Review: Chasing Bliss by Lexi Blake

April 24, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

CHASING BLISS
Series: Nights In Bliss #7
Genre: Erotic Romance, Menage, Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 23, 2019

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

Gemma Wells came to Bliss, Colorado, after a scandal cost her everything. Utterly lost, she’s built walls so high, she thinks no one can get through them. She’s done with love and friendship and all matters of the heart.

Jesse McCann and Cade Sinclair have floated through life, enjoying the world around them, but not becoming a part of it. One look at the pretty attorney and Jesse realizes he’s found a reason to stay put. Cade is crazy about her, but his dark past keeps him at arm’s length. He wants her, but he’s sure he doesn’t deserve her.

But a secret from Gemma’s past threatens to wreck their futures. Her fiancé is back and brings danger with him. Time is running out. Jesse and Cade have to melt this Ice Queen’s heart or she might not leave Bliss alive.

AMAZON

The one who hugged me is Jesse McCann, and he’s apparently a bit of a pervert. The one who’s running away is the man formerly known as Bare-Chested Ape Man. His real name is Cade. Sinclair, I think. Apparently he likes to be naked. Like a lot. This place is weird.”
Naomi grinned. “This place is awesome. So you’re being pursued by a nudist and a Dom?”

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this series is my crack. A guilty pleasure read that always leaves me satisfied with just the right amount of action and suspense drizzled around an enticingly sexy MFM romance. The fictional town of Bliss makes for a charming background filled with quirky and vivid secondary characters that I’ll never get enough of.

After meeting Cade and Jesse in the previous book, I was more than ready for their story. Two sexy mechanics? Bring it on, I say. Of course, in true series fashion, one of them will ultimately be the damaged one and the other be pushing forward for love. And while it may sound formulaic, it never gets old for me. Cade is the standoffish one to Jesse’s lighter side. Though Jesse definitely has his own frustrating quirks himself. And while admittedly I got tired of Cade’s constant push back, I liked the way that Jesse’s easy going demeanor balanced out the dynamic.

Gemma is a heroine that was impossible not to like for me. The woman hides a soft heart beneath a brash and snarky exterior. And yes, this may be because I found her to be my spirit animal, but i just couldn’t help but find her endearing. This is a woman that’s been through a lot and life hardened her edges. She’s slow to trust and she has no problem putting someone in their place. It takes a lot for Jesse to find get to that delicate center she hides so well. And when Cade discovers that she’s not quite the ball buster big city chick that she comes across as, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

I loved the way Gemma gave them both hell and I definitely loved the way they both worked for her in their own right. While I did get frustrated with each of them at some points in the story, I still couldn’t get enough. The action and suspense was perfectly paced and of course I loved more glimpses of my poor broken Michael. I can’t wait for his book! As for this one, it was another fantastic addition to one addicting series!

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Review: At The Pleasure of the President by @Shayla_Black & @authorlexiblake

April 9, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

AT THE PLEASURE OF THE PRESIDENT
Series: The Perfect Gentleman #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Author: Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 9, 2019

The thrilling conclusion of the twisting, page-turning Perfect Gentlemen series!

When a dangerous conspiracy threatens to tear them apart, he’ll have to choose between his country and the woman he loves…

Decades ago, ambitious Zack Hayes set his sights on the White House. He’s worked his whole life to become the leader of the free world—attending the right schools, marrying the perfect bride—all to aid his campaign. He didn’t realize someone behind the scenes has been pulling the strings to manipulate Zack and the country he loves into a dangerous position—one he will risk his life to wrench free from. The one thing he can’t risk is Elizabeth Matthews.

From the moment she met Zack Hayes, Liz felt the connection. Serving as his campaign manager and then his press secretary, she accepted that her love for him would remain unrequited. Still, she’d thought they were friends, so when he pushed her aside, she felt the stab in her heart. And when she realizes he’s done it to protect her, nothing will stop Liz from standing by his side—not even the men who would use her as a weapon against him.

As shocking secrets are revealed, Zack and Liz find succor and passion in each other’s arms. When the ultimate villain shows his face, Zack may have to choose between his country and the woman he loves…

AMAZON

He wasn’t a man given to impatience, but then he’d never craved anyone the way he did Elizabeth.

