Blog Tour & Review: ★Adored★ by Lexi Blake

ADORED is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novella in Lexi’s Masters and Mercenaries Series! Check it out below and grab your copy today!!

 Adored - coverA man who gave up on love

Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.

A woman who always gets what she wants

Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.

A killer lurking in the shadows

When an unexpected turn of events throws the two together, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.

3.5 Stars

He was in deep and he was fairly certain that this time he would drown

I love this series. Lexi Blake never fails to deliver a sexy and suspenseful romance in her Masters and Mercenaries series. Though these novellas are a part of the series, they’re slightly different from the actual books. The characters in each novella are not predominant characters in the series story arc. They’re secondary characters that mainly stand on their own, so you can easily read these novellas out of order even if you haven’t read the rest of the series. As a matter of fact, you’re better off reading the novellas in order as those are closer tied together than they are to the full length books, if that makes sense.

Adored is the story of Mitch and Laurel. Laurel Daley is the younger sister of Will from Cherished and Mitch is his best friend. Now I love me that falling for the older brother’s best friend trope, so I was really looking forward to this. And while it may not have packed the same punch as the full length books for me, it still gave me my fix of the M&M series.

Laurel has been in love with Mitch for years, but unfortunately for her, Mitch doesn’t see her that way. She’s too young for him and he’s too jaded. Two failed marriages under his belt, he’s not looking to add another one. He can’t give Laurel what she needs, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t tempt him. So one night where the passion between them burns too hot to resist, they give into the temptation. Only for Mitch to completely go back into his jaded shelf immediately after and forcing Laurel to completely give up hope on any sort of future with him.

But not everything is so simple. When an unexpected turn of events after their one night of passion forces them together, it allows them to further explore the passion between them.

Of course it wouldn’t be a M&M book without an appearance by some of my favorite characters (cough Ian cough). But this really focused more on the romance with a side of suspense. I really enjoyed this story, though it was missing that extra oomph that Lexi Blake’s books usually carry for me. But this is mainly because I’m not a big novella fan. They are just too fact paced and short for me to truly get invested in the characters. But I can never pass up a book by this author, so I couldn’t miss this one. So while it may not have a blow me away kind of read, it was a very enjoyable one. Quick, steamy, suspenseful. The perfect book to spend a sexy evening with.

Author PhotoNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

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Review: ★Bulletproof Weeks★ by Taryn Elliot

Bulletproof Weeks (When You’re Gone #2)
Author: Taryn Elliott
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary Romance (trilogy)
Release Date: Jan 13, 2015
Being a famous rock star for almost two decades means putting his life on display. But for the last two years Logan King has dealt with the uglier side of fame. When his stalker escalates to issuing veiled threats against the first woman he’s allowed in his life, Logan locks down and shuts Izzy out. His stalker isn’t just anyone—she’s as famous as he is with a financial reach that makes her infinitely more treacherous.Falling for Logan King wasn’t part of Isabella Grace’s plans and their spectacular public breakup didn’t make it easy to move on. Whispers and pitying looks from people in her small town send her fleeing from the first place that finally feels like home. Her solace becomes her travel for work, but the niggling sense that someone is watching her follows her from city to city. When she begins to unravel the secrets that surround the man she still loves, she discovers her personal security detail and demands answers. And they all point to Logan.

Letting him back into her life comes with many more challenges–and rewards–than she could’ve ever dreamed. But loving a man like Logan comes at a dangerous cost. One that has a lasting effect that could echo into all their tomorrows.

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3.5 stars

It didn’t seem fair that a week could do that much damage to her. That his touch had become a phantom tattoo with all the permanence that entailed.

Can you lose your heart to someone after spending just one week with them? One incredibly passionate, unforgettable week is all it took for Isabella to fall head over heels for the broody rockstar, Logan. What is it about Logan that made her fall as hard as she did?

That may have been it. But really it was his all encompassing presence that completely drew her in. But then he shattered her heart when he left her. But what Izzy doesn’t know, is it broke Logan even more to do it. In order to protect her from his deranged stalker that fancies herself in love with him, he had to sever all ties with her. That doesn’t mean he’s let her go…not in his heart and definitely not from his mind.

It’s been six months since that whirlwind week they spent together. Izzy is getting more and more successful business and tries to loose herself in the constant travel. When she notices someone watching her and figures out that Logan hasn’t stopped thinking of her either, she’s determined not to let him run anymore. Especially when she figures out the depth of his feelings.

