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Month: June 2015 (page 1 of 9)

Blog Tour & Review: Hard to Let Go by Laura Kaye

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HARD TO LET GO is the 4th novel in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance.
Grab your copy of this sexy, suspenseful book today!!

Hard to Let Go - cover

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Hard to Let Go on Goodreads

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About HARD TO LET GO:

Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters his biggest complication yet—a seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.

A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo shop following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with the criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights . . . and in his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.

Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.

REVIEW:

YES! romantic suspense done right! Beckett was full of feels and Kat was full of sass. The plot leaked intense drama and danger that did not quit. Tensions ran high, conspiracies were unraveled and Beckett’s cock hardened at the sight of Kat. sigh. All is well with the world.

The second that Beckett lays eyes on Kat he knows that he’s in trouble. He doesn’t feel like this for women – he doesn’t feel at all. So when Kat turns this switch on in Beckett he’s at a loss of how to react – especially when the two of them word spar like it’s an Olympic competition. The sexual chemistry is off the charts hot – and when they can’t fight the sizzling sexual tension anymore, it’s all hands and faces and tongues and ahhhhh, it’s fucking hot is what it is.

Of course, let’s not forget that Kat’s in Baltimore not only to help out her brother and his friends, Beckett included, on their mission to clear their names and their military service histories, but she’s also there to escape her ex-boyfriend would-be stalker. Kat was planning on breaking some of her rules – and her ethics – but she wasn’t planning on fucking her brother’s best friend. But now she can’t seem to stop…

There is the obvious feelings-potentially-get-in-the-way-of-the-mission plot, but there are other twists and turns that I hadn’t expected. This book kept me on my toes and had me furiously turning the pages. I not only wanted Kat and Beckett to make it out alive and in love, but I quickly became invested in the other characters as well. The Hard Ink crew is hard to beat when it comes to teamwork, strategy, and above all else: family. This book had my heart racing, my stomach dropping and my toes curling. MORE PLEASE. 4.5 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

EXCERPT:

Taking a deep breath, Beckett knocked on the door.

No answer.

He turned the knob, and the door opened.

“Go away,” came a strained voice.

Beckett poked his head through the opening. Kat sat in a ball in the corner, her legs pulled up to her chest, her arms hugging herself tight.

“Aw, Jesus, Beckett. Really?” Her face was splotchy and her eyes watery, though he didn’t see any tears.

Ten-to-one she was going through some adrenaline letdown right now, too. Which no doubt made it all worse. That shit could fuck you up even when you were used to how it left you feeling drained and shaky, by how all the stress you’d suppressed during the height of the crisis boomeranged twice over after the fact.

He came into the room, closed the door, and turned the lock for good measure. And then he crossed to Kat, scooped his arms under her knees and behind her back and lifted her up against him.

She smacked his chest. “Put me down.”

“No.” He moved to the edge of the bed.

“I don’t need this right now, Beckett. Put me down.”

“Yes, you do,” he said, sitting on the edge of the mattress. He pulled her face in against his throat and smoothed her hair back from her cheek. She trembled against him, just the littlest bit, her skin hot to the touch. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and hugged her tighter. “You did good, kid.”

Every one of her muscles went tight. Her hand fisted in his shirt. And her breath caught as she buried her face against his neck and shoulder.

Then Kat burst out crying.

And it was like being torn apart and put back together, all at once. He hated her pain, but he adored that she wasn’t hiding herself from him, and that she was letting him be there for her.

He didn’t shush her, or try to talk her down, or encourage her to dry her eyes. To be sure, her tears were like daggers in his heart—they hurt like fucking hell. But the only way she was going to feel better was to let this shit out. Ironic realization for him—he did actually see that. But just because you could see what was good for others didn’t mean you had the first goddamned idea how to apply those principles in your own life. And that was a problem for another time anyway.

What mattered right now was Kat. What mattered … was Kat.

Hard Ink Series Trailer:

Link: https://youtu.be/qM45fjLJXXk

HTLG Reviews Tease

Praise for HARD TO LET GO:

“Kaye wraps up her bestselling series with this action-packed story, highlighting her talent for alpha military heroes, hot romance, and an ensemble cast of characters who are unique and engaging. A super sexy, high-octane romantic suspense novel that concludes the popular Hard Ink series in a completely satisfying way.” ~Kirkus Reviews

“TOP PICK! Kaye brings her Hard Ink series to a spectacular conclusion that successfully wraps up the overarching mystery and brings closure to her compelling characters. Kaye really nails it with this awesome book and series!” ~RT Book Reviews

“HARD TO LET GO will blow you away! Anyone who has been following Laura Kaye’s fantastic Hard Ink series will expect something great for the last book in the series, and to say HARD TO LET GO does not disappoint would be the understatement of the year! Ms. Kaye writes sex scenes like it’s nobody’s business, and the blistering chemistry between Kat and Becket will leave you panting and begging for more! If you expected world-class action in HARD TO LET GO, think again and multiply that by ten! HARD TO LET GO has to be the most explosive conclusion to a series ever! Do not miss it at any cost!” ~Fresh Fiction

