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 . . . 

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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.

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man in her room, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is certain, being married to one of the hottest rock stars on the planet is sure to be a wild ride

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Love isn’t always smooth or straightforward. It can be messy and painful. Doesn’t mean it isn’t still the most incredible thing that can ever happen to you.

OK, show of hands, ever wake up after a night out only to tell yourself you’re never drinking again?

Now what if you woke up the next day with a hangover from hell and zero memories of the night before, only to discover you’re married to a rockstar and sporting a five carat diamond to boot?

That’s precisely the predicament that 21 year old Evelyn Thomas finds herself in. Though as far as predicaments go, can’t say I feel all that bad for her. All she wanted to do was celebrate her 21st birthday with a bang (and I do mean a bang). Her first sexual encounter leaves a lot to be desired and what’s a girl left to do but to get wild and crazy in Vegas and pick up a man to rectify it. Turns out the man she picks up just so happens to be the guitarist for the wildly popular band, Stage Dive. And while Evylyn can’t seem to recall anything from the previous night, David doesn’t seem to suffer from the same.

The story is told entirely in Evelyn’s first person POV. Evelyn’s quirkiness endeared me to her pretty much right away. She describes herself as being bigger boned girl, but she never harps on this. She’s not crazy insecure about her body, which to be honest was a breath of fresh air from the usual heroines I read about. I also loved the interaction between her and David

How far did we go that night?”
His gaze dropped to the neck of my tank top and the curves of my breasts. “Second base.”
“Shirt on?”
“Off. We were both topless. Topless cuddles are the best.”

What started off as a crazy night, slowly begins to lead to something much more.

You asked me this morning in the car if I thought you were scary. The answer is yes. You scare me shitless. I don’t know what I’m doing here. But I hate the thought of leaving you.”

As far as Rock star Romances go, I’d say this one was on the tamer side…at least for me. I also found it a bit too insta-lovey for my tastes. But then again my tastes do run towards the more ansty variety. I really enjoyed the story of Evelyn and David. There were sweet moments, steamy moments, and many laugh out loud moments.

I was going to kill him. Slowly. Strangle him with the overpriced thong. A fitting death for a rock star.

I loved Evelyn’s internal monologue. She was quirky and funny and some of the things that came out of her mouth should have left me rolling my eyes but instead I found myself laughing and just liking her even more.

He didn’t have much of a belly button. It was basically a small indent followed by a fine trail of dark hair leading down across his flat stomach directly to it. And it was hard, thick, and long.
It being his penis, of course.
Gah. No, that didn’t sound right.
His cock. Yeah, much better.

And if you’re wondering about the steaminess of this book, rest assured there’s plenty of steam to appease your pervy little hearts.

While I really liked both the hero and heroine in this book, many times Mal stole the show for me. I fell for him the first time he called Ev “child bride”. I cannot wait for his book. But the story I’m REALLY dying for is Jimmy’s. That sounds like it’s going to be right up my angst-whore alley.

It may not have been a perfect 5 star read for me, but it was a very solid 4 stars. If you like steamy rock star romances with an endearing heroine, a sexy tatted rock star, and a light and easy plot, then one-click away on this. No crazy angst or crazy situations found here. Just a light and easy read about 2 unlikely people falling in love.

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to read a book that only has about 4 words of dialogue yet still love it?

Have you also ever wondered of what would happen if a prehistoric book mated with a Nicholas Sparks book?

If I was a fan of Shay Savage before reading this, I am now full on

This was an amazing, beautiful, one of a kind love story. It was unlike anything I have ever read and I doubt I’d read again. It was unique. It was unforgettable.

I struggled with my rating at first since it did take me a bit to get into the story. I did skim through some parts and found it to be slow in others. But considering it’s been 2 days since I’ve finished and I still can’t stop thinking about it? It deserves nothing less of the 4 glorious stars.

If you read the blurb and are expecting a domineering “caveman” caveman type alpha (You know the type. The “me man you woman we bang” type of caveman”), well you’ll be sadly disappointed. Ehd was nothing like that.

He was vulnerable, sweet, constantly doubting himself with Beh, and at the same time so incredibly endearing that you can’t help but completely fall for him. His inner thoughts never failed to put a smile on my face.

What if I don’t fit inside her?
After all this time of waiting for her to want me, what will I do if I am unable to mate with Beh?
I take a calming breath and assure myself I will fit inside of her. Women are supposed to stretch there so babies can be put inside and come back out when they’re ready. If something the size of a baby can come out, surely my penis can go in.
It’s big, but it’t not that big!

