Blog Tour & Giveaway: Fast Forward by Marion Croslydon

January 15, 2014 by · 3 Comments

Fast Forward (Second Chances # 2) – No cliffhanger, HEA
Author: Marion Croslydon
Release date: December 19, 2013
Genre: Contemporary romance/ New Adult
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours
Buy it on Amazon


From the Amazon bestselling author of No Reverse comes a moving story about love, redemption and what happens when life switches to fast forward.

Cassie learned the hard way: Love forgives… in the end.

In No Reverse, Josh and Cassie’s epic love story went from the brink of destruction to a fragile new beginning. Now they must mend their broken family and win back the son they gave up five years ago.

But second chances need to be earned and the road ahead is rocky. With Cassie on tour and Josh trying his hand at a political career, the struggle becomes clear. When the adoption takes a bad turn, Cassie and Josh are prepared to give up everything for the fight of their lives.

Will this young family finally heal the years of heartache, or will they be torn apart for good?

There is no cliffhanger.

4 Second Chance Stars
This was my chance- our chance- to make things right. I’d made a promise to Cass and damn it all to hell, I’d never break it.

Sweet mother of feels what an emotional roller coaster Josh and Cassie’s story took me on. I’m still trying to get all my feels right because…damn…just damn.

Fast Forward is the highly emotional conclusion to the story introduced in No Reverse. Please note that if you haven’t read the first book, this review might have minor spoilers.

Josh and Cassie have now reconciled and are back together trying to make a new life for themselves while fighting to get custody of their son. But nothing is ever easy for them…not even close.

I’ll be honest, this books is not really my typical preference. As emotionally charged as the first book was, I really enjoyed it. This one, while not being what I’d normally read, I still enjoyed. The writing is phenominal. Marion Croslydon has a way with words, that much I can tell you.

So why the 4 stars? This book had a little too much drama for me. It was one road block after another followed by 5 more for these two. The second they would resolve one thing, something else would happen. It was non-stop.

Between the drunken/abusive father, the adoption, Josh’s new job and ex-fiance, it was non stop drama. Some may really enjoy it, but I prefer my drama in doses…not through the whole book.

That being said, the book was beautifully written and the love story between Josh and Cassie was truly touching. Watching everything they go through and how it made them grow as people and as a couple was great. The epilogue was the perfect way to close their story. So while it may not be anything I’d go back to, it was still a very enjoyable read.

If you’re looking for an emotional love story of second chances, then this book is definitely for you.

Read my review for book 1, No Reverse here

About the Author

Marion loves to share happy vibes, talk book crush, fictional boyfriends and sexual chemistry with like-minded people. And because she spends most of her days on her own deep inside her writing cave, you are welcome to come and say “hello” from time to time. Just to make sure she doesn’t sink into insanity. Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.

Author Social Media Links 

    Giveaway

     (1) Kindle Device from Amazon – International

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

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    Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

    January 14, 2014 by · 3 Comments

    From USA Today bestselling author Lisa Desrochers comes the third book in her sizzling new adult series. 

    If you play with fire …

    Tossed out of college and cut off by her parents, Samantha West is in pretty dire straits. So when her rocker best friend hooks her up with a job dancing at a gentlemen’s club, who is she to turn it down? Plus, there are rules to dancing at Benny’s: No touching, keep your clothes on at all times, and never get closer than three feet. Unfortunately for Sam, her first private client makes her want to break every single one of them.

    Harrison Yates is scorching hot, but he’s got a past that involves being left at the altar not too long ago. Sam is determined to make him forget about his ex, but when she makes her move, it flings her life into a spiral of chaos she never saw coming. Because Harrison Yates isn’t who he seems to be. And his secret will probably get her killed. 

    The book will be released on January 21st.

    “Every page is deliciously breathtaking, wickedly sexy and sensational. A LITTLE TOO HOT is wonderfully unique and a LOT HOT! I am a HUGE Lisa Desrochers fan.”
    — KATY EVANS, New York Times bestselling author of REAL

    “Lisa is brilliant at creating sizzling sexual tension and impossible circumstances that make the reader hold their breath all the way to happy ever after. Sam and Harrison are more than A Little Too Hot, they are scorching!”
    — JAY CROWNOVER, New York Times bestselling author of RULE

    “Lisa Desrochers’ best yet! A LITTLE TOO HOT is hotter than hot with all the emotional punch to back it up!”
    — SOPHIE JORDAN, New York Times bestselling author

                                                                  *********

    A LITTLE TOO HOT PRE-ORDER: 

    Pre-order A LITTLE TOO HOT for an exclusive alternative chapter written in the hero’s POV!
    ***********

    Review
    Suddenly, this doesn’t feel like a game anymore. It feels deeper. And scarier.

    How is it possible that I am only now discovering this amazing author? I should be kicking myself. Or be spanked…preferably by Harrison…if he was into that sort of thing. What?

    As in my usual fashion, I did things a whole lot backwards and read this book without reading 1 and 2. And while I plan on rectifying this immediately, it’s also safe to say this is easily read as a standalone. The author does such a fantastic job with character development and explaining things from the previous books that I never once felt lost or confused. What I did feel, was completely engrossed in the characters and the story.

    I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Samantha at first. Her heavy partying and lack of interest in classes got her kicked out of not only college but also her parent’s house. Her desperate circumstances force her to accept her friend Jonathan’s offer to hook her up with a job. An exotic dancer at a club is not exactly her dream job, even if she doesn’t have to take her clothes off. But hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. So she begins working at Benny’s, which you can probably describe as

    Sam is not exactly looking for love. She’s still getting over her heart being broken by her boyfriend Trevor, who’s now engaged to her best friend. The last thing she expects is to begin lusting after a client. But she can’t help herself.

    Harrison Yates is sexy, tattoed, and getting over his own heart break. But the chemistry between them is too hot to ignore. So what happens when lines start to get crossed and things get a little too hot?

    The second Harrison entered the picture, I was sucked in. The sexual tension between these two was combustible. I love when an author can make you burn for it right along with the H/h. Lisa Desrochers did such an amazing job with this. You could practically taste it. And then when Sam and Harrison begin to give into the sexual pull between them?