If you’re looking for a book to keep you up all night and a series that you will never want to end, look no further. Because this phenomenal series couldn’t have ended with a better book. An epic conclusion to one epic thrill ride full of twists and turns, action and suspense, and scorching hot romance!!!

I’ve spent 5 books waiting on pins and needles for Mr. President, Zach Hayes to finally get his book. The tension and chemistry between him and Elizabeth is like a reader’s foreplay that lasts for 4 books. And by the end of Smoke and Sin, you’re left desperate for answers and utterly invested in Zach and Elizabeth’s HEA, and rabid to get your hands on the final book. And let me just tell you, this was worth every minute of the agonizing wait!!!

He sent her a feral smile and sauntered closer, pure need coursing through his veins as he tore off that strangling mental leash that had held him back for so long and reached for her.

I’ve loved Elizabeth from book one. This sharp witted and strong willed Press Secretary is never afraid to voice her mind. And when it comes to the games that Zach has been playing with her heart in order to keep her safe, she’s had enough. Once she learns the reason that he’s been keeping her at arm’s length, all bets are off. She was the perfect balance to Zach’s intensity. And the man is all kinds of intense! They say that still waters run deep, and the man sure has some intensity behind his calm and professional persona. Elizabeth has always been his weakness and he’s done denying it.

There’s also a secondary subplot that runs flawlessly to the story that only adds another addicting element to an already fantastic plot. I won’t tell you what the subplot is, but I will tell you that it was utterly DELICIOUS.

This book was a page-turner from beginning to finish. There were so many twists and turns that I thought my head would explode. I couldn’t put it down for even a second and ended up reading it in one sitting and licking my fingers afterwards. If you’re looking for a series that will keep you glued to your kindle, you’ve found your next addition. I can’t recommend it enough!

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#DGRFave & Review: Smoke and Sin by @Shayla_Black & @authorlexiblake

April 8, 2019 by · 2 Comments

SMOKE AND SIN
Series: The Perfect Gentleman #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Author: Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Release Date: September 26, 2017

More than a decade ago, Roman Calder had a scorching affair with the sister of one of his best friends. Augustine Spencer drove him so crazy he thought of nothing but her. The only thing they did more often than heat the sheets was fight. Unprepared for the intensity of their relationship, Roman broke things off and concentrated on things that made sense to him: his career and putting his best friend, Zack Hayes, in the White House.

Gus Spencer is known to Washington insiders as the president’s secret weapon. Gorgeous and brilliant, Gus runs the press pool with the determination of a shark. No one dares to cross her, not when she’s known for having a spine of steel…but long ago one man melted her down. Despite the fact that she’ll never forgive Roman for breaking her heart, now that they work together she can’t get him off her mind.

When a dangerous investigation leads both Roman and Gus to London, the heat between them becomes unbearable. As they begin to unravel an international conspiracy, they find themselves falling all over again. But when a killer threatens their world, can they fight to stay together or will the sins of their past keep them forever apart?

AMAZON

Nothing has ever made me feel as alive as you.”
“And no one has ever broken me the way you did, Roman.”


Holy.
Mother.
Of.
All.
Things.
EPIC.

This book. THIS BOOK was everything!!! My favorite book in the series so far, Smoke and Sin has absolutely blown me away. I was glued to the pages well into the night, completely incapable of setting it down for even a second.

From what I knew of Gus from previous books, I already knew I was going to love her. What I didn’t expect was to love her as much as I did. There is nothing I love more than a sex positive heroine. And Gus owned her sexuality. This is a woman that finds no shame in her beauty and sexuality and has no issues flaunting it. She wasn’t pining away for the hero without notches on her own bedpost, and I love that. I’m so sick of these heroines that basically go on a sex hiatus in the years that they spend apart from the hero. It’s completely unrealistic and I loved that Gus didn’t stop living her life after hot and brief affair with Roman went up in fiery flames.

The danger this man posed to her was real. When they were close, she couldn’t think about anything except how it felt to be wrapped up in his embrace, how good it was to be the center of all that ruthless attention.

