A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s brand new Lovestruck imprint…

Two radio show hosts. One show. Who will come out on top?

In a moment of restlessness, Tate Grayson sold his multimillion-dollar company and spun his love of sports into a radio talk show. Life, and love, is too short to take seriously—a fact he enjoys rubbing in uptight radio host Noelle Butler’s face.

After the death of her parents, a tragedy she blamed on herself, Noelle vowed to live a controlled, focused life. Now a psychologist, she channels her need for connection into her radio show. But when the arrogant sportscaster next door tells listeners men shouldn’t get married, she’s all too happy to yank the silver spoon out of his overprivileged mouth.

Their heated on-air arguments are a hit, but when the station director forces them to do a joint show for two weeks, Tate and Noelle object. They can’t stand each other, despite the attraction sizzling beneath every interaction. But if they can’t pull the struggling radio station back from the brink, they’ll lose their jobs. Or worse, their hearts.

She had commitment written all over her. For him, relationships were all about temporary fun. Women looking for a ring need not apply.

What happens when an uppity psychologist that gives love advice on the radio comes head to head with a structure hating sports talk show host? This book.

Noelle Butler and Tate Grayson couldn’t be more different. Noelle is a radio host for a love advice show. She lives her life in a neat and structured order, dreams of a love that her parents had, and gives love advice to the masses on her show. Her view on relationships? They need to have the 3 C’s

Cool, commitment, and communication. Are you cool with each other? Are you committed to each other and making the relationship work? Finally, are you respectfully communicating with each other about your feelings?

All is right with her world until Tate “The Great” Grayson, the sports talk host at the same radio station as her and commitment-phobe decides to call into her show and offer his views…

“My three C’s are chill, cling-off, and change.
Chill. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Don’t let her fool you into thinking you can’t live without her because you can. Cling-off is kind of like bug repellent. Don’t let her cling. If you follow those two words, it makes change all the easier. When things get boring, bam, you’re off, your emotions unattached.”

They may butt heads when it comes to their views on relationships, but that doesn’t mean they’re not radio gold when they do it. So it’s only logical that their station director forces them to do a joint show for two weeks. A recipe for disaster or for the sparks between them to truly fly? Guess you’ll have to read to find out.

I enjoyed this book, but I can’t really tell you that I loved it. I think it was just a little too “sweet” for my personal tastes. It’s completely a case of it’s me not the book. This read like a really cute romantic comedy, but while I enjoyed it for the most part, I just didn’t fell that connection between Noelle and Tate. Their bickering was entertaining but felt more friendly than sexual for the most part…at least in the beginning. I’d definitely recommend this book for those readers that enjoy a sweet contemporary romance. Who knows, I am in the minority with my opinion, so you just may love it. The writing was great and I’ll happily read Jamie Wesley’s future books.

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

Raphael Jerroult a.k.a. the Crescent City Casanova, has fought his whole life—both in and out of the boxing ring. Watching his father suffer for years after his mother’s death, he’s resolved to envelop himself in a shell made of money, MMA matches, and a different woman every day. But when an old flame, and the only woman he’s ever truly let in, comes back in his life, Raphael can’t stop being distracted by the red-headed beauty with the curves that go on for days…

Macy Lovelace has no desire to start things up again with Raphael. Memories of the sweetest torture she’s ever known can’t make her forget that he’s not cut out for long-term love. But Macy’s the only girl who Raphael ever let in, the only girl who really knows his sexy, dangerous side. And with the Crescent City Casanova, the only way to keep up, is to be tied down…

This was much more than she remembered. He was much more than she remembered.

Don’t let the “billionaire” series title or the page count fool you, this book is much more that it seems to be at first glance. The cover whore in me simply couldn’t pass up that cover, and the dirty talking MMA fighter lover in me simply couldn’t pass up that synopsis. So I read it…and I’m so glad I did.

If you love the lovers reunited trope, you’ll really enjoy this one. While I can’t say that this was so unlike anything I’ve read before, it was a thoroughly entertaining, romantic, and steamy read from beginning to finish. Mallery Malone has managed to accomplish what I find quite rare, give a fully developed story with MCs that you will fall for from the beginning in just 90 short pages. Typically with short novellas I don’t connect with the characters since the pace is just too quick, but that wasn’t the case here. The story and character development was fantastic.