    But then right around 28% Lisa threw in the mother of all plot twists. I did not see that coming at all. I sat there like an idiot, staring at my kindle, trying to get my jaw off of the floor. If I was engrossed by that point, after it I simply could not put the book down. I just had to see what happens next.

    While I typically like my books on the more steamier side, this book was still extremely satisfying for me. The sexual chemistry between Sam and Harrison was incredible. I’m not sure how else to best describe it but to say it was like a rubber band that kept stretching and stretching until it got to a point that you know once it finally breaks it will be HUGE. And boy was it.

    If you’re looking for an entertaining, sexy, and a wild ride of a read, this book is a must read.

    Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to one-click the rest of the books in this series. And I thank you

    **ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

    About the Author

    LISA DESROCHERS is the USA Today bestselling author of the A Little Too Far series, courtesy of HarperCollins, and the young adult Personal Demons trilogy from Macmillan. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two very busy daughters, and Shini the tarantula. Find her online at www.lisadwrites.com, on Twitter at @LisaDez, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LisaDesrochersAuthor.

    Author’s Social Links

    Giveaway

    Win an A LITTLE TOO HOT blurb pack: REAL, MINE, and REMY signed by Katy Evans; RULE, JET, and ROME signed by Jay Crownover; and FORPLAY signed by Sophie Jordan plus signed swag.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    A Little Too Hot

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    ARC Review: In Bed With Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

    January 13, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

    The blind date from hell is about to get hotter…

    Brianne Nave is never doing her friends a favor again. When they begged her to go on a blind date, she didn’t expect someone so perfectly gorgeous. She’s a mousy librarian—totally not in this man’s league. And judging by his odd reaction when she opens the door, he knows it, too.

    Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs. He’s not thrilled about the date until he’s shocked silent by the prickly little librarian’s sweet curves and kissable lips…and her smart mouth. But then an argument leads to a kiss that spirals out of control. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it?

    When their friends strand them in a cabin to “work things out,” Bri’s not sure whether to kill him or put the industrial-sized box of condoms they find to use. Bottom line—Ryan’s career military and hates the tiny town she loves. He’ll leave, just like everyone else in her life. And if she’s foolish enough to give him her heart, he’ll take it with him.

    Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes

    Review

    3.5 stars
    They didn’t like each other. Couldn’t carry on a conversation without snipping at each other, and couldn’t snipe at each other without ending up in compromising positions.
    This book is exactly why I’m an obsessive Brazen junky. It was the perfect recipe to a deliciously spicy little read for me. I loved it!
    Now let me start with saying that I happen to have a type…for my books that is. There is nothing more that I love more than an enemies to lover trope. Something about the snarky comments, insults, and barbs flying back and forth with an thick undercurrent of lust that never ceases to just do it for me. And if that happens to be your type too, then look no further than this book.
    Ryan and Bri set the pages on fire, and I loved every fiery and passionate moment of it.
    When Brianne Nave agrees on a blind date as a favor to her friend, she’s not expecting much. She doesn’t exactly date much. She’s a little mousy, a little shy, and knows she’s not prime male fantasy material. But when Ryan Flannery shows up on her doorstop, she’s speechless. Until he makes it evident that she’s clearly not what he expected. And this is when the insults start flying.
    Bri and Ryan couldn’t have less in common. Bri is a librarian that dreamed of living in the small town where everyone knows you and your business. Ryan is an Air Force Pararescuer, that wanted nothing more but to escape the town and leave it in the past along with his infamous reputation of being the son of the town drunk and the boy that burned the high school down.
    To say that these two start off on the wrong foot would be a gross understatement. The snarky comments and insults start flying right off the bat. And let me just tell you. It is
    Bri might be a mousy librarian, but she is certainly no push over. If anything I felt her to be a little harsh on Ryan at times. She never really thought twice about throwing his past in his face, even though she knew barely anything about it.
    Now Ryan on the other hand was absolutely swoon worthy. I have a soft spot for military men in my books, and he was no exception. While Bri may have been running scared from their sexual chemistry, Ryan faced it head on.

    One thing was certain—she thought this was over and done with between them. Well, he damn well didn’t. He wanted to know which was the real Bri—the snarling harpy from their date or the sweet, sexy thing from the porch—and the only way to do that was to see her again. They were going to talk this out, even if he had to lock her in a room to do it.

    I loved the banter between these two.

    You’re staring at me like you’re thinking—” She blushed and frowned harder. “Knock it off.”
    “You’re projecting. I wonder why?” Could it be that you recently had your mind blown?”
    “Shut up. We’re in public.”
    “That didn’t bother you the last time we were together.”
    “Oh my God, will you stop talking?”
    “It’s not my fault someone has their panties in a twist.”
    She leaned in, kissably close. “Don’t think for a second that you had more than a passing effect on my panties.”

    And then when the banter would stop, the clothes would start flying. And let me just tell you, the chemistry between them? SCORCHING

    A quick paced, sexy story about two very different people who find out they may have more in common than they thought. A first in a series that is already looking to be an auto-buy for me. I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on the towns bachelor/sheriff and Ryan’s brother Drew. Would it be possible that Avery might be the girl for him? Not sure. But a girl can hope 🙂

    I really enjoyed this book. This was my first novel by Katee Robert, and it certainly will not be my last. It wasn’t quite the amazing 5 star book for me (I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars). But it is a book I wouldn’t think twice about re-reading, and I definitely liked it a whole heck of a lot.

    If you’re a fan of witty banter, swoon worthy military heroes, sassy and sharp tongued heroines, and a steamy story that will be sure to get your own panties in a twist then this book is definitely for you. Gotta love that Brazen yumminess!

    **ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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    Blog Tour & Giveaway: Kayden: The Past by Chelle Bliss

    January 12, 2014 by · 1 Comment

    ** CAN BE READ AS A STAND ALONE NOVEL**

    Kayden Michaels has a past filled with sex, addiction, and heartache. A past that he’s avoided sharing with the love of his life, Sophia, and held close to his core not risking rejection. Needing to get his addictions in check and gain control of his life for the sake of his family, Kayden is forced to confront his past and make amends for the path he’s walked.