He lived for the pain and the pleasure. And in the dark, where there was nothing but a tiny line of firelight in his room, he loved her with all that he had and finally felt alive.

As she slowly begins to unravel his secrets and Logan begins to open up to her more and more, the imminent danger draws near until it finally hits with a strike so devastating, you’ll never see it coming. All I know is thank gawd that i have book 3 already because if I had to wait for it after that cliffhanger, I’m pretty sure I may have cut a bitch. True story.

Bulletproof Weeks was just as sexy as book one, but for me it also fell into that middle-book-of-a-trilogy-itis syndrome. What I mean is, there were certain parts of it that felts stretched out and slow going for me. I tend to prefer my stories with just a little more meat, which is why for some reason this happens to me with pretty much any middle book of a trilogy that I read. But that just may be my book ADD kicking in too.

While I want to say that it could have been done in 2 books, I can also see why their story needed this one. It was like the calm before the storm. It gave the reader a little more depth into both characters and to truly get invested in their romance. It may have been slow paced and stretched out at times, but let me tell you, that cliffhanger will leave you begging for the next book. Guaranteed.

READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

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#NewRelease & Review: ★Dark Instincts★ by Suzanne Wright

Dark Instincts (The Phoenix Pack #4)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 7, 2015

It happens whenever wolf shifter Roni Axton is near Marcus Fuller: a crackle of sexual awareness that’s intoxicating…and deeply annoying.

Marcus is a pack enforcer who oozes power, but Roni is lethal in her own right—nothing like the flirty females who flock around him. Even still, his possessive gaze makes one thing clear. Marcus has singled her out for seduction, and he wants to make her sit up and beg. No matter how aloof and unfazed Roni acts,

Marcus can tell she wants him. When a brutal attack by a jackal pack forces them to work together, it’s the perfect opportunity for Marcus to chip away at her defenses—until he falls into his own trap, completely unprepared for the intensity of their connection. Roni is the only one who’s ever seen past his shifter charm and discovered the man hiding beneath it. And for Marcus, claiming Roni once will mean needing her forever.

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Review3.5 stars

When Marcus wanted something, he would hunt it down until it was his. And he wanted Roni Axton in his bed…

As disappointed as I was with Carnal Secrets I was equal parts dreading and anticipating this book. I knew if I didn’t like this one, it may be the end of the road for me with this series. That’s not to say that I didn’t dive into it immediately upon having it land on my kindle. Something about this series will just always be a guilty pleasure for me. It’s the combination of great PNR, humor and super hot sex. It just does it for me. Though with the wait between each book I managed to completely forget who Marcus was. But then again, my puny brain has the memory span of a month at most, so this may have most likely been just me.

I’m so happy that this book was definitely MUCH better than Carnal Secrets. Though it wasn’t as good as the first book for me (Feral Sins will forever be my favorite).

Roni is Nick’s sister and enforcer in her pack. She’s a total badass bitch.

She’s also a tomboy that struggles to see her own appeal. So when the super sexy Marcus begins to hit on her mercilessly and pursue her with a single minded intent, she has a hard time believing that he’s truly interested in her.

Marcus is a bit of a manwhore, but he has his reasons. His past pretty much ensures that he not want to find his mate. But Roni draws him to her like a magnet. There’s just something about her and he knows that he won’t be satisfied until he has her underneath him…or on top, side, standing up…he’s not picky.

I gotta say that Marcus and Roni were definitely very well matched. They’re both sharp with the wit and have equal standing in their packs since Marcus is also an enforcer. I loved watching him wear Roni down. When the man sets his mind to it, he definitely sets him mind to it.

I’m not sure if my inner pervert has gotten super picky lately or what, but I didn’t find the sex quite as hot as it was in the previous books. I did like the story quite a bit, however. There was a little bit of everything; suspense, action, and lots of sexy times. Of course what would this series be without the rabid grandma and her insults? All the rest of our favorite characters are back too.

As much as I enjoyed the story, it just didn’t managed to completely grip me as the first 2 books did. I had no issues setting it down and coming back to it. That’s not to say it wasn’t a great read, it just wasn’t one of those can’t-put-it-down ones for me. There’s a lot that’s going on here not only with Roni and Marcus, but Marcus’s past and their packs. I did find that everything else that was happening at times took away from the romance of the story, though not immensely.

