Six years ago, Dewayne Falco’s life changed. He lost someone he never expected to lose. Resigned to punish himself for something he felt he could have prevented, he goes through life without getting too close to anyone.

What he didn’t expect was for the girl across the street to move back home and remind him of what they both lost: Dewayne’s younger brother Dustin. However, when a miniature version of Dustin opens the door to greet him, Dewayne realizes he might not have lost everything after all.

Sienna Roy loved Dustin Falco most of her life. He was the boy next door, the high school basketball star and her best friend. But when his life was cut short, she realized he left a part of himself behind.

Now, she’s back in Sea Breeze, thankful to have a home for her and Dustin’s son, but not sure if she can ever forgive the people across the street who abandoned her when she needed them the most — The Falcos.

Betrayal, lies, and forbidden attraction might end Dewayne and Sienna’s story before it’s even begun

I wanted to protect myself from getting hurt, but I trusted him. I trusted him more than I’d ever trusted anyone. Besides, I wasn’t sure he hadn’t taken my heart years ago and not given it back. There wasn’t much left for me to protect anymore.

So here’s the thing. Abbi Glines books are like crack for me. Slightly overpriced but entirely addicting crack. The past few releases of hers have felt somewhat lackluster to me; a little of been there, read that. I really haven’t loved a Sea Breeze book since Just for Now, but it looks like she has her mojo back with this one. I loved Hold on Tight. No it’s not an epic love story or anything that will stay with you for a long time to come, but it was entertaining, steamy, and had characters I didn’t want to throttle.

Six years ago Dewayne Falco took the shy Sienna Roy under his wing, but what blossomed was more than just a friendship.

But Dewayne knows that this is the girl for his brother, and he won’t stand in the way of that. If only his pigheaded brother will appreciate her for what she is. Unfortunately all he can do is watch from the sidelines.

Sienna Roy thought she had the boy of her dreams when Dustin Falco started paying attention to her. So why is it that the older Flaco brother always seemed to cross her mind? But unfortunately one night and one mistake changes everything, changing the course of both their lives. Now six years later Sienna returns to the one town she never thought she’d step foot in again, but she’s no longer the same girl…and Dewayne Falco is definitely no longer a boy.

He wasn’t just the nice guy who had been my friend when I was younger. He was also a an who had abandoned me when I’d needed someone the most.

But Sienna doesn’t just have herself to think about now. Her life changed irrevocably those 6 years ago, and now she also has her son. But can bad boy Dewayne really chance the course of his life and womanizing ways for the woman that has always been in his heart?

I really loved the story of Dewayne and Sienna. I especially loved that Sienna was so down to earth and did’t do any unnecessary stupid shit to stir drama or keep secrets. She was who she was, and she kept nothing hidden. I really appreciated that. She puts all her cards out on the table pretty much right away.

Dewayne? Well Dewayne was everything I had hoped he would be and so much more. Sweet mother of dirty talk was he more!

I know it’s a bad idea. But damn, Sienna, you’re driving me crazy. I just want a little taste. If you’d spread those legs for me and let me taste you just once, then we could be friends. I just need a taste, baby. I know it’s gonna be sweet.

Of course there has to be some drama and angst, or it wouldn’t be a NA book, so Dewayne fights his connection to Sienna thinking he’s not good enough for her. But luckily there were no jealous exes thrown into the mix or no added unnecessary drama. I truly enjoyed it from start to finish. And you know what they say, the bigger they are, the bigger they fall. I absolutely loved watching Dewayne lose his battle.

One night of shadows. One night of bliss. One night of when it all falls apart.

Katherine Regina Vandercamp has everything. Wealth. Beauty. Social standing. She’s the heiress to the Vandercamp fortune and engaged to the man of her dreams. One night it all shatters…

Finding her fiancé with another woman, she is distraught and makes a reckless decision to go with a friend to a sex club. Needing total anonymity, she has sex with a stranger in a room of total darkness, a sensuous cocoon of silky shadows. She has no idea who this man is or what he looks like. But it is in the shadows she finds solace. In the shadows she finds bliss.