    Kayden must recount every carnal act and the betrayal from those he’s loved to identify the triggers that spur his addictions and overcome it all to be worthy of Sophia’s love – his sole reason to exist.

    This is NOT a novella.

    Playlist

    Demons ~ Imagine Dragon
    Crazy Bitch ~ Buck Cherry
    Gorilla ~ Bruno Mars
    Livin’ on a Prayer ~ Bon Jovi
    Sex and Candy ~ Marcy PLayground
    Love the Way You Lie ~ Eminem
    Everything I’ve Known ~ KoRn
    Bring Me to Life ~ Evanescence
    Cold Hard Bitch ~ Jet
    What Goes Around Comes Around ~ Justin Timberlake
    Waiting for the End ~ Linkin Park
    The Reason ~ Hoobastank
    Control ~ Puddle of Mud
    I Hate Everything About You ~ Three Days Grace
    Closer ~ NIN

    Trailer

    Excerpt ~ Explicit~

    “Hey, where ya going?” she asked. “What about me?”

    “I’m sure someone here would be happy to give you what you want. I got what I was looking for, babe.”

    “You had me suck your cock and you’re just going to fucking leave me here?” she asked glaring at me with hatred so pure I could almost feel the fist she wanted to hit me with.

    “I got what I came for. You were a total bitch to me for years; you don’t deserve what I’d give, how good I’d fuck you,” I said with my arms crossed against my chest.

    “You’re a total cocksucker, Kayden,” she said poking me in the chest with each word to drive the point home.

    “No, that would be you, babe,” I said with a smile, “Oh, and by the way, you have a little on your chin,” I said pointing at her face chuckling softly at the situation. I watched as she wiped her chin and I turned and walked away, leaving her there like she deserved.

    Review

    3.75 Stars

    Now I know that there is a note that this can be read as a standalone, and while it can, I wouldn’t recommend it. I think that understanding the dynamic behind Kayden and Sophia’s relationship, how they started, where they are now, etc is necessary to appreciate this book for what it was. I read this first, and then I went back and read Untangle Me. Had I not read Untangle Me, I’m not sure I would have rated this one as high.

    While this was not a novella but a full length book, it read like a novella to me. Not in a way that it was too short, but it was a very quick read. I read it in one sitting. Kayden’s life was like a bad car crash; you’re almost scared to keep watching, afraid it might get worse, but yet you can’t tear your eyes away.

    Kayden, my poor fucked up Kayden

    The poor guy goes through so much shit only to stumble over a new pile of it at every turn. The Past takes up back to the very beginning, the root of where it all began. It starts from his childhood and continues through many of his relationships.

    Now I can tell you that Kayden had some shit luck when it came to women…but somehow I think that would be an understatement. Let me see, how do I best sum it up? Ah yes! They all seem to hit a teeny tiny little iceberg

    With as much shit as he went through with women, I was surprised he kept trying. I wouldn’t have blamed him if he chose to surround himself with a different type of pussy altogether.

    If you’re expecting a romance, this is not what this book is at all. It is a deeper look at the man that Kayden is and what made him into who he is today. It takes you through every single one of his doomed relationships, and there were plenty. It takes you through his struggle with alcohol and drugs. It gives you a dark and unapologetic look into the life of a man that has had it anything but easy.

    Chelle Bliss knows how to write one hot as hell sex scene, and there were quite a few here. Kayden really knew how to deliver on that front.

    I really enjoyed this book. The fact that I read it in one sitting should tell you plenty. So why not 5 stars? I couldn’t help but feel I was being told the story at times, as opposed to being shown. I love being able to experience all the ups and downs along with the characters I’m reading about, but this book didn’t quite have that. I felt like I was reading Kayden’s diary, which I believe this was.

    I loved getting a peak into his head, and if you read and enjoyed Untangle Me, this book is a must read.

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

    About the Author

    I have been a teacher for over ten years, and needed a creative outlet for all my naughty thoughts. I received a bachelors degree in History and a Masters in Education, which led me to becoming a high school history teacher.

    I love to read, I can devour a book a day, when given the chance or having the time. I can’t pick one favorite book, there are just too many that come to mind. I do have favorite authors though. My top five authors are: Colleen Hoover, S.C. Stephens, Tarryn Fisher, CJ Roberts, and Kele Moon. I agonized over the top five. There are so many fantastic Indie authors that help feed my quest for the next best story.

    Writing has been a journey unlike; filled with anguish, love, fear, and creativity. I’m excited for the next step and to share Kayden and Sophia.

    Author’s Social Links
    Goodreads I Website I Facebook I Twitter

    And don’t forget to check out Untangle Me, now only $.99 for a limited time

    Giveaway

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    ARC Review: Bound by Brenda Rothert

    January 11, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

    College senior Kate Camden has learned to adapt – to her last year of school, to the promise of motherhood, to the fact that she’s doing it all alone. But just when she’s learned to adjust, heartache threatens to break her apart.

    Pro hockey player Jason “Ryke” Ryker has it all: adoring fans, a promising career, and a beautiful wife. But when his seemingly perfect life is shaken by tragedy, he’s left questioning whether having it all is ever more than an illusion.

    When circumstance brings Kate and Ryke together, they discover they don’t have to hurt alone. Bound by a grief that haunts them both, they must rely on one another to survive heartbreak. But that grief is more powerful than they realize, and the tie that binds them together may ultimately tear them apart.



    Lisa’s Review

    FOUR BOUND STARS.
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    I think it’s fairly obvious by now that I can’t possibly resist a story of love. What you may not know is that a sports themed romance really gets me excited. Combine love, Brenda Rothert’s writing talent, some heart ache and a Ice hockey professional and you are left with a story that is soul searching, heart melting and sexy-steamy all in one gorgeous book. From the cover to the ending this short, moving story won me over. Here are my ‘bound’ book thoughts …

    What’s it all about?
    In her last days as a college student Kate Camden will spend them battling against some of the darkest days of her young life. Life is proving to be difficult for this blonde beauty and she’s doing all she can to keep her head above the water. Ice hockey star and model Jason Ryker is living his dream, from the outside this handsome sportsman seemingly has it all, but inside he’s a man fighting demons from his past. When life brings Kate and Jason together their brokenness may just be the thread that draws them close, but with broken hearts and a past that hasn’t been easy, Kate and Jason find themselves battling to find a way to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their love.