Fans of this series will definitely enjoy this one. And if you’re like me and didn’t fully enjoy the 3rd book, this one is much better. I’m really looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Review: ★Going Long★ by Cari Quinn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Review: ★A View To Thrill★ by Lexi Blake

A View To Thrill
Author: Lexi Blake
Genre: Erotic Romantic Suspense, BDSM
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Length: 410 Pages

A Spy without a CountrySimon Weston grew up royal in a place where aristocracy still mattered. Serving Queen and country meant everything to him, until MI6 marked him as damaged goods and he left his home in disgrace. Ian Taggart showed him a better way to serve his fellow man and introduced him to Sanctum, a place to pursue his passion for Dominance and submission. Topping beautiful subs was a lovely distraction until he met Chelsea, and becoming her Master turned into Simon’s most important mission.

A Woman without Hope

Chelsea Dennis grew up a pawn to the Russian mob. Her father’s violent lessons taught her that monsters lurked inside every man and they should never be trusted. Hiding in the shadows, she became something that even the monsters would fear—an information broker who exposed their dirty secrets and toppled their empires. Everything changed when Simon Weston crossed her path. Valiant and faithful, he was everything she needed—and a risk she couldn’t afford to take.

A Force too Strong to Resist

When dark forces from her past threaten her newfound family at Sanctum, Chelsea must turn to Simon, the one man she can trust with her darkest secrets. Their only chance to survive lies in a mystery even Chelsea has been unable to solve. As they race to uncover the truth and stay one step ahead of the assassins on their heels, they will discover a love too powerful to deny. But to stop a killer, Simon just might have to sacrifice himself…

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Review

3.5 stars

From the moment he’d seen her all those months ago, he’d been utterly fascinated. She was a mystery to him. Closed off, with more barricades around her than he could count, she still pulled him in the minute she walked inside a room.

When I think of romantic suspense with some kinky hot BDSM thrown in and some scorching romance and sex, the only series that comes to mind is Masters and Mercenaries. No one does that sexy little combination better than Lexi Blake. While each book can probably be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it as each book builds off of each other. The characters of this book (like all the rest) are first introduced in the previous 2 and their story continues until their own book. It just wouldn’t be the same to jump straight into this book without first reading the last 6. Besides, each book has been great, so why miss out? Now on to Simon and Chelsea.

Chelsea is many things; she’s Charlotte’s younger sister, Ian’s (or as she calls him The Satan) sister in law, the daughter of the head of the biggest mob syndicate in Moscow, and The Broker. She’s one of the best hackers in the world and she’s definitely made quite the name for herself since her and her sister escaped their father’s brutal and sadistic hold. Now she uses her powers for good…mostly. Weary of men in general due to her history, she’s not looking for any entanglements. Especially not with a certain British Dom and past MI6 agent in a 3 piece suit that now works for Ian’s firm.

But when Chelsea’s life is on the line, no matter how hard she’s avoided Simon in the past, he’s the only one she can turn to for help. But he’s not going to be easy on her. He has a requirement of his own, one he’s been waiting for the right opportunity to take.

What?”
“That’s my requirement for protecting you. I don’t want money. You’ll sign a contract making me your Master or I can call your brother-in-law back. How is the broccoli beef? I’ve never tried it before. Would you like some wine?”

Simon’s combination of protective and demanding definitely worked for me. He was very sweet and understanding with what Chelsea needed. He’s been halfway in love with her since he first met her and now he just needs to convince her that they’ll be good together.


…I’m not going to take your virginity because you’re curious. I’ll take it when you can’t think about anything but me. I’ll take it when you cry out my name and tell me there’s no other man you’ll ever love the way you love me. Then and only then will I take what belongs to me.

This book wasn’t as heavy on the BDSM or the sex either to be honest. The suspense and the emotional relationship development between the H/h took center stage. The romance was still in the center of the story, of course, but it wasn’t quite as steamy as the previous books in the series. But don’t get me wrong, while it may not have been as frequent, when it did happen it was definitely HOT.

Oh, my god.”
“No. You say my name when I’m fucking you, love. Say it. Say ‘fuck me hard, Simon.”

In usual Lexi Blake fashion there were lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end, plenty of action, and lots more Ian and the rest of the team.

Unfortunately there was just something about the romance between Simon and Chelsea I never fully connected with. I can’t even put my finger on what it was exactly, but it was probably my least favorite in the series. There was almost too much of a focus on their emotional issues and triggers than there was on the actual romance, at times even during the sex scenes.

I would still recommend this book for fans of the series. And if you’ve been curious about Jesse’s story, you’re definitely in for a treat here. That last chapter? Oh my GAWD. I don’t think I’ve been that excited to read a book since Ian’s story. This book really introduces Jesse and all his fucked up glory and I can’t wait to get my hands on his book in February.

