4 Sexy Manimal Stars

From the moment he touched her, he’d known it was more.

So truth be told, there has yet to be a Rockstar Romance that my pervy little self has been able to pass on. After falling in love with Cari Quinn’s writing in Shadowboxer, when I saw her and Taryn Elliot have a sexy rock star romance series? Well let’s just say I was a little excited to get my hands on Rocked.

In a sea of formulaic rock star romances, Rocked managed to truly stand out for me. Why? Because it didn’t start off with the biggest of all manwhores and assholes falling for the girl. Nope. It had a deliciously sweet, tall, muscled and tatted Deacon.

That’s not to say that this series doesn’t have it’s manwhores. Oh no. It certainly has that. And I for one cannot wait to see both Simon and Nick be brought to their knees. But this book was about my sweet Deacon, so let’s get back to him.

(First I’d strongly recommend reading Seduced in order to get a much deeper understanding of all the band members of Oblivion. While Rocked could be read as a standalone, reading the prequel first will help you understand all the guys…and girl…much better)

Oblivion has finally hit the big times. They’re given the chance to open for their idols on their very first tour. Touring and performing in front of huge crowds is a dream come true…but it’s not without problems. The relationship between all the band members is definitely not smooth sailing, especially when a contract is on the horizon. Good thing they have the sensible, calm, and mediator bass player, Deacon.

Deacon is tired of the one night stand and the faceless groupies that all seem to lost in a haze of drunken memories. He wants more. So when he sees the sexy blonde chef on the catering service for the tour, he pursues her relentlessly…

Harper Pruitt has been there, done that, and burned the groupie t-shirt. Being the daughter of roadies, she’s more than accustomed to dealing with cocky rock stars. She has no intention of getting involved with one, that’s for damn sure. Especially when she’s so determined to get set up her career as a chef. Too bad Deacon is nothing like what she expected and not at all what she’s used to.

It wasn’t like she was powerless against him. It was so much more than that. He was warmth and promise and generosity distilled into an impossible man.

She may be smart mouthed and give as good as she takes. But the intensity of Deacon and his sinfully sexy body and tattoos soon prove too much to resist. Add into the mix his perfectly sweet words, and it’s done.

We’re going to burn out,” she said against his mouth an couldn’t stop herself from tasting him again. “Nothing good will come of this.”
“Harper, nothing but good is going to come from this.”

I loved the way that the relationship between Harper and Deacon was built. The book is long and it gives you a chance to truly get invested in them. Their struggles, their lust, and of course…the music

While I did feel that the book could have been a little shorter, I can’t say that I ever found myself bored with the characters or the story. The band’s struggle definitely added an extra element to keep me turning the pages to see if they crash and burn or shine. But what truly kept me glued to the pages was the super steamy sex scenes.

What? I never said I wasn’t shallow. Don’t look at me like that. Just wait until you meet Deacon for yourself, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

While Harper struggles with the inevitable relationship that they have going, Deacon was all in from the very beginning. There was no playing around from him. He knew what he wanted and he went for it.

Making her his, holding on to her as if she was going to fade out like the last strains of a song wasn’t a smart move. Instead he had to trust that if she was truly that important, then things would fall together.

Cari and Taryn managed to give their love story the perfect combination of sexy and dirty with sweet and passionate.

But all he could focus on was how she felt around him. Like heaven and hell were pulling at him. Take more, give more, love more. Life infused around him and through him as her sweet body gave and softened for him.

I am hooked on this series, line and sinker. I’m already salivating for every single book, and that rarely happens. Usually I have one or 2 characters that I’m curious about, and the rest I could take it or leave it. I can’t tell you who I want a book for more, Simon, Nick or Gray. I want them all. BAD.

If you’re looking for your next rock star series, look no further than the boys of Oblivion.

In her arms is where he was meant to be. And the chaos in his mind ebbed and flowed with lust and the heady first blush of emotion. She filled him up, made him ache, and when her surrender came this time, it was soft and sweet.

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

     Loving in fast forward…

Love on the fast track has been the definition of Harper and Deacon McCoy’s relationship. In between studio sessions with Deacon’s band, Oblivion, and building a new clientele for Harper’s catering business, the newlyweds haven’t had time to sleep let alone have a honeymoon.