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard as It gets

HARD AS IT GETS

Hard as You Can

HARD AS YOU CAN

Hard To Hold On To

HARD TO HOLD ON TO

Hard To Come By Cover

HARD TO COME BY

Hard to Be Good - Cover

HARD TO BE GOOD

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Release Day: Miss Match by Laurelin McGee

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Title: Miss Match
Author: Laurelin McGee
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Release Date: June 30, 2015
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Summary:
Welcome to the sexy, crazy, wildly unpredictable world of modern matchmaking, where fixing up strangers is part of the job—but falling in love is an occupational hazard…

He’s The Perfect Catch.

Blake Donovan is tall, handsome, rich, and successful—so why would a guy like him need a matchmaker? Andrea Dawson has no idea, but a job is a job. After being blackballed from a career in marketing, Andrea agreed to use her unique profiling skills to play matchmaker out of pure desperation. But when she meets her highly eligible—and particular—first client face to face, she wonders what she’s gotten herself into…

Is She His Perfect Match?

Blake knows exactly the kind of woman he’s looking for—and it’s the total opposite of Andrea. Though smart and undeniably sexy, she is simply too headstrong for a man who’s used to being in charge. Still, Blake’s blood pressure rises whenever she’s near him. How can he explain the smoldering attraction that sizzles between them? And how can Andrea deny she’s feeling it, too? Maybe, just maybe, they’ve finally met their match…

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Gnv8Sb
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Excctc
iBooks: http://apple.co/1IQD1wz
B&N: http://bit.ly/1xXPYUq
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1BQzXvD

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About the Author:

Laurelin McGee is the pseudonym of Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee.

Laurelin Paige is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters.

Kayti McGee is a Kansas City native who now calls Colorado home. When she isn’t writing, she’s making up recipes to go with her favorite books.

Blog Tour & Review: Sweet Sinful Nights by Lauren Blakely

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 BUY LINKS

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon Paperback iBooks US iBooks UK B&N Kobo 

Add it to Goodreads here!

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Book Summary:

A sexy, suspenseful new romance novel from Lauren Blakely, author of the New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series….

She was the one who got away…

Ten years ago, Brent Nichols let the love of his life slip through his fingers. It’s his greatest regret, especially since she’s all but disappeared. But when the gorgeous and captivating woman walks into his life unexpectedly, he’s determined to win her back. Whatever it takes, he won’t make the same mistake twice.

Easier said than done…

Shannon Paige has hardened her heart to the man she was once engaged to be married to. After the way he left, and after the hell she’s been through with her checkered family, there’s no way she’s letting him into her life again. The problem is, the second she sees him, he’s more handsome and charming than before. And she’s torn between wanting to fight with him and wanting to sleep with him – maybe both. Soon they fall into each other’s arms, consumed with a desire that burns through the years.

But if these two fiery lovers are going to have a real second chance at this kind of intense, passionate, bone-deep love, he’ll have to give her his whole heart, and she’ll have to give up all the secrets from her messy past.

And that messy past is about to spill over into her carefully constructed present…

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is book one in SINFUL NIGHTS, a four-book series. Each book will follow a new couple.

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Review:

“She is….perfection…” & so is this book. Blakely fucking does it again – like I’m surprised.

I was all girly sighs and gasps while my husband gave me side eye and Brent Nichols rocketed up the charts as one of my favorite BBFs. Brent’s dirty talk and the intensity in which he wants to rebuild his relationship with Shannon had me swooning and fanning myself interchangeably. This book both shocked and gripped me and had my heart and other parts vibrating with pleasure.

Sweet Sinful Nights is a second chance love story and it’s evident that some feelings just don’t go away. You could feel the sexual tension that pulsed under Brent and Shannon’s skin. Brent may have been a massive asshole back in the day but he owns it. He broke both of their hearts when he walked out on Shannon, but he was too young and stupid to fix it. Thankfully, ten years have passed and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make Shannon his.

This book completely shocked me when Shannon revealed her secret. Oh hi, I wasn’t expecting that at all. The surprisingly serious turn this book took was well written (AS USUAL) and well executed. It also has you shipping the two characters harder than ever. I wasn’t just pining for a reunion between these two, I was ready to move mountains to make it happen.

From the little gifts to the jokes to his filthy words, Brent will have you ready to tear off your clothes. Shannon has a bit more restraint…but not much (thank goodness). She’s funny and snarky and equally as filthy. I loved her flirtatious banter and her willingness to give Brent another shot even after everything she’s gone through.

This book lives up to its name – it’s sweet, sinful and oh so hot. This is one second chance love story you need to pick up first. FIVESTARS.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

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Excerpt:

“My friend Ally showed me a video she saw on Facebook,” Shannon began. “It’s this clip of a girl who grinds on her boyfriend in public while his hand is under her skirt, and they don’t even try to hide that he’s fingering her and getting her off.”