This is a second chance romance with a bit of enemies to lovers thrown in and I couldn’t get enough of it. It gave me life!

Roman doesn’t have the nickname of The Hitman for nothing. As the president’s Chief Of Staff, the man is ruthless and all about the facts. He’s never gotten over Gus and while it’s been years since they’ve been together, he still pines for her…even though Gus can barely stand the sight of him. These two had an extremely antagonistic relationship that had this incredible layer of chemistry underneath it.

Gus never forgave Roman for breaking her heart but she’s no longer the naive girl that once fell for him. She’s fiery, smart, sharp-witted and has an even sharper tongue. She’s not shy about putting anyone in their place, especially Roman.

There’s so much that happens in this book, and the continuing series story arc truly comes to a head with the mother of all plot twists. I was left with my jaw on the floor and desperate for the next book.

Please note that this is not meant to be read as a standalone. While each book focuses on a different couple, there is a continuing story arc that goes through each book. And if you haven’t read the previous books, you would be very lost.

A totally addicting, twisty, page-turner from beginning to finish, this book owned me! I can’t wait for the conclusion!

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Review: Pure Bliss by Lexi Blake

March 5, 2019 by · Leave a Comment

PURE BLISS
Series: Nights In Bliss #6
Genre: Erotic Romance, Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: March 5, 2019

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

The town of Bliss, Colorado, offered Hope McLean a second chance at life, a gift she cherishes every day. Her past was dominated by dark secrets and regret, most of which centered on a man named Christian Grady. All of that was behind her now, years of horror distilled down into the occasional nightmare or a random feeling of being watched. Surrounded by new friends, she tried hard to leave the past where it belonged—in the rearview mirror.

Raised together, James Glen and Noah Bennett were the best of friends. They dreamed of growing up in Bliss, finding love, and settling down to share their lives on the Circle G ranch. James would manage the day-to-day operations of the ranch while Noah served the town as the resident veterinarian. Everything was perfectly planned out, until a woman came between them and their future shattered. Noah left Bliss for New York City and James was left to struggle to keep the Circle G alive on his own.

Noah returns to Bliss on a mission to rebuild his life. When he sees Hope, he knows his return home was meant to be. Hope’s kindness shines like a beacon calling him to her. Unfortunately, he isn’t the only man interested in Hope. James is also interested in the beautiful girl with a mysterious past. He can’t be forced to choose between the woman of his dreams and his best friend again.

As romance begins to bloom, a dark specter from Hope’s past returns to claim her. To save Hope, and themselves, James and Noah will have to rebuild the relationship they lost and fight for their future with Hope together.

AMAZON

She’s going to learn her place.” Hope gasped, an irritated sound. “And where is that?”
“Between us, baby,” James said, taking over where Noah had left off. “Always between us.”

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this series is one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads. It packs emotion with sizzling hot MFM romance, wonderfully broken and multi-layered characters, and a perfectly paced suspenseful underlayer to make for one page-turner of a read!

James has been a character that I’ve been curious about since he first made an appearance in the series. I loved the fact that James himself was the son of a triad family dynamic. Sharing is pretty much in his blood. And while Noah isn’t his brother by blood, their fathers shared their stepmother, and showed them that a happy relationship with three people is possible. Noah and James are brothers in all ways that count. That is until a woman comes between them and severs a bond that they thought was unbreakable.

Years later, James is still not over the wound his brother’s leaving left. None of his relationships have been more than a night spent between the sheets. Which is also why he’s been avoiding Hope, because he knows without even trying, that she’d be so much more. But when a promise to keep her safe puts him fully in his crosshairs, he knows he can’t stay away. Then the sudden reappearance of his brother throws everything for a loop, especially when he seems to want Hope as much as he does.

I really loved Noah, even more than James at times. This man had his heart and trust broken by a gold digger, and yet he doesn’t let that color his future. He still believes in love and happily ever after, and while his ex wife left a stain, she didn’t ruin him. I adored him for this. James is definitely the cynical one in this relationship. I loved the push and pull he and Noah have with Hope. They truly fought like two siblings only could over a desired possession. But Hope was having none of it. I loved that she gave as good as she got. She’s not afraid to put either brother in his place.