She can’t forget this stranger’s touch, his taste, his scent. He infiltrates her dreams and holds her thoughts and body captive. But has she made a false assumption about her fiancé? Was he truly unfaithful? She regrets her hasty actions and is tormented by guilt. She is determined to marry the man she loves and forget her stranger.

Sinister events unfolded at the sex club. There was a gruesome murder and her stranger has been charged with the crime. Katie knows he’s innocent because she was with him at the time of the murder. She is more shocked to find that he’s not a stranger after all. What will she do? Will she reveal her horrible secret? Will she besmirch the Vandercamp name? Will she risk losing the man who has her heart to save the man who’s touched her soul?

Her life is in turmoil. All because of that one night.

A night that was wrapped in shadows…

Want to learn more about WRAPPED IN SHADOWS? Be sure to check out this exclusive interview with Lisa Eugene!

He was drawing me in and I was powerless to stop it.

It seems like Lisa Eugene has herself a winning formula with her books. She takes a super quirky heroine, some verra sexy steam, throws in some intriguing suspense and mystery and VOILA! You have yourself a book that you’ll enjoy from beginning to end.

One night of shadows. One night of bliss. One night it all fell apart.

Katherine is a woman that seemingly has it all. The heiress to the Vandercamp fortune, she has the social standing, the wealth, the doting fiance, and loving parents. Well…2 out of 4 ain’t bad. Since she just found her fiance half naked in their apartment with his ex and her mother is pretty much a cold bitch.

After running out after finding her fiance with his ex that was wearing his shirt…and only his shirt, she’s heartbroken. She needs to take her mind off of it. Off her her pain. Off of her mostly unfulfilled desires. So what’s the best way of doing this? Convincing her best friend into getting her into one of the most exclusive sex clubs in town, of course.

In the safety of dark shadows and extremely talented but mysterious male hands, Katherine finds the kind of passion she’s never even dreamed about.

Relax, beautiful,” he whispered. Soft lips pressed against my thigh, planting tender kisses. “I’ll give you what you need.”
You heard the man! My vagina sighed.

Did I happen to mention Katherine’s adorably quirky habit of talking to her vagina?

I don’t think anyone but Lisa Eugene could pull something like this off. In Steal My Heart she gave us an adorable germaphobe nurse. In Wrapped in Shadows we get Katherine’s vagina conversations. I have to admit that I found myself giggling like an idiot whenever I’d read her internal monologue. It was cute and funny.

His body was gorgeous and my vagina instantly responded. Don’t even think about it!’ I scolded. He looked intense. I had a feeling this man was someone I’d have to work my way up to, like spicy food, or nipple clamps. He was not for newbies.

Well…

That should help right?

I will not tell you the name of the hero, and I don’t recommend reading many reviews before diving into this book. Half the fun is the mystery of who it is and finding out. But here I go, digressing again.

The rules of the evening were simple; anonymity. Total and complete. After all, if anyone were to find that the socialite running one of the most successful charities went to a sex club, her reputation would be ruined. It was only supposed to be dark, shadows, and intense orgasms…until murder was thrown into the mix.

The one thing that I really liked about this book was the unpredictability of it. You’re lead to believe one thing, be so sure of it, only to be thrown for a loop. Lisa Eugene leads you up to the most obvious conclusion thinking you know what’s going on and who’s behind it, only to rip the rug out right from under you. I loved that added element of the suspense and mystery.

Did I also mention the absolutely delicious mystery hero?

But I’m still not giving you his name.

But I will tell you that he has some moves.

He flexed his hips and his stiff cock slid against my abdomen, hot and pulsing.
Mine! Mine! My greedy vagina chanted. Ours, I corrected again. And if you start referring to his dick as ‘precious’, we are no longer related.

But I digress yet again. This was an entertaining read, though at times Katherine did some things that seriously had me shaking my head and then wanting to shake some sense into her.

As far as steam goes? You’ll get that and then some.

So why not 5 stars? I felt that there was something at the end with the revelation of the bad guy that was a little glossed over. I really thought that the motivation behind the actions of someone involved was pretty detrimental to explain, yet it was brushed aside. Considering WHO that person was, I really needed the explanation or their motivation behind their action. It almost seemed to rush through the ending after that big revelation climax.