“I like getting you off,” Brent said with a naughty glint in his brown eyes.

“You cannot resist segueing back to dirty talk when I’m telling you a story.”

“I’m so sorry,” he said, placing his palms together. “The story was about a guy making a girl come. Forgive me for thinking about making you come. It’s only my favorite thing in the entire world to do.”

She shot him a tell me more look.

“It’s a hobby I once practiced a few times a day,” he added. “One I’m very interested in taking up again.”

A ribbon of warmth spread through her chest, both from the suggestion of one of her favorite activities, too, but also from the way he was so quick on his toes, so fast with a joke. The man had always made her laugh.

“Anyway, back to the video. So the funny part is they had no clue they’d been caught on camera, even though they were totally obvious. They thought they were being quiet and sneaky when he was trying to make her come.”

“I could make you come quietly,” he said with an easy shrug of his shoulder. “I can make you come loudly, too. I can make you come in pretty much any way.”

She scoffed. Not because it was untrue, but because he was so damn sure of himself. “Confident much?”

“Yeah, I am. I have the track record to prove it. You’re pretty much the only class I aced in college.”

She laughed, looking down at her lap. He was too much sometimes. “Straight As, Brent?”

“Hell no. Higher. I earned A-pluses across the board in your pleasure.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re relentless.”

He leaned forward across the table, flashing her that cocky grin she’d loved so much. “When it comes to delivering multiple orgasms for you, yes. Relentless is precisely what I am.”

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SINFUL NIGHTS series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/152078-sinful-nights

And be sure to watch for the next titles in the Sinful Nights series!

SINFUL DESIRE – Sept 29

http://apple.co/1JqMPNe

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384172-sinful-desire

SINFUL LONGING – Jan 2016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384178-sinful-longing

SINFUL LOVE – March 2016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384184-sinful-love

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Sinfully Sweet Summer Giveaway!

What would make your summer sinfully sweet?  A new iPad Mini to catch up on all of your summer reading or a mini vacation?

Lauren is so thrilled that you are spending part of your summer with Brent and Shannon that she decided, as a special thank you, to give one lucky reader an iPad Mini or a gift certificate to their favorite hotel chain ($250 value).

Enter here for a chance to win:  http://bit.ly/1GxEgxi

About Lauren Blakely:

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Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she

thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Caught Up in Love, Seductive Nights, No Regrets and Fighting Fire. She recently released Forbidden Nights, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book is 21 Stolen Kisses, a new adult romance filled with angst and romantic tension, releasing in May. This summer she’ll release Consumed by You, her next title in her NYT Bestselling Fighting Fire series about sexy firemen and the women they love, and Sweet Sinful Nights, the first book in her new series Sinful Nights. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

Links:

Website: http://www.laurenblakely.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22307981-sweet-sinful-nights

Lauren Blakely Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely

Message from Lauren:

Dear Readers:

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Many of you have been patiently waiting for SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the story of Brent Nichols and the woman he loves. Many of you already know Brent since he’s the younger brother of Clay Nichols, from NIGHT AFTER NIGHT….The good news is this-SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is Book One in a new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights, written in the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series that readers know and love, but heading in a new direction with a new family that’s full of drama, checkered pasts and dangerous life-and-death secrets.

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS kicks off this new series with a fiery, passionate, and suspenseful story of two lovers reuniting after ten years. Each book in this series follow a new couple and will be set against the backdrop of sin, money, sex, greed, passion and love in the city of Las Vegas. Brent’s love interest is Shannon Paige, and she has three brothers. Yep, you guessed it – each of her brothers will be getting a book! And while each book in the Sinful Nights series follows a new couple, get ready for a storyline that will carry across the entire series — a story of danger, risk and high-stakes suspense.

Q&A about the Sinful Nights series:

Does this take place after the events in the Seductive Nights series?

A: Yes. This story begins one year after the final Seductive Nights book.

Can I read this if I haven’t read the Seductive Nights series?

A: Yes! You won’t miss a beat if you start with SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS. That’s why it’s Book One!

Brent is Clay’s brother. Does this mean Clay will be in SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS?

A: Why yes! He will indeed appear in a handful of scenes!

Is this series similar to the Seductive Nights series?

A: Absolutely. The hero in book one is a Nichols man! Nichols men are known for being dirty, passionate and fiercely loyal! You can also expect scorching hot sex scenes, dirty talk, high-class and glamorous settings, and passionate love. Have I mentioned the heat :)?

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Sale Promo: When We Collide by A.L. Jackson

From the bestselling author of Pulled and Take This Regret comes a gripping new tale of loss and love.

William has spent six years running from his past and the last eight months trying to rid his mind of the dreams that increasingly haunt his nights. Trapped in a world of false ambitions and feigned affections, William knows he’s reached a breaking point and something’s going to give.

