Blog Tour & Review: ☆Buried☆ by @SelenaLaurence

BURIED by Selena Laurence
Blog Tour and Giveaway

Buried

Hiding from Love #3 
by Selena Laurence
Releases  August 4, 2014
* Stand Alone Novel *
Seven years ago, Juan Martinez lost everything—his only parent, his home, his life as he’d known it. Alone, lost, and desperate, he turned to the Reyes Hispanos—the RH—one of the most violent gangs in South Texas. But when you sell your soul to the devil, you pay a heavy price. Convicted of a drive-by shooting, Juan has served hard time. Finally out on parole, he wants to disappear—from the RH, from memories of all that he’s lost, and especially from the gorgeous woman who just showed up next door.

Beth Garcia grew up following after her older brother, David, and his best friend, Juan. She always dreamed of a day when she’d be old enough for Juan to look at her as someone other than David’s little sister. But he disappeared at seventeen, after his mother was deported, and Beth thought she’d lost him forever. When she finds him living at the halfway house next door, she knows he’s still the same guy inside. Determined to save him from himself and the RH, Beth sets out to prove that he didn’t commit the crime he was convicted of. But the path to absolution is dark, and even Beth may not be able to discover the real Juan.

Can a man with a damaged soul and a beautiful heart let a woman with fierce loyalty and unwavering love risk it all to save him? Or will his past bury them both this time?

4 Stars

I’m going to find Juan- the real Juan. I’m going to bring him back from the dark, deep place of pain and punishment he’s been living in. I know who he is. I’m going to remind him who he is, and then I’m going to make sure the world knows him too.

In my typical fashion of doing things back asswards, I went into this book without having read the previous 2 in this series. What? Don’t act like you’re surprised. What can I tell you after finishing it? 3 things.

1. The story goes to prove what a fantastic author Selena Laurence is
2. You can easily read this as a standalone
3. I will now be going back and reading the previous 2, not because I was lost in the story, but simply because I’m intrigued by the characters.

Juan Martinez has spent the past 7 years in hell. He’s lost his mother, his home, and life as he once knew it. Seeing no other alternative, he turned to the only option he thought was available to him; joining the Reyes Hispanos, one of the most violent gangs in his town of Texas. His life certainly hasn’t been easy, and he’s long since buried all his youthful dreams. The straight A student with dreams of a wife and a white picket fence has been replaced by the cold faced gangster that’s learned to hide everything he feels. After serving hard time for being convicted of a death in a drive-by shooting, Juan only wants one thing; to hide. To hide from his past, to hide from his present, and definitely to hide from the gang that is already breathing down his neck and wants him back into the fold. But all that changes when at his halfway house his past comes crashing into him in the form of Beth Garcia; his childhood best friend’s younger sister and the woman he’s always loved.

Beth still remembers the boy that Juan used to be, and she refuses to believe in the facade of the dangerous gangster he now presents. She doesn’t believe he’s guilty of the crime he was convicted for. She sees beyond the hard exterior to the broken soul of the man beneath. The man that she used to know, and the man that she is determined to find again.

I can’t give you any one word to describe this book, because it doesn’t fit into any particular box or genre that I can think of. It was emotional, heart wrenching, at times sexy, and poignant.

I loved the strength in both of these characters. With every piece of the puzzle of Juan’s past that gets revealed, you get further and further drawn into the story.

Juan for all his bad boy gangster ways was nothing like that with Beth. This was his childhood crush and the girl he always imagined himself being with. So while their connection is instantaneous when the reconnect these 7 years later, you can understand it given their history. Though their relationship is not an easy one with the chaos that surrounds them from Juan’s past life. There was action and quite a few nail biting moments that will keep you glued to the story from beginning to finish.

I also loved how Selena included Joss from A Lush Betrayal in the end here. It was so flawlessly done and just added to my enjoyment of the story to see the two worlds tied together.

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

The Hiding from Love series

Hidden 
(Nick & Lindsey)
** 99 cents **

Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Camoflauged 
(Gabe & Alexis)
** FREE **

Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Concealed 
(Gabe & Alexis)

Amazon  | B&N |  iTunes

Buried 
(Juan & Beth)

 Amazon | B&N  | iTunes

Selena Laurence is the Barnes and Noble Bestselling author of what she likes to call Edgy Contemporary Romance. Her books have been Amazon Top 10 bestsellers in multiple categories including Multicultural Romance, Hispanic Fiction, Urban Fiction, Military Romance, and Romantic Suspense. Her New Adult romance, Hidden, won the 2014 Reader’s Crown Award for Contemporary Romance of the year.

Selena lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and spends a hell of a lot of time at soccer games, on her laptop, and reading. She requires a Mocha Latte every day to function, keeps a goldendoodle at her feet most of the time, and has more kids than she or Mr. Laurence know what to do with.

Selena is also author of the Lush Series, a story of four high school friends who form the rock band Lush.  Take a ride with rock stars, men, brothers, and lovers, as Joss, Walsh, Mike, and Colin discover what it means to succeed, to fail, to hurt, and to love.