There’s the added layer of suspense with Hope’s past and the mystery of what happened. I couldn’t wait to unravel all of her secrets and to see what happened to make her run so fast and hide.

Pure Bliss was everything I’ve come to expect from Lexi Blake; sexy, suspenseful, emotional, and a total page turner. I can’t wait for more in this series!

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Review: Lost And Found by @authorlexiblake

February 26, 2019 by · 2 Comments

LOST AND FOUND
Series: Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten #2
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: February 26, 2018

Owen Shaw and his “brothers” lost everything, their entire existence erased. Science had robbed he and all the Lost Boys of their memories and their past, but not their future. Hunted by every intelligence agency in the world, they are focused on two goals: find a cure for what was done to them and ensure that the technology that ruined their lives doesn’t get out into the world. Rebecca Walsh might be the key to achieving both. Owen has been studying her closely, living in her building, and he cannot resolve how such a beautiful, giving woman could have helped design the evil process that destroyed his past.

Dr. Rebecca Walsh has dedicated her life to researching the secrets of the mind. Her atmospheric rise in her field was fueled by the horror of watching her mother’s agonizing journey into madness at the hands of a disease with no cure. She vowed to never rest until she finds it. But obsession takes a heavy toll, and when Owen moves into her building she realizes how much of her life she has missed out on. Owen opens her eyes to a whole new world, filled with joy, laughter, and possibly love.

Owen and Rebecca grow closer, unraveling more about each other and the mysteries surrounding her connection to Hope McDonald. As the sinister forces working against the Lost Boys descend on Toronto, secrets long buried are uncovered that could shatter the bonds holding the Lost Boys together and cost Rebecca her life.

AMAZON

Somehow this woman had invaded his soul and taken up all the empty spaces. 

The mistress of sexy espionage strikes again! Lost and Found was one deliciously action-packed ride that was full of twists and turns and brimming with passion!

I’ve been looking forward to Owen’s book for a long time. Owen has been a character that I’ve been curious about ever since Submission is Not Enough. A man that was dealt with an impossible choice; save his mother and sister by betraying his team. Unfortunately not only does he betray his team, he loses his family anyway, right along with his memory. Now driven by the need to right the wrongs that he can’t remember, Owen is determined to do anything his team needs to get the job done. This is a hero that’s impossible not to fall for. There’s something so vulnerable and raw about him. How do you recover from making a choice that leads to the ultimate betrayal but not remember what led you there?

Rebecca is a brilliant doctor and researcher. She’s dedicated her life to finding the cure to degenerative neurological diseases and their effect on memory. With the possibility of a connection to the evil Dr. McDonald, she also may hold the key to many of the answers that Ezra and his team are desperately seeking.

I’ll admit, at first I was afraid I wouldn’t like Rebecca. I thought she may be the stereotypical brainiac that’s shy, introverted, and awkward. Yes, I know, apparently I can be judgy. But she was none of those things. Yes, she was adorably quirky, but not in the way you’d expect. This is a woman that’s trying to get herself out there after a bitter divorce. She’s eager to experience everything life has to offer and say yes to things one small experience at a time.

She’s supposed to be just a mission to Owen, but the minute that he comes face to face with the beautiful doctor, the chemistry between them is instant. He and his team have subtly inserted themselves in her life and her building. Owen refuses to believe the lively woman could have knowingly made the drug that cost them all their memories. But nothing is ever what it seems in the word of Lexi Blake.

I devoured this book, y’all! I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I was at the edge of my seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And as Owen and Rebecca grew closer, I was anxiously waiting for the time that she’d realize that Owen is not at all who he seems to be. I loved the two of them together and the way they seemed to bring out a certain strength in the other. They were both such multilayered characters that held so much depth. I couldn’t get enough of them together.

The plot certainly begins to thicken with more revelations of Tucker’s connection to Dr. McDonald, Green’s ultimate plan, and other tidbits of the lost boys. I loved getting more Ari and Robert, and can’t wait for their book next. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t foaming at the mouth for both Tucker and Ezra’s books. As more details unravel about “Dr. Razor”, my fascination with him is turning dang near rabid.