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    What did I love?
    Even though this book was on the short side it definitely left a dramatic impression. When they say ‘all good things come in small packages’ they must have been thinking about this loveable, touching novel. The author created an intimate atmosphere as she developed Kate and Ryke’s relationship. I was so transfixed by the story that I forgot that I was reading about fictional characters, I loved the anticipation that was built up from the start and I instantly felt connected to where these characters would end up. There wasn’t a moment that I felt distracted or uninterested, the author held my attention in every scene. The book started out with some surprise difficulties that instantly grabbed my attention and from that point the author continued to pull at my heart strings. From beginning to end I felt emotionally invested with both the characters. Kate and Ryke were both adorable, individually I loved their point of views and as a couple I was cheering for them from the beginning. The attraction between them was relatable and the slow burn style build up made the book into an addictive page turner. The intimate moments between the couple were both sensual and sexy and there was definitely enough steamy moments to keep most lovers of heart melting scenes happy. Overall there wasn’t much that I didn’t adore about this story of love. I cried, laughed and fell in love right alongside these characters and I’m ready to know more …

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    Why not five?
    Firstly I’d like to say that this book was a winner in my eyes and it deserves every one of the respectable four star rating that I gave it. For me there was not much between this book getting the full five stars however, I would have liked for the story to be longer, I wanted to learn more about Ryke and Kate and their developing relationship. I needed more of a prolonged conclusion to the story, I loved the building up of the relationship and anticipation of the couple finding true love, but I would have liked the author to have spent more time giving the reader a more detailed happily for now ending. Thankfully this book is a part of a series so I’ll get my second look into the lives of these characters at a later date. All in all this book both touched and enchanted me, I would recommend this promising start to the series to other readers and I’m interested in reading more by this author.

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    Final thoughts …
    Sweet, sexy, weepy, touching and thought provoking. This author has created a story that is full of heart and soul and I’m one to happy reader to have been given the book to review. This will be a series to look out for and i’m happily adding this author to my ‘look out for future releases’ list. Don’t delay go grab it readers, enjoy … kisses.

    *Guest reviewer for Dirty girl romance book blog, ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

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    Review: Layers Deep by Lacey Silks

    January 10, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

    He needs her to save a friend.
    She needs him to plan her revenge.
    Their pasts scar them Layers Deep.
    Their passion distracts them…
    …and distractions can be fatal.

    Tristan Cross is battling emotional demons from the past. He lives in a world where trust is earned, loyalties are tested, and love is impossible. That is, until he meets Allie Green. She’s the only woman who can help him find a kidnapped friend and to top it off, she captivates him. All he has to do now is persuade her to work for Cross Enterprises, his top investigations firm.

    Allie Green is a rookie cop seeking revenge and she’s willing to sell her soul to get it. With an opportunity to use Tristan Cross’s resources Allie calculates her time for payback. As vengeance boils her blood she can’t keep her mind off her new boss and Allie finds it difficult to keep her employment professional. With the mouth watering Tristan Cross distracting her, she struggles to prioritize an undercover job she’s been assigned and her hunger for revenge.

    And when you’re ready to give up your life to save someone else, distractions can be fatal.

    Amazon I Barnes & Noble
    4 Stars

    The man had a way of seepig deep into my soul and covering each wound with a permanent band-aid. As if he knew I needed his help.

    Dang that was good. A swoon worthy hero, a feisty smart-mouthed heroine, some hot sex, and a suspense plot all in one. What more could a girl ask for?

    This was my first book by this author, and now it certainly won’t be my last.

    Allie Green is a cop. She’s smart-mouthed, tough, and can kick ass with the best of them. But she’s also running from something, a nightmare from her past that haunts her to this day. There’s only one man she knows of that can help her, Tristan Cross.

    Tristan Cross. Even thinking his name makes my happy place tingle. He had me pretty much when his tattoo was revealed. What? So I’m easy!

    This was an entertaining and steamy read. Was it perfect? Not quite. I wasn’t a fan of the constant reference to Tristan smelling of Old Spice. That is not exactly a cologne I picture a sexy millionaire wearing. Maybe more along the lines of

    Then there was also the terminology. I happen to have an allergy to the term ‘manhood’. Maybe in a contemporary romance. But an erotic one? Yea…no. Then there was this

    He sprang up like a healthy branch and I wrapped my hand around his thickness.

    Inspiring sexy thoughts? Not for me

    The cliffhanger was not quite the crazy one I was expecting. But I was definitely glad I had the second book that I can immediately jump into.

    A sexy, suspenseful, entertaining read that I definitely recommend. You must meet Tristan Cross.

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    ARC Review & Giveaway: Seven Sons by Lili St. Germain

    January 4, 2014 by · 1 Comment

    My father was most certainly NOT an innocent man. As the leader of the Gypsy Brothers MC, he was guilty of many things. But he died for a crime that he didn’t commit, framed by an enemy within who then stole his club and everything he had ever worked to protect.

    Including my innocence.

    When Dornan Ross framed my father, he set into motion a series of events that could never be undone. My father was murdered by Dornan Ross and his sons when I was fifteen years old.

    Before my father died, Dornan Ross and his seven sons stole my innocence, branded my skin and in doing so, ensured that their lives would be prematurely cut short. That they would suffer.

    I’ve just turned twenty-one, and I’m out for blood. I’m out for revenge.

    But I didn’t expect to fall for Jase, the youngest brother in the club.

    I didn’t expect that he would turn my world upside down, yank my heart out of my chest and ride away into the sunset with it.

    Now, I’m faced with an impossible choice – Jase, or avenging my fathers death?

    Buy Links
    Review
    4 stars
    What was born as fear and grief has long since blossomed into hatred and rage.

    Damn. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around how I felt about this book. A dark and gritty debut novel, this was a quick although satisfying tease into what is planned to be a total of 7 books to be released Jan-July.