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, Review: ★Three Simple Rules★ by @AuthorNSloane

Three Simple Rules 
Author: Nikki Sloane
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary Romance
Length: 238 pages
Release Date: January 26, 2015

I would do anything for my dream job. Now I have to. In order to save my skin at the office, I’m forced to sell it at an exclusive and illegal blindfold club. He paid thousands of dollars for one night to own me, but when my blindfold comes off, I want more. More nights, more rules, and more from this unavailable and uncompromising man.

Rule number one, no questions. Rule number two, no lies. But, rule number three? That’s the hardest one to obey.

This book contains strong sexual content and is intended for mature audiences only.

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Excerpt

“Would you like a taste?” Tara asked him. What did that mean? Then her breath was warm on my neck. “I’m going to touch you now.”

I jumped when her fingers dragged across the skin of my stomach. Lower, and lower. Was she going to–? Soft, delicate fingers stroked me. I tried to jerk away, but the straps kept me in place. I’d never fooled around with another woman. I could appreciate the beauty of the female body, but I never had any desire to explore anything outside of my own. I liked good, ole-fashioned sex, and knew I still had a lot to learn there. Adding women into the mix seemed overwhelming

It didn’t matter. Her fingers were stirring my folds where I was shamefully wet, and the slightest of moans slipped out before I could choke it back.

She drew her hand away from in between my legs, and there was a noise I couldn’t place, like a kiss. No, I figured it out. He was sucking on her fingers.

“Does she taste good?” Tara asked. Heat poured through my body.

“I’d like to drink straight from the tap,” he said. Oh god. Oh my god.

“There’s a fee for that, but I’ll waive it if we reach a deal.” I assumed that was acceptable to him because Tara again leaned over me and whispered in my ear. “Slide down near the edge of the table, and enjoy.” She sounded envious.

I did as asked, my trembling body gliding over the leather. When I was down far enough and my feet dangled awkwardly over the side, Tara’s warm hand closed around an ankle and lifted it, setting my foot on the flat surface of the tabletop so my toes curled over the edge. She guided the other ankle so I was laid out before him, my knees bent up in the air. Sliding down had also forced my arms to be bent up by my head.

The pads of his fingers were cold when they touched the inside of my knee and gently urged it to the side, opening me to him. My bottom lip quivered. No, my whole body quivered. The fingers dragged across the inside of my thigh until they reached the hollow where my legs joined my body. I wanted him to say something. I wanted him to—

“Fuck,” he said in a low, deep voice when his finger brushed over me where only a few men, and now Tara, had touched me, making me shudder. “You’re so wet.”

His touch was gone and replaced by warm air as his mouth hovered over my sensitive flesh. He kissed the hollow there, then just above my slit, then the inside of my thigh on the other side. Teasing me. Delicious anticipation grew and strangled my breath.

I bucked hard on the table when his tongue grazed me. One of his large, cold hands clamped down on a hip to hold me in place. The sensation wasn’t like anything I’d felt before. The blindfold focused everything on the pleasure that was spreading outward through my body from his indecent kiss. He licked me again, starting at the bottom of my entrance and all the way up to my clit.

“Oh my god,” I said out loud, and then went wooden. I wasn’t supposed to speak until spoken to, according to the contract.

“You like that?” He didn’t wait for me to answer, he just did it again. And again. The beginning of an orgasm developed off in the distance and then was right upon me when he eased a finger where I was soaking wet.

“She’s yours for twenty thousand,” Tara said.

 Review

3.5 stars


I have rules,” he said. “You don’t get to ask question, no matter what..
Rule two is you answer my questions, and you have to answer them honestly.
The last rule is your body belongs to me, so that means your orgasms are mine. You don’t come without my permission.”

Well, well, well, Nikki Sloane. Where have you been all my pervy life? Did you know that your debut book made my ovaries happy? I hope your next one is just as good because you definitely got me hooked.

Allow me to sum up over half the book for you in one gif…

In short? Make sure your ovaries are prepared. Luckily mine are steel plated at this point, so I had no problems.

I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I read the blurb but that really only grazes the surface of the entirety of this book. Beyond the hot sex there is most definitely a great story, a sexy romance, fantastic writing…and hot sex. What? There was a lot of it, it’s worth mentioning twice.