Deacon convinces Harper that they need a week alone together before her business as well as a new album and tour swallows them whole. Since Texas has always held special meaning for them, they head to Galveston to recharge and remember what it’s like to just be a couple.

A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin on skin action is just what the rock star ordered. Until the future once again comes much quicker than they expected, threatening to crumble not only their perfect honeymoon but also their brand new marriage

TARYN ELLIOTT comes from the great state of New York—upstate, thank you very much. She’s usually busy making up stories with her best friend until the wee hours of the morning, or fangirling over her favorite TV show. She falls in love with each and every one of her leading men as she writes their book, and there’s always a soundtrack to match.
She loves talking to readers, so if you’d like to reach her, please visit her website: tarynelliott.com and sign up for her newsletter, or drop her a line at: taryn@tarynelliott.com.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR CARI QUINN saves the world one Photoshop file at a time in her job as a graphic designer. At night, she writes sexy romance, drinks a lot of coffee and plays her music way too loud. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she’s watching men’s college basketball, reading excellent books and causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.
Visit Cari at www.cariquinn.com to sign up for her brand new newsletter, or drop her a line at:cariquinnauthor@gmail.com.

(1) signed copy of Rocked by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott , an ebook of Rock, Rattle & Roll – 1 winner (US only)

(1) XXL Lost in Oblivion T-shirt- 1 winner (US only)

And 2 lucky winners will also receive an ebook of Rock, Rattle and Roll (open internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

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***

Cici Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the “Others”) at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago.


Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed.


Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when Cici is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

You. Wet and willing. In my bed. 

Anything less than that and I will go mad. You get me?”

She nodded. “Yes. I get you.”

Well, well, well, Miss Covington, looks like you got yourself a hot little PNR book here.

Whenever an author whose books I’ve loved comes out with a different genre, I’m always a little hesitant to pick it up. It doesn’t always transition well and there’s not many authors I can name that have successfully done so. But when Robin offered me an ARC of this book, I’ll be honest, I was pretty much sold at the title. Now color me surprised when I started reading this book and realized that it’s not just a sexy cover and a clever title.

Felicity “Cici” Trent and Thomas “Deacon” have a very long history together…and I mean long as in over 250 years long. A misunderstanding all those years ago left both of them brokenhearted. Deacon broke Cici’s heart by walking away, and Deacon believed that she wanted another man.

For 250 years they’ve been dancing around each other and their feelings. Now talk about your pent up sexual tension.

But when Cici finds her business being threatened she knows there’s no other man that she trusts to get down to the bottom of things more so than Deacon. So what if she still equal parts hates him and wants him? She’ll do what she has to do to protect her business.

Deacon never got over the woman that broke his heart. He no longer believes in love after the only woman that he’s loved didn’t want him. But he’s all about satisfying this burning hunger he has for her, and he’s all about using any means possible to get it

I’ll help you, but we can’t keep playing these games with each other.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning we’ve danced around the issue of ‘us’ for about two hundred years too long. While we work together, I want us to explore each other. Up close and personal. In bed. THat would be more than adequate payment.”
“And if I don’t agree?”
“I’ll help you. Free of charge. But I’ll probably be an asshole.” He shrugged. “Blue balls make me cranky.”

What a coincidence, Deacon!

Well, of the lady blue balls variety anyway. Luckily Deacon delivered on the promise and then some. The chemistry between the two of them was hot, but nothing compared to when they finally get together. Because that was SCORCHING!

Deacon,” Cici said in warning. She clawed at the covers, unable to stand much teasing as her legs began to shake with the slow build of her craving. “Don’t tease. That’s not nice.”
“I never said I would be nice.” He laughed darkly, driving into her deeper but not quite enough. “I only said I would make you come.”

When Deacon finds out that it’s not only her business that’s in trouble, but her life as well, he knows that he will stop at absolutely nothing to protect her.

I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and sexy, and I really liked the clever world building and the “Other” characters that were introduced. This had a little bit of everything to make for a perfect sexy PNR read; action, suspense, steam, and one deliciously domineering and hot vampire.

Cici was a strong and sassy heroine and definitely gave as good as she got.

So why not 5 stars? I suppose it may have been the length of the book for me. I didn’t quite have enough time to truly get invested in Cici and Deacon’s relationship. I wished for a little more buildup. Don’t get me wrong, I was invested enough to read this book in one sitting 🙂 But I think that a longer book would have worked a bit better for me.