Lost and Found was everything I’ve come to love about Lexi’s books. The woman knows how to draw the reader in, hook them and keep them riveted to the pages. She effortlessly combines espionage with action, suspense, and just a touch of BDSM to make you addicted to the series. I never thought I’d say that I love a spin-off series more than my beloved Masters and Mercenaries series, but here we are!

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Review: Siren In Bloom by Lexi Blake

November 6, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

SIREN IN WAITING
Series: Texas Sirens #6
Genre: Erotic Romance, Menage, MFM
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: November 6, 2018

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

For psychologist Leo Meyer, peace and comfort come through strict discipline and order. It’s one of the reasons he was chosen by Julian Lodge to be the Dom in residence at his club. His time there has been a near-perfect existence filled with a daily routine free from the chaos of emotional attachment. With the exception of his brief relationship with Shelley McNamara, that is. She may have been the only woman he ever truly loved, but he was confident he had put her out of his mind until she walked into his club on the arm of another man.

Shelley McNamara is tired of waiting for her new life to begin. After finally finding freedom from an abusive marriage, she is eager to discover who she really is. After her encounter with Leo Meyer, she knows that the first thing she wants to explore is the lifestyle he exposed her to during their brief time together. She’s been promised her new Dom will be an excellent fit, but she can’t imagine anyone could fill the hole left by Leo. Until she sees Master Wolf.

After a devastating injury forced his retirement from the Navy SEALs, Wolf has been restless and lost. Hoping to reconnect with his estranged family in Dallas, Wolf accepted a new job working for Julian Lodge. His first assignment is training a beautiful woman named Shelley. Her fiery nature unlocks feelings he didn’t know he was capable of after a life spent in combat. The closer they become, the more certain he is that she is his ideal mate. The only catch is that her relationship with Leo may not be as resolved as they both believed.

Just when Shelley believes the looming shadow of her deceased husband has finally cleared away, a dangerous killer arrives at her door seeking retribution. Leo and Wolf will have to put their grievances aside, leverage all their training, and work together to keep her safe and claim her heart.

AMAZON

This series has a formula that just does it for me each and every single time. It just works. Lexi sure knows how to write one deliciously sinful menage, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. I also loved the crossover of series here between the Texas Sirens and Bliss. For those that love Bliss like I do, you’ll be excited to see Logan make an appearance here. But of course the stars of the story are Leo, Wolf and Shelley.

Leo has always had a thing for Shelley. Unfortunately Shelley has always been the woman that he wanted but couldn’t have. Shelley may not be happily married, but she’s still taken. When he finally puts his heart on the line and takes a chance, she turns him down and changes the course of their relationship. Now her husband is out of the picture, her life has been tilted on its axis through everything she’s been through, and she’s still desperately in love with Leo that looks right through her. Enter Julian with his solution; a Dom to introduce her to the lifestyle…who also happens to be Leo’s younger brother.

I love the relationship development in these books. There’s always the one man that’s all in and then there’s the broody one. Wolf was all in the second he laid eyes on Shelley. He knew she was the one and he’s determined to make things work. He also knows that the only future they have is if his stubborn brother finally sees the light. Shelley was a wonderful heroine. She certainly gives as well as she takes. And with two Doms like Leo and Wolf, let’s just say she takes a lot. Uhem.

There’s also the added element of suspense with the plot against Shelley’s life and plenty of action to spice things up. That made this already deliciously addicting read a quick paced page turner. Another fantastic addition in what’s now become my guilty pleasure series. Huge rec if you enjoy a well written MFM.

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Review: Lost In Bliss by Lexi Blake

September 27, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

LOST IN BLISS
Series: Nights In Bliss #4
Genre: BDSM Romance, Romantic Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: September 25, 2018

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

Laura Niles walked out the door and never looked back. As she left Washington, DC, her career was in ruins and her love life decimated. Her desperate flight eventually led her to Bliss, Colorado, where she managed to find a new home and a little peace. That will have to be enough because Laura cannot imagine finding happiness without the men she left behind.