Evelyn loves mostly everything about her job as a designer in a prestigious Chicago firm. Well mostly everything. Her extremely anal and dickhead manager definitely leaves something to be desired. He doesn’t shy away from criticism and he doesn’t exactly sugar coat it. So when Evelyn’s oversight results in a mistake that could cost the firm $10,000 she’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. At the risk of losing the job that she loves, she promises Logan that she’ll pay for her mistake…now she just has to figure out where to get the money.

Evelyn’s best friend is a free spirited and tell it like it is woman that loves her sex hot and the men to pay for it. She’s an escort at a highly exclusive escort agency, so when she hears of Evie’s problems she offers her a way out: one night working at the club. While Evie’s logical self screams at her that what she’s about to do is crazy, her dire situation and her impulse is telling her she has no choice and she agrees. This is also where she meets him


Do you want my cock?”
“Say it.”
“I want your cock,” I said on a broken, shuddering breath.
“Where? Here?” He shoved a finger inside me, unapologetic. His face was shocking and dark, like a predator, and I was his cornered prey. “Beg me for it.”
“Please…”
“Not good enough. Make me believe.”

Now I feel I have to warn you that there are 2 very descriptive MFF scenes. While I found the first one to be fairly hot and felt that it fit the situation, I was a bit iffy on the second one. While MFF isn’t my preference (I much rather prefer MMF), if it fits the story, I don’t mind it. But if it’s not your cuppa, just be warned.

I don’t want to give you much more on the story since it’s really best experience blind, just like Evie did 😉

I really enjoyed Nikki Sloan’s writing style. She wrote two very relatable characters with Evie and Logan. While I didn’t feel their connection at the very beginning, she truly made me believe it in the most realistic way. Logan has that touch of an asshole to him, but he quickly changes his tune when he’s with Evie. (Almost a little too soon for my tastes)

The story itself was quick paced and entertaining. And the sex was truly sizzling

There was a lot of mention of Logan’s big cock, which grew tiresome eventually. I think dirty talk can go beyond “do you want my big cock in your pussy” but he definitely made up for it with everything else.

There was also that second MFF scene that just never clicked with me. Maybe it was who it was with? I just couldn’t understand the reasoning of either of the women. It kind of came out of left field for me to be honest. While it was super hot, I really think I could have done without it.

For a debut novel, this was fantastic and Nikki manages to throw an evil hook in at the end that will leave you dying for the next book. But if you’re concerned about a HEA, rest easy because this book has a perfect one. The hook happens for Evie’s best friend, and I got one can’t wait to see the man that brings that little spitfire to her knees.

About the Author

Nikki Sloane fell into graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. For eight years she worked for a design firm in that extremely tall, black, and tiered building in Chicago that went through an unfortunate name change during her time there. Now she lives in Kentucky and manages a team of graphic artists. She is married and has two sons, writes both romantic suspense and dirty books, and couldn’t be any happier.

 

Review: ✩Exposed by Fate✩ by Tessa Bailey

He’ll train her to lure another man. She’ll lure him instead.

When interior designer Eliza Ballas accompanies a friend to New York’s premier BDSM club, she’s taken aback by the sheer want that overruns her body—especially when a sexy Brit assumes Eliza is adept at dark, sensual arts. If she’s going to play, she’ll need an erotic education, and she knows just the man to teach her how to submit…

Oliver Preston isn’t one to turn down pleasure, but Eliza’s his sister’s best friend, and he’s torn between a sense of duty and his rock-hard need to find out if she tastes as delicious as he’s dreamed. Unable to handle thought of another man owning her body, he draws Eliza deep into his world of exquisite pain and pleasure. He has three lessons to instruct her. Three lessons to drive them both to the brink of ecstasy. And three lessons before he must give her to another man…if he doesn’t lose himself first.

Exposed by Fate is book 2 in the Serve series but can easily be read as a standalone
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Review

3.5 stars

It would be the enactment of a fantasy, something they would wink-wink-nudge each other about next time they were in the same room. That’s what he’d thought. Expected. He hadn’t anticipated her to reach inside his chest and rearrange everything.

Ever since Oliver was first introduced in Owned by Fate as Caroline’s fun loving with a side of kink brother, I have been absolutely dying to get my hands on the book. Add into that the chemistry that he seemed to have with Caroline’s best friend, Eliza, and I may have squeed a little when this little beauty landed on my kindle. I happen to absolutely LOVE the older brother falls for sister’s best friend trope, and Miss Bailey definitely delivered with this book.

Oliver Preston is successful in his own right, running the newly revamped magazine with his sister. He also tends to like his woman on the short term variety. Relationships? Forget about it. They have a 2 week expiration.