    It’s difficult to review a book like this, as it is only the first book, and 100 pages long. But I can tell you this, I’m complete sucked it. Although I tend to run screaming from serials, this one gripped me enough that I will be sitting in anticipation of each book being released. Was it perfect? Well, no. There were things that left me with questions, some things I wished were made clearer. But I have a feeling Lili will be growing into her own as an author through this series, and all these questions just might get answered.

    6 Years ago, Juliette suffered a brutality no 15 year old should have to live through. Raped, beaten within an inch of her life and left for dead, she barely survives. In the blink of an eye, she loses everything that has ever mattered; her innocence and her father who was not only brutally murdered but framed for a crime he did not commit.

    Now 6 years later there is only one thing that drive Juliette; revenge. She will not rest until the man responsible for all her pain, along with his sons, pays for all his sins. So she concocts a plan to make them all pay. There was just one thing she did not expect, her feelings for the youngest son, Jace, to come crashing back.

    If you’re expecting a romance, that’s not quite what you’ll get here…yet. There is an undercurrent of something between Jace and Juliette, but it is merely hinted at in this book. I can’t wait to get more of these two together. I can only cross all my fingers in hopes of Lili giving them a HEA.

    As for the other characters…fuck. Dornan Ross is one sick fuck. I did have a hard time understanding how easily some of the things that happened between him and Juliette happened.

    Highlight to view spoiler below:
    She mentions how attractive he is, yet in the same breath she says how much she hates him. I gotta admit, this was a tough one for me to swallow. Considering what she went through at the hands of this man, it’s hard to believe she can appreciate his looks.
    There were a few other things that I felt were a bit off…but again, this might be something that gets explained in future books, so I will not concentrate on those.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more. This was one dark, twisted, and fucked up ride. But then again, that’s how I like them. I’m a huge fan of dark and gritty, and this one is panning out to be a doozy.

    If you’re worried about a cliffy, it’s not so bad. It was more of a chapter ending and ‘to be continued’ than a crazy cliffhanger, which makes it tolerable to wait for the next installment.

    Pictures courtesy of author at: http://lilistgermain.blogspot.com/
    **ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
    About the Author

    Stalk the Author here

     

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    Blog Tour & Giveaway: In The Firelight by Sibylla Matilde

    January 3, 2014 by · 1 Comment

    Date of publication: December 19, 2013

    ** Mature Content, Sexual Situations, Adult Situations, Strong Language **

    She found him on a snowy night. He sparked her desires and inflamed her dreams.

    Independent and feisty, Shea Madison has a tussle on her hands. Living in and loving her quiet little corner of Montana, she’s fiercely determined to fight a real estate developer trying to turn her quaint little mountain town into a touristy ski resort. So, when an outsider shows up to study the effects on the area, she instantly attempts to sway his impression… even if it means a little harmless flirting with the enticing visitor.

    Rhys Weland’s charade has one purpose—to bring the locals around to the idea of the resort, primarily the ringleader, Ms. Shea Madison. Embroiled in his deception, he’s stunned by the feelings she draws from deep inside him. Her integrity and sincerity quickly have him second-guessing his twisted morals. Her spirit arouses his soul. Her sensuality steals his breath.

    In the dark of the night, in the warmth of the fire, the passion smoldering between them combusts. But just when it all seems to make sense, one small stubborn mistake shreds the fragile bond between them. Will an impetuous act reignite their flame, or will their love vanish like sparks in the air?

    Buy Links:

    Amazon I Amazon UK

    Each blog on this tour has a teaser pic. In each one of those teaser pics there is a letter that is different. There are four pictures in total that spell a four letter word. Figure out that word and type in the answer in the Giveaway/Rafflecopter. To get a tour schedule for the day go to https://www.facebook.com/subclubbers each day for the blog tour stops. The Prize? A signed Paperback from Sibylla Matilde herself.

    4 Stars

    In the short time they were together, he had found a part of himself that he didn’t even know existed.

    Having never read a book by this author before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this. One thing is for damn sure, Sibylla Matilde can write one hell of a scorching sex scene. Wow. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this story as much as I did. While there was sex galore, it still managed to have an engaging plot that kept me interested through the whole book. Nothing better than walking into a book with zero expectations and discovering a new author to love. Plus this marks my 300th review, so it holds a special spot for me :))

    Rhys Weland is a playboy, but his womanizing does serve a purpose. Working for a multi-million dollar development firm, Rhys soon finds that while he may be a talented architect, his good looks and charisma can charm the resistance and the pants of those in the way of his boss’s projects. He doesn’t really have a problem with his way of life and work, until his boss throws his latest assignment his way: Shea Madison.

    Shea is the loudest voice against the firm’s plans of a resort in her small town. Rhys is used to his smile charming even the toughest females, but he gets more than he bargained for with Shea.

    Shea was a feisty and foul mouthed heroine that you just can’t help but like. She puts up a good fight against Rhys, but little by little his charm begins to chip at her walls. The fiery hot attraction between them becomes harder and harder to resist.

    Rhys goes from charming to a dirty talking sex beast in no time flat. And you certainly won’t be hearing this girl complaining. I do love me my sexy dirty talkers. Though I have to admit, his penchant for overusing the word “sweetheart” did drive me a little crazy.

    I loved watching the attraction between them form to lust, to scorching hot sex that eventually gave way to feelings. The story was well paced and the sex scenes, while plenty, never took away from the story.

    The epilogue was the perfect icing on the cake.

    A solid 4 star read. If you enjoy sexy dirty talking heroes, feisty heroines, and an engaging plot filled with super hot sex, then you definitely need to read this book.

    Bonus! Alternate POV

    The Fire (Rhys POV)

    A crackle from the fireplace pulled Rhys from a deep sleep, and he immediately had the feeling that something was missing. All around him he could smell her… smell them. But his arms were empty.

    He opened his eyes to see Shea sitting on the hearth staring seriously into the flames. The deep russet tones of her hair haloed by the golden light. She had a blanket tucked up under her arms, and the warmth of the blaze glowed on her flawless skin.