But that aside and a few times where I wanted to slap Katherine, this was a solid 4 star read that I’d gladly recommend for any readers that like their suspense with a whole lot of steam.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

$25 Gift card and two runner-ups get a book of their choice from the Washington Memorial Hospital series.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The final installment of the Breach Trilogy!

Things are finally looking up for Nathan and Lila. Though separated at work, their life together is just beginning.

They’re working hard to lock up Lila’s past, when Nathan’s comes knocking at the door with a gift—a warning that happiness can, and will, be taken away.

Is running away the only option to stay alive? Can they ever find the peace they deserve?

The battle for survival has begun

The countdown was on—three days. We still needed to finish up the workweek before boarding a plane, and my insides felt like a ticking time bomb.

That was probably why Drew, Caroline, Nathan, and I all went out to lunch—to relax. We’d decided on a sandwich shop not far from the office, specializing in grilled subs and fresh-cut fries. Drew drove Caroline and me, while Nathan was a few minutes behind due to a meeting with a client.

After ordering for Nathan and myself, I searched for a table for the four of us. The restaurant was pretty empty, being that it was mid-week, so there were lots of options. I found one and waited for the others to join me.

“So, are you changing your name, hyphenating, or keeping Palmer?” Drew asked as he took the seat across from me. He’d learned fast that the seat beside me was reserved for Nathan.

I shook my head like mad. “Hell, no… Am I keeping Palmer?” I scoffed. It wasn’t hard to imagine where the anger stormed from for a name that’d been mine for thirty years. “As soon as we get back, Palmer is gone. I don’t want to be associated with that man anymore.” I smiled at him, pushing all the negativity away.

Drew nodded. “I figured. Can’t call you DAP anymore. Maybe I’ll just start DAT. Who DAT?”

I rolled my eyes and let out a small snicker. “That is the stupidest name. You haven’t called me that in years, therefore it and all incarnations are void.”

“I can always bring it back.”

“No. Its statute of limitations is eighty years.”

“I’d like to appeal.”

“Appeal denied.” I clasped my hands together and cocked my head at him.

“Why?”

“You don’t have the appropriate paperwork.”

“What the hell is going on over here? Lawyer porn?” Caroline asked as she sat next to Drew.

“We were discussing DAP.”

Caroline paused, then shook her head. “That was the stupidest nickname.”

“Oh, come on, it was different.” The muscles in his forearm flexed, and he grinned.

“It made it sound like you were calling her some cleaning agent. ‘DAP will get out all your stains!’”

“Lila works just fine,” I said and took a bite of my sandwich.

“I’ve got some names for her, but they aren’t for polite company.” Nathan’s arm wrapped around me as he sat down and pulled me close for a kiss.

I looked up at him. “What about Honeybear?”

“Honeybear?” Caroline and Drew asked in unison.

I could swear Nathan’s cheeks pinked up. “Yeah, you’re my Honeybear. Public or private, but I’d prefer private. I’ve got an image to keep up, after all.”

“That’s worse than DAP.” Drew had a look of disgust on his face.

“I think it’s cute. Very different and shows a different side of Nate.” Caroline smiled across the table at us.

“Thank you, Caroline.” Nathan smiled back at her, then took a bite of his sandwich, moaning as he chewed.

I let out a giggle. “Hungry?”

“Fuck, yes. I haven’t eaten all day. Someone wanted to exercise this morning, and I missed breakfast.” He elbowed me and grinned.

“Oh, God, I don’t want to hear about the kinky, fucked up shit you two get into.” Drew made a gagging sound, then set his sandwich down. “Great. Now all I can see is your fucking hairy balls.”

“Hey, I said exercise—you’re the one who twisted it into my ass being naked.” Nathan chuckled. “And what the hell are you doing see my balls? I thought you’d be envisioning Lila, though I’m glad you weren’t, but is there something you need to tell us?”

Drew glared at Nathan, then shot a fry in his direction. “Shut the fuck up.”

Caroline rolled her eyes. “Yup, bunch of professional lawyers over here, not that anyone would guess.”

Drew sat up straighter and held his head high. “Professional when we need to be.”

Caroline quirked her brow at them. “Frat boys the rest of the time?”

Drew took a bite, then wiped his mouth. “You know I wasn’t a frat boy.”