The sex was scorching hot but it wasn’t instant, which I appreciated as it gave me time to truly get invested in the characters and their love and backstory. The connection between Macy and Raffael was believable and even managed to pull at some of my heart strings.

If you’re looking for a short yet steamy novella with a lovers reunited trope, you can’t go wrong with this one. Perfect in-between books read, it had a little of everything. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.

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

On a Mediterranean Island run by mafia, the Santini brothers are fighting a war against the Landi family, who are targeting their loved ones. After his fiancée is murdered, Ricardo, the eldest of the brothers, starts spiraling out of control, his violent nature leading him down a path that could rip his family apart. But, when two women walk into his life…

His first love—Bianca D’Angelo

And an assassin from the Viper Sisterhood

…he finds himself pulled into a world of espionage, intrigue, and seduction, where he’ll win his family’s safety and the woman of his dreams—or lose everything.

Amazon

Maybe she liked cruel bastards who treated her badly, or maybe she chose them because she was looking for someone to replace Ricardo.

This was my first book by Marita, and it’s definitely not going to be my last. Being a huge fan of the dark romance genre and particularly when that dark romance involves some mafia, I jumped at the chance to read this one. Now while there were a few things that kept it from being a 4 or 5 star read for me, I did still enjoy it quite a bit.

This book focuses on the eldest of the Santini clan, Ricardo, who was a very interesting character to say the least. Having extreme anger issues due to his Intermittent Explosive Disorder and having lost feeling in ninety percent of his body due to taking an experimental drug for it 8 years ago, one thing is for sure: he is one ruthless and cold motherfucker. And I am talking RUTHLESS.

Years ago, his one love, Bianca, had left him not being able to handle his rage. Now life or death circumstances throw them together once more in a story filled with suspense, action, steam, violence, and so many twists and turns you’ll be biting your nails sitting on the edge of suspense from cover to cover.

The story itself while being highly convoluted was a very entertaining read, and I can certainly say I will be jumping at the chance to read the next book. But unfortunately there were just a few things that kept me from enjoying it fully. Let me try to break it down the best I can.

The Story
I had a very difficult time getting into the story from the beginning as there was quite a lot going on. In addition there were quite a number of different characters introduced; all members of the Santini clan as well as 4 other mob families. A large majority of these characters also had a back story (some of which seems to come from the My Masters’ Nightmare story line). This made it very difficult to keep all of them straight; their names, their story. The author did include character break down and glossary at the end, which I found myself having to constantly refer to. This made it very distracting, at least for me.

Numerous POVs
I have to say I thought that the author did an amazing job weaving all the POVs together throughout the story. These did not feel unnecessary in the least and truly helped build the intricate world that Marita created. However, I did feel that the numerous POVs often muted the central characters for me, particularly Bianca. This is someone that is the heroine of the story, yet a side character (The Viper) had more focus than she did.

The Romance
Unfortunately with so many things that were happening throughout the book, the romance really took a second seat to everything else as opposed to everything else being built around it. There was A LOT going on and ALL OF IT highly entertaining, but I just wish I got a little more of the romance to go along with it. I really loved Ricardo and Bianca together, but I suppose I needed something more.

Those three things aside, I can tell you that I still enjoyed this book. IMMENSELY so. I’m thinking those readers that have read My Masters’ Nightmare series will enjoy this book even more. However, as the synopsis stated, this can also be read as a standalone. But just be advised that it may take a while to truly grasp all the details and everything that’s going on. The set up for the next book, which I’m hoping will be Brando, sounds right up my alley. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on that book. Truly. It sounds utterly delicious.

May I present exhibit A?

Get out of my room, you misogynistic pig.”
“Contrary to what they say about me, I’m all about women’s rights: their right to take my cock up their culo.“

Exactly. I rest my case.

One thing is for sure, I am definitely hooked on this series and can’t wait for more.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

My name is Jade Lennon and I stand still for money.

The night I saw Shane Arthur watching me everything changed. A man in a suit always catches my eye, but it was the way he looked at me that was different. Like he knew me or something. He didn’t know me, especially not in my costume. My sobriety rests on staying away from men, but there was something about him that made me throw caution to the wind.

After all, I was never going to see him again, right?

Wrong.

Standing still isn’t the only way I make my money. I also bartend at a concert hall. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Shane was going to show up there. Not only that, but he’s the most recent addition to the orchestra. So now on a daily basis I have to resist one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever met and he plays the violin. For me that’s one hell of a deadly cocktail.