    Fuck…

    She was beautiful.

    She was amazing.

    And she was going to hate his guts.

    He leaned up slightly, bracing himself on his elbow. The sounds of his movement drew her attention, and she slowly turned her head towards him. Her teeth caught her lower lip as she gave him a troubled look. For a moment, they just were motionless, unspeaking. After all the strength she had exuded, all the bravado she had displayed, she suddenly looked fragile. She looked vulnerable.

    A fierce protectiveness arose in him. But what did he want to protect her from? Himself? After all, really, he was her biggest threat. A tight twist self-reproach ripped through his chest, and gut felt heavy, like he had swallowed a stone.

    This wasn’t supposed to happen. This regret was unfathomable. Unsettling.

    And a little voice in the back of his mind kept whispering, Tell her…

    Rhys wrapped the blanket around his hips and stood, walking over to her at the hearth. His heart pounded apprehensively. But, he knew he had to do this. He wasn’t sure why, but he had to come clean.

    It was surreal, this need to confess. Never had there been the slightest inclination in the past. Not once had his conscience weighed heavily on his heart. He sat behind her on the hearth, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her hair, breathing deeply to take her sweet scent into his lungs. Eyes closed, he could see her coming apart beneath him. He could feel her tremble and shake, hear her soft cries as she blissfully shattered around him. As he poured himself into her with a mind-numbing release.

    Tell her…

    “We really need to talk,” he began.

    Shea whispered back quickly. “I don’t want to.”

    “Shea,” Rhys murmured against her neck, “something happened here tonight. This makes things complicated. You have no idea how complicated.” Really… God, she was going to hate him.

    “No,” she continued to stare ahead, not looking at him, but resting her head more firmly on his shoulder. “This is just… this. Tonight. It’s not forever. It’s not life-altering. You’re not staying.”

    Rhys frowned down at her. “Shea—”

    “No, Rhys,” she turned slightly to face him. “Tonight was beautiful, but I’m a realist. I know this isn’t happily ever after. I don’t believe in fairy tales. Tomorrow, we just go back to… whatever. In a few days, you leave. It’s done. I don’t want to talk about it.”

    Whatever? What the fuck? The gnawing ache inside him grew. The torment of wanting her to know the truth, but not wanting her to hate him. The desire for her to be strong and not be hurt by him, yet wanting to know that this had meant something to her… because these emotions swirling through him were bewildering. “Shea, sweetheart, there’s something more going on here.”

    “But there’s not.” Her voice was soft, yet flat. Quiet. Her expression was serene and cool. “There can’t be. You know that. You’re not staying here. You’re here to do your report, and then you’ll be gone.”

    That fucking report. The lie that would ruin her town. Rhys ducked his gaze.

    Yeah, about that report.

    “But that’s—” he murmured.

    Shea’s fingers pressed against his lips, hushing his argument. “Rhys, all I want is right now. I want to sit here with you in the firelight. I want you to kiss me and to hold me.” She lowered her voice and whispered, “I want you to fuck me.”

    Oh fuck.

    What the fuck was wrong with him? This was tearing him to pieces. Damn, he wanted her. He’d have to be dead not to. But, while this all felt so right, everything suddenly felt so incredibly wrong. His part in all this was shit. She had let him inside her, she had trusted him and made him come so fucking hard.

    But she would have never touched him had she known the truth.

    He shook his head. “Shea—” he uttered through the heavy weight in his chest.

    Abruptly, Shea turned and rose up before him, tossing her blanket to the floor. The warm firelight made her bare skin glow, threw shadows across her naked body. The desire became painful as he felt her hands tangle into his hair. Her vulnerability disappeared, and she was suddenly all powerful before him, eradicating the guilt and the regret and replacing them with passion and need.

    “Fuck me, Rhys,” she whispered, and her lips crashed down on his. She wrapped her arms around him as her tongue darted into his mouth, sweeping across his.

    His hands lifted to her hips. The slightest fragment of his mind still screamed. Tell her. But with her soft, smooth skin beneath his hands, with her warmth and her fevered kiss, she quieted the last shred of his conscience. Her hands sifted through his hair and came forward to cup his jaw, scraping her nails across the unshaven angles, and he surrendered himself to her exquisite touch with a shuddering moan.

    Shea lifted her head. “Please, Rhys,” he heard her softly moan. “I ache. I burn. Don’t talk. Please… just taste me.”

    Her hands sifted back through his hair, pulling lightly to guide his lips to her delicious breasts. He ravenously sucked and nipped, feeling a tremulous shiver run through her at his touch. Shea cried out as he drew deeply, massaging one breast with a rough, callused hand as he devoured the other, then switched. She was so soft, so sweet. Her skin was heavenly in his mouth. Her moans made him throb painfully with a need to lose himself again inside her.

    Suddenly, she pulled away. He began to reach for her, but she slipped down to her knees before him and tugged at the blanket he had wrapped around his hips. For a second, she stared at his length, and his heart stopped as she licked her lips and smiled up at him with a heated gaze. She lowered her head and her tongue darted out to sweep along the head of his cock. Her breath caressed him before she licked again, her lips closing over the tip and suckling firmly.

    Rhys was pretty sure he had found Elysium.

    He watched her as her tongue started at the base and laved up his length, her hand bracing him firmly. Again, her soft, hot lips closed over him and took him to the back of her throat.

    “Oh fuck, Shea…” Rhys groaned.

    Fuck. Seriously, fuck.

    Heaven.

    “Your mouth…” he could barely form words. “Your hot little tongue. Oh fucking hell. That’s… Oh…”

    She ran her tongue along him again, exploring the smooth, hard shaft with precision, intensely savoring the taste of him… of herself on him. She slipped her hand across her breast and down her stomach to her own sex as she drew him deep down her throat again. He watched her fingers delve into her wet depths and her moan vibrated against the head of his dick, causing him to nearly detonate right then and there.

    “Oh, yeah, sweetheart… play with your pussy,” Rhys whispered.

    “Do you like that?” Her breath was hot as she whispered against him, over him, around him. “Do you like when I touch myself there?”

    “Jesus… fuck… fucking hot.”