ARC Review & Author Interview: ☆No Limits☆ by @lorilfoster

A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he’s never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…
Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He’s also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she’s older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.

Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather’s legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette’s scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he’ll break all the rules to do it…

Releasing: August 26

Available for pre-order
Kindle / Nook / iTunes / BAM / 
4 Swoony Romance Stars

When need be, I can fight dirty, though usually I just fight for sport. But when it comes to you, I fight to win.

I’ve been a HUGE Lori Foster fan since reading her very first SBC Fighters book years ago. Ever since then, I’ve been stalking the poor author in hopes that’d she’d write another MMA series. Considering that she’s a big fan of sport and it’s very evident in her writing, it just makes it all the better. So when Cannon was first introduced in Getting Rowdy, I’ve been practically salivating at the thought of him getting his own book. I kid you not. Allow me to quote my own review

On a different note, I am absolutely DYING to get a book for Cannon. He was one of my favorite parts of this book. Please please please give us a book for him. Did I happen to mention that he’s a fighter? I would squeal like a teenage girl spotting Justin Bieber if Lori Foster gives us another series like her SBC Fighters with Cannon. Seriously, I’m not even embarrassed to admit that.

So when I began reading this book and realized that Cannon is THE Cannon, I had a little moment

The one thing that I’ve truly come to appreciate in Miss Foster’s books is the way she ties all her characters together flawlessly, even from earlier series. We got Rowdy, Logan, Reese, Dash…and even Havoc had a mention.

Having said that, you can definitely read this as a standalone, though I would recommend reading the novella Hard Knocks, just to get a better introduction to all the fighters. Now on to the review.

Cannon

If you’re looking for a sweet yet incredibly sexy, protective and possessive yet not OTT hero, you simply must meet Cannon.

Three years ago, Cannon rescued her and her grandfather from kidnappers. Yvette has always harbored a school girl crush on the sexy fighter, but then he walked away from her. She was too young, too needy, too vulnerable…or so she thought. But Cannon never forgot the beautiful girl with the green eyes, so when her grandfather’s passing and will gives him the opportunity to fix the wrongs of years’ past, he doesn’t think twice. He wants Yvette, and he’ll have her, but first he needs to convince her.

The one thing that I always liked about Cannon, even when he was a young man in the other series, he was always the sweet guy. He was the neighborhood protector, the nice guy, yet he still exuded that sexy and dangerous vibe without coming off like an asshole. I was so happy to see that didn’t change in his own book. He was still the swoony protector, and still the nice guy. While he hasn’t been a saint in the 3 years he hasn’t seen Yvette, he was dubbed “the Saint” in the SBC for a reason; he treats everyone, even his one night stands with kindness. This is not your stereotypical asshole fighter book hero.

Cannon loses no time at all in making his intentions clear to Yvette. His feelings for her haven’t changed, and if anything they’ve only intensified through the years.

Her impact on him was the same as three years ago when he’d first kissed her. She’d started an itch that had never gone away, and instead had grown to nearly consume him.

Yvette has always had feelings for Cannon, but she never thought he’d reciprocate it. But she’s not the same woman that she was when he rescued her. She’s older, wiser, and determined to fix her problems herself and not be seen as the vulnerable and needy girl used to be.

If you’re looking for some fighting action here, you won’t get it. This is very strictly a romance book with a hero that just happens to be a fighter. And honestly? I can’t complain in the least.

This was a slow burn and slower paced romance, meaning the author didn’t throw the MCs into bed at the very first opportunity. Not even close. The sexual chemistry and tension between them was palpable by the time they burned up the sheets together…and boy did they burn them up. But the sex wasn’t at the center of this book. The romance was. And the romance was perfection. Lori Foster was the author that first introduced me to contemporary romance, and all these books later she continues to remind me why she’s one of my go-to authors in the genre.

This book had a little bit of everything; romance, suspense, and some action. Even a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.

Yvette was a character that in any other circumstance would bother me with her insecurities, but something about her just worked for me here. Sure I was frustrated with her a few times, but I also understood why she felt the way that she did, so I was able to look past it.

Then there were the side character; Armie, Denver, Stack, Vanity, Rissy, and Cherry. One future pairing has already been made clear, and let me just tell you I can already tell that that book will be SCORCHING. I can’t wait. I’m so happy that Lori has has written another MMA series, and can’t wait for more. This was the perfect book and couple to start off what promises to be another amazing series.

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

Interview with Lori Foster
Hi Lori! Thanks so much for being here on Dirty Girl Romance blog today. We are super thrilled to share with our readers your upcoming release,  No Limits, and your new Ultimate series. And of course my inner fangirl is squeeing like a teenager at a Justin Bieber concert with excitement here 🙂

But that’s enough about my inner fangirl, let’s talk Cannon!