The story is told entirely in Ehd’s POV. The fact that Shay Savage was able to write an entire book from a caveman’s POV that has about 3 words in his whole vocabulary just shows her incredible talent as an author. It’s no small feat let me tell you.

You don’t get much more insight into Elizabeth that what Ehd is able to gather from his perspective.

It wasn’t a quick paced book. There wasn’t a lot of action, no dirty talk, or filthy dirty caveman loving. Don’t get me wrong, it was still steamy, in a very sweet first time discovery way. Both Elizabeth, or Beh as he calls her, and Ehd are innocently naive. But that just added to the appeal for me.

It is told over the span of many years, and unfolds the story of love at it’s most innocent and pure. It was beautiful, albeit not my usual type of book.

Then there was that ending. Oh my poor cold little heart, that ending!

The only other time I cried like that was at the end of (The Notebook)[The Notebook (hide spoiler)]. Good lord. (Highlight to view spoilers)

And just as you think it’s over, Shay gives you a last chapter that just ties everything together.

Were there some discrepancies in the story? Sure. (How can Elizabeth live her entire life in the tribe and even her children talk, but no one else in the tribe, not even Ehd pick up more words? )[How can Elizabeth live her entire life in the tribe and even her children talk, but no one else in the tribe, not even Ehd pick up more words? (hide spoiler)]
But this is not really a book that you expect to be highly realistic, so I didn’t harp on that.

So if you’re looking for a different and unique book about a beautiful and innocent love and discovery, this is not to be missed. You will fall for Ehd just like I did. It’s one of those books that will stick with you for a while.

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

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Expanded Edition

“I’m not sure what you have been told about me, but I’m not nearly as bad as they make me out to be.” His deliciously deep voice carried a little bit of ego. 

I’m sure you are exactly as bad as they make you out to be…. 

Brad De Luca is used to getting whatever and whomever he wants. The premier divorce attorney in town, he’s a playboy who’s bedded half the city—including his own clients. And when the newest intern at his firm poses a challenge, his seductive prowess goes into overdrive. 

Pre-law student Julia Campbell is fresh off a failed engagement and happy with her new independence. Even if she weren’t warned away from Brad at every turn, she’d know he was bad news. The last thing she needs is a man who could destroy her job prospects, not to mention her innocence. But before she knows it, the incorrigible charmer has her under his spell. His deviant tastes plunge her deep into a forbidden world of sexual exploration…but her heart may not survive the fall.

Is that the only reason I’m sitting here? Because I’m an intern in your firm, therefore off-limits?”
“I invited you here because I enjoy spending time with you. You challenge me and make me laugh. And because every time I see you I want to rip your clothes off and put my hands on you.

Why oh why did it take me so long to read this? My first book by Allesandra Torre was Sex Love Repeat and I absolutely fell in love with her writing style. I then went back and one-clicked every single book by her, this included. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this; it being her debut book and having some mixed reviews. I shouldn’t have been concerned in the least. I really can’t go wrong with a book by this author. Brad De Luca now has my pervy little heart in the palm of his hand. But I digress…

Julia is a 21 year old Pre-Law student that just landed an internship at one of the most prestigious law firms. Fresh off a broken engagement, she’s not looking to get wrapped up in a man again too soon, especially a manwhoring womanizer that every person at the firm warns her off of.

The one thing I love about Alessandra’s writing are her heroines. Julia may be young and not exactly coming from a vast sexual experience, but she was no blushing ingenue. She was feisty, sassy, and gave as good as she got.

Brad De Luca is the firm’s most successful divorce attorney. He’s used to getting what he wants, and he’s not exactly lacking for women. But when Julia continually denies his advances, he’s intrigued. He has to have her. And let’s face it, there’s only so long that Julia can fight the incredible sexual pull between them.

Julia doesn’t believe in sex without love. Brad doesn’t believe that his perfect woman exists so why deny the pleasure of sex. They share nothing in common except for the attraction that is slowly coming to a boil between them.

But little by little Brad slowly chips away at Julia’s doubts and Julia begins to see that she’s not exactly the good girl that she once believed herself to be. Brad is an enigma that she just can’t seem to stay away from or quite figure out.

So what is it that Brad wants from his women? His kink? That “thing” he wants that he doesn’t think the type of woman he’d want to marry will be able to give him?

Guess you’ll just have to read it and find out!

Guess I’m sadistic that way 😉

I’m looking forward to learning more about Brad and seeing where book two takes his relationship with Julia, because let me tell you…that scene at the end? Good lord, gimme more of that.

Until the next book…

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