I really hope that Robin will make this into a series, as I’m practically salivating for a book for both Mya and Andy.

If you enjoy fun and sexy PNR reads, definitely don’t hesitate to one-click on this one. You won’t be left disappointed 😉

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

A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime.

Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he’s ever seen. She’s wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her.

Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker’s body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more.

Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . . 

Amazon I Barnes & Noble

4 Stars

You can pretend all you want that you’ve never been hurt before and that you’ve never lost anything, but I will continue to call bullshit. Loss is loss. It’s not a contest about who’s been hurt more. We all have our battles to fight.”

While I can’t say that this was my favorite book in the series, it was still a fantastic addition. Facadecontinues to hold the number one place in my heart so far.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book since meeting Maddox as Laney’s brooding older brother in book 2. I just knew that behind the mysterious broodiness lies the soul of a broken man, and I couldn’t wait to uncover all his secrets. Does that sound deep? Because what I meant to say is that the second I read tattoos and motorcycle my inner dirty girl was throwing her panties at my kindle. See? That doesn’t sound half as good as what I said before. What can I say? A girl’s got a type, and mine just happen to be tatted up, motorcycle riding bad boys.

The first half of the book got off to a rocky start for me. It took me a while to really get into the story and feel the connection between Bree and Maddox. I think in part that has to do with how quickly they got together. (And I do mean quickly, since clothes started flying in the first 5%) I simply couldn’t feel their connection. I read that they were drawn to one another…I just couldn’t connect to it, if that even makes sense. I was almost afraid that one of my favorite NA series may turn into a DNF. But then something changed right around the halfway point and I found myself getting more and more drawn into the story. I’d give the first half 3 stars and 5 stars for the second, rounding it to a solid 4 star read.

Both Bree and Maddox are closed off for their own reasons, and each of those reasons are absolutely heart breaking.

Maddox struggles with the guilt of the part that he played in his father’s affair and ultimate breakdown of everything that followed it. He doesn’t feel like he deserves anything, especially not love. After all, he was weak, not strong enough to do what needed to be done…or so he thinks.

The only thing that truly drives him is his desire to be a tattoo apprentice. Drawing and tattoos allow him an escape, if only for a little while, from his daily reality. Maddox gets the shock of a lifetime when he discovers the only tattoo shop in town is owned by the girl he spent one passionate night with…with no thoughts of later.

Bree is not looking for love either, she doesn’t even know what it is. She may appear whole on the outside, have parents that love and support her, and her own business, but inside she’s just a lost girl. Struggling with a past that has broken her and her belief in love, she merely takes life day to day.

As different as these two feel they may be from each other, they share a bond that neither of them want to face.

Brutal honesty is underrated and I can see he has it, like I do. If I were a different kind of girl- the kind who believed in love- Maddox would be the guy that I’d fall for. Though I guess if I really wasn’t me, he probably wouldn’t be what I’d want.

Although both of them fight the emotional connection between them as much as they can, the one thing that they can’t seem to fight is the sexual pull between them.

And they don’t exactly try to fight that all that much.

Stop making me want you.” The same heat from his eyes in now in his words.
“Stop letting me have you,” I reply, and it seems to inflame him more.

As much as I struggled with the first half of this book, I absolutely devoured the second half. That was when the emotional intensity that I’ve come to associate with this series and Nyrae’s writing really shined through. My heart broke for both Maddox and Bee with each new detail of their past coming to light. It was poignant and even gut wrenching at time. The part where Maddox finally talks with Adrian, I’m pretty sure it managed to bring a tear even to my cold and black little heart. It was that good.

Fans of the series will really enjoy this one, and if you’re like me and struggle in the beginning, I strongly recommend pushing through since it will be worth it in the end.

While you can easily read this book as a standalone, I’d highly recommend reading Facade first to get a better understanding of the story’s background and a better understanding of Maddox. But if you want to go ahead and just dive into this one without reading Facade, the author gives you plenty of background information that you wouldn’t be lost.

If you’re a fan of steamy NA with broken characters, a poignantly written story, and a hero who you will equal parts love and feel like your heart is breaking for, definitely give this one a try.