   
DGR: We first meet Cannon as a young man in Getting Rowdy. Did you know then that you would be writing a book for him? (I have to admit my first thought when I read the book was, ‘please please start another series with him like your SBC Fighters series’. I was a big fan of that series, obviously.)
LF: Thank you so much! Many readers contacted me after Cannon’s appearance in the Love Undercover series. Seemed everyone, including me, liked him from the get-go. And yes, almost as soon as Cannon showed up on the page I knew he wanted his own book. Some characters are like that. I don’t know anything about them. I don’t even know they’re going to appear. Them poof –they show up, steal a scene, and convince me they need a book of their own.  🙂

DGR: I also know you’re a big fan of the MMA, does that make your writing process for this series more fun?

LF: Yes, definitely. It also makes it easier in some ways, more difficult in others. I have a lot of respect for these professional athletes and I want to do them justice while also romanticizing them and enhancing natural qualities enough to make them “book worthy” heroes. Because I love the sport, I feel familiar with it. But again, the realities of training and competing should never read like a how-to manual for a romance novel. So I have to gloss over some things, expound on others. Overall, my MMA series is about ripped, capable fighters falling in love and working through some suspense elements. NOT about actual fighting.

DGR: I personally loved Cannon’s combination of possessive and protective with super sweet. Can you tell the readers any more enticing details about his character? 



LF: Like many of my heroes, he’s a natural born protector. He has a sister he adores, a neighborhood he’s loyal to, and a wealth of honorable, sometimes quirky friends. I like to write characters that have some flaws, but I have to admit, Cannon doesn’t have many.  🙂

DGR: What was your favorite part to write for No Limits?

This is awful to admit, but my favorite part to write was Armie Jacobson. He’s a character who will end up with his own book, and from the first time he showed up, he was hilarious and outrageous and he’d say and do things that surprised me and had me grinning. He’s a perfect best friend for the very responsible Cannon, and I have a feeling readers will enjoy him as much as I have.

DGR: This is an over-asked question, I’m sure, but I still have to ask. Who would be your dream cast to play Cannon and Yvette?

LF: Well shoot. That’s always a toughie because while I love movies, I almost never remember the names of actors. Josh Duhamel is always a hottie, and he’s big enough to be Cannon, although maybe he’s a little older. Not sure. Mila Kunis has the right look for Yvette, if she could play a quieter, more reserved part.

DGR: There were many interesting side characters introduced; Armie, Denver, Stack, Vanity, Rissy, and Cherry. Any hints who’s up next and who’ll be the heroine to bring him to his knees?

LF: Yes! I’m almost done writing Denver’s story now. It’s titled HOLDING STRONG and should be out April/May 2015. Denver is one of the bigger fighters (in more ways than the obvious) and he’s a little more alpha, a little less laidback than Cannon. He and Cherry showed some attraction in NO LIMITS, and in their own book they finally get together, but also have some issues to work out. Denver sees her as the ultimate party girl, and since he’s pretty possessive, that bugs him a lot. Both of them also have troublesome pasts that have to be resolved.

DGR: Armie (dreamy sigh). He was so much fun to read as a character. I think I highlighted everything he ever said. When is his book and can you give us any more details about him to tide us over in the wait?

LF: See!? I loved Armie too. I think you’re going to love him even more in HOLDING STRONG. But I don’t see Armie getting his own book until… the end of the series. Sorry. Cannon is first, Denver is second. Stack will likely be third. That leaves Armie for last. But the good part is that we’ll get to see Armie playing in his secondary role for a while longer. 🙂

DGR: I love that you also included several characters from other series like Rowdy, Logan, and of course even my favorite, Havoc, got a mention. Are any of the boys from SBC Fighters series going to be making any more appearances in this series?

LF: They are! I had to get permission from previous publishers to include them, but everyone is on board so expect some cameos and some longer roles as the two SBC series mesh. You can expect to see Dean (Havoc) Conor from CAUSING HAVOC, and Simon (Sublime) Evans from SIMON SAYS, and maybe even some peeks from Jude Jamison, JUDE’S LAW. 🙂

DGR: Anything else you’d like to let the readers know about this No Limits and the Ultimate series?

LF: Readers can catch early “sneak preview” excerpts on my website – www.LoriFoster.com and can win fun goodies like T-shirts, mouse pads, key chains, etc… on my Facebook page – www.Facebook.com/LoriFoster

Thank you!

Review: ☆Looking for Trouble☆ by @VictoriaDahl

A good reason to be bad…Librarian Sophie Heyer has walked the straight and narrow her entire life to make up for her mother’s mistakes. But in tiny Jackson Hole, Wyoming, juicy gossip doesn’t just fade away. Falling hard for the sexiest biker who’s ever ridden into town would undo everything she’s worked for. And to add insult to injury, the alluring stranger is none other than Alex Bishop the son of the man Sophie’s mother abandoned her family for. He may be temptation on wheels, but Sophie’s not looking for trouble!

Maybe Sophie’s buttoned-up facade fools some, but Alex knows a naughty smile when he sees one. Despite their parents’ checkered pasts, he’s willing to take some risks to find out the truth about the town librarian. He figures a little fling might be just the ticket to get his mind off his own family drama. But what he finds underneath Sophie’s prim demeanor might change his world in ways he never expected.