He wants me to teach him how to live. I’m not sure how much a twenty-six year old recovering alcoholic who works in a bar and moonlights as a living statue can teach a world class concert violinist, but I’m sure going to try.

Still Life with Strings is a story of music, art, sex, magical realism, and romance that you will never forget.

Not suitable for readers under 18 years. Contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature

To be a muse is to be a wonder in someone else’s eyes, flaws and all.

This was my first book by L.H. Cosway, and I can definitely tell you it won’t be my last. The author has an incredible talent in allowing her words on a written page to build a vivid and living visual in your head as you’re reading it. I think that may have been may favorite part of the book.

Jade is a street performer and a bartender in a concert hall. A recovering alcoholic, she uses music and art as her way to escape. One night while she’s standing still on a busy street in her blue lady concert she finds a beautiful man in a suit watching her…and everything changes.

It was just an ordinary night.
He did’t think anything extraordinary would happen.
Until it did.
Turning a corner onto the bustling night time street, he saw her all in blue.

Shane Arthur is a talented violinist that plays at the concert hall where Jade works. He’s instantly drawn to the beautiful girl in the all blue costume and they share a stolen moment of passion within the shadows of the nigh time street.

In this moment we’re base and animalistic. No reservations, no pretenses, just two people seeking relief and some small piece of a human connection.

What I truly loved about the story was that Shane wasn’t some asshole player. Nope. He was a lost soul that was equal parts endearing and sweet, yet had an incredibly sexy side to him as well.

When I look at him, I see a heart that was badly broken and is only just sewing itself back together.

What begins as a friendship, soon begins to develop into something much more.
Jade isn’t looking for a relationship. She has her hands full without a man taking care of her younger siblings. And the only relationships she’s known were when she was drinking. But little by little Shane and his sweet and unobtrusive ways begin to chip away all the reasons she thought she had not to get involved with him.

Usually with a heroine like this, I’d find myself getting frustrated. Shane made his intentions very clear about what he wants, and plays no games. Jade was the one that wasn’t looking to get involved. BUT, something about Jade just really worked for me. She was endearing and strong with not of that wishy washy, ‘I want to but I can’t’ back and forth. I truly understood her struggle and my heart felt for her.

The author wrote a beautiful story about 2 broken people that are connected in more ways than they even realize. The subtle twists and revelations in the story were fantastic. But this is also a difficult review for me to write since considering all the elements of the book, I should have loved it. But there was also something missing for me the whole time. I’m not even sure what it was exactly. But it was just missing a certain spark, a little something that would bring up to a solid 4 star read for me.

That’s not to say I didn’t like it, because I really did. And I will happily read any of the author’s past and future books because her writing style really captured me.

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

Welcome to Club Babylon: where the A-list VIPs come to play 

Scoring a gig at Miami’s Club Babylon is a fantasy come true for New York promoter Thandie Shaw. The hottest club on the strip is a magnet for major South Beach movers and shakers. And Thandie’s about to meet the biggest player of them all.

Babylon owner Elliot Richards is macho, arrogant, sexist—everything Thandie doesn’t want in a boss or lover. Elliot is also the most erotic man who’s ever wanted to take her to bed. But Thandie’s no fool. Even as he tries to seduce her into a world of intense and shocking passion, she knows it’s too good to last…especially after she uncovers Elliot’s explosive secrets.

Thandie’s going down a dangerous road, and she’s risking a lot more than her career. Torn between doubt and desire, will she have to pay the ultimate price?

Darkly sensual and deeply moving, Beyond the Velvet Rope takes you into a world of uncontrollable desire and unexpected consequences.

 

Amazon US | B&N | iBooks

3.5  Stars

Tell me you want me.”
“No.” She could hardly breathe, let alone sound certain of herself.
Elliot lifted his head to look into her face. Her eyes were practically glowing with lust. “Tell me what I want to hear,” he demanded in the husky voice. “Tell me you want this.”

This was a toughie for me to rate. I was completely enraptured in the story. Absolutely loved it and I’m captivated enough to continue and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series (Which I’m hoping will be Nico’s). Unfortunately there were just a few things that kept this from being a solid 4 stars for me. Truthfully, if I was rating on the story alone, I’d give it 5 stars. It was THAT good.

