming at all. I sat there like an idiot, staring at my kindle, trying to get my jaw off of the floor. If I was engrossed by that point, after it I simply could not put the book down. I just had to see what happens next.

While I typically like my books on the more steamier side, this book was still extremely satisfying for me. The sexual chemistry between Sam and Harrison was incredible. I’m not sure how else to best describe it but to say it was like a rubber band that kept stretching and stretching until it got to a point that you know once it finally breaks it will be HUGE. And boy was it.

If you’re looking for an entertaining, sexy, and a wild ride of a read, this book is a must read.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to one-click the rest of the books in this series. And I thank you

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

About the Author

LISA DESROCHERS is the USA Today bestselling author of the A Little Too Far series, courtesy of HarperCollins, and the young adult Personal Demons trilogy from Macmillan. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two very busy daughters, and Shini the tarantula. Find her online at www.lisadwrites.com, on Twitter at @LisaDez, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LisaDesrochersAuthor.

Author’s Social Links

Giveaway

Win an A LITTLE TOO HOT blurb pack: REAL, MINE, and REMY signed by Katy Evans; RULE, JET, and ROME signed by Jay Crownover; and FORPLAY signed by Sophie Jordan plus signed swag.

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A Little Too Hot

Review: Isn’t She Lovely by Lauren Layne

The rules are clear—until they’re broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.

“Who knew that pretending you’re not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?”

Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund… or does he?

As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating “them.” And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

5 I found myself a new auto-buy author stars
Who knew that pretending you’re not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?

That ridiculously happy person in the gif with the permanently goofy smile stuck on her face…that would be me the entire time I was reading this book. You’re probably sitting there thinking, it couldn’t have been that good, right? Well ye of little faith, it was.

Ok, well maybe not quite make me almost pee good. But it was adorable, funny, entertaining, and heart warming.
(See what I did with the gifs there? No?)

This was a fresh new take on Pygmalion, and I adored this book. I was hooked from the first few lines…


In real life? The meet-cute isn’t the least bit cute. It’s more like a meet-awkward. Sometimes even a meet-shoot-me-now.”

In this book you meet Stephanie; a withdrawn, snarky, goth clothes and dark makeup wearing twenty one year old college film student. Stephanie’s main goal right now is to ace her screenwriting class, and she doesn’t need any distractions. But then she literary bumps paths with the ridiculously good looking and preppy rich boy, Ethan. The sparks started flying right away. Nothing I love more than 2 characters that have hate at first sight with an underlying current of sexual tension.


“It’s just that I think you forgot to change out of your country club uniform.”
“Does the surly mood come with the goth outfit? Or do you have to buy it separately?”
“Could you please watch where you’re pointing your teeth? The glare from your caps is hurting my eyes.”


I was in snarky sarcasm heaven with these two.

Stuck working together for a class, can these two really tolerate each other long enough to survive their assignment?

When an opportunity presents itself that can help both Ethan and Stephanie, an ideal screenplay idea forms. Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. Stephanie needs a place to stay. So why not pretend to be together for the sake of a mutually beneficial set up? And the icing on the cake? The fake relationship is the perfect idea for their screenplay.

But what happens when pretend slowly begins to develop into real feelings?

I loved the depth the author managed to give these characters considering the somewhat fluffy story they were in. Stephanie and Ethan both captured my heart and I couldn’t help myself but completely fall for both them.

This book was like all my favorite movies got together. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me swoon. It was, and forgive the cheesiness factor here, lovely.

If you enjoy the NA genre, you really cannot go wrong with this book. It will put a smile on your face and keep it there the entire time you’re reading it. You will fall in love with both of these characters and the story. I know I did.

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

Buy Links

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Now Series by Brenda Rothert

The Now Series Blog Tour Kick Off 

 
Now and Then
Now and Again
By Brenda Rothert

Now and Then

Now Emmaline Carson is a sharp, settled graphic designer who loves painting, cooking and girls’ night out with her older sister Layla. But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla.

Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma.

Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship.