 

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Review
4 stars

If she were timid, he wasn’t sure he’d ever have noticed her. If she’d hidden behind her glasses and sweater, his eyes would have skipped right over her, letting her red hair and brown eyes blend into the crowd. But she wasn’t hiding, she was…waiting. And Alex was perfectly willing to step up to the plate.

Sophie Heyer is a good girl with a dirty little secret. She may be the prim and proper little librarian in a small town, but underneath the modest clothes hides a bad girl that can’t wait to get out.

But being the daughter of the woman that was the center of the town’s scandal 25 years ago is not easy. Especially not when she looks exactly like her. After all, when your mother leaves her husband and 2 young children to run off with a married men, the rumor’s won’t be good. So Sophie tries her best to go against her mother’s image. She’s a good girl. She walks the straight line, and she’s not looking to deviate from that…especially not for a bad boy.

Alex Bishop is a bad boy. Covered in tattoos, riding a motorcycle and not staying in any place too long is what he’s about. He tried a relationship one, but let’s face it, with his constant travel for work and everything else, he’s not cut out for them. But he’s not opposed to a little fun between the sheets. Especially when a certain little redhead catches his eye.

He’s been away from the little town for years, and he’s not happy to be back. He may not know who Sophie is…but Sophie certainly knows who he is. He just so happens to be the son of the married man her mother ran away with all those years ago. The son of the woman that hates Sophie and everything she reminds her for. Too bad that doesn’t stop the scorching hot chemistry they have between them. Sophie may try to be good, but Alex makes her want to be oh so bad.

If you’ve never read a Victoria Dahl book, you’re definitely missing out. I love her sexy combination of romance, humor, scorching sex, and endearing characters, and this book was no exception.

Need something?” she asked.
Alex groaned. “I had to crawl to the shower. Are you trying to prove your superiority? I give. Uncle.”
Sophie laughed. “What’d you come out here for?”
“I don’t remember,” he said. She felt him growing hard against her. “Jesus, you’re a witch. The kind that can raise the dead.”
“Maybe you’re ore of a man than you thought.”
He groaned again. “I’ll punish you for that later.”
“Promise?”
“No. I probably won’t have the strength.”

I really enjoyed this book. I’m not a fan of mousy heroines, so I was so happy to see that Sophie was hiding her true personality behind her demure mask. And Alex? Did I mention tattoos, a motorcycle and a dirty mouth? What else do you need? How bout a great story on top of everything?

Looking for Trouble was a great start to what looks to be a very promising series and I can’t wait to see what else Miss Dahl has in store with the next books. I do wish that we did an epilogue or a little bit more from that ending, but it was still satisfying and fitting to the story. A very solid 4 star read.

Fans of sexy contemporary romance will really enjoy this one.

Book Spotlight, Review & #Giveaway: ☆Rocked☆ by @TarynElliottFic and @cariquinn

If you haven’t yet met the boys of Olivion, you, my friends, are seriously missing out. If you like Rock Star romances and steamy hot lovin…AND a great story on top? You NEED to read this series. 
Book 1 in the NA rock star series, Lost in Oblivion

Love definitely wasn’t on the setlist.

Opening for their idols on their first tour, Oblivion is living the dream. Mostly. Frustrated at being shoved out of his mediator role by their new manager, Deacon McCoy loses himself in brutal workouts. He only comes up for air long enough to refuel—and to tease the deliciously cute chef who makes him crave a lot more than what she’s offering on her serving plate.

As the child of roadie parents, Harper Pruitt has heard every pickup line twice. To her, musicians are one step above the scraps on her cutting board. All she wants is to get enough experience to run her own catering company, but Deacon and his bottomless stomach are too tempting to resist. He’s far from the typical rock star and before long, she finds herself experimenting with him, inside and out of the kitchen.
Apron – and panties – optional.

When Harper sees that Deacon’s dream band with his best friends may be turning into a nightmare, she can’t walk away. Deacon’s so much more than just a peacemaker and the man behind the bass. But she has her own dreams to chase…even if she’s starting to think what she’s building with him might be the biggest one of all.

You met Deacon McCoy in SEDUCED, now you can watch just how far a big man can fall.

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**

Want even more of Harper and Deacon? 

Well lucky you! Taryn and Cari just released a sexy novella for them on July 4th. Check it out!

     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

And psssst…it’s only $.99 right now 😉
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

Release Day Blitz, Excerpt, Review & #Giveaway: ☆The Reality of You☆ by @JeanHaus

Naomi Porter was once witty, fun, and outgoing, but she has scratched outgoing off the list, along with men. She has a mediocre tech job in fabulous New York, a large smut book collection, and awesome friends, both tangible and in an online gaming community. She just doesn’t date. A future filled with cats and housedresses beats having her heart broken again.

But Naomi still likes men, even kind of stalks—mostly fantasizes about—a gorgeous one at work during lunch.