Thandie Shaw is a PR golden girl. She’s made quite the career for herself in New York. But when the opportunity presents itself to work for the enigmatic and rich Miami club owner, Elliot Richards, she knows she has to get it. Too bad Elliot isn’t that thrilled with employing a woman. He’s arrogant, chauvinistic, rich as fuck, and sexy as sin

What can I tell you about Elliot? If you like the enigmatic, rich playboys, you will absolutely fall head over heals for Elliot. He was everything I love and more. Everything that came out of this man’s mouth was sinfully delicious.

That’s what I get for being a Good Samaritan.”
“You call dragging me against my will into your car and ogling me a act of goodwill?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “A simple ‘thank you’ is always welcome. But in your case, I’m willing to accept sexual favors.”
“You are unbelievable.”
“I prefer to think misunderstood.”

Plus he has that bonus addition of asshole that just completely solidified him in my top perve material spot.

We’ve rescheduled for next Monday night.”
“Good for Rex,” he said. “He could use the attention. Regrettably, you’ll have to break your plans. You’ll be busy.”
“Busy? Busy doing what?”
“Busy being fucked by me.
I see you’re speechless,” Elliot cooed. “Try not to make a habit out of it. I prefer my women to be a bit more vocal.”

What can I say? That touch of asshole will do it for me every single time.

The second Thandie begins working for Elliot, he makes things extremely clear. He’s determined to seduce here. While she’s determined to fight him on it every step of the way. She’s not looking to be just another notch of his belt, and Elliot’s certainly had his fair share of notches. He doesn’t exactly mince his words, and paints a very vivid picture of his intentions to Thandie

Thandie was a great heroine. She really does try to fight the seduction, but no woman in her right mind can possibly fight the full effect of Elliot Richards for long.

I think we should get a few things straight, Thandie. I have every intention of screwing you. Keep up this act, and I promise you’ll find yourself in a lot of trouble with me.”
“I’m not interested,” she said through gritted teeth.
“I could make you. Quite easily.”

The sexual relationship between them was a slow burn. And with the book being as long as it was, that was a hell of a slow burn. But there’s just enough sexual tension and innuendo thrown in that sucks you in like a moth to a flame.

Stop denying us, Thandie.”
“You give yourself a lot of credit, Mr. Richards.”
“I have the experience to back it up.” He grinned. “Trust me. I’m as good as they say.”
“Why me?”
“You interest me.”
“What happens when I’m no longer interesting?”
Elliot shrugged. “I’ll find someone else.”
“This is all a game to you,” she whispered.
“Everything is a game, Thandie. And I play to win.”

I seriously couldn’t get enough of the chemistry between them. The author did an amazing job building a slow heat that eventually CUMbusted into fireworks when they finally do get together.

Turn around. Let me see your ass.”
“Fuck you.”
“How about I fuck you instead?

Now as to what kept it from being a higher rating for me. There were a number of things.

The length. I felt that the book could have easily been a good 30% less…or more. It was incredibly descriptive. While I loved the vivid picture that a descriptive story builds in my head, I also found myself getting bored with a lot of the parts. There was a large number of characters introduced, and all of them had a backstory, and it really got confusing to keep track of it all. I didn’t really get the necessity of Cam and the first chapter of the book. i felt that could have been excluded entirely without taking away from the story.

The formal writing style
As much as I loved the story and the flow, I found the writing to be a little too formal at times. Some of the phrases and words that were used gave me an eye roll or 2. Honestly, at times I almost felt like I was reading Shaskperean porn LOL!

She sucked hard as he filled her mouth with hot sperm.

Hot sperm was certainly a first for me.

Now finally free from Elliot’s affections, she was unable to drift into slumber.
Turned on their sides, they slept in “spoon” fashion.
…
Thandie studied her reflection as she affixed her earings.

Again, just way too formal for my simple puny brain tastes.

The way her body pocketed his manhood
…
The contact of her drenched center pressed against his naked manhood.

Manhood is a term that is almost guaranteed to kill my lady boner in 2.5 seconds flat.

Now I know I probably sound like I’m nitpicking here, but the combination of everything did manage to bring down my rating. I’m not sure if it may bother others as it did me, but it is what it is.

The twist at the end is certainly not one I saw coming, and I was glued to my Kindle for the last 30% to see how everything would turn out. While some of the things in the story didn’t quite work for me, I am completely sold on the series. Even if the things I complained about repeat in the next book, I would still gladly read it. The author managed to peak my curiosity so much with Nico and Victoria (and Matrix) that I’m dying for the next book.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you can overlook some of the things I mention, you will fall hard for Elliot and enjoy the book immensely. And even if you are bothered by it, the story is just strong enough for you to be able to overlook them. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, and can’t wait to see what Tiffany Ashley has planned for the foul mouthed and sassy Victoria and the deliciously sexy and rich Nico.