But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then

 

My Review

4 Stars

I love the whole childhood crush turned to lover trope. Gets me every time. And Now and Then was no exception.
Brenda Rothert is a new to me author, but is now someone that is going straight to my auto-buy list.
Emmaline Carson was always the shy and awkward sister. How could she ever compare with her perfect, confident, and sexy sister Layla. So even though it’s not a shock to her when the object of her teenage crush seems more interested in Layla, it’s no less devastating.
But that was then. Now Emmaline is settling in good life and a job as a graphic designer, even though she’d much rather spent her time painting. She’s no longer the shy and awkward teenager she once was. It was great to get a heroine that wasn’t still the mousy and shy virgin. Emmaline was a woman that was confident in her own way, and she was not a stranger to men. Her time studying abroad in Paris changed her. But what happens when a chance run in with the crush from her childhood turns into something a little more?
Cole Marlowe is now a successful attorney. But his high school dating years and childhood were not quite what Emma always thought them to be. Although the last thing on Cole’s mind is a relationship during his climb up the corporate latter, he can’t seem to keep his mind off Emma.
Now things are different. Now Emma is receiving the type of attention she always dreamed of from Cole. There’s just one problem; she’s still convinced that she will lose his interest to Layla.
Layla  was a bitch. A huge one! Everything that came out of her mouth made me want to beat her with my kindle. Usually when I read about a character like this, the last thing I’d want to do is read a book with her as a heroine. But here’s the shocker, I cannot wait to read about her and see her fall head over platform heels. The fact that Brenda Rothert managed to do this is no small feat.
I really loved the way that the past and present were interwoven flawlessly in the story. It added a little something to the book, the writing style was one of my favorite things about it.
So what kept this from being a 5 star read for me? Unfortunately Emma drove me up the wall with her behavior and thought process throughout the book. Her constant doubting of Cole, of herself, of Cole’s feelings grated with me. It took her almost until the very end to finally get her shit together. Cole was just wonderful. His treatment of Emma made his feelings so glaringly obvious. And the fact that Emma would chose the word of her sister over his almost made me lose it.
All that aside, this was still a very solid 4 star read, and I did enjoy it. I still can’t believe how much I’m looking forward to Layla’s story. Hope the hero really gives her a run for her money. The bitch deserves it. LOL!!

Now and Again

Once again, 26-year-old Layla Carson has the attention of a man eager to satisfy her. Ben Montrose, the hot, confident cop who gets off on frustrating her, is eager to show her just how arresting he can be. But as a reforming sexaholic, Layla’s sworn off casual hookups, and doesn’t miss the days of her early 20s –much.

Ben’s caught off-guard when the sexy, outspoken attorney turns him on and then turns him down. But the confident former Marine knows he can handle the simple seduction of a beautiful woman. He finds Layla’s weak spot – competition, which he happens to share – and challenges her to a game that could make them, or destroy them.

As they compete to crown the master of seduction, Ben and Layla discover there’s more to their game than power and foreplay. But as the stakes go up, they realize the game has changed, and they both stand to lose more than they bargained for.

My Review

4.5 Redeeming Stars
I’ll admit, I’m surprised how attracted I am to your combative nature. But you’re under my skin now. I don’t want a compliant woman – I want you.
I knew just one thing going into this book; how much I absolutely HATED Layla in book 1. How do I even describe the way she came off in that book? Ahh yes!
Think I’m exaggerating here? Not even close. Then there was Layla’s penchant of sleeping with pretty much every hot guy that crossed her path. Honestly!
She was selfish, arrogant, rude, and pretty much everything I should hate in a heroine. But see here’s the thing, I have never anticipated a book more than with her. There’s nothing more I love that a good story of redemption and imagine my surprise when I ended up liking Layla more than her sister Emma, from book 1. 
After too much alcohol and a case of feeling sorry for herself lands her in the bed of yet another nameless man, Layla knows she’s finished with that part of her life. She’s done with meaningless sex and hookups. She’s sworn off bad boys, but she knows that deep down she may not be the kind of woman that the ‘nice guys’ would go for.
But of course, life never quite works out the way you plan. So when Layla meets Ben, the super sexy cop that isn’t shy about making his intentions known, she finds that resisting the bad boys is not as easy as it seems. 
Ben was just…he was so….gah! *dreamy sigh* I frigging LOVED Ben. Did I happen to mention that along with being super sexy, a cop, the man also drive a motorcycle and has tattoos? Because let me just tell you, I about orgasmed from the sexy overload that was him.
When Ben first lays eyes on the outspoken and gorgeous attorney, he knows what he wants. He’s not the type to settle down, but he wants Layla, even if it’s only for a short while. But Layla is not at all what he thought her to be.