He’s been lusting after Eliza for years, but he knows that he can’t have her. She’s a good girl, and he’s…not such a good boy. He likes his sex rough, dirty, and of the kinky variety. Eliza definitely can’t handle that, she’s the flowers and candy and long term sort of deal…until she gives him a proposition that he simply can’t pass up.

Eliza wants to be trained in the art of BDSM, so she doesn’t come off as a kinky virgin to a sexy Brit she met at the club that she’s hoping to hit it off with. And who better to train her than her best friend’s older brother that she’s been crushing on for years and conveniently happens to be a Dom? So they reach an agreement. Three lessons. Just three incredibly sexy, passionate lessons that she will then use to lure another man. But until that time, she’s all his…


I know what your second punishment will be for. Keeping this tight-as-fuck pussy away from me as long as you have. I ought to pull out and redden your ass right now.

Now I have to say I didn’t find Oliver quite as intense or dominant as Jonah from book one. He was more demanding than dominant, at least to me. Though he was deliciously sexy in his own right…


Mister Preston.”
“You can do better than that.” He licked her ear. “Say, fuck me, Mister Preston.”
Eliza moaned, her head falling back to hit the tile wall. “Yes. Fuck me, Mister Preston.”

Yeah. I think you get what I’m saying here. While I didn’t like this book as much as the first, it was still a fun and sexy addition to the series. Oliver and Eliza together burned up the pages. They were scorching hot.

So why not 5 stars? I got a little frustrated with how long everything in their “relationship” stretched out for. There was this constant lack of communication on both their parts and assumptions that led to even more miscommunication. It was just a little too long for my tastes. Neither of them see the light until almost 95% into the book. But the way that everything wrapped up was EXTREMELY satisfying, so I really can’t complain much.

Don’t miss book 1 in the Serve series, Owned by Fate

Review: ☆Watch Me Fall☆ by Nora Flite


Pain, abuse, brutality. That was my life. I struggled and stressed; cried until I forgot what tears were. But I worked hard. I clawed to the peak.
And then I lost everything.
Most people would have shattered.
I’m not most people.
My dreams are gone, but that’s fine. I could have lived this tiny, broken life. I could have suffered in silence.
Until I met her: Noel.
God, she’s so alive. She makes me ACHE and I just…
I can’t ignore her.
So I won’t.
Noel thinks she can handle me. Survive me.
If she knew the truth—could see into my mind—she’d smarten up and run.
I’m so lucky she doesn’t have a clue.

–Author’s Note– This is a dark romance novel, it contains themes of violence and mature situations that could make readers uncomfortable.

Amazon (Only $.99 right now)


3.5 Stars

Pain doesn’t scare me. It lures me in.

When I read the blurb for this book, I knew I needed it in my life. I am a sucker for all things dark, and this one sounded right up my pervy little alley. Then I read the first chapter and I. Was. Hooked. The first half of the book I was completely engrossed in the story.

The world wasn’t fair. No, worse than unfair. It was cruel and cold.

Carter grew up the hard way. Constantly drowning under the pressure to be the best from his parents, who love their drugs more than their own son, he knows that pain will be his consequence. Ballet is his escape, it’s what he loves, and he works his ass off for it. Until one night when everything changes, when the mistakes of his parents catch up with him in a devastating hit that changes his life and his plans for a career in ballet forever. It is also the night that Carter finally loses his control on his darker side; a side that has been brewing throughout his entire childhood. A side that he did his damnedest to keep hidden and at bay. It’s dark and violent and when he gives it free reign, there’s no more going back.


Inside of me, curled around and swimming in my warm blood, there was a creature as awful and deadly as cyanide.

When his dream of attending the elite ballet school of his dream is shattered, he gets offered a semblance of hope from one of his instructors. So he accepts the offer to teach at a ballet school in Paris. It may not be what he wants, but what other choice does he have. And that’s where he meets her…


Noel Addison was twisting in my mind, sinking into the cracks of my brain. The only thing in my life I’d obsessed about like this was dancing.

After losing her mother to cancer, Noel only wants one thing; to attend the ballet school that her mother has such fond memories of. A talented ballerina, she has her choice of schools, and even though this one may not be the best, it’s a piece of her mother that she needs in the dark time after her passing.

Automatically catching the eye of the dark and broody instructor, Carter, her skill stands out. After all, the school is slowly dying and is the choice for those dancers that simply couldn’t make it anywhere else. Carter notices her skills right away, and he’s drawn to them and to the beautiful woman…but he knows that he is too dark for her. Too bad she tempts him until all reason fades away.