For five years, Rafe Kincaid and Cameron Briggs have searched for the only woman they ever loved. When she disappeared, everything became crystal clear. For one night, everything had been perfect and instead of embracing what they had found, they let it all slip away. They had let worries about their FBI careers and what others might think destroy the most precious gift they had ever been given. Now they have finally tracked her down, and they want answers.

Laura is shocked when her former loves show up in her new home. When the full force of the FBI arrives with them, Laura knows that the quirky little town is in for a rough ride. The killer that ruined her life has been watching and waiting for the opportunity to strike again. For Rafe, Cam, and Laura it’s time for second chances — to stop a monster, and to reclaim everything they lost.

AMAZON

But maybe love was a lot of different things. Maybe love was a word that defied simple explanation.

Know what I love more than a delicious second chance romance? A second chance romance where the man makes the mother of all mistakes and then have to grovel his way back in. Make that two men instead of one, add in a tough as nails heroine with just the right amount of softness to her, and wrap it around one action packed story and you’ve got yourself a winner!

This was Second Chance Romance meets Criminal Minds and I devoured it in one sitting!

Five years ago Laura was a profiler with the FBI and her profile on a notorious serial killer landed her in his sights. Barely surviving her capture, she ran as far away from DC as she could. She had nothing to come back for with her career in ruins and the two men that she fell for having made a choice that ultimately almost cost her life. She’s settled in Bliss and she’s making a life for herself, but she’s never moved on from the two men she left behind.

Rafe was an elegant bird of prey, whileCam was a huge tiger stalking his next meal.

Rafe and Cam have been searching desperately for the woman that left them for years. When they finally catch wind of her at Bliss, nothing can keep them away. Unfortunately, the serial killer is hot on their heels and determined to finish what he started five years ago.

This was such an addicting read! If you’re a Criminal Minds fan like me, you’ll be just as glued to the pages. The author gives the reader just enough of a peek inside his head to truly hook you. And while the sizzling hot romance takes place, so does the investigation and hunt for the ruthless killer.

Of course you get the quirky people of Bliss along the way. And I get my female version of Ian Taggard with the sassy Rachel.

When Callie goes into the hospital, I’m going to tell those doctors to put all the drugs they have into her epidural. All of them. And don’t you even talk about a silent birth. There’s nothing silent about birth. It’s loud. First there’s the screaming because of the contractions, and then there’s some man whining about me breaking his hand. That wasn’t what I wanted to break that day, let me tell you.”

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Laura’s strength and vulnerabilities. She’s survived something horrible, and while it left both internal and external scars on her, she’s still an incredibly strong woman. She doesn’t take any bull, especially from the two men that come in guns blazing determined to win her back.

I loved the balance of sweet and rough with Cam and Rafe. And while there’s nothing sexual in their relationship, their bond was evident. Lost In Bliss was a sizzling MFM menage with plenty of feels and even more suspense. We also get to see the story with Holly, Alexei, and Caleb develop further. I can’t wait to get my hands on their book!

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Review: Siren In Waiting by Lexi Blake

September 4, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

SIREN IN WAITING
Series: Texas Sirens #5
Genre: Erotic Romance, Menage, MFM
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: September 4, 2018

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

Bethany “Mouse” Hobbes spent her entire life waiting, especially for the love of Bo O’Malley. But for the first time in her life, she is ready to start living, with or without him. She has found her dream, restoring a rustic farmhouse on the outskirts of town.

Trev McNamara left Deer Run a high school hero and has returned, his football career in ruins. When Trev meets Mouse, he discovers a passion strong enough to overcome his past. But can she accept his need for control?

Bo O’Malley has lived his whole life in the shadow of his brother, never committing to anything or anyone. When the woman he secretly loved all his life begins an affair with the man who betrayed his trust, Bo will do anything to claim her as his own.

Transformed by their love, will Mouse be enough woman for both of them?

AMAZON

This is it. You understand? This isn’t sex. This is the rest of my life. I won’t ever leave you. I won’t ever touch another woman.” 

I’m not usually a reader that enjoys super shy mousy heroines. So when you have a book in which the heroine’s nickname is “Mouse”, you give it some serious thought. Unless that book is written by Lexi Blake. Then you just dive in without batting an eyelash and be glad you did.