    Her eyes burned into his as she looked up at him. Of their own accord, his hips began to move slightly and he began to fuck her mouth as she brought herself towards blissful release. Suddenly, she was shaking, licking, moaning against him. Rhys lifted her slightly, pulling her away from his aching dick. He roughly guided her back onto the blanket and knelt before her, pulling her towards him as he spread her legs wide, displaying her glistening pussy in the firelight. A second of hesitation as his fingers swept through her slick wetness. His other hand wrapped around his cock and he tugged slightly before he aligned himself with her and pushed in to the hilt with a rushed force.

    Her deep inner muscles were still contracting from her orgasm, and they tightened around him. As he pushed into her, she drew him deeper. She gripped to keep him as he withdrew.

    The friction was awesome.

    “Oh, you feel so good, sweetheart. So hot and wet. So tight.” Rhys reached for one of her ankles, pulling it up to his shoulder, and she compressed around him even tighter. “Fuuuuuuuck, yeah… clamp down on me,” he breathed out with short labored gasps. Their wet skin slapped together, and she began to tremble and convulse beneath him. He watched her as she came apart again, crying out and sobbing incoherently. Seeing her so free, seeing her expression soften and her eyes flicker open to look deeply into his. A fierce shudder ripped through him and he groaned. “Shea… I can’t hold it…”

    For a moment, Rhys felt like his heart stopped beating, as though he was dying from the intense rush of pleasure that surged forth from him. He collapsed on top of her, still buried deep inside, still feeling the contractions of her beautiful pussy tightening around him.

    He never wanted to move.

    Ever.

    He would have sold his soul at that moment to stay right there, a part of her, forever. Shea attempted to draw a breath, and the struggle roused him enough that he lifted up above her a little, putting his weight on his elbow.

    He looked down at her, at her dark lashes fanning across her cheeks. The rise and fall of her soft breasts as she relaxed, bathed in the dancing light of the fire. She was practically listless… spent.

    She was heaven personified.

    Little by little, the poisonous guilt crept back into his heart.

    She barely responded as Rhys lifted her and the blanket and carried her back over to the couch. He tucked her along the back, pulling the soft blanket over her. Moving quickly, he placed another piece of wood on the fire and stoked the blaze a bit before he joined her, pulling her close and tugging the blanket over the top of them.

    He had to tell her.

    He breathed a heavy sigh and pressed his lips against her forehead. His arms tightened around her and nuzzled his face into her hair.

    Tell her…

    “Shea, we really should talk about this…”

    “No,” she breathed sleepily against his chest. Sated and fulfilled. “It will just ruin it. Sleep… we really need to sleep,” she yawned heavily and closed her eyes as she curled into his embrace. His fingertips traced the softness of her skin, along her shoulder and down her back.

    “Shea…” he murmured again.

    Shea didn’t respond. She was out cold, sleeping soundly against his twisted, tortured heart.

    “Fuck, Shea,” he whispered against her hair. “What am I going to do about you?”

    About the Author

    Sibylla Matilde grew up in the mountain valleys of Southwest Montana exploring the dusty Old West gold country on the back of a horse. She attended a two-room schoolhouse beginning in 1st grade & had the same teacher until she changed schools after 7th. Beginning at about age 12, Sibylla discovered historical romance, feeding off of work of Jude Deveraux & Lisa Kleypas. She loves a book that can make the reader run the gamut of emotions, from the sweet glow of new love to gut-wrenching heartache. She is a true romantic & always has stories floating around in her head, living in a fantasyland until she writes them down to free them.

    Music is her emotional trigger. Growing up with a Wagnarian-loving mother, Sibylla was raised to treasure music that digs deep into the psyche, drawing out elation, sorrow, grief, desire. The soundtrack to her life includes many genres spanning centuries. She looooooooves Thirty Seconds to Mars (rather obsessively, actually… but, really, how can you NOT be crazy about this guy!? Jared Leto. Shhh. ) & pimps them out to all her friends through Spotify. She also delights in Met Opera HD broadcasts at her local movie theater & hopes (listening Met?) to someday see Diana Damrau reprise her role as Mozart’s Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte.

    Sibylla lives with her husband and hero who saved her from her own calamitous, young-adult self. He makes her laugh daily, even when things are tough. He’s proved to her that love really can heal a shattered soul. In 18 years, they have never had a fight, although argue regularly with their two teenage kids who have, unfortunately, inherited their father’s quick wit (unfortunate as it is a quick wit that Sibylla, herself, definitely does not possess – there is a reason she is a writer & not a stand-up comedian). They live a quiet life with their two weird little rescued Chiweenies. Wait… teenagers & little yap-dogs? OK, maybe not so quiet.

    Author’s Social Links
    Twitter I Goodreads I Facebook I Pinterest

    Giveaway

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    ARC Review: Fighting Love by Abbi Niles

    December 30, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

    After the MMA scandal of the year, former Middleweight champion Tommy “Lightning” Sparks’s career is in shambles. While he fights to get back on his feet, he’s forced to swallow his pride and move in with his best friend, Julie. But righting his own wrongs won’t be his only battle. Another fighter has his sights set on Julie, and for the first time Tommy’s place in her life is threatened.

    Julie Rogers fell for Tommy the day he helped her find her lost puppy at ten years old. As a thirty-two-year-old veterinarian, she still has her love for animals—and for Tommy. Over the years, she’s come to accept that Tommy will never look at her with anything other than brotherly love. After he moves in, the feelings she’s kept locked away threaten to burst through their restraints.

    Terrified of losing their friendship, Julie resolves to date another fighter and let go of Tommy. But as she beings to move on, Tommy starts to see her with new eyes. Now, he’s more determined to than ever to emerge the victor and become the man she deserves, before he loses the only woman who means everything to him.

    Amazon I Barnes & Noble
    4 stars

    It takes losing everything you have to realize what meant the most.

    I’m pretty sure whenever I see the words MMA fighter, my slutty little one-clicker starts moaning like she’s at a porn convention and screaming at me

    So what’s a girl to do? Give in of course!