My ability to control myself was waning. She was a harsh ice storm, grinding way at my granite and polishing into infinity.

Their attraction is undeniable, though Carter attempts to fight it. The author did a great job of building a slow mounting sexual tension until the moment when it all combusts and let me tell you…when it does? It was SCORCHING.


Noel didn’t taste like cherries or sugar. This woman was gun powder and arsenic.

Watch Me Fall dances on the edge of darkness, though it never fully fell into it completely.

There are some dark elements; rough sex, erotic asphyxiation, and a domineering hero. But I felt it could have really grown from that into something much more. As a matter of fact I kept waiting for it.

Yes, the sex was scorching hot and at times almost borderline violent in it’s need. Unfortunately, Carter was a character I kept wanting to fully understand yet never truly did.

While I got his dark and violent urges from his past, it didn’t fully translate into his present. Maybe what was missing was a little more development in that part for me to really get invested in him as a hero? He constantly talks about his inner monster, but it just wasn’t something I connected to. I honestly can’t pinpoint what it was exactly, but it just didn’t quite work for me.

I also struggled to full understand Noel’s attraction to the pain and that side of Carter. Maybe she was just a masochist? I dunno. For whatever reason, while I felt the chemistry between them, I never really connected to the “romance” aspect of it.

All that said, this still was a solid 4 star read. I really loved the Nora’s writing style, she truly has a gift for weaving her words together beautifully. The best part? No naive and innocent virgins were to be found anywhere in this book. Unfortunately the ending felt rushed and it just all resolved so quickly and nicely that it didn’t match the rest of the book. I needed more from that. The epilogue was great, but it was like Carter flipped a complete 180 with his personality to me. Maybe it was just me, as I do tend to be extremely picky with my dark reads.


You have no idea what too far is! God, did no one teach you to be scared of monsters?”
“I was taught not to run from the things I want.”

I can’t say I would classify this as a dark romance, it was more gray for me. If you’re looking to dabble in the genre but scared of fully diving in, this may be the perfect book for you to start with. Fans of dark romance may not find it as intense as the blurb implies. Though it was still a highly enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend it.

ARC very generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Review: ☆Take Down☆ by @MalleryMalone


Powerful. Dominant, Unforgettable. He commands submission at all costs.

Cage fighter, Gabriel Devereaux, a man of barely leashed power, is known as the Bayou Beast.

There is one woman he will do anything , pay any amount to possess.

Karina Armistead, has come a long way from the innocent girl Gabriel used to know. An internationally known singer, she can have anything she wants. But everything tells her that getting involved with the Bayou Beast may leave her wrecked beyond repair.

Little does Karina Armistead know, but Gabriel has decided that she will be his.

He will destroy anything or anyone who stands in his way.

3.75 Stars


Back then he’d been her Gabriel, an angel who’d fallen just for her. Now he was the Bayou Beast, the ultimate fighter, the savvy entrepreneur, a predator with a barely banked rage burning in his eyes.

Even though I’ve recently grown an aversion to any book that contains the word ‘millionaire’ or ‘billionaire’ in the title, I can’t pass this series up. It’s a guilty pleasure for me. A short, well written, quick paced and sexy read that never fails to deliver. I love that each book has it’s own version of ‘lovers reunited’ trope, the heroines are fantastic, and the heroes are melt your panties off sexy. It just works for me. I’ve been waiting to finally get the story behind the broody and enigmatic Gabriel, or as he’s better known, the Bayou Beast. Gabriel may get his name from his fame as a cage fighter, but really it’s more for his penchant for illegal and underground no-holds-barred fights.


These days, only when facing possible death did he come close to feeling alive.

Women aren’t even on his radar unless it’s for a a night spent between the sheets…at least not until the one woman from his past that he never forgot comes back into his life.

Karina Armistead is an international sensation as a famous singer. In town for a charity auction that is near and dear to her heart. She’s no longer that innocent girl that Gabriel knew and then left, taking her heart with him. But that doesn’t mean Gabriel is prepared to let her go now, even if it means dropping a few million for a date with her for an auction.

The chemistry between Karina and Gabriel comes back to the blazing one that they shared over 10 years ago, only this time, Gabriel isn’t prepared to let her go.