If you’re a fan of the unrequited love trope like me, you’re going to love this story! I became intrigued by Bo O’Malley in Siren Beloved. He comes across as the ne’er-do-well good time boy, but beneath the surface is the heart of a wounded man. And while we got bits and pieces of that in the previous book, it really becomes apparent here. Bo is a man of many layers. Bethany “Mouse” Hobbes has been in love with Bo since childhood but he’s only ever seen her as his best friend. She’s always been there for him in what’s at times seemed like a very one sided relationship. Mouse is very much the epitome of her nickname in the beginning of the book.

He was never serious about those women, but one day Bo O’Malley was going to fall in love, and it wouldn’t be with her. He considered her a friend, a sister. They had an odd relationship, and there was no way it would last. When he found a serious girlfriend, she would be out.

Trev was the true draw of this book for me though. He’s such a tortured and broken soul, yet there’s something so powerful about his presence. This is a man that almost lost everything to his addictions until he truly hit rock bottom. D/s was a part of his saving grace, but discovering he’s a Dom doesn’t cure him. He’s forever a slave to fighting his addiction. Trev has such a magnetic presence to him and the minute he’s back in the small town of Deer Run, it becomes clear that things are about to tilt on their axis. The town doesn’t want him and the gossip mill truly gets their fodder the second his sets his sights on Mouse.

Sometimes he was sure he was two utterly different people. There was the dumbass addict who didn’t care about anything beyond his next high, and the caveman who thought everything belonged to him. Those two sides of him fought constantly for control. He needed to make her understand.

I loved watching the budding relationship with him and Beth. And I truly loved watching Beth bloom into a woman she’s meant to be under his attentions. She’s sweet but fierce in her loyalty and love. She’s impossible not to love. This was a menage but an MFM. And while I love me my boy touching books, but I’ll admit that I really loved this change of pace. Their triage is unique yet no less powerful and loving. I loved watching all three of these characters grow into their own and find strength in each other.

Siren In Waiting was such a satisfying and sinfully sexy romance. With a dash of suspense thrown in, it was a guaranteed one-sitting sort of read that I loved from beginning to end.

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Review: One To Keep by Lexi Blake

August 14, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

ONE TO KEEP
Series: Nights In Bliss #3
Genre: BDSM Romance, Romantic Suspense
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: August 7, 2018

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

Stefan Talbot likes order and control. He approaches his life with the same meticulous precision that he uses to put paint on his canvas. Nothing good comes from chaos, and that is why he has refused to allow himself to get close to Jennifer Waters. They are like fire and ice. Though she is younger, her talent as an artist is unquestionable. But she lives her life like she paints—with wild, passionate abandon. It is intoxicating and terrifying, and he can’t get her out of his head.

Jennifer ran from Bliss to put Stef behind her. She had come to the mountain town seeking a mentor but found much more than she bargained for. Cool and distant, Stef was like a marble statue and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break through his shell. She moved to Dallas to start over, but nothing is going as planned. When the art gallery where she works is robbed and a precious painting is stolen, Jen is accused of the theft. Jen is thrilled when her bail is met, until she realizes her savior is Stef and he has a few conditions. First and foremost, she has to return to Bliss.

Against the backdrop of the Winter Festival, Stef and Jen’s attraction catches fire. But the dark forces behind the robbery in Dallas have followed Jen home. A criminal syndicate believes she still has the stolen painting and they’ll kill to get their hands on it.

AMAZON

Kiss me, love.”

After the delicious push and pull between Stefan and Jennifer in the last two books, I was absolutely dying to get my grabby little hands on their book. But I was also hoping for two things from this book; a grovel from Stefan, and for Jennifer to grow a little more. Jennifer has always been incredibly open in her desire for Stefan, that at times I almost felt like she made it too easy for him.

And while I did spend a large chunk of this book wanting to punch Stefan in the eye and shake him until he sees reason, I’m happy to report that I absolutely LOVED Jennifer.