    Like you don’t have your own trigger words. Psh! This one just happens to be mine. Nothing I like better than a hot MMA fighter. Throw in the best friends to lovers trope and I am one happy girl.
    So did I love this one? Meh…not quite. I did like it. But there were just a few things that kept this from being a 4 star for me.

    Tommy “Lightning” Sparks has lost it all; his Middleweight champion title along with his professional MMA career. He has no one to blame but himself, and he knows this. But then his house along with all he owns goes up in flames. Luckily his best friend Julie is there for him and offers a place to live for the time being.

    Julie Rogers has been in love with Tommy since she was 10 years old. But she knows that nothing will ever come of those feelings, since all Tommy sees her as is a sister. Their lives are too different, but that doesn’t stop her from still having feelings for him.

    But when they’re living together, all of a sudden Tommy starts to see that he might see Julie as something other than his best friend.

    No matter how hard either of them fought this attraction, and even if they succeeded, their relationship had changed forever.
    The only question was…would they still be together in the end? Or would they both spend forever apart…and alone?


    Now here is where the story got a whole lot frustrating for me. Tommy realizes that he has feelings for Julie, but he fights it. What begins is a lot of ‘I want you’ but ‘I’m not good enough for you’. Followed by a bunch of sexual tension and no follow through. Add in Tommy’s penchant of running away from any sort of conversation about this, and I was at my wit’s end.

    I mean good god! The man frustrated me to no end. He made a whole bunch of assumptions that were pretty much always wrong. I forgot at a point that I was reading a book about 2 characters in their 30s. The way both of them behaved at times made me feel like I was reading a NA book.

    That’s not to say that I didn’t like Julie, because I did. When she was sick of Tommy running from her and his feelings, she did not take it sitting down. The girl was all

    And seduced the hell out of him. I liked that while she was down to earth and had a backbone. She was the perfect match to Tommy.

    So while I didn’t love it, I did enjoy it. The ending was very satisfying and I loved the way that Tommy fought for Julie. And the speech he made at the end may or may not have brought a tear to my eye :)[His speech in the end almost brought a tear to my eye. (hide spoiler)]

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

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    ARC Review: Knight & Day by Kitty French

    December 25, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

    Kara Brookes hates liars.

    Dylan Day hasn’t told the truth from the moment his plane touched down in Ibiza.

    It’s a recipe for disaster.

    Romantic, emotional and intensely erotic, Knight & Day is the thrilling final installment of the USA Today bestselling Knight Series from Kitty French.

    Lucien and Sophie are back, and have set up camp on the sun-drenched isle of Ibiza for the opening of the latest of Lucien’s strictly adult clubs.
    They’re joined for the summer by Sophie’s best friend Kara, and Dylan Day, Lucien’s newly appointed club manager.
    The laid back, smokin’ hot surf guy from California seems almost too good to be true… but there’s no smoke without fire.

    It’s going to be a long hot summer of love, lust, lies and wedding bells. But who will get their happy ever after?

    Knight & Day is the thrilling conclusion to the USA Today best-selling Knight erotic trilogy. Whilst it can be read as a stand alone story, it’s best enjoyed as the finale of the set.

    4 Erotic Stars

    I’d rather have ugly truths than pretty lies

    That gif? That’s basically how I feel every time I pick up a Kitty French book. I just know that I am in for some major hotness and pantie melting steam. And let me just tell you, this book definitely delivered that…and then some. A gorgeous setting, a feisty heroine, and a swoon worthy hero, what more could a girl ask for?

    After being left at the alter by her cheating fiance, Kara Brookes is done with liars. A woman that keeps a feisty and tough exterior, she keeps an endearingly emotional part of her hidden inside.


    Kara was the toughest person in the world, until she wasn’t, and then she fell to pieces. But she did it in a scary, private way that allowed her to stay looking perfect on the outside while on the inside she was broken glass.


    Dylan Day is a man trying to escape his past. The isle of Ibiza offers the perfect escape for anonymity. But when he gets a job as Lucien Knight’s club manager, he finds himself inexplicably attracted to the feisty and refreshingly direct Kara.

    The attraction between them is palpable, but Kara is determined to resistthe sexual pull of Dylan


    You like things that are bad for you, English.”
    “It’s my downfall. I like sugar. I like fast cars. I like sexy men.
    I let myself have the sugar. And the cars.”
    “Two out of three ain’t bad.”


    But soon enough the attraction proves to be too much for both of them and the sexual sparks begin to fly.


    You like dirty talk, English?”
    “You want me to tell you how good it feels to spread your legs wide open and fuck you with my fingers?” He crooked his fingers inside her, finding her g-spot and massaging it.
    “You want me to tell you how much I love watching your mouth when you’re excited, and feeling your clit swell when I touch it? How much I want to lick it right now? To taste you, to feel you come in my mouth?” “Or maybe you want me to tell you how hard my cock is for you, and how it’s actually fucking hurting me because I want to screw you so badly? Is that it, Kara?”

    I ask you, what woman in her right mind can resist that. Not this one, that’s for damn sure. And Kara was no exception.

    Dylan was one delicious walking orgasm. Everything that came out of the man’s mouth got me hot.

    But can their whirlwind affair survive the secrets and lies?

    I really enjoyed this last installment of the Knight series. It was erotic and scorchingly hot. Exactly how I like my books. I loved Kara and her no filter mouth. She was feisty, flirty, and extremely endearing; my favorite type of heroine. Dylan, don’t even get me started on him. I fell for him right away. He was just all kinds of delicious.

    So why not 5 stars? Well, the mixing POVs did not really work for me. I understand that this was a continuation of Sophie and Lucien’s story, but it felt like it was too much in this book. It was almost like they were squeezed in just to make an appearance, if that even makes sense. Don’t get me wrong, the continuation of their story was romantic and sweet, and the end brought tears to my eyes. But the jumping POVs that went from Dylan to Kara to Sophie to Lucien with no clear transitions got to be confusing. I think I would have like to have more Dylan and Kara in this book, since the primary focus seemed to be their story.

    If you like sexy and erotic romances with super hot dirty talk, don’t pass this book up. I for one can’t wait to see what Kitty French has up her sleeve next.

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

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