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

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

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

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

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

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

But then one chance meeting in an airport changes everything…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The most dangerous refuge could be his lover’s arms.”

Everyone has at least one deep-seated fear. For Tyler, it’s being in debt. He’s so desperate to get out and stay out of it, he’ll do almost anything-including selling his body at Saturday night sex parties.

But he refuses to open his mind to anyone, especially the men paying to use him however they want. The only time he’s truly happy is during the week at college, when he can escape into his music.

The moment Haris sees Tyler playing piano at a concert, he falls hard, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make the guy his. Even if it means-for the first time in his life-opening his wallet as wide and desperate as his heart.

20,000 to live with a good-looking guy for four months? How can Tyler resist the chance to ditch the sex party scene for good? But neither man realizes how much they’re risking. And when outside forces close in, ready to destroy them, the trickiest part about the next four months could be just surviving.

Warning: Contains a “for hire” bad boy with a filthy mouth, an awkward guy with a penchant for BDSM, a hypochondriac butler who won’t shut up, a dog called Alcide, and a lot of hot and dirty M/M sex.

So what can I tell you after finishing this book?

Is in my pants. Sweet mother of cock but this book was hot. Tyler, Haris, Tyler and Haris

Books like this sometimes make me wish I was a gay man. What? Too much?

But I digress…

Tyler is in debt and is desperate enough to do some extreme things to get out of them. So what if he sells his body to whoever pays to attend the very exclusive Saturday night sex parties if they will help him pay off his school loans? Everyone has a price. But his deep-rooted fear of being in debt dates back to one of his darkest childhood memories, and it keeps him going.

Tyler doesn’t let anyone get close. They may get his body for the night, but never anything else. His focus, emotion, and passion all go towards his one and only love, his music.

When Haris first spots Tyler playing the piano at a concert, he knows he has to have him. So when he follows him after the event and rescues him from a BDSM scene gone bad at one of the parties Tyler attend, he knows just how to hook him. 20,000 plus 10,000 for clothes for his time, his body, and his exclusivity.

Tyler sees a way to get out of his debt and to slake his lust for the gorgeous Haris, so he agrees and then it’s a whole lot of

I love Barbara Elsborg’s writing. I’ve been a fan since my first book by her An Ordinary Girl. Her books are always the perfect mix of suspense, mystery, quirky humor, broken yet endearing characters and lots and lots of super HOT SEX.

And this book was certainly no exception. Just add in a sarcastic and hilarious butler, and it was perfect. I was riveted from the very first chapter. The mystery and suspense sucked me in, and the connection and sexual chemistry between Tyler and Haris just sealed the deal. I didn’t want this book to end.

Of course what’s a Barbara Elsborg book without a little…or a lot of angst and drama. And this book really delivered on that end. I loved the angst for the majority of the book. It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for the assholes, and Haris had his moments. Truthfully, there were times where he would do something that left me feeling a little

You know what they say about assumptions right, Haris? Maybe you should take note. Then you wouldn’t continue doing it again, and again, and again, and AGAIN!

Then there was the last 10% of the book. Holy drama overload, batman. I think I may have reached my quota for drama tolerance at 85%. We had a man out for revenge, someone threatening Tyler’s life, someone coming after Haris, some drama between Haris and Tyler. I think I was at my limit when I hit the last few chapters.

And then Haris just goes and does something and I was PISSED. I mean really pissed. I’m talking

PISSED

But then alls well that ends well. He did make up for it in the end, and I was really satisfied with the way he did it. So if you’re a fan of super steamy, well written MM romance filled with action, mystery and suspense, I highly recommend this book.

Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse—she doesn’t know his real name or where he lives, she’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talks with her brother isn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he’d just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming “property of”.

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… If she’s a very, very good girl, she’ll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he’ll let her brother live.
Maybe.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s CaveSynopsis

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Check out my review for the pure AWESOME that was Reaper’s Legacy HERE

And get ready to meet all that is Ruger on Jan 28!!

About the author

Joanna Wylde is a freelance writer and voracious reader. You can visit her website at www.joannawylde.net.

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Sassy, smart, and sexy, former supermodel-turned-tech guru Rubi Russo has it all—looks, money, confidence and freedom. Her life is a whirlwind of fast cars and fleeting affairs—and she likes it that way. With a past like Rubi’s, forever isn’t part of her vocabulary. So when studly Renegade stuntman Wes Lawson wants to take their friendship to the next level, she’s all out.

Raised a simple country-boy, Wes knows the brazen Rubi isn’t his type. But after spending time with her, he discovers she’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. To win her wild rebel heart, he’ll have to prove he sees behind her smokescreen to all the goodness she tries to hide. Then it’s just a matter of crushing her fears, shattering her barriers, and convincing her that loving him is everything she’s been missing in her life, too.

Piece of cake.

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4.5 I’m craving chocolate ice cream stars

She was in deep, deep trouble. Because she wanted him more than she wanted to turn him away.

What can I tell you about this series aside from Skye Jordan is the queen of steam. Holy hell but the woman can write one hell of a sex scene. I thought book one was hot, but let me tell you; this book? SCORCHING


I wasn’t sure how I felt about Rubi and Wes after the last book. Wes is a Southern good ole boy that likes his girls sweet, and Rubi is the furthest thing from sweet or demure as you can get. Yet somehow, they worked. Not only that, but I fell in complete and utter lust with Wes. The man was just everything with sprinkles on top. I just want to lick him. Everywhere. Is that so wrong? But I digress.