You’re the kind of girl who makes a list about her perfect man, and it has things like ‘dreamy’ and ‘sweet’ on it, and I bet every ‘i’ is dotted with a heart.” 

Layla was only taken aback for a second. “How do you know my list doesn’t have ‘big cock’ and ‘filthy mouth’ on it?” she said, raising her brows at Ben.

His lips parted in surprise. “Does it?” he asked, his gaze darkening a shade. 
“Fuck yes.”


Knowing that the combustible attraction between them is going to be impossible to resist, Ben is determined to have Layla. So when he finds her weak spot with competition, he challenges her to a game that just might make them or destroy them.

This book was so much more than the synopsis. I did’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Layla and Ben were both such strong characters, yet both of them had their own hidden vulnerability that threatened to destroy them.
The two of them together burned up the pages
But beneath the sexy words and sexual tension, there was a fantastic story about 2 broken souls. I loved the relationship development between Layla and Ben. I am not a fan of insta anything, and I was so happy to see that didn’t happen here. Even though I thought my ovaries might explode from all the sexual tension at times, it was well worth the wait. Because when these two finally get together…
I loved that Layla was a converted bitch. It was a refreshing change from all the mousy and introverted heroines I’ve been reading about lately. She was confident, outspoken, and yet she had this layer of vulnerability to her that you couldn’t help but like.
If you enjoy steamy contemporary romances with dirty talking, sexy heroes and confident and outspoken heroines, that you really need to check this book out. A big rec from this girl!

Buy Links

Now and Then (Book 1)

Amazon I Barnes & Noble I Smashwords

Now and Again (Book 2)

Amazon I Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.

These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres.

Where to find Brenda:

Author Website I Goodreads I Facebook I Twitter

Giveaway

Brenda Rothert is giving away:
3 ebook bundles for the Now Series (books 1 and 2)
1 ARC for Now and Forever (book 3)
5 – $5 Amazon gift cards

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ARC Tour And Giveaway: Ink my Heart by Jean Haus

Title: Ink My Heart (Luminescent Juliet, #2)
Author: Jean Haus
Release date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Skyscape 
Age Group: New Adult 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours
Amazon I Barnes & Noble I Goodreads

Book Synopsis

Even if he weren’t the lead singer of the popular college band, Luminescent Juliet, Justin Noel would have his pick of women. And he does pick. Nightly. Tattooed, blonde, and green eyed, he flashes his dimples and females swoon. 
Except for one. 
Tattoo artist, Allie Landon, rarely dates, and especially not men like Justin. Though he’s hot enough to melt off permanent ink, she’s done with the bad boy type. But when the ex who broke her heart wants to reunite, desperation has Allie introducing her latest client as her boyfriend. Justin’s more than happy to play the part. He’s completely intrigued by the sexy artist and college student. 
However, Allie’s life isn’t what it seems. There’s little room in it or her shattered and confused heart for Justin. But as Justin remains persistent, ignoring the growing attraction—both physical and emotionally—between them becomes more difficult than tattoo removal.
*New Adult. Recommended for mature readers due to language, drug references, and sexual situations

My Review

Books are my first love, but my second love is music. When a book is able to combine both these things for me, it’s always a winner. Add into that mix a sexy, tattooed and dimpled hero, a great heroine, a story that sucks you in from the beginning and you got the recipe for the perfect book for me. Well, maybe not quite perfect, but it was pretty damn close. Plus any book that features some of my favorite songs is great.
A steamy and angsty New Adult novel that I loved from beginning to end.
Justin Noel is the lead singer of a college band, Luminiscent Juliet. 
He’s gorgeous, tatted, dimpled and rich. He’s also cocky womanizer who makes no qualms about the fact, but he does have some limits…

I have standards.” I raise one finger. “They have to be hot.” I raise another finger. “They can’t be wasted.” I don’t take advantage of the incoherent. “And they can’t be a bitch.”

Can’t really blame the guy for his ways. Women pretty much jump at the mere chance to wash his laundry or do his homework. He seems to very content in how his life is going, until a chance meeting at a tattoo parlor throws his life for a loop.