“True, but I’m willing to bet Nate was.” Caroline turned her blue eyes back to Nathan, and he held up his right hand.

“Guilty.”

I gasped in shock and pulled back. “My God, what am I marrying?”

He eyed me sideways, his lip twitching up. “Prince Charming, remember?”

I scoffed. “This is one fucked up fairy tale.”

Nathan nodded, then he turned toward me, his eyes softening as he pulled me closer. “Yes, it is, but it’s ours.”

“Oh, by the way, I ran into someone who knows you when we were at the bridal shop.” I’d forgotten all about it.

His brow quirked. “Yeah? Who?”

I wracked my brain trying to remember his name. “Mack something. Said you met back when you were working on the Marconi case.”

Nathan swallowed hard, and set his sandwich down as he turned away from me. His profile didn’t stop me from seeing the color leave his skin. My stomach dropped, and a sickness washed over me. The air around him had become so thick that I was certain Drew and Caroline noticed his abrupt change in demeanor.

He only had that reaction when the Marconi were brought up.

“What else did he say?”

It’d been an innocent run-in, or so I thought. “Congratulations. That’s it.”

He turned back to me, his lips twitching into a forced smile, but his eyes couldn’t hide the combination of anger and dread.

“So, did you hear about Blackwell?” Caroline asked. “Seems he’s all the scandal with that intern Tara.”

I turned to look at her, mouthing a “thank you” as Drew jumped in, steering the conversation away and saving our peaceful lunch as much as possible.

Decker Steele had it made…Penthouse apartment, VIP parties, girls on tap. You see, Decker Steele is the Pornography Associations award winning, money making machine. But what does a self-confessed, pussy pounding warrior do when his prized package begins to fail? Freak the ‘F’ out, that’s what!

Andi Jennings is the socially inept, geeky and awkward cousin of Decker’s best friend. Only she’s not so geeky and awkward anymore. Now she’s a smokin’ hot country bumpkin, with a smokey voice made for phone sex, and a pair of hot as hell cowboy boots. Everyone adores her, my porn star buddies, my mom and dad, my ‘equipment’.

So, the prized package isn’t so failing anymore, the catch is, it will only perform for Andi…My friend WITHOUT benefits.

What will the prince of porn do? The girl or the career?

** Reader Warning** – This novel is NOT a dark romance. There are absolutely no whips or floggers, no matter how much Andi wants to smack Decker over the head at times. There are no BDSM slavery themes, unless you can count that Decker is a slave to Andi’s hot cowboy boots and sexy Texan drawl. Decker’s Wood does however feature glitter rain, manscaping, vajazzle, tequila shots, roof-top dancing and one hell of a dick trick!

For Mature Audiences – sexual situations and language which some readers may find offensive

Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Quick witted, wonderfully hilarious and so sweet I wanted to hug my kindle, ‘Decker’s wood’ was just what I needed to make me one happy reader. I haven’t been nearly so entertained in reading a book in a long time, this author has put the bounce back into my reading time and I could not have been more pleased to have read this book and met the characters, Andi and Decker. Readers prepare yourselves to fall in love with one extremely loveable pornstar and his side kick wonderfully awkward heroine. This book blew me away and I’m looking forward to other readers joining me in the ‘Deckers wood’ fan club.

What’s it all about?
Decker Steele has it all; the women, the money, the endless sex, a lifestyle that he has always been proud of. As a famous porn star, this self confessed sex addict has always felt very at home doing his job and being a success. But when the star of his show starts to let him down and he can no longer get it up, Decker starts to panic. Former shy and awkward teenager, Andi Jennings is no longer afraid of who she once was, instead she is now proud of the woman she has become. Moving to New York she is ready to start living her dreams and make a fresh start by opening her very own bookstore and coffee shop. Andi never imagined that she would come across the very man who made her toes curl and her cheeks heat as a geeky youngster but that is just what happens when the sexy Decker welcomes her to New York. When Decker and Andi meet again their lifestyles couldn’t be further apart but when they start to embark on a ‘friends without benefits’ relationship neither of them can quite believe when they start to want more. This twosome soon start to realise that they don’t want to have to live without a friendship that is starting to feel forever but can the pornstar really fall in love with the country bumpkin?