Her best friend, Kara, is determined that Naomi will be outgoing again. When Kara finds out who, as in a notorious playboy, Naomi is stalking at lunch, she plans to break Naomi of her lunchtime habit and bring her back into the real world. It’s just going to take a bit of deception.

Between all the deceiving, fangirling, and bumbling, Naomi might not be able to resist the temptation of turning her seven-month fantasy into reality. And really, so what if he’s a playboy or a demanding jerk? Her fantasies don’t include love or even like, just a bed or a couch or the back seat of a limo…

Reality might be just what she needs.

*A sexy romantic comedy intended for audiences 18+

~Meet Naomi Porter ~

-They each had some kind of jackass drink: dry martini, cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Caipirini, and one neat, overpriced single malt scotch. Except for me. I drank beer. American beer. From the tap, thank you very much.

-Whoa. Wow. Whoa. Between his gaze and his words, I imagined jumping on his lap and experiencing some of that.
– What was better than fried tortillas? Nothing. Well, except Doritos. But they were fried tortillas with cheese-flavored dusting. 
-Could sharks jump out of the water? The ocean lay more than a hundred feet away. I wanted a shark to swallow me whole and drag me to the deep, salty depths of the sea after that ramble.
– But he is also hot, delicious, and the star of my day and night dreams.
-I didn’t cook. I constructed dips.
-I wanted to grab a toothpick and stuff it up my roommate’s nose. Two toothpicks to be precise, one for each nostril.
– Seriously, I never imagined being a tux girl, but holy hot hell, I could dry hump his suit. Preferably with him in it, but…
-You can never, ever, go wrong with bacon.
– I was going to faint. Or let out a whoop. Or tackle him. And it wasn’t just because he was removing his pants.

“Keep an open mind. First impressions aren’t always correct,” she said from behind me as we strode down the hall.

“I’m not expecting Prince Charming but those three are wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am all the way. Is a little interest, a little romance, a first date with a toe-curling kiss too much to ask for?” I inquired over my shoulder.

“Maybe you need a wham-bam to get back into business. Like get it over, then move on to the romance and the toe-curling kisses.”

“Harrumph,” escaped me before we came out of the hallway and into the main bar. Three steps into the room, I stopped dead in my tracks. I became a deer in headlights when I noticed a person sitting sideways at the bar. Dark brown hair. Square jaw. Dark winged brows. Sensual lips with a rocks glass pressed to them. I gaped as he tipped the glass higher and amber liquid touched his lips.

Kara ran into my shoulder. “What the hell?” she asked, rubbing her jaw and stepping next to me. “Don’t pull this again. It’s only one more drink.”

“It’s him,” I somehow said, though still in shock. “My lunch guy.”

“Him? What are you talking—” She followed my frozen gawk. “Holy shit, Naomi! He’s the guy you watch at lunch? That’s not a bike—that’s a luxury car! Like an Aston Martin!” Kara had a thing for luxury cars. And shoes. And clothes. And purses.

I nodded as the woman next to him gave him a sultry stare. Jealousy flared within in me. Hopefully the daydream kind, but yeah, he was an Aston Martin compared to the three ten speeds waiting in the other room.

Kara smacked her forehead. “I should have known. Why didn’t my stupid ass put two and two together when you described him? You know who he is, right?”

Locked on him, my eyes turned huge. “What? No.”

“He’s—”

“Aggggg, not listening to Kara.” I covered my ears. “Don’t tell me.” Sure, I stalked him at lunch, but I didn’t want the possibility of becoming a full-time stalker. More than that, I didn’t want my lunchtime lustful fantasies ruined by reality. I was more than aware of it being a fantasy. I liked it as a fantasy.

4 The Reality turned out Much better than I expected Stars

The reality of you is so much better than anything I’ve ever imagined.

I have been a fan of Jean Haus ever since Ink My Heart. I’ve loved her NA books, so when she let me know she has a new Romantic Comedy in the works, I was just a little excited at the opportunity to read it.

Miss Haus has yet to let me down and this book was certainly no exception. While I can’t really say it was a romantic comedy (I’d call it more of a contemporary romance with a little humor), I still really enjoyed it. I also have to say that the synopsis does not do this book justice at all. It was so much better than I anticipated.
Meet Naomi Porter

Naomi has pretty much given up on men and relationships after her disastrous past relationships. Every man in her life has stopmed on her heart and dumped her, with her most recent ex being the nail in the coffin. After a horrible car crash ruins not only her chance for Olympics but her engagement as well, she’s done. Burying herself in her “safe” world, the last thing she wants is to have her heart broken again

So she makes do with her mediocre job, her online gaming, her friends, her smutty books…and her fantasies. And the recurring star of those fantasies just happens to be the mysterious sexy man that she more or less stalks during her work lunch hour.