Maggie had lived her entire life without hope until one man showed her what it meant to be loved. He’d been her light in a lifetime of darkness. Six years ago, that darkness stole him away. Without him, she’s surrendered herself to an existence she doesn’t know how to escape.

When the family William left behind is struck by tragedy, he is called back to the one place he’s sworn to never return to again.

In a moment that will change his life forever, William comes face to face with the girl who, with one look, captured his heart. He is unable to ignore the buried desires and the hope for the future they’d once believed they’d have.

Now William is ready to fight to take back what had been stolen from him six years before.

But he never imagined what that fight might cost him.

A.L. Jackson gives you an intimate look into the lives of a family bound by an unseen connection in this new contemporary romance.

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary and new adult romance.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

Connect with A.L. Jackson online:www.aljacksonauthor.com

To stay up to date with important news on A.L. Jackson, including new releases, sales, and exclusive specials and excerpts, text “jackson” to 96000 to subscribe!

Review: Love Always, Kate by D. Nichole King

Author: D. Nichole King

Book: Love Always, Kate

Other Book in Series:

Love Always, Damien

tl;dr recommendation: This book is emotionally draining and beautifully written. 4.5 stars

Book Summary:

Dear Diary,
Leukemia’s been my life since I was eleven. Now, six years later, I want my life back. Only I’m not sure what that is. The test results came back today. 22,000. Which means I’m officially out of remission—again. I have three options:

1) Another round of chemo.
2) A super-new experimental drug.
3) Dump it all— forget the meds and treatments and enjoy the time I have left.

I think I know what I want. Then, in walks Damian, changing everything.

I mean, everything…

He’s got his own set of issues. It binds us together, you know? We understand what it’s like to lose what matters most in seconds. Still, the last thing I need is to have someone else to crush if I can’t fight hard enough. And the last thing he needs is someone else to grieve.

Never mind. I’m down to two options now.

Somehow I know that whichever one I choose, the result will be the same. With the sand in my hourglass seeping to the bottom, I hope there’s enough left to show Damian that life’s worth living.

Worth fighting for. Worth dying for.

Love Always,
Kate

Longer Review:

Instead of sleeping, I sprawled out in bed, read this book and tried not to hiccup cry. jesssssus. THIS BOOK.

King had a string tied straight to my tear ducts. She lightly tugged and my world blurred through the haze of large, wet, disgusting, ugly tears. I didn’t make it even to half-way through this book before I started the ugly crying. Unless you have a black soul of steel, I do not recommend reading this book in public.

It reminded me a bit of The Fault in Our Stars, but a more romantic and less caustically sarcastic version. I was totally ok with that, by the way.

Kate’s probably one of the most mature, strong characters I’ve ever read. I suppose knowing that you’re probably going to die soon may allow for sobering maturity to spark early – but I think she really just has an old soul. The way in which she handles her disease is beautiful and courageous, and her relationship with Damien grows from innocent to a deep and life-changing love.

Damien is less mature. Much Less. But for whatever reason, Kate finds her soulmate in him. She doesn’t allow his flaws to change their love and she accepts him – every chipped and rough piece of him. I was consumed by Damien’s journey to become the man that he wanted to be for Kate. I was gutted when his efforts were a few days shy of a enough. I was horrified at his quick reversion to his prior ways. I was uplifted as Kate’s spirits never waned and she gives Damien exactly what he needs, even though he doesn’t know what to do with it.

This book is emotionally draining and beautifully written. It’s a fantastic expression of strength, love, courage and commitment – no matter how long your lifespan may be. It doesn’t have a happy ending, but that just gives you a reason to read book 2 😉

– 4.5 stars –

Review: Forward Pass by Desiree Holt

Author: Desiree Holt

Book: Forward Pass

tl;dr recommendation: This is a sweet romance in which I was happily swept away with Joe’s over the top gestures and dirty talking.

Book Summary:

Shay Beckham grew up idolizing her brother’s best friend, star quarterback Joe Reilly. There was no one in their Texas town who had the moves to match Joe on or off the field. Years later, he’s still a player who has what it takes to drive any hot-blooded woman wild. But Shay isn’t a kid with a bad case of hero-worship anymore. She’s grown-up and independent, with her feet on the ground and a serious head on her shoulders. If she could just say the same for Joe.

It’s been fifteen years, but Joe Reilly hasn’t forgotten the skinny little kid who used to follow him around like a shadow. What he can’t get over is that the skinny shadow has grown into one hell of an incredible woman. One any man in his right mind would kill to get his hands on. And one who seems to be completely immune to him. He knows he and Shay could have something special together. If he could only convince her he’s about more than just the game.

Longer Review:

3.75 stars!

I love a good sports romance. This is written in a classic contemporary romance style, meaning you sort of see how things are going, but you love it anyway. I declare this beach-read-awesome.