What did I love?
A friends to lovers story with added comedy value? Where do I sign up, well readers you sign up right here. This book was fantastic It had the sexy, it had the comedy gold, it had the ‘whisk me away I’m reading a book so I can forget about reality’ story line, in all seriousness this book was a reading escape triumph. One of the standout winning qualities of this book had to be the friendships, most if not all of the characters were likeable in some way. I adored the hero and heroine in equal measure, the dual point of view made it very easy for me to fall in love with the storyline and each of the main characters thoughts and feelings. Everything about this book screamed read me, read me and if gay best friends, glitter, book shelf sex and potty-mouthed one liners is your cup of tea then you better be adding this to your ‘To be read’ list faster than you a can say ‘yes please’. During this book If I wasn’t smiling I was swooning and if I wasn’t swooning I was gripping my kindle at the gorgeous sexual chemistry. It’s fairly obvious that this author has a love for writing and enjoying what she does, I feel like I have finally found a book that translates romantic comedy right to my kindle and I’m excited that I’ve discovered another author whose style is right up my street. Sweet love and giggle worthy scenarios is what this book is all about and I was left with an ending just perfect for the loveable pornstar and his cowboy boot wearing country girl.

Why not five?
From the start this book grabbed my attention. I laughed, I swooned and I was quickly heading towards that five star feeling. Overall I loved this book, the humour, the story line and the characters were all winning points towards a high rating but somewhere in the middle of the story i lost a little love, the book started to slow down with the humour and it lost that full out fun factor that I was enjoining so much. But all in all this is a book I would recommend to friends and fellow book addicts who can’t resist brilliant characters complete with a solid story line and of course the added romance and naughty bits. This author has caught my attention and I’m excited to see what else she will produce with her comedy style romance talents. ‘Deckers wood’ will be keeping a smile on my face for some time to come and I’m hoping that fellow readers will fall in love with Decker and Andi too.

Final thoughts …
For those readers who love their romance stories to be humorous, light on the drama and extra naughty with the sexy will adore this novel. The writing style was one that I’ll never tire of and as I approached the ending I felt a sadness that it was all over. This author has taken a funny but sexy storyline and made it all her own, if this is the start of what’s to come from Kirsty Dallas then sign me up for her future books, I won’t be missing out on this authors witty, romantic talent. Release day is just around the corner, go grab it readers. Enjoy … Kisses.

*ARC generously received from the author, Kirsty Dallas in exchange for an honest review.*

Love is ugly and secrets will destroy you.

KAT

I don’t beg.
I don’t cry.
And I don’t give second chances.

Ream, the lead guitarist of the rock band Tear Asunder, deserves a gold medal for best dick move ever when he ran the moment he discovered my secret after two days of hot sex. Then he brings some chick to my coming home party from the hospital—after being shot.
I hate him.

Until …

Ream’s six foot two frame unfolds out of the car after being gone on tour for eight months. I stared. And in my defense, any girl would stare. It would almost be rude not to because Ream was the type of guy who stood out. Not because he was loud and obnoxious. No, it was because he was the complete opposite. Subtle and dangerously quiet. If he spoke, you’d better hope he liked you because otherwise you’d be falling at his feet begging for mercy. Except me … I don’t beg—ever.
But when our eyes locked, it was Ream’s steady confidence that had my nerves shooting off like jet sprinklers.

Then…

Ream told me he didn’t need a second chance because he was still working on his first.

REAM

Sex is ugly. It’s using someone for your own narcissistic pleasure. I did it, but hated it—until her. She was unexpected. Then I had to wreck our beginning with my screwed up past. I don’t deserve her, but I’m selfish and I’m taking her anyway. This is who I am and it’s too late to change me.

******Warning contains violence, sexual content, and coarse language. Some scenes may be triggers. Mature audiences 18+

Tear Asunder series: 
“With You” (Tear Asunder .5) 
“Torn from You” (Tear Asunder 1) – see my review here
“Overwhelmed by You” (Tear Asunder 2) 

Whatever damaged key he used, Ream was already inside me and it fit. We fit.