She doesn’t know who he is, what he does, or if he’s even single. But he certainly has a nice ass and her imagination can fill in the rest…


Let me recall some of your descriptions of the man. There was ‘Mr. McGriddle, cover that man in sticky maple syrup’. You also described him as ‘tall, dark hot chocolate, give me two cans of whip cream’. And let’s not forget the eloquent, ‘Superpants, able to make a woman cum with a drop of his drawers.”

So her friends also happen to know of her obsession.
Her best friend and roommate is determined to break Naomi out of her rut. But a crush on the mystery man is not the way to go. Especially since her friend Kara knows that the mystery man happens to be the incredibly rich and even bigger asshole with a 3 week relationship minimum, Reese Jordon. And what’s the best way to rid her friend of this crush and finally get her out of her rut and into the real world? Expose her to the true asshole-y potent effect of Reese by getting her a job as his temp for the week during a Puerto Rico work trip. But plans rarely go according to plan.
I knew I’d love Reese at his first asshole remark to Naomi. To say he was a grade A asshole to her would be an understatement. But beyond the asshole and cold businessman there was also an undercurrent of something…more.
I loved Naomi’s bumbling and accident prone quirkiness. I could have done without her “inner fangirl” as it gave me some cold sweat flashbacks to a certain ‘inner goddess’, but it wasn’t too bad. It was even cute at times. Her inner thoughts always managed to put a smile on my face.

I was quite sure that his “secretary” licking him during Pilates would be frowned upon.
She was so endearingly shy yet cute.
I took a sip of wine, and held in a moan. He was going to make me a wino, a big fat wino because I planned on drinking wine with everything now. Doritos, yogurt, dips, pizza…cereal? There had to be a wine that paired with Cocoa Puffs.
The relationship between Naomi and Reese was slow building but filled with plenty of sexual tension. Between lustful fantasies and a few stolen gropes and kisses I was beyond ready for these two to finally get together…and when they did?

Yup. Hawt!
I did get irritated with her friend Kara.

Considering the woman pretty much set the whole thing in motion, she was a grade A bitch about everything. I was hoping she’d redeem herself toward the end of the book, but that ever really happened for me.

So I really wished she would just shut the hell up and stay out of it at times.
As for the rest of it? I really liked it. It was cute, funny and sexy. I really fell for Reese and the way he treated Naomi. Naomi was a great heroine as well. I was not expecting the twist at the end. It caught me completely off guard. And the last chapter was the perfect conclusion. Jean really brought the story a full circle and it was great.
If you’re a fan of fun and sexy contemporary romances, I definitely recommend this one. I really hope Jean Haus has more adult books like this up her sleeve in the future.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
I write young adult and romance novels. I read a lot too. I even do a bit of cooking, which is actually quite good. I also golf a lot in the summer with my awesome husband and son, but I cook way, way better than I golf.
I am Represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

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Review: ☆Hold On Tight☆ by Abbi Glines

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

4 Solid Stars


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.

ARC Review: ☆Best Man with Benefits☆ by @SamantheBeck1

How far can one favor go…

Logan McCade arrives at his best friend’s wedding overworked and in desperate need of a vacation, only to discover his best man duties have been…expanded. He must coax Colton’s sister out of her shell, or risk her hiding in her room all week. Logan figures he can handle one introverted bridesmaid, but he’s not expecting how much he enjoys “handling” Sophie…or how much she enjoys being handled.

Socializing has never been web designer Sophie Brooks’s strong suit, but she’s determined to shed her wallflower image and embrace the “New Sophie”—a feat made easier with the supremely sexy Logan McCade tempting her to explore all her forbidden fantasies. If she’s not careful, she just might fall for the best man.

Sophie’s sweet, sexy, and delectably awkward demeanor brings much-needed calm to Logan’s hectic life. With the nuptials only days away, Logan is forced to face the possibility that his favor to a friend might have become something else entirely…and that he’s not willing to let Sophie go. Ever.

Buy Links
Review
4 stars

You don’t know anything about my needs.”
“You need me to strip you naked, bend you over my bed, and slide my cock inside you until you forget what it feels like not to have me filling you.”

The perfect conclusion to a fantastic series, Best Man with Benefits is the story of best man, Logan, and the groom’s sister, Sophie. As I was reading the series (which I strongly recommend reading in order for the best experience), the little hints at what was brewing between Sophie and Logan had my curiosity really piqued. I wasn’t sure how I’d like their story since I’m not typically a big fan of extremely shy and introverted heroines, but I gotta say, I really liked Sophie.

Grown tired of the “Old Sophie”, the New Sophie is determined to shed her old image and embrace life.

A wallflower living in bulky sweatshirts and baggy jeans, clinging to an extra twenty pounds like a buffer against the world. An unfulfilled woman who wouldn’t know passion and excitement except through the racy text accompanying the erotic product offerings of the spicy website she designed and maintained for her firm’s biggest client.”

Enter Logan McCade, the overworked CEO of his own successful company and the best man in the wedding. Being the groom’s best man, Logan has known Sophie for years…though he’s a little unprepared for the new version of her he encounters. Colton is concerned his introverted sister will shy away from all the festivities, so he asks Logan to look after her and makes sure she enjoys herself…though I doubt he knew how that would turn out.