While Joe isn’t playing anymore, and is a reformed playboy, his wild days continue to plague him. It just goes to show you that it takes longer than five minutes (or five years in Joe’s case) to change your reputation. Shay has been in love with Joe since….uhhhh….forever. He was her brother’s best friend growing up and she spent her days learning about football so that she could impress Joe. However, he never saw her as more than the bratty little sister that followed along.

Until now.

A set of circumstances throw Shay and Joe together and Joe suddenly realizes that Shay is most definitely all grown up. Unfortunately, she’s heard all of the stores of his bed jumping and she’s not looking to be another notch on his bedpost. Joe makes it his mission to convince her otherwise….but of course, it’s not that easy.

This is a sweet romance in which I was happily swept away with Joe’s over the top gestures and dirty talking. There are some wonderfully hot and steamy sex scenes that definitely had me needing a time out to recover.

Shay was super reluctant and very in her head, questioning all the things. That sort of drove me nuts, especially when Joe was practically pouring his heart out to her. I wanted to shake her when she was unwilling to give Joe any sort of a chance, even though he’s more than making an effort. Thankfully, with a lot of ice cream, she comes around. [this book really made me want ice cream].

Joe is sort of an idiot, but an extremely adorable and well meaning idiot. He goes completely all in with Shay, practically immediately, and that scored major points with me. Things move VERY quickly in this story, so be prepared for some quick timelines. That’s sort of par for the course (oops, wrong sport) for this type of novel, so it didn’t really bother me, but it’s worth mentioning.

Pick this one up on the way to the beach & enjoy the day basking in the sun while Joe’s sweet and dirty words roll over you. Overall, I enjoyed the plot, and even though I could see how things were going to play out, I was more than happy to ride along. 3.75 stars.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

Sale Blast: Alive at 5 by Linda Bond – only $.99!!!

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Come On A Thrilling Adventure Vacation in Alive at 5 by Linda Bond, Now On Sale for 99 cents!!!

Now on SALE! Read the book that is described as a mix of James Bond and Romancing the Stone! Spend part of your summer vacation on a adventure with a TV news reporter and a thrill-seeking undercover cop while they search for a murderer and face their greatest adventure of all, love.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble  | iBooks

Interested where the idea for Alive at 5 came from? Check out Linda’s blog post here!

Not only is ALIVE AT 5 having a sale, but it also got a new cover! Check it out below!

Don’t forget to enter to win a $25 gift card from Amazon or Barnes and Noble!

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About Alive At 5  

Description: TV news reporter Samantha Steele is one panic attack away from losing her job. Future on the line and cameraman in tow, she follows her mentor on an exhilarating adventure vacation. When he dies while skydiving, her investigative instincts scream “murdered”, and lead her to gorgeous thrill-seeker Zack Hunter. Zack is an undercover police officer investigating his uncle’s death through the same adventure vacation company. Samantha is a thorn in his side the moment they meet. Not only is she investigating the same case, but the emotionally wounded loner doesn’t want another partner, especially one whose goal is to splash evidence all over the evening news. But Samantha’s persistence is quite a turn-on, and Zack’s overpowering desire makes it harder for him to push her away. When the killer turns his attention to Zack, Samantha might be the only one who can save him, forcing the anxiety-riddled correspondent to finally face her greatest fear.

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Check out the one of kind book trailer for Alive at 5 here!

Fresh Fiction had this to say about ALIVE AT 5:

“What a Treat: Great Characters, a Clever Plot, and Extreme Adventures!”

“ALIVE AT 5 is extremely well written, fast paced, and what a joy it was to experience, even vicariously, skydiving, scuba diving, and swimming with sharks! Ms. Bond has crafted a superior romantic suspense, and Sam, Zach, and Sam’s cameraman George make such a fine team, I dare hope it’s the beginning of a series! No chance of dozing off while reading ALIVE AT 5!”

Linda Bond has a new release coming out soon called Cuba Undercover!

Check out the exclusive book trailer here!

Here is a never before scene excerpt from Cuba Undercover featuring Zach and Samantha from Alive at 5!

“Nicely done.” Zack Hunter was right beside her, tall as hell and commanding in his presence. “Sam sent me over to rescue you. But once again, looks like you can get out of an uncomfortable situation without much help.” He grinned down at her.

Zack’s confidence reminded Rebecca a lot of Antonio’s strength and power. Her heart fluttered at the thought of Antonio. But Zack was a more flirty kind of guy, winking and grinning, very unlike Antonio, who was always so intense and serious.

“Thanks.”

“We’re over here.” Zack gestured toward the door to another room.

“Did you have a chance to check on the case for me?” Her cheeks heated. She knew she shouldn’t be putting Sam’s fiancé on the spot. He was an agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and could get in trouble for talking to a reporter about information in an active case.

Instead of looking pissed, Zack just smiled. “Yes.”

Yes, and? “I know I shouldn’t ask you, but…”

“You’re going to anyway.” Zack winked at her. “Sam warned me you would. Here’s what I can tell you. Off the record, of course.”