The absolute second I read about Ream in Torn from You, I knew I had to get my hands on his book him immediately. I mean the guy was a royal dick. An asshole. An utter and complete asshole.

Which only meant that I feel for him that much harder. Yes, the more of an asshole they are, the more they make my pervy little heart go all pitter patter. It’s a condition. We’ve been over this. I’ve accepted it. Let’s move on.

Although this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series as it will help paint a stronger picture of the couple. I was hoping that this would pick up somewhere in the middle of what happened in the last book, simply because I would have loved to have Ream’s POV on some of the things that took place. But this picks up a few months after the events of the last book, and gives a few flashbacks.

I loved the way that Nashoda started off each chapter with a cryptic flashback teaser. I knew from the very first paragraph that Ream’s story and history would not be an easy one, a light one, or a pretty one.

Behind the asshole veneer lay the damaged soul of a man that has had to experience some horrific things. But you don’t get to find out EXACTLY what they are. The flashbacks in each chapter help build a very vivid picture, however. My poor Ream, constantly trapped within his memories, unable to shut out the voices from his past. My heart absolutely broke for him.

If you’ve read the first book then you know that Ream does something to Kat at the end of it that manages to finally break her tough girl act. It was devastating and left you wondering if you could ever forgive him. Now over 2 years later, Ream finally gets his shit together and goes after Kat with the determination of a bull. But Kat is having none of it. Prepare yourself for angst galore.

I’m not going to lie, I spent large chunks of the book wanting to throttle Kate for being as stubborn and flat out mean to Ream as she was at times. Though considering their past, I somewhat understood her hesitation. Doesn’t mean her immaturity at certain points didn’t drive me batty. I was also very impressed with the twist that Nashoda threw in with Kat’s secret. It was not the typical explanation that you normally read about, and I commend the author for taking such a different route.

Though Kat puts up a good fight for a while, Ream manages to break through her resistance eventually. I mean who can resist a sexy as hell, possessive, intensely jealous rock star for long? And when his sweet side comes out? Forget about it!

I wasn’t expecting for things to be smooth sailing, not at all. I knew that when the entirety of Ream’s past would come to light, it was going to be ugly. And holy mother of all crap to hit the fan! That last 30%?! WHOA! I thought I knew what was coming, but hell fucking no! I think I spend the majority of it reading like this

Damn.

Although Overwhelmed by You didn’t manage to blow me away as much as Torn from You did, I still enjoyed it immensely. Sometime you find an author whose writing you just click with, and I think that’s the case for me here. I can’t get enough of the Tear Asunder boys, and can’t wait for the flirty Crisis to be finally brought to his knees next. Though I’m absolutely salivating for Deck’s story…especially with that teaser at the end.

Writing Style: Dual first person POV

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

Wedding hookups never amount to anything.

Those who partake in this wicked little activity know the rules. Get in. Get laid. Get out. There’s no expectation of a relationship. It is what it is.

Dylan Sparks knows the rules. She’s familiar with the protocol. And she engages in the best sex of her life with a complete stranger at her ex-boyfriend’s wedding.

Reese Carroll doesn’t care about the rules. He wants more than just one night with Dylan. And he’s too addicting to pass up.

Sweet Addiction is the story of one girl’s struggle to keep things casual, and one boy’s desire to never let her go.

This author has made it so easy for me to fall in love with this novel. Jessica Daniels has written a deliciously naughty romance novel with plenty of ‘giggle at your kindle’ moments to make it a story that is not only swoony, but comical and sexy too. I did not want to put this book down, it was so addictive everything from the undiluted raunchy action, to the friendships and love action had me hooked. I adore it when I read a book and then instantly want to read other books by the same author. This debut novelist has made it in my ‘must have all future books instantly purchased by this talented writer’ list and thankfully I think I may have just found a brand new, smutty book best friend by the name of Jessica Daniels. I can’t wait for other readers to fall in love with this insanely hot but sweet novel and I’m already ready to read more.