I really liked this one, though book 2 is still my favorite in the series. I found some of the suspense/drama that went down towards the end to be just a little too OTT. Other then that, I enjoyed everything. I love that even though this is on the shorter end, Mallery Malone still gives the reader that burn of anticipation and doesn’t just throw the MCs into bed together right away. The plot is well developed, the chemistry is sizzling, and even though it’s a novella, it’s still a highly satisfying read. Most of the time when I read a novella the length is what keeps me from truly developing a real connection to the characters, but that’s never been the case for me with this series. Ms. Malone never fails to get the reader invested in the MCs and their romance. So if you’re looking for a quick and sexy read, definitely give this one a shot. While a part of a series, each book can easily be read as a standalone.


Don’t miss the rest of the series!

Knock Out (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #1)
Power Play (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #2)



Review: ☆Clinging to Rapture☆ by Megan D. Martin


“I let you walk away, Julia. I let you go, but I can still take you back if I want.”
Four months ago I ran away. I left him behind. The man who stalked me, took control of my body, and claimed he loved me.

Now he’s returned. Like dripping razor blades, he has slashed his way back into my life. But everything is different.

He doesn’t want me anymore.

I expected him to come back, to be sorry. I even planned to forgive him. I should have known that he would discard me like everyone else in my life. But I’m going to change that.

My billionaire stalker has come to say goodbye…only this time I plan to keep him.

3.75 Stars


I let you walk away, Julia. I let you go, but I can still take you back if I want.

Well…hell. I devoured this book and yet I’m still left feeling…conflicted. There were parts I loved, parts that shocked me, and then there were parts that I just still don’t know how I feel about.

The ending of book 1 left me feeling unsure about Cole and his obsession with Julia. When all the cards were on the table and the truth was out, I was shocked as shit. Can an obsession that deep that leads you to stalk a woman for 2 years in your compulsive desire to have her ever lead to anything real? That was the one question I wanted an answer to in book 2, and you know what? I got it…mostly.


She’s going to destroy me. And there is nothing I could do to stop it.

Don’t expect this to be anything close to what the first book was like, because you’ll be grossly disappointed. I found this to be more story and character driven, and it sure as fuck was grittier. It definitely wasn’t as erotic as the first, but that didn’t really bother me in the least.

Clinging to Rapture is told in alternating flashbacks of past and present. It takes you back to that day 2 years ago that began an obsession that’s only burned hotter with each step that Cole got closer to Julia. The present begins with 4 months after Julia has left Cole after learning the truth behind how and why they met. She’s now barely making ends meet by working at a rundown gas station left only with memories that run hot and cold of her past life. The last person she expects to walk into the doors when she’s working is Cole…actually scratch that. Let’s make that Cole and his spawn of satan fiance.

No really. I mean what in the ever loving fuck? We go from one extreme of Cole being obsessed with Julia…to him being engaged to the bitch that he left the second Julia came on his radar 2 years ago. Seriously? SERIOUSLY?! Oh, did I mention that his men are still following Julia? Yeah.

And as much as Julia knows she should feel otherwise and tries to fight it, her feelings for Cole are a lot stronger than what she ever expected.


Cole made me weak. I seemed to be powerless when it came to him.

Readers that don’t enjoy constant flashbacks, may not like this one. Luckily, I wasn’t one of them. That actually worked for me. Big time. I needed that explanation and back story that I felt was missing in book 1. I gobbled up every little morsel of Cole’s past that Megan D. Martin threw my way. He went from an erotic enigma, to a very real, and a very broken man, with an obviously dark past.

His struggle with his obsession with Julia and trying to let her go was palpable. And he almost does it, until her life is in danger and everything else ceases to be of importance.

Now the suspense part of the book was crazy. It will leave you thinking you know who’s behind it, only to have you question it again a chapter later. Is it Julia’s psycho ex? Cole even more psycho fiance? Or Cole’s beyond psycho mother? I don’t fucking know! But I do know that some of the twists that the author throws at you left me in a disturbed state of WTF. (but that’s a good thing)

So why not 5 stars? A few things really. I don’t fully understand or connect to Cole’s reasons for going back to the fiance that he’s obviously no longer in love with and is just plain batshit cray. He constantly allowed her to degrade Julia where all I wanted him to do was kick her bitch on wheels ass out of his house. Also, considering his relationship with his mother, I just didn’t buy into his reasoning of doing anything for her. But perhaps that’s something that will be better explained in the 3rd book.

The cliffhanger here was not as bad as it was in the first book, but certainly still present. While the relationship between Cole and Julia is mostly established again, there’s still the death threat that is looming over them both. All I know? I need the 3rd book like fucking YESTERDAY! Gah.


And don’t miss the first book in the trilogy


Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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