Charlee is not interested in dating, especially another cocky bad boy, even if he does come in a sexy as sin package. She’s content with her life the way she is, all she wants her focus on is her tattoo shop and her art. 
But life rarely goes according to plan, and when the ex that shattered her heart comes back into her life unexpectedly, Justin presents too much of a tempting opportunity. Desperate times force Allie to pretend that her latest client is her latest boyfriend. But what happens when something that’s pretend starts turning into something that’s very real?
I’m a sucker for a sexy rock star, and an even bigger sucker for an angsty rock star romance. There was no insta love (thank God), but there was a whole lot of lust. The sexual tension between Allie and Justin was so thick, you could feel it coming from the pages. I loved watching the sexy bad boy fall more and more for the reserved tattoo artist, Allie.
Allie was hesitant to jump into another relationship, and understandably so given what she’d been through.

I’d rather let my idle lady parts dry up to dust then deal with another rampage on my heart.

Her ex really did a number on her, and as sexy as Justin is and as hard as he tries to show her his different side, she can’t help but notice the harem that constantly follows him around. But little by little, Justin begins to weave his way into her heart with his music and wooing.

I really enjoyed this book. Of course there were times where I wanted to throttle Allie for the way she treated Justin. Justin pretty much wore his heart on his sleeve with her, and the dates he took her on were so incredibly sweet. But with more and more of Allie’s past being revealed, I grew to understand her reasons for being as gun shy and reserved as she was. What I liked the most was that I had a constant song list playing through my head as I was reading this. Jean Haus managed to include some of my favorite songs in the story, and they were a wonderful addition.
While all the supporting characters sparked an interest, Gabe took center stage for me. I love a broken man with a dark and turbulent past. So obviously I cannot wait to get my hands on his book.
If you’re a fan of angsty and steamy New Adult books, you definitely want to check out Ink My Heart. (It can be easily read as a standalone.)

About The Author

Jean Haus writes young adult and romance novels. She reads a lot too. Anything with a bit of romance has the possibility of being loaded on her Kindle. She even does a bit of cooking, which is actually quite good. She also golfs in the beautiful summers of Michigan with her awesome husband and son, but she cooks way, way better than she golfs.

Author Social Media Links:

To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here

Giveaway

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Review: Seductive Shadows by Marni Mann

Seductive ShadowsSeductive Shadows by Marni Mann

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis

Charlie is a passionate, sensually inspired art student, desperately seeking an escape from an abusive past that haunts her and a tragic accident that emptied her heart. Scarred and unable to love, her yearning for physical pleasure and contact leads her into a tantalizing, dangerous world of power and seduction. The anonymity of the deal offers security, the money provides financial freedom, and the madam’s authority is the mother figure she longs for.
But the thrill of the mansion and its arousing dominance quickly fades when she meets the renowned yet mysterious Cameron Hardy, whose intense, baby blue eyes send a nervous flutter through her core. He’s sexy, and not in a subtle way. Cameron stimulates her art, intellect and desires. Just as he begins to break through her emotional boundaries, Charlie discovers a devastating connection between her past and her scandalous work at the mansion, shattering everything she thought to be true.
Provocative, intoxicating and erotic, Seductive Shadows is the unforgettable tale of a young woman’s discovery as she learns to forgive, to love and be loved, and to find redemption amidst a memorable journey that will captivate your mind and stimulate your soul.
This book is for mature audiences. It contains explicit language and sexual content

My Review

4 Left me speechless Stars

“You always told me that I lived my life in the shadows. Well, I’m not there anymore. I’m not even reaching for them anymore. I’m running from them now.”

I don’t even know where to start with this book. Truly. I’m fucking speechless, though not in a bad way. This book was something else. It was unlike anything I have ever read before, and I have read some dark and fucked-up books. It’s not exactly what I was expecting, but fuck me sideways if I will be forgetting it any time soon. All that aside, if you’re expecting a romance novel, boy are you in for a rude awakening. I’d say this was more of an introduction. An introduction to Charlie, to Cameron, and to the catalyst to the story.

Meet Charlie. She is unlike any heroine you’ve read about before. Virgin?! HA! Forget about it! The woman has the sex drive of a cat in heat. No joke. Everything turns her on. I’m pretty sure a stiff wind would get her going.

If from my description you’re thinking that she’s some vapid, two dimensional character, you would be very wrong. There is a reason that Charlie is the way she is. She was a dark and complex heroine, though it does take a bit of time to really begin seeing below her surface. Charlie is dealing with an alcoholic and terminally ill mother and no small financial problems. Until the answer to her problems walks into the door of her work and offers her a very intriguing way out.

The Mansion
But it comes with some rules
You do not talk about The Mansion.
You DO NOT talk about The Mansion.
You’re constantly monitored.
Based on your cycle, you will get a whole week off, but get compensated during that time.

Oh and then there was the teeny tiny little detail about the audition: having to do a little something with the recruiter…who happens to be a chick.

And if you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking…

This may seem a bit extreme to most, but for Charlie it was the answer to everything.

The Mansion and everything about it is shrouded in mystery. But when that mystery begins to get unraveled. Holy.Shit. Your head will spin

It took me a while to get into the story. It was extremely descriptive, which I don’t typically mind. But in the case here it got to be almost too much. The hero doesn’t enter the picture until about 30% into the book, and their relationship takes even longer to develop. This was not a love story. It didn’t read that way, and it didn’t feel that way until pretty much the last few chapters.

Beautifully written, Seductive Shadows is a dark and provocative story about the journey of a woman struggling with hiding in the shadows and a dark and turbulent past, learning how to find her dawn, forgiveness, and redemption.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to give myself a much needed mental health break before diving into Seductive Secrets. And I thank you

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

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ARC Review: Jagged by Kristen Ashley

Jagged (Colorado Mountain, #5)Jagged by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars







Book Synopsis

An old flame rekindled . . .
Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn’t interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara’s lost her business, her marriage, and she’s barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara’s plight, he’s on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham’s faced his own demons, and he’s learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he’s meant to live. So when he hears that Zara’s having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he’s a changed man.

My Review

3.5 Why am I craving ham all of a sudden stars

I’d walked away from the love of my life. And he let me.

“Cookie, pay attention. I’m gonna give you everything.”

 
See that fidgety crazy person twitching away in that gif? Well that’s me right now (well, minus the penis and the cartoonish look; but you get the idea). Why am I like this? Because this is my least favorite kind of review to write; a book I neither loved nor hated. It was just OK.

I’ll be honest, when I saw that Graham will be getting a book next, I wasn’t exactly crazy excited

Don’t get me wrong, I will read anything that Kristen Ashley writes. I mean the woman can probably smear poop on a page and I’d buy it. I’m THAT much of a fan. Maybe it’s because I’ve been dying to finally get Frankie and Benny’s book so any book that gets priority before them is going to upset me? I dunno. But the point is, I really went into this book with zero expectations, except for the fact that it’s a KA book and that is enough for me.

So what did I think? Well Therein lies the rub, I’m not really sure what I though. I didn’t love it, nor did I hate it. There were things that I liked, and then again things that I didn’t. So let’s start with the good.

What I liked

Graham Reece. It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for the assholes. So of course at Graham’s first asshole speech to Zara, my first thought was

I swear, my happy place would get a tingle at his every scowl, growl, and general assholishness. Then he would have these incredibly sweet moments, and I just loved him all the more. Plus this description of him just sealed the deal for me.

Yeesh, didn’t know a bear matin’ with a human could create somethin’ that divine but there it is. Proof.”

The steam. No one can write a love scene quite like KA. And let me tell you, when Graham got down to business…he got it done.

What I didn’t like

The friggin nicknames. I am all for endearments, I love them, they’re cute, sweet and just add to the mood. But when I’m reading a book, or more specifically a love scene, the last damn thing I wanna be thinking about at the same time is food. So explain to me, why every single time I would crave cookies or honey glazed ham. Seriously. I’ve read a lot of different nicknames in book, some bad, some good, some plain awful. But I’m pretty sure that takes the cake. No pun intended…well maybe a little.

The man’s name is Graham Reece, and he goes by Reece to his friends. Why not stick with that? Why in the hell would Zara call him Ham? Does that instill sexy thoughts for you? So safe to say that this nickname did NOT work for me.

So what did Graham call Zara? Well, I guess we are sticking to food groups because she was Cookie. Now maybe if Graham had a different nickname, then I wouldn’t have batted an eyelash at Zara’s…but as it was, all I could think of every time I read it was

Don’t ask me why. I’m weird like that. But I guess I felt that Zara got the short end of the stick on the endearment department considering that Graham called Feb “Beautiful”. ‘Cookie’ just sort of paled in comparison for me with that.

I feel like people going into this book with great expectations will not really enjoy it as much. It did not feel like a typical Kristen Ashley book, or at least not to me. I went into it expecting nothing, so I did enjoy it. Aside from the few aforementioned things. I’ve seen a few reviews touch on the fact that the past few KA books have been shorter in length. I don’t really have an issue with this. Yes, they are shorter in comparison to some of the books she released when she self-published, but she’s releasing books at an amazing pace. So I have zero complaints. Plus it had KA’s amazing epilogues, which I have come to absolutely love.

Did I like it? Yes. I got my KA fix, although a slightly watered down one. Will I be re-reading it? Probably not.

So I believe I’m done with my rant here. I’m off to stalk Kristen Ashley’s website for more updates on Frankie and Benny’s book. I’m pretty sure I’d be willing to part with an ovary at this point to get their book sometime soon. And I thank you.

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

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Review: Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin

Beneath the BurnBeneath the Burn by Pam Godwin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis

They meet by chance. The timing is wrong.
Three years later, she finds him again, but their separation was poisoned with narcotics and bloodied by enslavement.
Her freedom gambled away, Charlee Grosky escapes the international businessman who held her captive. But his power reaches beyond her protective barriers and threatens everyone she has come to love.
Jay Mayard wears his tortured secrets under his rock god facade. Drugs are his release, even as he seeks to be the man forged of the steel only she can see.
In a celebrity world filled with paparazzi, groupies, and drugs, Jay and Charlee must face their worst fears. When the battle is over, what will be left…Beneath The Burn.
Genre: Romantic/Erotic Thriller

Content warning: Includes graphic rape, sex, anal, bondage, and violence. 

My Review

5 Burning Stars

“You showed me beauty in survival. I’ll show you strength in healing.”

How do I even go about reviewing a book that I’m pretty sure had me highlighting every other page. I’m not even slightly exaggerating. I highlighted the hell out of this book. This is the first testament of how much I enjoy a book. If I can’t stop highlighting, I know that I’m hanging on to every single word.


Love is like a series of improbable, lonely notes landing together in meaningful chaos. Where every channel carries a rhythm that conveys an expression of emotion. It doesn’t feel flat or fake or hollow. It’s not exaggerated with overtones. The complexity might feel organized, but the creation is never controlled.”

This was the story about two beautifully broken souls finding a healing peace with each other. A dark and emotional story of pain, abuse, and learning to heal. The characters were amazing, the love scenes incredibly erotic, and the writing? Devastatingly brilliant! I loved every single dark and gritty page.

I will try to review without giving away any spoilers, because you really must discover all the details for yourself. I wouldn’t want to take away from any of it.

Three years ago, Charlee and Jay have a chance encounter at her tattoo shop that effects them both immensely.

Inexplicably drawn to one another for reasons they don’t yet thoroughly understand, fate unfortunately has different plans for them. Charlee’s life takes a dark turn that night, while Jay goes on to become a famous musician.

Now three years later, fate reunites them once more but with many more painful memories and scars darkening their present.


For nine years, she didn’t know who she could cling to, or if she would ever be able to take that risk, but clinging to Jay felt… elemental. As if deep within him lay the map to emotions she’d lost and maybe some she never experienced. She wouldn’t let go. No matter how contagious his pain. If she were tough enough to endure hers, could she shoulder his too?

Charlee was such an amazing heroine. You couldn’t help but feel for her. She was so strong, yet undeniably broken.

The darkness and pain that she has experienced at the hands of an obsessive psychopath in her young years is beyond anything I can describe. Pam Godwin spared no detail in describing any of the darkest details. I consider myself to be pretty used to dark reads, but even I found myself cringing at some parts. The abuse that she experiences was incredibly difficult and disturbing to read. But it helps pain an very vivid picture of how it effects her and forms her into the person that she is now.

Jay, my beautifully broken and damaged Jay. How I loved him in this book. I’m pretty sure I feel for him in the first few pages. The mystery of his past is what intrigued me the most about him. He tries so hard to deal with the nightmares of his past, but the loss of Charlee 3 years ago sends him into another tailspin.

Lost in a haze of drugs, alcohol, and meaningless sex, he struggles to bury his dark secrets as deep as he can. That is until Charlee walks into his life again, and he finds himself wanting to be the man she deserves.


I want to learn how to bend to your touch without breaking.” He stroked his cheek along hers, the rise and fall of his chest intoxicating her. “I want you to touch me inside and out.”

While their relationship was anything but smooth, I absolutely loved the two of them together. It was emotional


Will you walk to me? Will you move so close that the ground wobbles, the walls between us crumble, and your thoughts rip open until we’re melding our fears and hopes as easily as we share air?”

Beautiful


She was his greatest possibility. His reason. His why. He would give whatever she needed to be whole and happy, because (view spoiler)[loving (hide spoiler)] her was as essential as drawing air.

And erotic as hell

If you love dark, emotional, and erotic stories, I couldn’t recommend this one enough.

This book captured my heart, the characters wove their way into it, and their story is one that will be staying with me for a long while.

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ARC review: Running From Forever by Ashley Wilcox

Running From Forever (The Forever Series, #5)Running From Forever by Ashley Wilcox

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis:

*This book is a spin-off of Waiting on Forever with no prior books needed to be read before it*
Recent college graduate, Kayla Reynolds was ready to leave the university, sorority life behind. Leaving her boyfriend of over three years, she packed her bags and moved four hours south to the big city…New York City. Bright lights, streets that never sleep, and a business lifestyle that she yearned to have were all at her fingertips. 
Kayla Reynolds was chasing her dream.
Determined and eager to make it in the corporate world, Kayla changed everything- her image, lifestyle, and outlook on life, putting her career first and her personal life second. That was until her first day, the first time she got a glimpse of Miles Blackwell. Corporate CEO and part owner of ETV, and not to mention, incredibly handsome, Miles Blackwell took Kayla by surprise, stealing her heart as he did.
But nothing had ever come that easy for Kayla. Life had always seemed to have a personal vendetta against her, stepping in when everything seemed too good to be true, reminding herself of whom she really was. It wasn’t until she met Merrick Drake that she realized when to stop; when running was no longer an option. For the first time in her life she had someone she could relate to; someone who wouldn’t judge- who saw the person she was inside. She and Merrick connected…on more levels than one. 
When life was too much to handle, they ran. 
But there was only one person that could make Kayla stop for good. Only one man that made her want to stay. 
Would Kayla finally stop running or would it all be too much to handle?

My Review

I’m just not a fairytale ending kind of girl…



Well damn damn damn and double damn. I think books need to come with a warning for people like me. Warning: This book has insta-love. Before I go into more detail, let me preface by saying that my 3 star rating here is not a bad thing. This was neither a hit or a miss for me, it fell into that weird limbo of an “OK” read. I feel like these are the type of reviews that are the hardest for me to write since I didn’t feel strongly about a book one way or another, neither loved nor hated it.



What worked for me


The writing. I truly enjoyed the author’s “voice” and writing style. This was my first book by Ashley Wilcox, and I will gladly read her future ones.

Merrick Tattooed bartender that happens to be a dirt bike racer? Hell to the yes, sign me up for that. I’m really looking forward to his book.

The twist in the middle of the book
Holy drama batman! I did NOT see that coming.

What didn’t work for me

Kayla. It started off so good. When Kayla admits to a history of being a slut and a party girl, I thought, “FINALLY! A book that doesn’t have an almost 30yr old virgin. Thank you Jebus!”
But then…she took a turn for the worse. Kayla moves to NY and leaves behind her boyfriend of 3.5 years to pursue a career and in search of something more for her life. She starts a new job…but then turns into a blushing slobbering fool over a man she JUST met in an elevator. All of a sudden, her new-found independence and job come second. And she becomes all about the sexy and mysterious Miles, who she pretty much knows barely anything about.

The insta-love
Let me summarize this.
Day 1: She meets Miles in an elevator. Looks and breathy hello’s are exchanged. Lust is in the air…
Day 2: Some more conversation and drinks at a bar. Miles pretty much puts her on the spot in front of her boss to let her know that they’re dating. Ummm…
Day 3: A date? I think it was a date?
Day 4: Sexy times ensue after their gala date
Day 5: Love is in the air

The multiple POVs
The book had 3 POVs, Kayla, Merrick, and Miles. Typically, this would really work for me. Unfortunately, in this case, I developed more of a liking for Merrick. For me, this was because we get zero background on Miles until the very end. At least, I think that was why.

Kayla and Miles
I never really felt a connection with them. For me, this was probably the speed at which everything happened. I found the relationship development really lacking. This is the biggest reason I struggle with insta-love in books.
I felt more of a connection between Merrick and Kayla.

This book was a quick and mostly enjoyable read. I read it in one sitting. While it was not a 5 star book for me, that’s not really a reflection of the writing. It truly had potential. But unfortunately, I always struggle with insta-love and it barely turns out to be a good experience for me. I think many would still enjoy this book, so don’t let my personal bias turn you off from reading it.

I am really looking forward to Merrick’s book next. The sneak peek we get of his story at the end of this one definitely has be intrigued.

**ARC was received in exchange for an honest review**

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ARC Review: Bound by Night by Larissa Ione

Bound by Night (MoonBound Clan Vampires, #1)

A WOMAN OUT FOR BLOOD
Nicole Martin was only eight years old when the vampire slaves rose up in rebellion and killed her family. Now she devotes her life to finding a vaccine against vampirism, hoping to wipe out her memories—along with every bloodsucker on the planet. But there’s one thing she cannot destroy: her searing, undeniable attraction for the one man she should hate and fear the most . . .
A VAMPIRE OUT FOR REVENGE
A member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clan, Riker is haunted by demons of his own. When he recognizes Nicole and remembers how her family enslaved his loved ones, his heart burns for vengeance. But when he kidnaps Nicole and holds her in a secret lair, his mortal enemy becomes his soul obsession, his greatest temptation, and, perhaps, his only salvation—a hot-blooded lover who could heal him with her touch . . . or bury him forever.


She was a human among vampires, but she felt far less alone than she had as a human among humans

I have been a HUGE Larissa Ione fan ever since I read the very first Demonica book, Pleasure Unbound. With her unique and rich world building, amazing characters, and incredibly steamy love scenes, she has quickly become one of my favorite PNR authors.

So when I saw that she plans on coming out with a new series, I didn’t even think before adding it to my auto-buy list. Now that I’ve read it, I’m at a little bit of a loss as to how to rate it. For those that have never read a book by Larissa Ione, I would not suggest starting with this one. I feel like her previous books were much stronger than this one, and you might get the wrong impression of this very talented author.

Bound by Night offers a very unique and different take on your typical vampire fiction. In this world humans have captured vampires for slaves. The vampires go through “reconditioning” and some even have their fangs removed. The non-captured, rebel vampires live in clans.

Nicole Martin’s family’s company is at the top of this particular hierarchy. Her farther owns the company that sells vampires. Until the day where everything in Nicole’s world changes when she is only 8 years old, her family is killed by the very vampires that have served them, and Nicole herself is brutally attacked and barely survives. Now Nicole lives in Paris, and devotes her life for finding a vaccinne against vampirism. She hates vampires with a passion, and her dreams are still haunted by a particular vampire that she has every reason to hate, yet still feels undeniable attraction to.
Riker is a member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clad. Despising all humans, Riker is haunted by nightmares of his own past. When a mission to rescue a captured vampire brings him face to face with the woman whose family he holds responsible for taking everything he loved, all he wants in revenge.

The book had a bit of a slow start for me. I didn’t really connect with it until past the 50% mark. I really liked Nicole’s character, and Riker was a tortured soul. It took him quite a bit of time to get over his particular biases, where Nicole realized hers pretty early on.

I also really enjoyed the secondary characters. Now is it just me or did Myne also remind anyone else of Wrath from the Demonica series? I loved that! I can’t wait for his book.

I enjoyed the world building and the unique take on vampire lore in this. There is one thing that Ione knows how to do well, and that is giving us rich world building.

Although I did not find this to be as strong as her previous books, this was a good start to what I think will be a great series.

I’m also very intrigued by the sneak peak we get into Hunter’s book. I can already tell I’m going to enjoy his book. The set up sounds interesting, and I already love the heroine.

So while I can’t say this was my favorite book by her, it was still a good one.

P.S
The sexy blue eyed hottie in my casting? That’s the actual cover model from the book. As you can see, I completely agree with that choice 🙂

 

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