Nothing appeals to my reading time than a book that is an all-rounder, one that has the romance but with added bonus bits such as; funny, sexy and plenty of storyline. Jessica Daniels has effortlessly (or so it seems) created a storyline that didn’t force itself to be something that other writers have achieved, instead I felt instantly at home with this authors own style and story. I doubt that you will be able to read this book without falling in love with at least one if not all of the characters, creating characters and using her imagination must be this authors forte. Who knew a corporate accountant could be so demanding and outright gorgeous. Reese Carroll will have most readers grinning at their kindles like a loon, his dirty talking and equally romantic side had me blushing and drooling. Thankfully this book also delivers a likeable heroine, Dylan Sparks this lucky lady is a complete fire cracker and yes at times drama followed her like a spot light but for me it just made the story telling more fun. Gorgeously witty and at times insecure I really liked her inner dialogue and funny traits. Luckily for this novel we even get a fabulous gay best friend and girly side kick that are fantastic additions to the story telling as secondary characters. What hit home mostly for me was winning combination of friendship and like-ability of all the relationships that are developed in this book and as for readers who have a sweet tooth you’ll be desperate for a cupcake (or maybe five) after getting to the end of this loveable story. The novel is told from first person single point of view and even though it was amusing to hear the inner dialogue of the heroine I would have loved to have had more of Reese’s inner thoughts and motives, however I think that the author played the conversations and developing story well. All in all this book captivated me almost right the way through with plenty of smut and laughter along the way and I can’t wait to see what this author will do next.

Why not five?
This book was lining up to be a full out-I-can’t-help-but-fall-head-over-heels-for-this-book stars book but unfortunately the unnecessary drama towards the end of the story took over and stole some of the enjoyment factor right from under my nose. That’s not to say that I didn’t adore this book I just needed less arguing and more communication between the hero and heroine. I also would have preferred if this book was a standalone novel, instead it has been struck with the happily for now label. Authors very rarely hold my attention with a series that continues with the same couple but that is it be discovered. Overall I think you can guess from the rest of my review that I was won over by this author and her gorgeous novel but sadly I couldn’t hand out the full five stars.

Final thoughts …
‘Sweet addiction’ is accurately titled for my thoughts towards the book, I felt completely addicted by it’s sweet theme and quite honestly I didn’t want it to end. Perfect for my reading tastes I instantly knew after just a few pages that this book was a winning combination. Bravo Jessica Daniels or should I say thank you, I love books just like yours and I’ll be thinking about your characters, cupcakes and frosting for a little while to come. Readers if you like a book that doesn’t take itself entirely too seriously but is well written, a whole lot of naughty and a novel full of sweet then I don’t want you to miss out, I can see a re read in the near future but until then I will happily day dream about the extremely handsome Reese and his talented tongue. Go get your tasty fix readers, enjoy … Kisses.

Love, betrayal and murder in a small town….

Twelve years after her mother’s murder, Shannon Bradford fears she may have helped convict an innocent man. Even worse, her prominent family may have had something to do with it. Desperate for answers, she seeks help from the one person least likely to give it. Her best friend and childhood crush, Trace Dawson. The man she sent to prison.

Serving hard time for murder has left Trace angry and bitter. As far as he’s concerned, digging into the past won’t replace the years he’s lost or erase the hell he’s lived. Now that he’s free, Shannon Bradford tops his list of bad memories. But he never counted on falling in love.

Set in a sleepy little town during the dead of winter, this award-winning romance novel is a tale of one woman’s quest for truth and a man’s struggle to forgive.

 “MEMORIES flooded my mind, of the quiet riot he was, of the secret crush I’d had on him, and the extraordinary friendship we’d shared so many years ago. As fast as those images came, others replaced them. I was thrust back to the crime scene, back to Mother’s corpse and the shirtless eighteen-year-old roaring obscenities while Sheriff Gray and a deputy dragged him away in handcuffs.” — Within Temptation

I may be on parole, but you’re still the warden of your own penitentiary. So, between the two of us, who’s the real prisoner, darlin’?”

Wow. As far as debut novels goes, this was superb. I couldn’t believe this was Tanya Holmes’ first novel. I’m not even sure how to best describe what I read just now. Think soap opera (or Dallas) on steroids, with a murder mystery thrown in, and a romance expertly interwoven into the suspense. Makes sense? Well it did in my head.

This is not erotica or romantica. This is a romance centered around a murder mystery.