“Of course.”

“The FBI’s kidnapping case is still open.” Zack casually led her through the crowd, nodding as they passed people, looking cool and in control. No wonder Sam lived for this guy. “Since we can only assume the other kidnapper, the one caught on tape throwing you in the van here in Tampa, is dead in the waters of Cuba, and Antonio Vega is still in Cuba, the FBI’s case will remain open for a while, but I wouldn’t worry about it.” Zack’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “You were clearly the victim in all of this.”

Was I? She exhaled. “Well, right, I’m not in trouble. I just don’t want Antonio to be either.”

Zack stopped dead in the middle of the room. “Really?”

Now her checks were flaming. One thing she’d left out of her documentary was her growing attraction to and relationship with Antonio. “Well, he has a family here now to support and…” In fact, she hadn’t shared all the details with Sam, either.

Zack threw up a hand. “Then your friend should stay in Cuba where our federal law officers have no jurisdiction.” Shaking his head, Zack motioned for her to move through the door first. “The man still masterminded a kidnapping that resulted in a murder.”

“He didn’t kidnap me, Zack.” Rebecca wished she had proof of what happened to both Ignado and Antonio, but even Esmeralda hadn’t been able to get info from inside Cuba. Rebecca furrowed her brow, a slight headache coming on.

“You okay?” Sam walked up, handing Rebecca a much-needed glass of white wine. “You look stunning in your Alexander McQueen.”

“Oh, right.” Rebecca glanced down at her black rented gown. “Thanks.” She’d forgotten how excited she’d been to wear it here tonight. That was before her trip to Cuba and before Antonio. “I’m fine. Thanks for the wine.” She raised the glass in salute to Sam, Dallas, and Zack, her friends all gathering around her in support. “Salud. To a great night.” She must concentrate on what was good right now.

Friends, fame, and food. Unlike in Cuba, there would always be plenty of food here.

Dallas rolled his eyes. “You get any happier, and that face is gonna fall off.”

She sighed. Dallas nailed her with the truth. Once again. “I’m just feeling a little guilty.” Why not tell Sam the truth, too? “Antonio is probably being roughed up in some Cuban jail cell, skinny and sick.”

She turned to look at the man who would definitely understand. “And Dallas, we’re here, drinking and being celebrated for exposing his poor family on national TV.” There. She’d said it. “And if Antonio ever comes back to America, I’m the reason he’ll probably be arrested.”

Zack Hunter cleared his throat. “You did nothing to seal that man’s fate. He’s a grown man who made his own decisions. You are a victim.”

Maybe in the beginning, but I became a willing participant. And now I miss Antonio. Damn it. She missed every damn thing about him. She especially missed the way Antonio made her question her every decision. He’d forced her to think. He’d been the force behind her growth. And she was a better person now for it. She felt enlightened.

Add it to your TBR today!

About the Author:

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Linda Bond is an Emmy award winning journalist by day and an author of romantic adventures by night.  She’s also the mother of five, four athletes and an adopted son from Cuba. She has a passion for world travel, classic movies, and alpha males. Linda currently lives in Florida, where the sun always shines and the day begins with endless possibilities.  You can become a Bond girl and share in her continuing adventures at www.lindabond.com

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  YouTube |  Google+  |  Pintrest

Cover Reveal: Sinfully Mine by Kendall Ryan

Have you ever had your heart broken? Reece Jackson has, and he uses a peculiar kink to avoid intimacy. When the girl he’s always loved walks back into his life, will he be able to let his walls down?
RELEASING JULY 14

She was forbidden.
I didn’t care.
As my best friend’s little sister, Macey Hale was
off-limits, but the girl was tempting as sin and forbidden as fuck. I wish I
could say that stopped me. I wish I could tell you I behaved like a gentleman.
I didn’t.
When she waltzes back into my life with that same spark I
fell for, looking every bit the beautiful woman I knew she’d grow into, I have
to force myself to remember I’m different from the man she once knew. I’m
colder. Harder. And for good reason.
With my heart on lockdown and my hands aching to touch her,
I set out to prove that I can keep myself in check this time.
No strings. No attachments.
And definitely no falling for her again.
If you love steamy romance, you won’t want to miss this
older brother’s best friend romance.
This is book two in
the Lessons with the Dom series, following The Gentleman Mentor. Both are
complete standalone novels featuring sexy Dominant men you’re sure to fall in
love with.
Enjoy!