Wes and Rubi have a scorching undercurrent of attraction running between them. Rubi is determined to keep them in the friendship zone since she knows she’s not capable of a relationship. With a childhood like hers, I can’t say I blame her. In short?

But Wes is determined to pour even more gasoline on their already flaming attraction. So knowing that it’s inevitable for them to finally give into to it, Rubi comes up with a plan; friends with benefits.

Now many of you may be wandering

Well if the health insurance he provides her with comes in the form of his perfect cock…then sure…let’s call it that.

This book had one of the HOTTEST scenes I have ever read in a book this year. I will never again be able to look at chocolate ice cream without getting a hot flash ever again.

Seriously Wes, my lady boner is in full salute to your utter sexy deliciousness.

You may be a nice southern boy but you’re a rebel deep down. Ha! See what I did there?

But I digress again.

Where was I?

Ah yes.

Wes

Did it work? No? Damn!

And back to business.

While Wes was utter perfection, Rubi had a moment…or 2…or 3…OK a few, where I wanted to punch her in the ovaries for being so stupid. Her back and forth of running away from her feelings for Wes did grate with me quite a bit. While I understand why she was the way she was, it was hard to accept it with how perfect Wes was.

Other than that, I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. It seems to just be getting hotter and hotter with each book. We get to catch up with Jax and Lexi and see where they are in their life, which was nice. And Rubi did redeem herself at the end, even if it was at the very end. But ultimately, Wes just made this book for me. I loved the hell out of him.

I can’t wait to see what Skye Jordan has up her sleeve next and which yummy Renegade we can look forward to. Hopefully the heroine will be Rachel. I really enjoyed her quirkiness in this book.

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

Lieutenant Evan Arden sits in a shack in the middle of nowhere, waiting for orders that will send him back home – if he ever gets them. Other than his loyal Great Pyrenees, there’s no one around to break up the monotony. The tedium is excruciating, but it is suddenly interrupted when a young woman stumbles up his path.
He has two choices – pick her off from a distance with his trusty sniper-rifle, or dare let her approach his cabin and enter his life.

Why not? It’s been ages, and he is otherwise alone…

The days are long and the nights are longer, until a young woman suddenly appears on my doorstep. I’m all for getting a little – it’s been ages – but she makes me long for more.

Can you get enough story in 56 pages to capture your interest and leave you begging for more? In the case of this book, abso-fucking-lutely. I was hooked line and sinker.

Evan is not a good guy. Currently in exile after a job gone bad, he’s just waiting until his boss gives him the order to go home…if that ever happens. With no one but the desert heat and his dog to keep him company, he waits. Until she suddenly stumbles unto his path.

Otherwise alone, with a stranded and beautiful woman, what’s a man to do?

The steam level in the short page count number was incredible. Shay Savage knows how to write one sexy ass hero

Go on,” I say with my eyes locked on hers. “You want to.”
“I do?”
“Yes.”
“And how do you know that?”  
“I’m a very good judge of character,” I inform her.

Seriously Evan

Then there were the steamy as hell sex scenes.

What the hell are you doing?” she cries.
“I’m going to tear your clothes off and fuck you so hard you won’t walk right for a week,” I respond. “You want me to stop?”

Stop?! Are you crazy?!!!

Did I happen to mention this is entirely in Evan’s POV? Loved that.

As for the ending?

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Evan Arden is a hit man for a Chicago mob boss. He lives his life day to day with the company of his dog, Odin. He has to work hard to get back into his boss’s good graces, but the target proves to be difficult. As demons of his past begin to haunt him, he seeks the comfort of sleep from an unlikely candidate, but will confiding in her be his undoing?​

​He’s struggling to forget his past, and keep himself Otherwise Occupied.

4.5 Holy Shit Stars

Roses are red, Violets are blue. I’m just a fucked up hit man, and nothing rhymes with that.

This book gets a star just for having one of the best depictions of my home town I’ve read to date.

It gets another star for being entirely in Evan’s POV and being written in such a way that allows you inside his mind in such a flawless way, the story completely enthralls you. The rest of the stars? For an incredibly told story. Period.

The second book in the Evan Arden Trilogy gives us a deeper look at the man behind the job.

This is not a love story or a romance, so don’t be hoping to get that here. You won’t find it.

Months after leaving the desert of Arizona and a woman that captured his interest in a way that no other ever has, Evan is now back in Chicago and trying to get his way back into his boss’s good graces. But being the hit man for one of Chicago’s biggest mob bosses is no easy task, especially when the demons from his past begin to surface

Add into the mix recurring nightmares and lack of sleep, and you have yourself one volatile hit man. He may be good at what he does, but that doesn’t mean it’s not taking a toll on him

Tired of playing this role, tired of just moving through the city like I was some kind of god or demon here to bring Rinaldo Moretti’s version of justice to those who crossed my path.  None of it even mattered to me – all I got out of it was a wad of cash and a twisted idea of loyalty to someone who told me I did a good job and occasionally called me “son.”

Every day finds Evan with an even smaller grasp on his sanity.

So does he finally crack? Guess you’ll have to read to find out because I refuse to ruin this book for you by giving away any spoilers.
What I can tell you, is that it was a whole lot of

Followed by

With an ending that will leave you feeling a little like

I devoured this book. Shay Savage did such a fantastic job in her portrayal of Evan I kept forgetting I was reading a book by a female author. Flawlessly written, with a captivating and suspenseful plot, this story will grab hold of you and leave you at the edge of your seat to see what comes next. It’s no light and fluffy read. The author does not gloss over or sugar coat the dark details. But that just adds to the experience.

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