He had enough time to open his eyes, jerk his head up, and watch his best friend’s shy, adorable, strictly off-limits little sister annihilate him with the most incredible blow job of his entire life.

Sophie is determined to shed her old self, and what better way than to explore all her deepest and darkest fantasies with her brother’s incredibly sexy best friend? With the way that Logan was portrayed in the previous 3 books, I was a little afraid he may be a little stuffy for my tastes. He was always the nice and safe one from the descriptions as opposed to the rest of the guys. But Samanthe didn’t let down in the dirty talk department. Beneath the overworked, suit wearing exterior Logan was a dirty dirty boy.

And once you’ve come so hard you can’t stand, you need me to flip you around, hike your legs over my shoulders, and do it again, head-on, until you scream loud enough to have management banding on the door.

While this wasn’t my favorite of the 4 books, it was still a very solid 4 star read. There was one scene where Sophie embraced her inner vixen that read a bit awkward to me. She goes from a shy girl to a spanking dominatrix in the blink of an eye…and then back again. Not sure if anyone else will really mind that, but for some reason it did’t quite work for me.

Of course keeping in tradition with the rest of this series, the epilogue was the perfect sweet icing on the cake. I cannot recommend this series enough. The way each novel plays off of the other and interweaves the couples flawlessly was certainly no small feat, but so worth the effort that was obviously put into it. Hands down of my my favorite series I’ve read from Brazen to date. Absolutely loved it.

While each novel is easily read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them all.

Read it in order:

Book 1:
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1) by Diane Alberts
My Review

Book 2:
Baiting The Maid Of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2) by Tessa Bailey
My Review

Book 3:
Seducing The Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3) by Katee Robert
My Review

Book 4:
Best Man With Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4) by Samanthe Beck



ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

ARC Review: ☆Overwhelmed by You☆ by @nashodarose

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) 

4 Holy Crap that last 30% Stars

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***

ARC Review: ☆The Innocent Liar☆ by @ElizabethFinn77

A woman hiding from her past, a man lost in his own…

Fiona was desperate to find a life in Jackson, Wyoming, but when a job interview that was supposed to be a sure thing turns ugly, she doubts there’s much hope of it. Eli sees through her lies, and regardless of the favor his father has asked of him, he’s just too stubborn to hire a woman who refuses to even give him her real name.

But there is a reason for everything, and he finds out soon enough her deceptions have a purpose too.

Secrets and lies are nothing to build a relationship on, but their attraction to one another is too intense to ignore. They’re simply magnets pulled together in a situation that should be driving them apart, but Eli has his own ghosts to contend with, and his past leaves him incapable of trusting a woman he can never fully know.

How can they move beyond her lies when the truth is what Eli really needs, and when her past threatens to destroy her, can he rise above his own needs to protect her — his innocent liar?

3.75 Erotically Angsty Stars

A woman hiding from her past, a man lost in his own…

The Innocent Liar is an angsty and erotic story about 2 broken people, each hiding from different kinds of demons from their past.

Fiona is hiding behind a veil of lies, innocent as they may be. She’s in a desperate situation, and the one saving grace that she’s counting on is the job that Eli may give her as a favor to his father.

Too bad Eli is too much of an asshole to just blindly do what his father asks. A man with his past is not one that can trust a woman that can’t so much as give him her real name. And his none-too-gentle dismissal of Fiona sends her fleeing his office in tears.

Guilt, circumstance, and desperate need bring them together again. But can a man that’s incapable of blind trust survive a relationship with a woman that’s incapable of giving him the truth, no matter how hot the passion between them may be?

I really liked this story, especially with the introduction we get to Eli. I have a particular soft spot for assholes, and Eli was one major asshole when Fiona first showed up to his office. He’s not exactly known for being a nice guy. A past that still haunts him and a fucked up marriage and divorce have pretty much guaranteed that. But there’s a method to his madness…


Anger gave him a sense of control and power that had once been missing from his life. People always assumed when a person was broken they didn’t realize they were broken. It wasn’t at all true. He knew it well. He saw it in himself, yet he would do nothing to stop it because he didn’t know how to function without his defects. They kept him sane and grounded. That was just a fact of life for him.

Fiona was one of those characters that I had a tough time deciding whether I truly loved or not. She wasn’t quite strong, and yet she wasn’t exactly weak either. What she was, was desperate and hiding from something that you know from the very beginning is going to be brutal to learn.

But something pulls the two of them together, even if neither of them truly understand what it is. Eli is a man that depends on truth, and Fiona is a woman that can’t give him that. Yet the inevitable happens…

He’d lived his life as though his past didn’t exist, yet oddly, his past had consumed him. But now, it didn’t – it wasn’t, and strangely, what had happened so many years ago was closer to the surface than ever before. She had something to do with that, and he needed to hold onto her, even if he hadn’t a clue how to do that.