AMAZON US AMAZON UK iBooks Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT

“What do you think you’re doing?” I find her in my closet, down on her knees and rummaging through a black duffel bag that just happens to hold all my sex toys. Apparently she did see this when she cleaned up.
“Ah, here we go.” Her fingers close around a generously sized flesh-colored vibrating dildo. “You won’t do the job? Well, I have a feeling this baby will.” She waves it in the air like she’s found the damn golden ticket. Then she rises to her feet and smiles sweetly at me.
For the love of God, this woman does not fight fair. She never has. “Where do you think you’re going with that?”
“Probably my bed, then the shower.” A line creases her forehead. “Do you have spare batteries for this thing? It might be a long night.”
“No way. Not happening. Give me the toy, Macey.” I reach out a hand, my voice as stern as the set of my jaw, my fingers barely avoiding crushing the crystal tumbler in my other hand.
A slow smile uncurls on her mouth. “Why, Reece Jackson, are you jealous?” She eyes the toy in her hand and then lets her gaze slip seductively down to the crotch of my pants.
If she really thinks that toy’s size has me feeling insecure, she’s insane. Certifiably. “You really don’t remember, do you?” Now I’m the one smiling. She’ll be in for a pleasant surprise later.
“I remember everything. I remember how you always made me keep my underwear on, and that I never actually saw you”—her gaze flicks downward—”down there. I only felt you with my hand, and since I had nothing to base it on, I assumed all guys were like that.”
“Well, in that case, you’ll be sorely disappointed with this toy.” I snatch the dildo from her hand and toss it back in the open bag.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she asks, planting a hand on her hip. “You left me hanging at the restaurant.”
“And you will stay like that until I say so.”

He calls himself the Gentleman Mentor.
Just reading his ad makes me feel more alive than I have in years.
He promises to teach me the art of seduction … and show me the most sinfully erotic pleasures. He’s going to help me become the kind of confident, sexy woman men can’t ignore.
Six lessons … with the most gorgeous man … who happens to be a Dom.
The only problem … now that I’ve experienced his brand of delectable domination will anyone else ever compare?
She’s a client. That’s all.
Or it should be.
But with every lesson, she’s becoming more.
The secrets I’m hiding behind the image of the Gentleman Mentor make telling her the truth—and having anything real—impossible.
I’m training her for another man, and that fact guts me every time I think of it.
I know she’s not mine … but part of me won’t accept that.
Am I willing to risk it all to keep her?

THE GENTLEMAN MENTOR is a full-length standalone novel.


Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Unravel Me, Resisting Her and When I Break.

She’s a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. She lives in Minneapolis with her adorable husband and two baby sons, and enjoys hiking, being active, and reading.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

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Blog Tour & Review: Wicked White by Michelle A. Valentine

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Available now!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

wickedwhite

About WICKED WHITE

After his mother dies, rock star Ace White—lead singer of the red-hot band Wicked White—is done with the celebrity game. The phony people, the meaningless one-night stands: he doesn’t want any of it anymore. Quitting in the middle of a sold-out tour, Ace sets out to find some place—any place—where he can be alone.

Aspiring singer Iris Easton’s life has never been easy. First, her mother walked out on her when she was a kid. Now she’s buried in debt, weeks after losing her beloved grandmother. When a mysterious and sexy new guy moves in next door, Iris can’t help but be drawn to his soulful gaze. She can tell there’s something from his past haunting him—something he’s not telling her.

Just as Ace starts falling for Iris, the media go on a worldwide hunt to find the missing rocker. Will true love conquer all, or will the truth be the very thing that tears the couple apart?

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Review:

A sweet rockstar finds the love of his life while he’s in hiding…what could go wrong?

UH. everything. Alec White, real name: Ace Johnson, hates what his life has become. He’s part of a manufactured pop band and he has zero control over any of it. He’s become a product and is afraid that if he continues he’s going to lose a lot more than just his sanity. When the woman he calls his mother becomes incredibly ill, and no one on the tour seems to care, he loses it. He leaves & goes into hiding.

Ace is a really good guy. He has a lot of depth to him as a character, and I really wanted to see more of it. We read a lot about Ace and Iris in their heads and while it’s nice to know what they’re thinking, I wanted to see a bit more dialogue between the two. I also felt that some of this book was repetitive, especially in the beginning. I hadn’t forgotten the reasoning why Ace was acting like an asshole to Iris – but even if I had, I was reminded like four more times. It was a little overkill.

Perfectly timed quotes from Shakespeare are, by far, the highlight of this book. *swoon* This is the side of Ace that I longed to read more of. Iris is also really likeable. She’s not an idiot, has a lot of sass & can handle herself even when Ace thinks she can’t. For the most part, I definitely liked her. She knows that Ace is hiding something and she’s determined to find out what it is.

The middle to end of this book is wickedly angsty with lots of push and pull. If you love the back and forth – together then not – almost but no – scenarios, then you will be in freaking heaven. From my end, these characters may have suffered from instalove but they also suffered from instaidiocy. A phone call could have saved all and I would have been basking in the love cocoon that they had previously created for a lot longer.

Overall, a good book with angst, some sweet moments & lots of love. 3.5 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

ABOUT MICHELLE A. VALENTINE

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Be a little naughty – join Valentine’s Vixens on Facebook for sneak peeks at Michelle’s upcoming works, as well as fun and chatting with her and other readers!

Blog Tour & Review: Broken Lens by Shannon Dermott

BROKENLENSBANNER

BUY LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BrokenLens

Synopsis round Although this book is the second in the series, it’s been written to be read as a New Adult Stand Alone novel. You do not have to read book one, which is a young adult novel, to enjoy.
No one said love is ever easy. And for Jess, he would ride his Harley to heaven and back for an eternity with her arms wrapped around him. That makes leaving her that late summer day to head to separate colleges the hardest thing he has to do. Still, he thinks that they could beat the odds and prove everyone wrong, until one drunken night and one sober confession.
Through the jagged edges of a broken lens, he’s faced with the reality of his choices. And fixing the pieces of Jess’s broken heart may be impossible. Without her, he’s left with only a mother who hates him and marks him as a dead man walking. And that’s not the only truth that has the potential to destroy his life.
The upcoming trial will reveal the defendant’s motivations for the crimes committed against the people he cares about. But that guy’s not the only one who’s guilty of something. With a cloud of mistrust hovering around him, can he keep Jess safe from his past? Can she or anyone forgive him for his secrets? Will he win back the one girl he’s ever loved or will he lose her forever?
*WARNING* This book is rated a New Adult book, which means it can contain foul language and sexual situations. Please be warned in advance.

REVIEW:

3 STARS.

There’s a whole host of crazy going on in this book. From relationship whiplash, stalker insanity, mommy issues, potential murders, money issues, to alcohol abuse and pregnancy scares I think every possible situation may be shoved into this novel. If you thrive on angst (then I must first introduce you to my aunt) you’ll having fallen into your dream world…but perhaps it was TOO much for me.

We open with Ethan lacking a pair of balls – or perhaps the fact that he has a pair of balls is his downfall? – regardless, he’s a freshman on the football team, practically wins the game for the team and then allows himself to be peer pressured into going to a party. He’s fantasizing about seeing Jess and he’s about to leave to meet her when he accepts another drink, blacks out and wakes in a compromising position.

Well shit. Have I mentioned that I hate cheating books? On a positive note, Ethan’s actually a good guy. He has some slightly possessive tendencies, but he’s in love with Jess so I’ll give him a pass. He confesses. Jess blanches. We begin Operation Angst.

For the most part I enjoyed the writing style of the book and felt for the characters. If you love the push-pull relationship drama, Shannon does it well. I found the flashback style writing enjoyable and I easily picked back up with the characters in each time period. Reading from Ethan’s POV was a nice change from constantly being stuck in a female brain and it’s written well. I could feel the drama mounting and was trying to figure everything out….

But then the end of the book was very confusing. I was losing what was happening and had to keep re-reading sections to catch up. I was happy with the ending but not entirely satisfied with how it was presented to me. Regardless, there’s lots of fighting, lots of making up, lots more fighting and some sex mixed in with murder plots & finals. On the most part – a fun and crazy read.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

Excper round
Batting her hands away, I said, “I’m fine. You can go.”
Every word took effort, and I couldn’t be sure if she understood me. Every syllable was strung together like Christmas lights.
“Why are you doing this?” she cried, coming close again.
I tried to half crab walk and half drag myself across the floor in the opposite direction. Her presence was a curse with her being so close, and I couldn’t touch her. It had to be overkill on her part. I knew I’d gone too far when my head hit the wall with a resounding thwack. I could barely understand the pain that floated over me.
I laughed determined to speak the words before the stars I counted over my head faded to black.
“Why am I doing this? The only thing I had worth living is gone. I finally understand why my parents left me. It’s obvious I’m not worth anyone’s love.”
“Ethan,” she said again. I couldn’t be sure because my sight was failing me, but it appeared as though she may have been silently crying.
I blame the liquor coursing in my veins because I did something I hadn’t done in too many years to count. The floodgate opened. The damn I’d walled up since the day of my father’s death broke.
“He left me, Jess. He couldn’t be bothered to stay alive for me. And then Mom left too. She never loved me.”
“That’s not true.”
She was close. Soft hand warm hands found either side of my face. When my eyes opened, I was forced to look in her tear stained eyes.
I couldn’t be sure if she heard me or if I’d tumbled into a bizarre nightmare. I spoke through lips I couldn’t feel and a tongue that was as dry as stale bread.
“It is. She couldn’t stand to look at me and be reminded of all she gave up only to be left with the scar of my birth across her belly.”
She tried to silence me with a finger, but I wasn’t done. With noodle arms, I tried to push her away.
“And you. You’ll never forgive me. And how can I blame you.”
A warm pair of arms circled me as her body pressed next to mine.
“Ethan, you are worth everything.”

about round

Shannon’s first love is reading, diving into other realities to explore and brave new worlds. To share her writing is the best experience of all. She writes books about teen romance whether paranormal or contemporary. She also has a steamy adult series. When Shannon isn’t writing she loves to shop and watch horror movies that make turning out the lights seem like a stupid idea.
You can explore more about her at her website www.shannondermott.com, on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

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