These are both incredibly multi-layered characters. But while Jennifer doesn’t let her past dictate her future, Stefan uses his as a crutch and his answer of why he can never be with Jennifer. Considering he spends the entire book thinking that her age makes her not know her own mind because of the demons of his past, it was an exercise in frustration to say the least. And while a part of me gets it, another part of me wanted to slap him. Continuously.

There’s a suspense plot that runs parallel to the romance that adds a much needed edge and entertainment factor. With the Russian mafia after Jennifer for a painting that may be in her possession, there’s a character that’s introduced that I absolutely fell in love with. Alexei Markov, with his gentle soul, violent past and broken english absolutely stole my heart. I cannot wait for his book. The set up is AMAZING!

As for this book, while I did spend a good part of it frustrated with Stefan’s inability to see reason, I still enjoyed it. Admittedly, I was kind of expecting an uber Dom with him, but what I got was slightly different. I can’t say I’m complaining, though. This is a man that’s not perfect, has faults, and is not afraid to admit to them by the end. I did wish he groveled a bit more, but I was still satisfied with how things wrapped up. Jennifer was the perfect balance. I appreciated her strength and her will to fight for him even when he gave her every reason not to.

All in all, another wonderful addition to the series and as always, I can’t wait for more!

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Review & Excerpt Tour: Protected by Lexi Blake

August 7, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

PROTECTED
Series: Masters and Mercenaries #16.5
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: July 31, 2018

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…

A second chance at first love

Years before Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris, the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school but when Genny left him standing in the rain, he joined the Army and vowed to leave that life behind. Genny married the town’s golden boy, and Wade knew that he couldn’t go home again.

Could become the promise of a lifetime

Fifteen years later, Wade returns to Broken Bend, Texas for his brother’s wedding and walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved and the town has turned against her. But when someone tries to kill his old love, Wade can’t refuse to help her. In his years after the Army, he’s found his place in the world. His job at McKay-Taggart keeps happy and busy but something is missing. When he takes the job watching over Genny, he realizes what it is.

As danger presses in, Wade must decide if he can forgive past sins or let the woman of his dreams walk into a nightmare….

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

AMAZON | AMAZON PRINT

Coming to other retailers October 29, 2018

“Don’t. Don’t tell me how to feel. I know you’ve worked through this, but I don’t know how to.”“It helps to admit that we were all children back then.”

“My mother wasn’t.” He needed to talk about this with her.

“No, but she wasn’t the same after your dad died. She was lost and I’ve forgiven her,” she replied quietly. “You can’t spend your life being angry.”

“You’re angry with me.”

For a moment he thought she would ignore him. Then she turned to him, her eyes shining in the moonlight. “Maybe. It’s hard to figure out how I feel about you. For a long time, I dreamed about you at night. You were the only man I ever loved. Brock killed that. I think he might have killed the part of me that can love someone other than my son. I didn’t feel a lot when my father passed. But then he was the one who told me to suck it up. I went to him after Brock hit me the first time. He told me to not make my husband mad.”

“Genny, he should have killed him. I would have. God, I should have.” That sorrow that had been building inside him threatened to spill over. Anger was there, but it was overshadowed by the terrible pain he felt at the thought of her being alone and afraid.

“It’s funny,” she said, studying him in the silvery light. “I went over pretty much every possible scenario I could, and this wasn’t the way I thought you would handle it. It’s why it took forever for me to talk to you. I thought you would either not care at all or that you would be so angry you went after everyone. I hesitated because I thought I might unleash a beast.”

He could give her this. Since the moment he’d learned the truth, he’d genuinely forced himself to think about how he reacted. It would be selfish to act out in anger when she needed him to be calm, to think about what was best for her. The drive from Broken Bend to Dallas with Ash had made that clear to him. They needed someone who would thoughtfully protect them, not a raging animal who fed his own needs. “You’ve had enough anger in your life. It’s there. God, it’s there, but I swear I won’t act on it because I won’t do anything that could hurt you. I’ll try to handle him in every legal way I can and if I have to take him out, I’ll do it in a way that can never come back on any of us. You don’t need my rage. You do need me though.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Because you think I’ll let you down again.” It wasn’t a question.

“Because I don’t want to love anyone again,” she admitted.

READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart.

She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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