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

The Amazon bestselling Impossible Series continues!

A woman shattered…

He took me and broke me.

I am plaything, a possession.

If I did ever have a name, I don’t remember it now.

Slaves don’t have names.

Salvation found in obsession…

He stole me away from the man who tormented me. He saved me and took me into his care. 

His touch keeps me sane.

His control keeps me grounded in reality.

He demands that I reclaim my humanity, my autonomy.

He forces me to piece the shards of myself back together.

I am utterly devoted to my savior, but his brand of rescue might leave me more broken than ever.

How can I ever become truly whole again if I can’t learn to let him go and take control of my own life? 

Do I have a hope of finding freedom when he refuses to release my heart?

Or is this new form of captivity just what I need to survive?

WARNING: Given the nature of this story, this book contains graphic violence and references to sexual assault, which some readers may find upsetting. It also contains sizzling scenes of (consensual) BDSM!

NOTE: Knight is part of the Impossible series, but it can be read as a standalone story without spoiling the other books.

3.5 Stars

Your name, girl.

Tell me. Now.”

Fear flashed across her features.

“F-fucktoy,” she whispered tremulously.”

This book was very different from anything I’ve ever read in the past and I struggled with my rating because of it. I’m a big fan of Dark Romance and BDSM and I’ve read plenty of it, but this was a mix of a few things and yet…not.

Knight starts off with Smith’s POV during the FBI raid of a BDSM club. Being a Dominant himself, it’s not something that’s out of his normal routine, but what Smith finds there manages to test even his carefully mastered control and anger. Because among the the faceless bodies in that place, he sees her. A woman that is clearly a sub, but even more clear a victim…but of what, he doesn’t know yet.

I didn’t have a name. If I did ever have a name, I didn’t remember it now. I was a slave, and slaves don’t have names.

The rest of the book gets told in her POV.

She knows herself only as slave. A woman so broken, she’s shattered, all at the hands of a monster that has put her through hell. Slave has suffered atrocities that are so painful, just the mere memory has the power to bring her to her knees. She doesn’t know the woman that she once was, she doesn’t remember her…nor does she want to. She’s no longer that woman. She’s buried that in the recess of her mind never to be accessed again.

I’ll be honest, the first 30% of so was very slow. It was difficult to read, and not because it was bad. Julia Sykes’ writing is captivating, and I enjoyed the way she painted a very vivid and painfully dark experience that Slave suffered. Slave is as broken as they come. Broken down to a mere shell of who she once was, she was as fragile as glass.

Smith knows that no medicine can help Slave in the state that she’s in. As a Dom, he knows the control and rules that she so desperately needs and clings to in order to maintain her fragile grasp on reality. So he takes it upon himself to give her that.

Julia Sykes did a fantastic job painting a very realistic picture of a woman that is beyond damaged. I understood her almost obsession and utter devotion to Smith.

I also enjoyed the progression that she goes through from Slave to a semblance of the woman she once was.

Although I wouldn’t call this a dark book, the things that Slave goes through were horrendous and not easy to digest. You have to prepare yourself since it’s no light read. However, it’s also not an action packed and high paced one. The progression is slow moving and slow building, which ultimately makes the story, yet also makes it difficult to get into right away.

Although slower paced that what I’d normally read, it managed to constantly keep me on my toes not knowing what would happen next. Julia manages to throw in some BAM moments that kept me guessing and on pins and needles almost afraid to see what would come next.

The overuse of endearments like “sweetheart” and “girl” did grate on me at times, but nothing that diminished my enjoyment. The love story is not an orthodox one, that’s for sure. What begins as as a clingy obsession turns into something much more eventually.

I really loved the way that the author build the heroine back up throughout the book. She goes from slave to her true identity in a very realistic way. This was not something that happened overnight and you feel that emotion and pain right along with her.

I can’t say that this is something I ever see myself going back to, but I did enjoy it. And I will definitely be continuing with the series as I’m invested in the story and very curious to see what the next book brings. Particularly with the “Mentor” still not caught.

Mainly told in Slave’s POV, the prologue and epilogue we do also get Smith.

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