Eli bounced back and forth between an utter asshole, to sweet back to asshole, to broken man, and then sweet again. It was tough to get a handle on his moods at times, though I did understand the reasoning behind them.

I’ll admit that at times I struggled to understand the connection between him and Fiona. I get that there was a sexual pull between them, but I felt like the progression of their relationship, especially given the circumstances was a little unbelievable to me.

I do love Elizabeth Finn’s writing, and by then end of the book I was very much sold. And if there’s one thing that Elizabeth can give you, it’s one hell of a scorching love scene. If you like your books steamy, this one will deliver that in spades.


I’m going to eat your pussy.” His tongue flicked the lobe of her ear. “Then I’m going to eat your ass.”
She shuddered…
“Then I’m going to watch you suck my dick. Then I’m going to fuck your ass, and I’m not going to stop until I’ve come inside you. Do you understand?”

I had a feeling about Elizabeth’s past, though we never really get the full painted picture, just the glossed over version of it. I understand that had the author went into the gory details of it, it would have shot the book from just angsty to pure dark category…but a part of me feels like I would have still wanted those details. We get bits and pieces of what she went through, but never the whole picture. And the ending doesn’t give much more details. Maybe it’s the dark romance lover in me that craved those details? I’m not sure.

For whatever reason there was just always something here that kept this from being that perfect 5 star read for me. I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars, so I tend to save those for books that I either absolutely LOVED or would see myself reading again.

Fans of Elizabeth Finn would definitely enjoy this book. She delivers a great angtsy love story about 2 broken characters finding healing with each other. And if you haven’t yet discovered this author, then I recommend you do. I’ve read a few books by Miss Finn, and I’ve enjoyed each of them.

So while this may not have been a perfect 5 star read for me, it was still a very enjoyable one and certainly one I would gladly recommend.

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

ARC Review: ☆Hot Mess☆ by @LynnRayeHarris

English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.

Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.

When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.

Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond.

Buy Links
Review4 stars

She thought he had trouble remembering she wasn’t a kid anymore. No, what he had trouble remembering was that he was no good for her. Because damn if he didn’t want her. He wanted her every possible way he could have her.

Wow! What a hot little read this was. I definitely didn’t see that coming. After reading and enjoying Hot Pursuit, I was expecting more along the lines of that book. And it was…mostly. If you’re looking for a nail biting romantic suspense, that’s not quite what you’ll get her. This was light on the suspense and action but verra high on the steam. You certainly won’t be getting many complaints from me. This was the perfect short and steamy little read to spend my Saturday night with.

Georgeanne was Texas money, debutante balls, exclusive sororities and country club all the way. She knew which fork to use, what to wear to any event- and she used bone china for her morning coffee.
He was nothing but a poor kid from a dysfunctional family.

12 years ago Georgeanne was hopelessly in love with Sam McKnight, her older brother’s best friend. Sam was used to see her as his friend’s annoying little sister, until one night changed everything. But Sam also knows that he’s not good enough for Georgie. He’s the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and she’s the beautiful and innocent southern belle.

Now Georgeanna is and English professor coming off of a recent divorce after her husband cheated on her. The last person she expects to see on her doorstop is Sam, who’s been sent by her brother to check on her. When they see each other again, all those pent up sexual feelings begin to resurface again.

Georgie never hid the fact that she wants Sam, and she’s not exactly shy about showing that it hasn’t changed with the years that have passed. But Sam fights the attraction between them, knowing he’s not good enough for her. But when Georgie’s life is threatened, he’s determined to protect her. And when these two are thrown together in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, sparks begin to fly. Sam may be determined to stay away from her, but there’s only so long he can fight it for. And when Sam does give in, holy hell but does he give in.

I do want you, Georgie. I’ve wanted you since that night twelve years ago. I want to spread you out beneath me and make you come so many times you can’t do it anymore. I want to taste your pussy and feel your legs wrapped around me as I pound into you. I want to see you swallow my cock and hear you cry out in ecstasy.

He was deep inside Georgeanne Hayes, the perfect little princess of his teenage years, and he wanted to corrupt her utterly. He wanted to possess her and make her scream his name. He wanted to imprint himself on her so thoroughly she’d never forget this night with him.

The suspense part of the book was mainly lost in the background of the story of two childhood friends reuniting and giving into the chemistry between them. I was hoping for a little more action, at least in the end, but that never happened. I found the ending a little too perfect and glossed over. The other thing keeping this from being 5 stars was Sam’s constant self esteem issue. He was always dwelling on how he wasn’t good enough for Sam, no matter how hard she tried to show him she didn’t care about that. It did get slightly frustrating at times.

I still really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it for those looking for a quick and steamy little read with some suspense thrown into the mix. This can easily be read as a standalone, as neither of these characters appeared in the first book (that I remember) and there was plenty of background given that nothing is lost. I’ve become a big fan of this series, and if you like steamy Romantic Suspense, I’d recommend reading this series in order. The men of HOT are definitely worth meeting, and I can’t wait to dive into Dangerously Hot

 

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