Heat Factor: 3 out of 5 — The sexual tension is high, and the burn is slow. Sex is character-driven, rather than plot-driven.

That sums it up perfectly actually. The romance is not the front and center of this book, but it is perfectly weaved around the story. Tanya did a perfect job of creating a slow burning romance between 2 characters without it taking away from the overall plot and mystery. This was not action packed, edge of your seat suspense. What it was, was a nail biting mystery that kept you guessing until the very last page. I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t wait for more from this author.

Trace Dawson has spent 12 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. What’s worse is it was the testimony of a little girl that he cared for immensely that sent him there. To say he’s bitter and resentful would be putting it mildly. He’s out now and doesn’t want anything to do with digging up the past, or dealing with the woman that swore in court that he was the one responsible for the murder of her mother.

He’s concentrating on his present and attempting to live in a town that will forever see him as the “butcher boy” of Temptation. He’s ostracized and forced to deal with the constant gossip and pointed fingers of the small townspeople. So when Shannon attempts to right her wrong and tell him that she may have made a mistake all those years ago, he’s not exactly receptive to the idea.

Shannon is guilt-ridden over possibly sending an innocent man to jail, and the thought that her prominent and rich family may have also had a hand in it doesn’t help matters. She wants to right that wrong…if only Trace will give her the time of day.

Beneath the hate, guilt, and resentment there is a strong undercurrent of lust that flows between them…even if both Trace and Shannon do their best of fighting their feelings

You’re too full of yourself.”
A slow, wicked grin eased across his lips.
“Maybe so. But I’d bet the farm you wouldn’t mind being full of me too.”

I loved the slow burn here. The author does an excellent job of building the sexual tension and really making you understand the connection between these characters. The romance, although not predominant, was still incredibly satisfying.

I’m about to take you someplace you’ve never been, and when you come back, you’ll always remember it was me who took you there.

I think I loved this book as much as I did because of Trace. He was such a great character. My heart broke for him and everything that he has endured and continues to endure. Shannon…well Shannon was probably the one thing that kept this from a 5 star read for me.

(Highlight to view spoilers)

There’s an element present here that is usually a turn off for me in most books (view spoiler)a somewhat love triangle. (/spoiler)It could have worked, if not for a few minor things.

(view spoiler)Shannon is engaged to the prosecuting attorney that is responsible for sending Trace to jail. Fine. Shannon isn’t really in love with him but can’t bring herself to end the relationship because of the comfort. OK. Things begin to happen with Trace that further proof her feeling for him and her lack of feelings for her fiance. Yet she still doesn’t end the relationship. I could have understood all that…maybe. But the fact that the fiance had to be made the bad guy and be cheating on her the whole time in order to be the catalyst that finally makes her leave him? I could have done without that. I really wish that Shannon could have had the strength to leave him for her lack of feelings alone.(/spoiler)[Shannon is engaged to the prosecuting attorney that is responsible for sending Trace to jail. Fine. Shannon isn’t really in love with him but can’t bring herself to end the relationship because of the comfort. OK. Things begin to happen with Trace that further proof her feeling for him and her lack of feelings for her fiance. Yet she still doesn’t end the relationship. I could have understood all that…maybe. But the fact that the fiance had to be made the bad guy and be cheating on her the whole time in order to be the catalyst that finally makes her leave him? I could have done without that. I really wish that Shannon could have had the strength to leave him for her lack of feelings alone. (hide spoiler)]

All that aside, this was an amazing debut novel that I would strongly recommend for anyone that loves a mystery and romance.

Told in alternating 1st person POV

And I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book with Trace’s brother, Cole. That one sounds like it’s going to pack a hell of punch.

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

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon ES / Amazon DE / 

Amazon FR / Amazon AU / Amazon IN / Amazon IT / Amazon JP / 

Amazon BR / Amazon MX

Tanya Holmes is a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, a recipient of the Maggie Award, the MICA Award, as well as Overall Winner of the Sandy Haddad Award and a two-time finalist and one-time winner of The Emily (Best of the Best). She’s happily married with children and loves reading, writing and a good cup of coffee—but not necessarily in that order. Her debut novel, Within Temptation is due out on May 12, 2014. 

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Amazon / Trace Dawson on Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway